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diff --git a/42742-0.txt b/42742-0.txt index 9c493eb..1e14d47 100644 --- a/42742-0.txt +++ b/42742-0.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42742 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42742 *** THE INDIAN CHIEF @@ -10192,5 +10192,4 @@ THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42742 *** diff --git a/42742-8.txt b/42742-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b98ac16..0000000 --- a/42742-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10583 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Indian Chief - The Story of a Revolution - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: May 20, 2013 [EBook #42742] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - - - - -THE INDIAN CHIEF - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - -PREFACE. - -With this volume terminates the series in which Gustave Aimard has -described the sad fate of the Count de Raousset-Boulbon, who fell a -victim to Mexican treachery. In the next volume to be published, under -the title of the "Trail Hunter," will be found the earlier history of -some of the characters whose acquaintance the reader has formed, I trust -with pleasure, in the present series. - - L.W. - - - - CONTENTS. - - - I. THE INTERVIEW - II. THE MISSION - III. THE SPY - IV. THE EXPLOSION - V. THE FIRST POWDER BURNT - VI. REPRISALS - VII. GUETZALLI - VIII. THE ENVOY - IX. DOÑA ANGELA - X. THE AMBASSADORS - XI. THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN - XII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER - XIII. LA MAGDALENA - XIV. THE COCK-FIGHT - XV. THE INTERVIEW - XVI. FATHER SERAPHIN - XVII. THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE - XVIII. THE SURPRISE - XIX. THE FORWARD MARCH - XX. BEFORE THE ATTACK - XXI. THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO - XXII. AFTER THE VICTORY - XXIII. THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO - XXIV. THE BOAR AT BAY - XXV. THE BEGINNING OF THE END - XXVI. THE CATASTROPHE - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -The Jesuits founded in Mexico missions round which, with the patience -that constantly distinguished them, an unbounded charity, and a -perseverance which nothing could discourage, they succeeded in -collecting a large number of Indians, whom they instructed in the -principal and most touching dogmas of their faith--whom they baptized, -instructed, and induced to till the soil. - -These missions, at first insignificant and a great distance apart, -insensibly increased. The Indians, attracted by the gentle amenity of -the good fathers, placed themselves under their protection; and there -is no doubt that if the Jesuits, victims to the jealousy of the Spanish -viceroys, had not been shamefully plundered and expelled from Mexico, -they would have brought around them the majority of the fiercest _Indios -Bravos_, have civilised them, and made them give up their nomadic life. - -It is to one of these missions we purpose conducting the reader, a month -after the events we have narrated in a preceding work.[1] - -The mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles was built on the right -bank of the Rio San Pedro, about sixty leagues from Pitic. Nothing can -equal the grandeur and originality of its position. Nothing can compare, -in wild grandeur and imposing severity, with the majestically terrible -landscape which presents itself to the vision, and fills the heart with -terror and a melancholy joy, at the sight of the frightful and gloomy -rocks which tower over the river like colossal walls and gigantic -parapets, apparently formed by some convulsion of nature; while in the -midst of this chaos, at the foot of these astounding precipices, past -which the river rushes in impetuous cascades, and in a delicious valley -covered with verdure, stands the house, commanded on three sides by -immense mountains, which raise their distant peaks almost to the heavens. - -Alas! this house, formerly so smiling, so animated, so gay and -happy--this remote corner of the world, which seemed a counterpart of -Eden, where, morning and night, hymns of gratitude, mingling with the -cascade, rose to the Omnipotent--this mission is now dead and desolate, -the houses are deserted and in ruins, the church roof has fallen in, -the grass has invaded the choir. The terrified members of this simple -and innocent community, scattered by persecution, sought refuge in the -desert, and returned to that savage life from which they were rescued -with so much difficulty. Wild beasts dwell in the house of God, and -nothing is heard save the voice of solitude murmuring unceasingly -through the deserted houses and crumbling walls, which parasitic plants -are rapidly invading, and will soon level with the ground, covering them -with a winding sheet of verdure. - -It was evening. The wind roared hoarsely through the trees. The sky, -like a dome of diamond, flashed with those millions of stars which are -also worlds; the moon spread around a vague and mysterious light; and -the atmosphere, refreshed by a gusty breeze, was embalmed with those -desert odours which it is so healthy to respire. - -Still the night was somewhat fresh, and three travellers, crouching -round a large _brasero_ kindled amid the ruins, seemed to appreciate its -kindly warmth. These travellers, on whose hard features the changing -flashes of light were reflected, would have supplied a splendid subject -for an artist, with their strange costumes, as they were encamped there -in the midst of the wild and startling landscape. - -A little distance behind the principal group four hobbled horses were -munching their provender, while their riders, for their part, were -concluding a scanty meal, composed of a slice of venison, a few pieces -of _tasajo_, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with water -slightly dashed with refino to take off its hardness. - -These three men were Count Louis, Valentine, and Don Cornelio. Although -they ate like true hunters--that is to say, with good appetite, and not -losing a mouthful--it was easy to guess that our friends were engaged -with serious matters for thought. Their eyes wandered incessantly -around, consulting the shadows, and striving to pierce the darkness. -At times the hand stopped half way to the mouth--the lump of tasajo -remained in suspense: with their left hand they instinctively sought -the rifle that lay on the ground near them. They stretched forth their -necks, and listened attentively, analysing those thousand nameless -noises of the great American deserts, which all have a cause, and are an -infallible warning to the man who knows how to understand them. - -Still the meal drew to an end. Don Cornelio had seized his _jarana_; but -at a sign from Don Louis he laid it again by his side, wrapped himself -in his _zarapé_, and stretched himself out on the ground. Valentine was -in deep reflection. Louis had risen, and, leaning against a wall, looked -cautiously out into the desert. A long period elapsed ere a word was -exchanged, until Louis seated himself again by the hunter's side. - -"'Tis strange," he said. - -"What?" Valentine replied abstractedly. - -"Curumilla's prolonged absence. He has left us for nearly three hours -without telling us the reason, and has not returned yet." - -"Have you any suspicion of him?" the hunter said with a certain degree -of bitterness. - -"Brother," Louis replied, "you are unjust at this moment. I do not -suspect; I am restless, that is all. Like yourself, I feel a too lively -and sincere friendship for the chief not to fear some accident." - -"Curumilla is prudent; no one is so well acquainted as he with Indian -tricks. If he has not returned, there are important reasons for it, be -assured." - -"I am convinced of it; but the delay his absence causes us may prove -injurious." - -"How do you know, brother? Perhaps our safety depends on this very -absence. Believe me, Louis, I know Curumilla much better than you do. -I have slept too long side by side with him not to place the utmost -confidence in him. Thus, you see, I patiently await his return." - -"But supposing he has fallen into a snare, or has been killed?" - -Valentine regarded his foster brother with a most peculiar look; then he -replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, and an air of supreme contempt,-- - -"He fallen into a snare! Curumilla dead! Nonsense, brother, you must be -jesting! You know perfectly well that is impossible." - -Louis had no objection to offer to this simple profession of faith. - -"At any rate," he continued presently, "you must allow that he has kept -us waiting a long time." - -"Why so? What do we want of him at this moment? You do not intend to -leave this bivouac, I fancy? Well, what consequence is it if he return -an hour sooner or later?" - -Louis made a sign of impatience, wrapped himself up in his zarapé, and -lay down by Don Cornelio's side, after growling,-- - -"Good night." - -"Good night, brother," Valentine answered with a smile. - -Ten minutes later, Don Louis, despite his ill temper, overcome by -fatigue, slept as if he were never to wake up again. Valentine allowed -a quarter of an hour to elapse ere he made a move; then he rose gently, -crept up to his foster brother, bent over him, and examined him -attentively for two or three minutes. - -"At length," he said, drawing himself up. "I was afraid he would insist -on sitting up and keeping me company." - -The hunter thrust into his girdle the pistols he had laid on the ground, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and stepping carefully across the -stones and rubbish that burdened the soil, rapidly but noiselessly -retired, and speedily disappeared in the darkness. He walked in this way -for about ten minutes, when he reached a dense thicket. Then he crouched -behind a shrub, and, after taking a cautious survey of the surrounding -country, whistled gently thrice, being careful to leave an equal space -of time between each signal. At the expiration of two or three minutes -the cry of the moorhen was heard twice from the midst of the trees that -bordered the river's bank only a few paces from the spot where the -hunter was standing. - -"Good!" the latter muttered. "Our friend is punctual; but, as the -wisdom of nations says somewhere that prudence is the mother of surety, -let us be prudent: that can do no harm when dealing with such scamps." - -And the worthy hunter set the hammer of his rifle. After taking this -precaution he left the thicket in which he had been concealed, and -advanced with apparent resolution, but still without neglecting any -precaution to avoid a surprise, toward the spot whence the reply to his -signal had come. When he had covered about half the distance four or -five persons came forward to meet him. - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with -me. Attention!" - -Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the -nearest man. - -"Halt," he said, "or I fire!" - -"_Capo de Dios!_ you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. -"You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your -rifle--you see that we are unarmed." - -"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms -concealed about your person?" - -"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you -venture to doubt it?" - -The hunter laughed. - -"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see -before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my -friends." - -"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please." - -"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are -bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours." - -"As you please, Don Valentine: you shall arrange matters as you will. -Still, the first time we had a conference together, I found you much -more facile." - -"I do not deny it. Come alone, and we will talk." - -The stranger gave his companions a sign to stop where they were, and -advanced alone. - -"That will do," the hunter said as he uncocked his rifle, and rested the -butt on the ground, crossing his hands over the muzzle. - -The man to whom Valentine displayed so little confidence, or, to speak -more clearly, whom he doubted so greatly, was no other than General Don -Sebastian Guerrero. - -"There, now you must be satisfied. I think I have given you a great -proof of my condescension," the general said as he joined him. - -"You have probably your reasons for it," the hunter replied, with a -cunning look. - -"Sir!" the general haughtily objected. - -"Let us be brief and clear, like men who appreciate one another -correctly," Valentine said dryly. "I am neither a fool nor a man -infatuated with his own merits; hence frankness, reciprocal frankness, -can alone bring us to any understanding, if that be possible, though I -doubt it." - -"What do you suppose, then, sir?" - -"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is -all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, -Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to -solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at -night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great -advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see -that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor -the other." - -"Suppose that things are as you state?" - -"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts." - -"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you." - -"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have -proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters." - -"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of -rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid----" - -"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk -to be incurred." - -"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the -affair, and feel annoyed." - -"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save -you the trouble of an explanation?" - -"How so?" - -"Listen to me." - -The two men were standing just two paces apart, looking in each other's -eyes. Still Valentine, ever on his guard, was carefully watching, -though not appearing to do so, the four men left behind. - -"Speak!" the general said. - -"General, you wish simply to propose to me that I should sell my friend." - -Don Sebastian, at these words, pronounced with a cutting accent, -involuntarily gave a sign of surprise, and fell back a pace. - -"Sir!" - -"Is it true--yes or no?" - -"You employ terms----" the general stammered. - -"Terms have nothing to do with the matter. Now that you have discovered -Don Louis is not the accomplice you hoped to find, who would raise you -to the president's chair, and as you despair of changing his views, you -wish to get rid of him--that is natural." - -"Sir!" - -"Let me continue. For that purpose you can hit on nothing better than -buying him. Indeed, you are used to such transactions. I have in my -hands the proofs of several which do you a great deal of honour." - -The general was livid with terror and rage. He clenched his fists and -stamped, while uttering unconnected words. The hunter seemed not to -notice this agitation, and continued imperturbably,-- - -"Still you are mistaken in applying to me. I am no Dog-face, a fellow -with whom you made a famous bargain some years ago. I have dealt in -cattle, but never in human flesh. Each man has his speciality, and I -leave that to you." - -"Stay, sir!" the general exclaimed in a paroxysm of fury. "What do -you want to come to? Did you accept this interview for the purpose of -insulting me?" - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"You do not believe it," he said: "that would be too childish. I want to -propose a business transaction." - -"What!" - -"Or a bargain, if you prefer that term." - -"What is its nature?" - -"I can tell you in two words. I have in my possession various papers, -which, if they saw light, and were, handed to certain persons, might -cost you not only your fortune, but possibly your life." - -"Papers!" Don Sebastian stammered. - -"Yes, general; your correspondence with a certain North American -diplomatist, to whom you offered to deliver Sonora and one or two other -provinces, if the United Sates supplied you with the means to seize the -presidency of the Mexican Republic." - -"And you have those papers?" the general said with ill-restrained -anxiety. - -"I have the letters, with your correspondent's answers." - -"Here?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a laugh. - -"Then you will die!" the general yelled, bounding like a panther on the -hunter. - -But the latter was on his guard. By a movement as quick as his -adversary's, he seized the general by the throat, threw himself upon -him, and laid his foot on his chest. - -"One step further," he said coldly to the general's companions, who were -running up at full speed to his aid, "one step, and he is a dead man." - -Certainly the general was a brave man. Many times he had supplied -unequivocal proofs of a courage carried almost to temerity: still he -saw such resolution flashing in the hunter's tawny eye, that he felt a -shudder pass through all his limbs--he was lost, he was afraid. - -"Stop, stop!" he cried in a choking voice to his friends. - -The latter obeyed. - -"I could kill you," Valentine said; "you are really in my power; but -what do I care for your life or death? I hold both in my hands. Rise! -Now, one word--take care that you do nothing against the count." - -The general had profited by the hunter's permission to rise; but so -soon as he felt himself free, and his feet were firmly attached to the -ground, a revolution was effected in him, and he felt his courage return. - -"Listen in your turn," he said. "I will be as frank and brutal with you -as you were with me. It is now a war to the death between us, without -pity and without mercy. If I have to carry my head to the scaffold, the -count shall die; for I hate him, and I require his death to satisfy my -vengeance." - -"Good!" Valentine coldly answered. - -"Yes," the general said sarcastically. "Come, I do not fear you! I do -not care if you employ the papers with which you threatened me, for I am -invulnerable." - -"You think so?" the hunter said slowly. - -"I despise you; you are only adventurers: You can never touch me." - -Valentine bent toward him. - -"Perhaps not," he said; "but your daughter?" - -And, taking advantage of the general's stupefaction, the hunter uttered -a hoarse laugh and rushed into the thicket, where it was impossible to -follow him. - -"Oh!" the general muttered, at the expiration of a moment, as he passed -his hand over his damp forehead, "the demon! My daughter!" he yelled, -"my daughter!" - -And he rejoined his companions, and went off with them, not responding -to one of the questions they asked him. - - -[1] See "Gold-Seekers." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MISSION. - - -Valentine, after suddenly parting from the general as we narrated, did -not appear at all alarmed about pursuit; and if he hurried on at first, -he soon relaxed his speed. On arriving about a hundred yards from the -spot where his interview with Don Sebastian had taken place, he stopped, -raised his eyes to the sky, and seemed to consult his position. Then he -went on; but, instead of proceeding toward the mission, he turned his -back completely on it, and returned to the bank of the river, whence he -had before been retrograding. - -Although the hunter was walking at a quick pace, he seemed greatly -preoccupied, and looked mechanically around him. At times he stopped, -not to listen to any strange sound, but through the thoughts which -oppressed him, and robbed him of all sense of external things. Evidently -Valentine was seeking the solution of a problem that troubled him. - -At length, after about a quarter of an hour, he saw a faint light a -few paces ahead of him. It glistened through the trees, and seemed to -indicate an encampment. Valentine stopped and whistled softly. At the -same moment the branches of a shrub, about five yards from him, parted, -and a man appeared. It was Curumilla. - -"Well," Valentine asked, "has she come?" The Araucano bowed his head in -reply. The hunter made an angry gesture. - -"Where is she?" he asked. - -The Indian pointed to the fire the hunter had noticed. - -"Deuce take the women!" the hunter growled; "they are the least logical -beings in existence. As they let themselves ever be guided by passion, -they overthrow unconsciously the surest combinations." - -Then he added in a louder voice,-- - -"Have you not executed my commission, then?" - -This time the Indian spoke. - -"She will listen to nothing," he said; "she will see." - -"I knew it!" the hunter exclaimed. "They are all alike--silly heads, -only fit for mule bells; and yet she is one of the better sort. Well, -lead me to her. I will try to convince her." - -The Indian smiled maliciously, but made no reply. He turned away and led -the hunter to the fire. In a few seconds Valentine found himself on the -skirt of a vast clearing, in the centre of which, by a good fire of dead -wood, Doña Angela and her camarista, Violanta, were seated on piles of -furze. Ten paces behind the females, several peons, armed to the teeth, -leant on their long lances, awaiting the pleasure of their mistress. -Doña Angela raised her head at the sound caused by the hunter's -approach, and uttered a slight cry of joy. - -"There you are at last!" she exclaimed. "I almost despaired of your -coming." - -"Perhaps it would have been better had I not done so," he answered with -a stifled sigh. - -The young lady overheard, or pretended not to hear, the hunter's reply. - -"Is your encampment far from here?" she continued. - -"Before proceeding there," the hunter said, "we must have a little -conversation together, señora." - -"What have you to say to me that is so interesting, or rather, so -urgent?" - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -The young lady made a gesture signifying her readiness to hear something -which she knew beforehand would be disagreeable. - -"Speak!" she said. - -The hunter did not allow the invitation to be repeated. - -"Where did Curumilla meet you?" - -"At the hacienda, just as I was mounting to start. I only awaited him to -begin my journey." - -"He tried to dissuade you from this step?" - -"He did; but I insisted on coming, and compelled him to guide me here." - -"You were wrong, niña." - -"For what reason?" - -"For a thousand." - -"That is no answer. Mention one." - -"Your father, in the first place." - -"He has not yet arrived at the hacienda. I shall have got back before he -comes. I have nothing to fear on that side." - -"You are mistaken. Your father has arrived: I have seen him--spoken with -him." - -"You! Where? When?" - -"Here, scarce half an hour ago." - -"That is impossible," she said. - -"It is the fact. I will add that he wanted to kill me." - -"He!" - -"Yes." - -The young lady remained thoughtful for a moment; then she raised her -head, and shook it several times. - -"All the worse," she said resolutely. "Whatever happens, I will carry it -out to the end." - -"What do you hope from this interview, niña? Do you not know that your -father is our most inveterate foe?" - -"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections -when I sent my request to you." - -"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer -entertain. Believe me, niña, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return -as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if -he does not see you on his arrival?" - -"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don -Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine." - -"Think of the consequences of such a step." - -"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform -your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde." - -The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. -He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed -affectionately. - -"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. -Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not -entail frightful disaster!" - -"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us -start. You will see all end better than you anticipate." - -"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here." - -"I ask nothing better. I will only take Violanta with me." - -"As you please." - -At a sign from her mistress the camarista went up to the peons, who -were still motionless, and gave them orders not to leave the clearing -under any pretext before her return. Then, guided by Valentine, the two -females proceeded toward the camp of the filibusters, Curumilla forming -the rear guard. On arriving about a hundred yards from it Valentine -stopped. - -"What is the matter?" Doña Angela asked him. - -"I hesitate about troubling my friend's repose. Perhaps he will be angry -with me for having brought you to him." - -"No," she said, "you are deceiving me: that is not your thought at this -moment." - -He regarded her with amazement. - -"Good heavens!" she continued with animation, "do you fancy I do not -know what is troubling you now? It is to see a girl of my age, rich -and well born, take what your countrymen would call an improper step, -and which, were it known, would inevitably destroy her reputation. But -we Americans are not like your cold and staid European women, who do -everything by weight and measure. We love as we hate. It is not blood, -but the lava of our volcanoes that circulates in our veins. My love is -my life! I care naught for anything else. Remain here a few moments, -and let me go on alone. Don Louis, I am convinced, will understand -and appreciate my conduct at its just value. He is no common man, I -tell you. I love him. In a love so true and ardent as mine there is a -certain magnetic attraction which will prevent it being spurned." - -The young Mexican was splendidly lovely as she uttered these words. With -her head thrown haughtily back, her flashing eye and quivering lip, she -was at once a virgin and a Bacchante. Subdued, in spite of himself, by -the maiden's accent, and dazzled by her glorious beauty, the hunter -bowed respectfully before her, and said, with considerable emotion in -his voice,-- - -"Go, then; and may Heaven grant that, by your aid, my brother may be -again led to take an interest in life!" - -She smiled with an undefinable expression of archness and serenity, and -flew, lightly as a bird, into the thicket. Valentine and Curumilla, who -were near enough to the camp to see what occurred, though the sound of -voices could not reach them, resolved to wait where they were till their -presence became absolutely necessary. - -The encampment was in the same state as when the hunter quitted it to -go and meet the general. Don Louis and Don Cornelio were fast asleep. -Doña Angela remained for a moment silent, fixing on Don Louis a glance -in which an unbending resolution flashed. Then she stooped down gently -over him. But at the moment when she was about to lay her hand on his -shoulder to arouse him, a sudden sound caused her to tremble. She sprang -back, threw a startled glance around, and disappeared once again in the -thicket. - -Hardly had she retired ere the sound which smote on her ears, and -interrupted the execution of her project, became louder; and it was soon -easy to distinguish the cadenced sound of a large body of men on the -march, and the harsh creaking of cartwheels. - -"Your companions are arriving," Doña Angela said hurriedly to Valentine -as she rejoined him; "they are only a short distance from the mission. -Can I still count on you?" - -"Always," he answered. - -"I have changed my mind: I will not explain my views to the count in -this way, but in the presence of all of you, by the light of the sun. -You shall soon see me again in your midst. Good-by! I am going back to -the hacienda. Prepare the count for my visit." - -After making a parting sign to the hunter, and smiling on him, the young -girl remounted her horse, and set off at a gallop, followed by her -escort. - -"Yes, I will prepare Louis to receive her," the hunter muttered, as -he followed her with his eyes for a moment. "That child has a noble -heart: she really loves my foster brother. Who knows what will be the -consequences of this love?" - -And, after shaking his head two or three times dubiously he re-entered -the encampment, accompanied by Curumilla, whose Indian stoicism was -unshaken, and who seemed perfectly a stranger to all that was taking -place around him. - -Valentine awoke Louis. The latter sprang up at once. - -"Have you any news?" he asked. - -"Yes, the company is coming up." - -"Already! Oh, oh! it has pushed on. That is a good omen." - -"Shall we stay here long?" - -"No, two days at the most, or long enough to rest the men and cattle." - -"Perhaps it would be better to push on at once--" - -"I should like it as much as yourself, but it is impossible, as the -40,000 rations we ought to have found here have not yet arrived, and we -are forced to await them." - -"That is true." - -"I am the more annoyed at this oversight, because our provisions -are rapidly diminishing. Still, do not let our comrades see our -disappointment, but let us put on a good face. They know we went ahead -of them to make the commissariat arrangements, so let them fancy we have -succeeded." - -Valentine bowed in affirmation. The night was almost at an end; already -the sky on the horizon was beginning to be shaded with large white -strips of cloud; the stars had all disappeared one after the other; and -the sun was just about to rise. Curumilla threw a handful of dried wood -on the fire in order to make a flame, and neutralise the effect of the -icy night air. - -"_Caramba!_" Don Cornelio exclaimed, as he woke up suddenly; "I am -frozen; the nights are so cold." - -"Are they not?" Valentine said to him. "Well, if you want to warm -yourself, nothing is easier. Come along with me." - -"I am quite willing. Where are you going?" - -"Listen." - -"I am doing so. Stay!" he said at the expiration of an instant. "Can -that be the company?" - -"It is. But it is unnecessary for us to put ourselves out of the way, -for here they come." - -In fact, at this moment, the French advanced guard entered the mission. -According to the treaty made with the Atrevida Company, 40,000 rations -should have been prepared at the mission for the troop. The count -gave the command to Colonel Florés, with orders to push on, and, -accompanied by Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Cornelio, had gone on -ahead. Unfortunately the company had not carried out its engagements -with that loyalty the count had a right to expect. Instead of 40,000 -rations he had found scarce half, ranged with a certain degree of -symmetry in a ruined cabin. This breach of faith was the more injurious -to the interests of the expedition, because the count, owing to this -perfidious manoeuvre, found himself almost unable to push on, as he was -about definitively to leave the inhabited and cultivated plains to bury -himself in the desert. - -Indeed, since the company had left Guaymas, the ill-will of the Mexicans -had been so evident under all circumstances, that Don Louis had required -a superhuman energy and will of iron not to give way to discouragement, -and withdraw in the face of these obstacles raised in his path with -unparalleled animosity. Still, up to the present, the Mexicans had never -dared to break their engagements so boldly as now: hence they must -feel themselves very strong, or at least their precautions were so well -taken, and they felt so sure of success, that they raised the mask. - -Besides, the count had found no one at the mission to hand him over -the stores in the name of the company; and the persons who treated him -so unworthily had not deigned to weaken by an excuse the treachery of -which they were guilty at this moment. Don Louis foresaw, then, that -after such behaviour, the _dénouement_ of the odious farce played by the -Mexicans was at hand, and he prepared to face the storm bravely. - -The mission was held in military fashion by the company; for they were -on the edge of the desert, and it was wise to begin a careful watch. -Cannon were planted at each angle of headquarters--sentinels placed at -regular distances; in short, this mission, sad and abandoned on the -previous day, seemed to have sprung magically into life again; the -rubbish was removed, and the old Jesuit church, more than half in ruins, -suddenly assumed the appearance of a fortress. - -When the count had given the necessary orders for the instalment of the -company, and was assured of their perfect execution, he inquired of -Colonel Florés how he had performed his duties as temporary chief. The -colonel, alone among the French, and feeling himself consequently in -the wolfs throat, was too crafty not to act ostensibly with the utmost -loyalty; hence on every occasion he offered proofs of goodwill, and -acted with a degree of circumspection by which Valentine, that eternal -doubter, was nearly duped, although he knew perfectly well the nature of -the Mexican character. - -Then the count withdrew with the hunter, and the two foster brothers -held a conversation, which, to judge by its length, and, above all, Don -Louis' thoughtful air when it was ended, must have been very important. -In fact, Valentine, accomplishing his pledge to Doña Angela, informed -the count of the events of the past night, not only telling him all that -had passed between him and the young lady, but also the details of his -interview with the general on the river bank. - -"You see, then," he said in conclusion, "that the situation is growing -more and more critical, and they mean war." - -"Yes, it is war; but so long as the least hope is left me, be assured, -brother, that I shall not give them the satisfaction of supplying a -pretext for a rupture." - -"You must play more cautiously than ever, brother. However, unless I am -greatly mistaken, we shall speedily know what we have to expect." - -"That is my opinion too." - -At this moment Don Cornelio appeared, accompanied by Curumilla. - -"I beg your pardon," he said to the hunter; "but I should feel obliged -by your putting matters right with the chief, who persists in telling me -that we are at this moment closely watched by an Indian war party." - -"What!" Valentine said, frowning. "What is that you say, Don Cornelio?" - -"Look here. While walking in the neighbourhood of the mission with the -chief, I picked up this----" - -"Let me see," Valentine said. - -Don Cornelio handed him a moccasin, which the hunter examined -attentively for several minutes. - -"Hum!" he then said, "this is serious. Where did you find it?" - -"On the river bank." - -"What do you think of it, chief?" Valentine said, turning to the -Araucano. - -"The moccasin is new--it has been lost. Curumilla has seen numerous -trails." - -"Listen," Don Louis said quickly. "Tell no one about this discovery: -we must distrust everything, for treachery is hovering around us, -and threatens us from all sides at once. While I strengthen our -intrenchments under pretext of a longer stay here, you, brother, will go -out to reconnoitre with the chief, and assure yourself of what we have -really to fear from the Indians." - -"Be quiet, brother: on your side, keep a good watch." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SPY. - - -It was about eight in the morning when Valentine and Curumilla left -Don Louis. The hunter had passed the whole night without closing an -eye. He felt fatigued: his eyelids, weighed down with sleep, closed -involuntarily. Still he prepared to make the researches his foster -brother had intrusted to him, when Curumilla, noticing his condition, -invited him to take a few hours' rest, remarking that he did not -absolutely want him in following up the trail he had noticed in the -morning, and that he would give him a good account of all he did. - -Valentine placed the most entire confidence in Curumilla. Many times, -during the course of their common existence, he had been in a position -to appreciate the sagacity, cleverness, and experience of the chief; -hence he needed but little pressing to consent to his proposition of -going out alone, and after giving him the warmest recommendations, he -wrapped himself up in his cloak, and fell off to sleep at once. - -He had enjoyed for about two hours a peaceful and refreshing nap when -he felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder. So light as the touch was, -it was sufficient to arouse the hunter, who, like all men habituated -to prairie life, maintained, if we may use the expression, a sense -of external things even during sleep. He opened his eyes, and looked -fixedly at the man who had come to disturb the rest he was enjoying, -while mentally consigning him to the deuce. - -"Well," he said, with the harsh accent of a man aroused at the -pleasantest moment of a dream, "what do you want of me, Don Cornelio? -Could you not select a more favourable moment to talk with me, for I -suppose what you have to say to me is not extremely important?" - -Don Cornelio (for it was really that gentleman who awoke Valentine) laid -his finger on his mouth, while looking suspiciously around, as if to -recommend caution to the hunter; then he leant over his ear. - -"Pardon me, Don Valentine," he said; "but I believe that the -communication I have to make to you is of the utmost importance." - -Valentine sprang up as if moved by a spring, and looked the Spaniard in -the face. - -"What is the matter, then?" he asked in a low and concentrated voice, -which, however, had something imperious about it. - -"I will tell you in two words. Colonel Florés (whose face, by the way, -does not at all please me) has been doing nothing but prowl round the -mission since the morning, inquiring what has been done and left undone, -gossiping with one or the other, and trying, above all, to discover -the opinion of our men as regards the chief. There was not much harm -in that, perhaps, but, so soon as he saw you were asleep, he learnt -that the count, who was engaged with his correspondence, had given -orders that he should not be disturbed for some hours. Upon this he -pretended, to retire to a half-ruined cabin situated at the outskirts -of the mission; but a few minutes after, when he supposed that no one -was thinking about him, instead of taking a siesta as he had given out, -he slipped away from the hut among the trees like a man afraid of being -surprised, and disappeared in the forest." - -"Ah, ah!" Valentine said thoughtfully, "what interest can that man have -in absenting himself so secretly?" Then he added, "Has he been gone -long?" - -"Hardly ten minutes." - -Valentine rose. - -"Remain here," he said. "In case the colonel returns during my absence, -watch him carefully; but do not let him suspect anything. I thank you -for not having hesitated to wake me. The matter is serious." - -Then, breaking off the conversation, the hunter quitted Don Cornelio, -and gliding along under the shadow of the ruins, so as to attract -no attention, entered the forest. In the meanwhile, Colonel Florés, -believing Valentine to be asleep, and knowing that the count was -writing, felt no apprehension about being followed. He walked rapidly -toward the river, not taking any trouble to hide his footsteps--an -imprudence by which the hunter profited, and which placed him at once on -the track of the man he was watching. - -The colonel soon arrived at the river. The most complete calm prevailed -around; the alligators were wallowing in the mud; the flamingoes were -fishing negligently: all, in a word, evidenced the absence of man. -Still, the colonel had scarce appeared on the bank ere an individual, -hanging by his arms from the branch of a tree, descended to the ground -scarce a couple of paces from him. At this unexpected apparition the -colonel recoiled, stifling a cry of surprise and alarm; but he had not -the time to recover from his emotion ere a second individual leaped in -the same fashion on the sand. Mechanically Don Francisco raised his eyes -to the tree. - -"Oh, oh!" the first arrival said with a coarse laugh, "you need not -take the trouble to look up there, Garrucholo; no one is left there." - -At the name of Garrucholo the colonel shuddered, and attentively -examined the two men who had presented themselves in so strange -a manner, as they stood motionless before him, and looked at him -derisively. The first of the two was a white man, as could be easily -recognised at the first glance, in spite of his bronzed complexion, -which was almost of the colour of brick. The clothes he wore were -exactly like those of the Indians. This interesting personage was armed -to the teeth, and held a long rifle in his hand. His comrade was a -redskin, painted and armed for war. - -"Eh?" the first speaker continued. "I fancy you do not recognise me, -boy. By God, you have a short memory!" - -This oath, and, above all, the strong accent with which the man -expressed himself in Spanish, although he spoke that language fluently, -were a ray of light for the colonel. - -"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead. - -"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not -forgotten me, compañero." - -This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; -still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen. - -"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked. - -"And you?" the other answered boldly. - -"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained." - -"And mine too." - -"Ah!" - -"Hang it! I am here because you are so." - -"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, -will you?" - -"I am quite ready to do so, but the spot is badly selected for talking -Come with me." - -"I beg your pardon, Buitre, my friend. We are, as you said yourself, old -acquaintances." - -"Which means?" - -"That I doubt you excessively." - -The bandit began laughing. - -"A confidence that honours me," he said, "and of which I am deserving. -Did you find in the mission church the hilt of a dagger with an S -engraved on the pommel?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. That hilt signified, I think, that you were to take a walk -in this quarter?" - -"It did." - -"Well, the persons with whom you must converse are before you. Do you -now understand?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then let us have a talk; but as what we have to say only concerns -ourselves, and it is unnecessary to mix up in our business people who -have no concern with it, we will proceed to a spot where we shall have -nothing to fear from indiscreet ears." - -"Who the deuce do you expect will surprise you here?" - -"No one, probably; but, my esteemed friend, as prudence is the mother of -safety, I have become, since our last parting, extraordinarily prudent." - -"I'll go wherever you please." - -"Come on." - -The three men re-entered the forest. - -Valentine followed them pace by pace. They did not go far. On arriving a -certain distance from the river they stopped at the entrance of a large -clearing, in the centre of which rose an enormous block of green rock. -The three men clambered up, and, on reaching the top, lay down at their -ease on a species of platform. - -"There!" El Buitre said, "I believe we can talk here in perfect surety." - -Valentine was for an instant rather disappointed at this precaution -on the part of the bandits. Still he did not give in. The hunter was -accustomed to see material impossibilities arise before him of the same -nature as in the present case. After a few seconds' reflection he looked -around him with a malicious glance. - -"Now to see who is the most cunning," he muttered. - -He lay down on the ground. The grass grew tall, green, and close in -the clearing; and Valentine began crawling, with a slow and almost -imperceptible motion, in the direction of the rocks, passing through the -grass without imparting the slightest oscillation to it. After about a -quarter of an hour of this manoeuvre the hunter saw his efforts crowned -with success; for he reached a spot where it was possible for him to -rise, and whence he was enabled to overhear perfectly all that was said -on the platform, while himself remaining invisible. - -Unfortunately the time he had employed in gaining his observatory -prevented him hearing what were probably very important matters. At the -moment he began listening El Buitre was the speaker. - -"Bah, bah!" he said with that mocking accent peculiar to him, "I answer -for success. Even if the French are devils, each of them is not equal to -two men. Hang it all, let me alone!" - -"_Canarios!_ may I be hanged if I interfere at all in this affair! I -have done too much already," the colonel made answer. - -"You are always a trembler. How do you expect that men half demoralised, -fatigued by a long journey, can resist the combined and well-directed -attack of my brother's, this Apache chief's, band, supported as they -will be by the eighty scoundrels the Mexican Government has placed at my -disposal for this expedition?" - -"I do not know what the French will do; but you will, perhaps, learn -that they are stout fellows." - -"All the better--we shall have the more fun." - -"Take care not to have too much," El Garrucholo said with a grin. - -"Go to the deuce with your observations! Besides, I have a grudge -against their chief, as you know." - -"Bah! how can a man like you have a grudge against anyone in particular? -He only has a grudge against riches. Who are your men?" - -"_Cívicos_--real bandits--regular game for the gallows. My dear fellow, -they will perform miracles." - -"What! cívicos? The idea is glorious--the men whom the hacenderos pay -and support for the purpose of fighting the redskins." - -"Good Lord, yes, that is the way of the world. This time they will fight -by the side of the redskins against the whites. The idea is original, -is it not, especially as, for this affair, they will be disguised as -Indians?" - -"Better still. And the chief, how many warriors has he with him?" - -"I do not know; he will tell you himself." - -The chief had remained gloomy and silent during this conversation, and -the colonel now turned toward him with an inquiring glance. - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," the redskin said in his guttural -voice: "two hundred Apache warriors follow his war plume." - -El Garrucholo gave a significant whistle. - -"Well," he continued, "I maintain what I said." - -"What?" - -"You will receive an awful thrashing." - -El Buitre repressed with difficulty a gesture of ill-temper. - -"Enough," he said; "you do not know the Indians. This chief is one of -the bravest sachems of his tribe. His reputation is immense in the -prairies. The warriors placed under his orders are all picked men." - -"Very good. Do what you please: I wash my hands of it." - -"Can we at least reckon on you?" - -"I will execute punctually the orders I received from the general." - -"I ask no more." - -"Then nothing is changed?" - -"Nothing. Always the same hour and the same signal." - -"In that case it is useless for us to remain longer together. I will -return to the mission, for I must try to avoid any suspicion." - -"Go, and may the demon continue his protection to you!" - -"Thanks." - -The colonel left the platform. Valentine hesitated a moment, thinking -whether he should follow him; but, after due reflection, he felt -persuaded that all was not finished yet, and that he should probably -still obtain some precious information. El Buitre shrugged his -shoulders, and turning to the Indian chief, who was still impassive, -said,-- - -"Pride has ruined that man. He was a jolly comrade a few years back." - -"What will my brother do now?" - -"Not much. I shall remain in hiding here until the sun has run -two-thirds of its course, and then go and rejoin my comrades." - -"The chief will retire. His warriors are still far off." - -"Very good. Then we shall not meet again till the appointed moment?" - -"No. The paleface will attack on the side of the forest, while the -Apaches advance by the river." - -"All right! But let us be prudent, for a misunderstanding might prove -fatal. I will draw as near as possible to the mission; but I warn you -that I shall not budge till I hear your signal." - -"Wah! my brother will open his ears, and the miawling of the tiger-cat -will warn him that the Apaches have arrived." - -"I understand perfectly. One parting remark, chief." - -"I listen to the paleface." - -"It is clearly understood that the booty will be shared equally between -us?" - -The Indian gave a wicked smile. - -"Yes," he said. - -"No treachery between us, redskin, or, by God! I warn you that I will -flay you alive like a mad dog." - -"The palefaces have too long a tongue." - -"That is possible; but if you do not wish misfortune to fall on you, -profit by my words." - -The Indian only replied by a gesture of contempt: he wrapped himself in -his buffalo robe, and retired slowly. - -The bandit looked after him for a moment. - -"Miserable dog!" he muttered, "so soon as I can do without you I will -settle your account, be assured." - -The Indian had disappeared. - -"Hum! what shall I be after now?" El Buitre continued. - -Suddenly a man bounded like a jaguar, and, before the bandit could even -understand what was happening, he was firmly garotted, and reduced to a -state of complete powerlessness. - -"You do not know what to be after? Well, I will tell you," Valentine -remarked, as he sat down quietly by his side. - -The first moment of surprise past, the bandit regained all his coolness -and audacity, and looked impudently at the hunter. - -"By God! I do not know you, comrade," he said; "but I must confess you -managed that cleverly." - -"You are a connoisseur." - -"Slightly so." - -"Yes, I am aware of it." - -"But you have tied me a little too tightly. Your confounded reata cuts -into my flesh." - -"Bah! you will grow used to it." - -"Hum!" the bandit remarked. "Did you hear all we said?" - -"Nearly all." - -"Deuce take me if people can now talk in the desert without having -listeners!" - -"What would you? It is a melancholy fact." - -"Well, I must put up with it, I suppose. You were saying----" - -"I! I did not say a word." - -"Ah! I beg your pardon in that case; but I fancied you were -cross-questioning me. You probably did not tie me up like a plug of -tobacco for the mere fun of the thing." - -"There is some truth in your observation. I had, I allow, another -object." - -"What is it?" - -"To enjoy your conversation for a moment." - -"You are a thousand times too kind." - -"Opportunities for conversing are so rare in the desert." - -"That is true." - -"So you are on an expedition?" - -"Yes, I am: a man must be doing something." - -"That is true also. Be good enough to give me a few details." - -"About what?" - -"Why, this expedition." - -"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible." - -"Only think of that! Why so?" - -"I know very little." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me -to do a thing for me to refuse." - -Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a -bluish flash. - -"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?" - -"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin. - -"Oh, oh!" Valentine remarked. "Still I hope I shall alter your opinion." - -"Try it. Stay!" he added, suddenly changing his tone. "Enough of that -sort of farce. I am in your power--nothing can save me. Kill me--no -matter, I shall not say a word." - -The two men exchanged glances of strange expressiveness. - -"You are an idiot," Valentine answered coldly; "you understand nothing." - -"I understand that you want to know the secrets of the expedition." - -"You are a fool, my dear friend. Did I not tell you that I knew all?" - -The bandit seemed to reflect for a minute. - -"What do you want, then?" he said. - -"Merely to buy you." - -"Hum! that will be dear." - -"You do not say no?" - -"I never say no to anything." - -"I see you are becoming reasonable." - -"Who knows?" - -"At how much do you estimate your share of this night's booty?" - -El Buitre looked at him as if wishful to read the thoughts in his heart. - -"Hang it! that will mount high." - -"Yes, especially if you are hung!" - -"Oh!" - -"Everything must be foreseen in such a business." - -"You are right." - -"The more so as, if you refuse the bargain I offer you, I will kill you -like a dog." - -"That's a chance." - -"It is very probable. So take my word, let us bargain. Give me your -figure." - -"Fifteen thousand piastres," the bandit exclaimed; "not an ochavo less." - -"Pooh!" Valentine said, "that is little." - -"Eh?" he remarked in amazement. - -"I will give you twenty thousand." - -In spite of the bonds that held him the bandit gave a start. - -"Done!" he exclaimed; but in a moment added, "Where is the sum?" - -"Do you fancy me such a fool as to pay you beforehand?" - -"Hang it! I fancy----" - -"Nonsense! You are mad, compadre. Now that we understand one another, -let me undo you--that will freshen up your ideas." - -He took off the reata. El Buitre rose at once, stamped his foot to -restore the circulation, and then turning to the hunter, who stood -watching him laughingly, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of his -rifle, said,-- - -"At least you have some security to give me?" - -"Yes, and an excellent one." - -"What?" - -"The word of an honest man." - -The bandit made a gesture; but Valentine continued, not seeming to -notice it,-- - -"I am the man whom the whites and Indians have surnamed the -'Trail-hunter.' My name is Valentine Guillois." - -"What!" El Buitre exclaimed with strange emotion, "are you really the -Trail-hunter?" - -"I am," Valentine answered simply. - -El Buitre walked up and down the platform hastily, muttering in a -low voice broken sentences, and evidently a prey to intense emotion. -Suddenly he stopped before the hunter. - -"I accept," he said hurriedly. - -"Tomorrow you shall receive your money." - -"I will none of it." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Valentine, allow me to remain master of my secret for a few days; I -will then explain my conduct to you. Though I am a bandit, every feeling -is not yet dead in my heart; there is one which has remained pure, and -that is gratitude. Trust to me. Henceforth you will not have a more -devoted slave, either for good or evil." - -"Your accent is not that of a man who has the intention of deceiving. I -trust to you, asking no explanation of your sudden change of feeling." - -"At a later date you shall know all, I tell you; and now that we are -alone, explain to me your plan in all its details, in order that I may -help you effectively." - -"Yes," Valentine said, "time presses." - -The two men remained alone for about two hours discussing the hunter's -plan, and when all was settled they separated--Valentine to return to -the mission, and El Buitre to rejoin his companions, who were concealed -a short distance off. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXPLOSION. - - -During Valentine's absence facts of extreme gravity had occurred at the -mission. The Count de Prébois Crancé had finished his correspondence, -and held in his hand the letters he had just written, while he gave -a peon, already mounted, his final instructions. At this moment -the advanced posts uttered the cry of "Who goes there?" which was -immediately taken up along the whole line. Louis felt his heart -contracted by this shout, to which he was, however, accustomed; a cold -perspiration beaded on his temples; a mortal pallor covered his face; -and he was forced to lean against a wall lest he should fall, so weak -did he feel. - -"Good heavens!" he stammered in a low voice, "what can be the matter -with me?" - -Let who can explain the cause of this strange emotion, this inner -presentiment which warned the count of a misfortune; for our part, we -confess our inability, and content ourselves with recording the fact. - -The count, however, wrestled with this extraordinary emotion, for which -there was no plausible reason. Owing to a supreme effort of the will, a -perfect reaction took place in him, and he became once more cold, calm, -and stoical, ready to sustain, without weakness as without bravado, the -blow by which he instinctively felt himself menaced. - -In the meanwhile an answer had been returned to the sentries' challenge, -and words exchanged. Don Cornelio came up to the count, his face quite -discomposed by astonishment, and himself a prey to the most lively -emotion. - -"Señor conde----" he said in a panting voice, and then stopped. - -"Well," the count asked, "what is the meaning of those challenges I -heard?" - -"Señor," Don Cornelio continued with an effort, "General Guerrero, -accompanied by his daughter, several other ladies, a dozen officers, and -a powerful escort, requests to be introduced to your presence." - -"He is welcome. At length, then, he consents to treat directly with me." - -Don Cornelio withdrew to carry out the orders he had received, and soon -a brilliant cavalcalde, at the head of which was General Guerrero, -entered the mission. The general was pale, and frowned: it was easy -to see that he with difficulty suppressed a dumb fury that filled his -heart. The adventurers, in scattered groups, and haughtily wrapped up -in their rags, regarded curiously these smart Mexican officers, so vain -and so glittering with gold, who scarce deigned to bestow a glance upon -them. The count walked a few paces toward the general, and uncovered -with a movement full of singular grace. - -"You are welcome, general," he said in his gentle voice; "I am happy to -receive your visit." - -The general did not even lift his finger to his embroidered hat, but, -suddenly stopping his horse when scarce two paces from the count,-- - -"What is the meaning of this, sir?" he exclaimed in an angry voice. "You -are guarded as if in a fortress! You have, Heaven pardon me! sentries -and patrols round your encampment, as if you were in command of a -regular army." - -The count bit his lips; but he restrained himself, and replied in a -calm, though grave voice,-- - -"We are on the edge of the _despoblados_ (deserts), general, and our -safety depends on our vigilance. Although I am not the commander of an -army, I answer for the safety of the men I have the honour of leading. -But will you not dismount, general, so that we may discuss more at our -ease the grave questions which doubtless bring you here?" - -"I will not dismount, sir, nor anyone of my suite, before you have -explained to me your strange conduct." - -Such a flash sparkled in the count's blue eye that, in spite of himself, -the general turned his head away. This conversation had taken place -under the vault of heaven, in the presence of the Frenchmen, who had -collected round the newcomers. The patience of the adventurers was -beginning to grow exhausted, and hoarse, mutterings were heard. With -a sign the count appeased the storm, and silence was immediately -re-established. - -"General," Don Louis continued with perfect calmness, "the words you -address to me are severe. I was far from expecting them, especially -after the way in which I have acted since my landing in Mexico, and the -moderation I have constantly displayed." - -"All that is trifling," the general said furiously. "You Frenchmen have -a honeyed tongue when you wish to deceive us. But, by heavens, I will -teach you differently! You are warned once for all." - -The count drew himself up, and a feverish flush suffused his cheeks. He -put on again the hat he had hitherto held in his hand, and looked the -general boldly in the face. - -"I would observe, Señor Don Sebastian Guerrero," he said, in a voice -broken by emotion, which he attempted in vain to check, "that you -have not returned me my salute, and that you employ strange language -in addressing a gentleman at least as noble as yourself. Is this the -boasted Mexican courtesy? Come to the facts, caballero, without holding -language unworthy of yourself or me; explain yourself frankly, that I -may know, once for all, what I have to hope or fear from these eternal -tergiversations, and the continued treachery of which I am the victim." - -The general remained for a moment thoughtful after this rude apostrophe. -At length he made up his mind, removed his hat, saluted the count -graciously, and suddenly changed his manner. - -"Pardon me, caballero," he said; "I was so far carried away by my temper -as to employ expressions which I deeply regret." - -The count smiled disdainfully. - -"Your apologies are sufficient, sir," he said. - -At the word "apologies" the general quivered, but soon regained command -of himself. - -"Where do you desire that I should communicate to you the orders of my -Government?" - -"At this spot, sir. I have, thanks to Heaven, nothing to hide from my -brave comrades." - -The general, though evidently annoyed, dismounted. The ladies and -officers who accompanied him did the same. The escort alone remained -on horseback, with their ranks closed up. At an order from Don Louis -several tables were produced, and instantaneously covered with -refreshments, of which the French officers began to do the honours with -the grace and gaiety that distinguish their nation. The general and the -count seated themselves on butacas, placed in the doorway of the mission -church, near a table, on which were pen, ink, and paper. - -There was a lengthened silence. It was evident that neither wished to be -the first to speak. The general at length opened the conversation. - -"Oh, oh!" he said, "you have guns with you?" - -"Did you not know it, general?" - -"My faith, no!" - -And he added, with a sarcastic smile,-- - -"Do you intend to pursue the Apaches with such weapons?" - -"At the present moment less than ever, general," Don Louis answered -dryly. "I do not know of what use this artillery will be to me. Still it -is good, and I am convinced that it will not betray me in the hour of -need." - -"Is that a menace, sir?" the general asked significantly. - -"What is the use of threatening when you can act?" the count said -concisely. "But that is not the question, for the present at least. I -am awaiting your pleasure, sir, to explain to me the intentions of your -Government with regard to me." - -"They are kind and paternal, sir." - -"I will wait till you have told me them ere I express any opinion." - -"This is the message I am charged to deliver to you." - -"Ah! have you a message for me?" - -"Yes." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"The message is quite paternal." - -"I am certain of it. Let us see what your Government's intentions are." - -"I should have wished them better, but I consider them acceptable in -their present form." - -"Be kind enough to communicate them to me, general." - -"I was anxious to come myself, señor conde, in order to lessen by my -presence any apparent bitterness these proposals might contain." - -"Ah!" the count remarked, "propositions are made to me; in other words, -and speaking by the card, conditions which it is desired to impose on -me. Very good." - -"Oh, conde, conde, how badly you take what I say to you!" - -"Pardon me, general, you know that I do not speak your magnificent -Spanish very well; still I thank you from my heart for your kindness in -accepting the harsh mission of communicating these propositions to me." - -This was said with an accent of fine raillery which completely -discountenanced the general. - -"I would observe, general, that we are now only a few leagues from the -mine, and the alternative offered me is most painful, especially after -the evasive answers constantly made to me and the persons I sent with -full powers to treat personally with the authorities of the country." - -"That is true; I can comprehend that. Colonel Florés, whom you sent -to me a few days back, will have told you how pained I felt at all -that is happening. I lose as much as yourself. Unfortunately, you will -understand me, my dearest count, I must obey, whether I like it or not." - -"I understand perfectly," Louis answered ironically, "how deeply pained -you must feel." - -"Alas!" the general said, more embarrassed than ever, and who began to -regret in his heart that he was not accompanied by a larger force. - -"Well, as it is useless to prolong this position indefinitely, as it is -so cruel for you, explain yourself without further circumlocution, I -beg." - -"Hum! Remember that I am in no way responsible." - -The fact is the general was afraid. - -"Go on--go on!" - -"The propositions are as follow:--You are enjoined----" - -"Oh! that is a harsh term," Louis observed. - -The general shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say that he had -nothing to do with drawing up the document. - -"Well, then," the count said, "we are enjoined----" - -"Yes, First. Either to consent to give up your nationality as -Frenchmen----" - -"Pardon me," the count interrupted, and laid his hand on the general's -arm, "an instant, if you please. As I see that what you are commissioned -to communicate to me interests all my comrades, it is my duty to invite -them to be present at the reading of these propositions; for you have -them in writing, I believe?" - -"Yes," the general stammered, turning livid. - -"Very good. Buglers!" the count shouted in a high and imperative voice, -"sound the assembly." - -Ten minutes later the whole company was ranged round the table, at -which the general and the count were seated. Don Louis looked carefully -around, and then noticed the Mexican officers and ladies, who, curious -to know what was going on, had also drawn nearer. - -"Chairs for these ladies and caballeros," he said. "Pray excuse me, -señoras, if I do not pay you all the attention you deserve; but I am -only a poor adventurer, and we are in the desert." - -Then, when all had taken their seats,-- - -"Give me a copy of these proposals," he said to the general; "I will -read them myself." - -The general obeyed mechanically. - -"Gentlemen and dear comrades," Don Louis then said in a sharp voice, -in which, however, a scarcely suppressed anger could be noticed, "when -I enrolled you at San Francisco, I showed you the authentic documents -conferring on me the ownership of the mines of the Plancha de Plata, did -I not?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers shouted with one voice. - -"You read at the foot of those documents the names of Don Antonio -Pavo, President of the Mexican Republic, and of General Don Sebastian -Guerrero, present here at this moment. You then knew on what conditions -you enlisted, and also the engagements the Mexican Government entered -into with you. Today, after three months' marching and counter-marching; -after suffering without a murmur all the annoyances it pleased the -Mexican Government to inflict on you; when you have proved, by your good -conduct and severe discipline, that you were in every way worthy to -fulfil honourably the mission that was intrusted to you; when, finally, -in spite of the incessant obstacles continually raised in your path, you -have arrived within less than ten leagues of the mines, do you know what -the Mexican Government demands of you? Listen: I will tell you, for you -are even more interested than myself in the question." - -A thrill of curiosity ran through the ranks of the adventurers. - -"Speak--speak!" they shouted. - -"You have three alternatives:--First. You are enjoined to resign your -French nationality, and become Mexicans, and will be permitted to -work the mines, without any pay, under the supreme command of General -Guerrero, whose aide-de-camp I shall become." - -An Homeric burst of laughter greeted this proposition. - -"The second--let us have the second!" some shouted. - -"_Sapristi!_" others remarked, "these Mexicans are not fools to wish to -have us for their countrymen." - -"Go on--go on!" the remainder howled. - -The count gave a sign, and silence was re-established. - -"Secondly. You are ordered to take out cards of surety if you wish to -remain Frenchmen. By means of such cards you can go anywhere: still, -as foreigners, you will be forbidden any possession--that is to say, -working--of the mines. You have quite understood me, I presume?" - -"Yes, yes! The last one--the last one!" - -"I did not fancy the Mexicans were such funny fellows," a soldier -remarked. - -"Thirdly. I personally am ordered to reduce the company to fifty men, to -hand over my command to a Mexican officer, and on that condition you can -at once take possession of the mines." - -When the captain had ended his reading there was such an explosion of -laughter, shouts, and yells, that for nearly a quarter of an hour it -was almost impossible to hear anything. At length the count succeeded -in restoring some degree of order and silence, though with considerable -difficulty. - -"Such are the paternal intentions of the Mexican Government as regards -us. What do you think of them, my friends? Still, I implore you, do -not allow yourselves to be carried away by your just indignation, -but reflect deeply on what you think it your duty to do for your own -interests. As for myself, my resolution is formed--it is immutable; and -even if it cost my life, I shall not alter it. But you, my friends, my -brethren, your private interests cannot be mine; hence do not sacrifice -yourselves through friendship and devotion to me. You know me well -enough to put faith in my words. Those among you who wish to leave me -will be free to do so: not only will I not oppose their departure, but I -shall bear them no ill will. The strange position in which we are placed -by the ill faith of the Mexicans imposes on me obligations and a line of -conduct to which you can refuse to submit without disgrace. From this -moment I release you from every engagement with me. I am no longer your -chief, but I will ever be your friend and brother." - -These words had scarce been uttered ere the adventurers, through an -irresistible impulse, overthrowing all in their way, rushed toward the -count, surrounded him with shouts and cries, lifted him in their arms, -and showered on him assurances of their complete devotion. - -"Long live the count! Long live Louis! Long live our chief! Death to the -Mexicans! Down with the traitors!" - -Their effervescence assumed proportions which threatened to become -dangerous to the Mexicans at the moment in the camp. The exasperation -was at its height. Still, owing to the influence the count exerted over -his comrades, and the energetic conduct of the officers, the tumult -gradually died out, and all returned nearly to the normal condition. - -General Guerrero, at first alarmed by the effect produced on the French -by the untoward propositions of which he had constituted himself the -bearer, soon reassured himself, however, especially on seeing with -what abnegation and loyalty the count protected him against the just -indignation of his companions. Nearly sure of running no risk, owing to -the noble character of the man he had so unjustly deceived, he resolved -to strike the final blow. - -"Caballeros," he said in that honeyed voice peculiar to the Mexicans, -"permit me to address a few words to you." - -At this request the tumult was on the point of recommencing: still the -count succeeded in producing a stormy silence, if we may be allowed to -employ the phrase. - -"General, you can speak," he said to him. - -"Gentlemen," Don Sebastian went on, "I have only a few words to add. -The Count de Prébois Crancé has read you the conditions the Mexican -Government imposes, but he was unable to read to you the consequences of -a refusal to obey those conditions." - -"That is true, sir. Be good enough, therefore, to make them known to us." - -"It is a terrible duty for me to fulfil; still I must do so for your -benefit, caballeros." - -"Come to the point!" the adventurers shouted. - -The general unfolded a paper, and after a moment of hesitation he read -as follows, with a voice which, spite of all his efforts, slightly -trembled:-- - -"Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé, and all the men who remain faithful -to him, will be regarded as pirates; placed without the pale of the law, -and arrested as such; tried by a military commission, and shot within -twenty-four hours." - -"Is that all, sir?" the count asked coldly. - -At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the -proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree. - -"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have -nothing further to add?" - -"I regret, señor conde----" - -"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call -me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons -that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the -satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor -the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here -as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your -departure." - -The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen -death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to -prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders -for immediate departure. At this moment Doña Angela, suddenly emerged -from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked -forward, majestically robed in her _rebozo_, her eye flashing with a -sombre fire. - -"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was -silent, and regarded her with astonishment. - -"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you----" - -"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, señor conde. -As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious -treachery of which you are a victim, I--a woman, the daughter of your -most implacable enemy--declare openly before all, that you, count, are -the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy -country. You are misunderstood--insulted; and the epithet of pirate is -attached to your name. Well, pirate--be it so. Don Louis, I love you! -Henceforth I am yours--yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. -As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will -pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you." - -The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, -and raised his eyes to heaven. - -"Doña Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and -whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love." - -"Now, my father, let us go," she said to the general, who was half -mad with rage, and who yet did not dare give way to his passion; and -turning for the last time to the count, she said, "Good-by, Don Louis! -My betrothed, we shall soon meet again." - -And she left the camp, accompanied by the enthusiastic shouts of the -adventurers. - -The Mexicans marched out with drooping heads and a blush on their -foreheads. In spite of themselves they were ashamed of the infamous -treachery they had dealt out to men whom they had earnestly summoned, -whom they had deluded during four months with false promises, and whom -they were now preparing to rush upon like wild beasts. - -Scarce two hours after these events occurred Valentine re-entered the -camp. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE FIRST POWDER BURNT. - - -The emotion caused by the general's visit gradually calmed down. The -Frenchmen, so long the sport of Mexican bad faith, experienced almost -joy at seeing themselves at length liberated from the inextricable web -of trickery which had encompassed them. With that carelessness which -forms the basis of the national character, they began laughing and -jibing at the Mexicans generally, and especially at the authorities of -the country, of whom they had to complain so greatly, though without -daring to offer the least observation, through respect for their chief. -Full of confidence in the count, without calculating that they were only -a handful of men abandoned to their own resources, without help or -possible protection, more than six thousand leagues from their country, -they indulged to the fullest extent of their imagination in the wildest -dreams, discussing among themselves the most extraordinary and daring -plans, without ever supposing, in their candid filibustering simplicity, -that even the least extravagant of their dreams was impossible to -realise. - -Louis would not allow the ardour of his volunteers to be chilled. After -consulting with his officers, to whom he submitted his plans, which they -accepted enthusiastically, by Valentine's advice he ordered a general -assembly of the company. The bugles at once sounded, and the adventurers -collected around headquarters. - -"Gentlemen," the count said, "you see in what a position the breach of -faith of the Mexican authorities has placed us; but this position, in my -opinion, is far from being desperate. Still I must not conceal from you -that it is extremely grave, and, from certain information I have from -a good source, it threatens to become still more so. We have two modes -in which to act. The first is to proceed by forced marches to Guaymas, -seize a vessel, and embark ere our enemies have thought about opposing -our departure." - -A long murmur of dissatisfaction greeted these words. - -"Gentlemen," the count continued, "it was my duty to submit this -proposition to you, and you will discuss it amongst yourselves. If -it does not suit you, no more need be said. And now for the second. -Mexico, since its emancipation, has languished in a state of the most -scandalous barbarism. It would be grand to regenerate this people, or -at least attempt it. The American emigration from the United States -is at this moment invading California, leaving other emigrants no -means, I will not say of prospering, but even of keeping on a footing -of equality with the Yankees. We are here in Sonora, 200 resolute -Frenchmen, well armed and disciplined. Let us seize a large town to have -a basis of operations; then we will summon to us the French emigrants -from California and all America. Let us emancipate Sonora, make it free -and strong, civilise it in spite of itself, and not only shall we have -created an outlet for French immigration, but have regenerated a people -and formed a colony which will advantageously balance American influence -on these shores, and oppose a dyke to its incessant encroachments. -We shall have acquired a claim to the gratitude of our country, and -have avenged ourselves on our enemies in the way Frenchmen revenge -themselves; that is to say, by responding to their insults by kindness. -Such, gentlemen, are the two sole methods we can select which would -be worthy of men like us. Weigh my words carefully; reflect on my -propositions; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you will inform me of your -intentions through the channel of your officers. Remember one thing -before all, comrades, and that is, you must maintain strict discipline -among yourselves. Obey me passively, and place unbounded faith in me. -If you fail in one of the duties I impose on you at this moment, we -are all lost; for the struggle will become impossible, and consequently -our enemies will gain an easy victory over us. In conclusion, brethren, -accept my word that whatever may be the circumstances in which we find -ourselves--however magnificent the offers that may be made me--I will -never abandon you. We will perish or succeed together." - -This speech was greeted as it deserved to be; that is to say, with -an enthusiasm impossible to describe. The count then withdrew with -Valentine. - -"Alas, brother!" he said to him, with an expression of heart-rending -sorrow, "the die is now cast. I, Count de Prébois Crancé, am a rebel, a -pirate: I am at open war with a recognised power, with a constitutional -Government. What can I do with the few men I command? I shall perish -in the first battle--the combat is senseless. I shall be ere long the -laughing stock of the world. Who could have predicted this when I left -San Francisco, full of hope, to work those mines which I shall never -see? What has become of my fair dreams, my seductive hopes?" - -"Do not allow yourself to be downcast, brother," Valentine answered. -"At present, above all, you need all your intellect and all your energy -to fulfil worthily the task accident imposes on you. Remember that from -this intellect and this energy depends the safety of two hundred of your -countrymen, whom you have sworn to lead back to the seashore; and you -must keep your oath." - -"I will die with them. What more can they demand?" - -"That you should save them," the hunter replied sternly. - -"That is my most anxious desire." - -"Your position is a fine one--you are not so alone as you fancy." - -"How so?" - -"Have you not the French colony of Guetzalli, founded by the Count de -Lhorailles?" - -"Yes," Louis answered sadly; "but the count is dead." - -"He is; but the colony exists, and is prosperous. You will find there -fifty to sixty resolute men, who ask no better than to join you, even if -merely through the spirit of adventure." - -"Fifty men are very few." - -"Nonsense! They are more than you need when dealing with Mexicans. -Do one thing more: prepare an insurrection among the half savage -population, whose alcaldes pine secretly at their secondary position, -and the species of vassaldom into which the Mexican Government forces -them." - -"Oh, oh!" Louis said, "that is a good idea. But where is the man who -will undertake to visit this people, and negotiate with the alcaldes of -the Pueblos?" - -"I will, if you like." - -"I did not dare ask it. Thank you. I, for my part, will prepare -everything in order to begin with a terrible blow, which will startle -the Mexican Government by giving it an idea of our strength." - -"Good! Before all, do not forget that, until fresh orders, the war you -undertake must be an uninterrupted succession of daring blows." - -"Oh! you may be at ease. Now that the Mexicans have lifted the mask, -and forced me to defend myself, they will learn to know the men they -have so long despised, and whom they fancied cowards because they were -good-hearted." - -"Has Colonel Florés left?" - -"No, not yet." - -"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext." - -"Why so?" - -"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from -the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more -important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican -colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched." - -"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to -be taken?" - -"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced." - -The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were -busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun -carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of -laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all -their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of -dealing and receiving blows. - -Colonel Florés wandered about rather sadly in the midst of the -confusion: his position was becoming difficult, and he felt it. Still -he did not know how to prolong his stay among the Frenchmen, now that -war was declared, and the interests of the company of which he was -the delegate were completely laid aside; and thus the only plausible -reason he could allege for remaining was cut away. Since the Frenchmen's -arrival in Mexico the double character played by the colonel brought him -handsome sums: his profession of spy, rendered easy by the confiding -frankness of the adventurers, had been to him a source of enormous -profit, and people do not give up without pain a lucrative engagement. - -Thus the colonel's brow was anxious, for he racked his brains in -vain for a plausible excuse to offer the count. In the height of his -diplomatic combinations Valentine came to him, and told him, with the -most innocent air possible, that Don Louis was seeking for him, and -wished to speak with him. The colonel shuddered at the news: he thanked -the hunter, and hastened to the count. Valentine looked after him with -an ironical smile; and, certain that Louis would detain him long enough -by his side, he commenced the execution of the plan he had prepared. - -While all this was occurring night had set in--a gloomy and sad night, -without a star in the sky. The clouds shot rapidly across the sickly -disc of the moon, and intercepted its rays. The wind lamented sadly as -it whistled through the branches of the trees, which dashed against each -other with a lugubrious sound. In the mysterious depths of the forest -could be heard growls and savage yells, mingled with the dashing of the -cascade and the monotonous clashing of the pebbles rolled on the bank by -the river. It was one of those nights in which nature seems to associate -herself with human sorrows, and lament at the crimes for which her -gloomy shadows serve as a veil. - -By Valentine's orders the trees had been cut down for a distance of -fifty yards round the camp, in order to clear the ground, and deprive -the enemy of the chance of creeping up to the intrenchments unseen. -On the space thus left free enormous fires were kindled at regular -intervals. These fires, whose tall flames illumined the prairie for a -considerable distance, formed a brilliant circle round the camp, which -was itself plunged in complete obscurity. Not the slightest light -flashed in the mission. The intrenchments appeared to be deserted--not -a sentry could be seen. The mission had fallen back into the silence of -solitude--all was calm and tranquil. - -But this calm concealed the tempest. In the shadow palpitated the -anxious hearts of the men who, with ear on the watch, and finger on the -trigger, awaited motionless the arrival of their enemies. The hours, -however, passed away slowly one after the other, and nothing justified -the apprehensions expressed by Valentine as to a speedy attack. - -The count was walking up and down the church which served as his -retreat, listening anxiously to the slightest sounds that interrupted -the silence at intervals. At times he turned an angry and impatient look -upon the desert country, but nothing stirred--the same calm continued -ever to oppress nature. Wearied by this long and enervating delay, -he quitted the church, and proceeded toward the intrenchments. The -adventurers were at their posts, stretched on the ground, each man with -his hand on the trigger. - -"Have you seen or heard nothing yet?" the count asked, though he knew -beforehand the answer he would receive, and rather for the purpose of -deceiving his impatience than with any other object. - -"Nothing," Don Cornelio answered coldly, who happened to be close to him. - -"Ah! it is you," the count said. "And Colonel Florés, what have you done -with him?" - -"I followed your instructions, commandant. He is asleep." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Spaniard smiled. - -"I guarantee that he will sleep at least till sunrise," he said. "I -managed matters well." - -"Very good; in that case we have nothing to fear from him." - -"Nothing at all." - -"Has anyone seen Don Valentine or the Indian chief?" - -"No; they both went out at sunset, and have not reappeared since." - -While speaking thus the two men were looking out, and their eyes -attentively examined the plain: hence they made a gesture of surprise, -almost of alarm, on suddenly perceiving a man who seemed to emerge from -the ground, and rose between them like a phantom. - -"_Válgame Dios!_" the superstitious Spaniard said as he crossed himself, -"what is this?" - -The count quickly drew a revolver from his girdle. - -"Do not fire," the newcomer said as he laid his hand on the count's arm. - -"Curumilla!" the count exclaimed in surprise. - -"Silence!" the Araucano commanded. - -"Where is Valentine?" - -"He sent me." - -"Then the redskins will not attack us this night?" - -Curumilla regarded the count with amazement. - -"Does not my brother see them?" he said. - -"Where?" the count asked in astonishment. - -"There!" Curumilla answered, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the plain. - -Don Louis and Don Cornelio looked out for several instants with the most -sustained attention; but, in spite of all their efforts, they perceived -nothing. The plain was still just as naked, lighted up by the ruddy -glare from the braseros: here and there alone lay the trunks of the -trees felled during the day to leave an open prospect. - -"No," they said at length, "we see nothing." - -"The eyes of the white men are closed at night," the chief muttered -sententiously. - -"But where are they?" the count asked impatiently. "Why did you not warn -us?" - -"My brother Koutonepi sends me for that purpose." - -The name of Koutonepi--that is to say, the Valiant--had been given to -Valentine by the Araucanos on his arrival in America, and Curumilla -never called him otherwise. - -"Then make haste to teach us, chief, that we may foil the accursed -stratagem which these demons have doubtlessly invented." - -"Let my brother warn his brothers to be ready to fight." - -The word ran immediately along the line from one to the other. Curumilla -then tranquilly shouldered his rifle, and aimed at a trunk of a tree -rather nearer the intrenchments than the rest. - -Never did a shot produce such an effect. A horrible yell rose from -the plain, and a swarm of redskins, rising, as if moved by a spring, -from behind the stems of trees that sheltered them, rushed toward the -intrenchments, bounding like coyotes, uttering fearful yells, and -brandishing their weapons furiously. - -But the Frenchmen were prepared for this attack: they received the -Indians at the bayonet point without recoiling an inch, and answering -their ferocious yells with the unanimous shout of "VIVE LA FRANCE!" - -From this moment war was, _de facto_, declared. The French had smelled -powder, and the Mexicans were about to learn, at their own expense, what -rude enemies they had so madly brought on themselves. - -Still the redskins, led and animated by their chief, fought with -extraordinary obstinacy. The majority of the Frenchmen who composed -the company were ignorant of the way of fighting with the Indians, and -it was the first time they had come into collision with them. While -valiantly resisting them, and inflicting on them terrible losses, they -could not refrain from admiring the audacious temerity of these men, -who, half naked and wielding wretched weapons, yet rushed upon them with -invincible courage, and only fell back when dead. - -Suddenly a second band, more numerous than the first, and composed -entirely of horsemen, burst on to the battlefield, and sustained the -efforts of the assailants. The latter, feeling themselves supported, -redoubled their yells and efforts. The medley became terrible: the -combatants fought hand to hand, lacerating each other like wild beasts. - -The French bugles and drums sounded the charge heartily. - -"A sortie--a sortie!" the adventurers shouted, ashamed at being thus -held in check by enemies apparently so insignificant. - -"Kill, kill!" - -The Indians responded with their war cry. - -An Indian chief, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and with his body -naked to the waist, curveted in the front rank of his men, dropping -with his club every man that came within reach of his arm. Twice he -had made his steed leap at the barricades, and twice he scaled them, -though unable to clear them completely. This chief was Mixcoatzin. His -black eye flashed with a sombre fire; his arm seemed indefatigable; -and everyone withdrew from this terrible enemy, who was apparently -invincible. - -The sachem redoubled his boldness, incessantly urging on his men, and -insulting the whites by his shouts and ironical gestures. - -Suddenly a third troop appeared on the battlefield, which, owing to -the braziers, was as light as day. But this troop, composed, like -the second, of horsemen, instead of joining the Indians, formed a -semicircle, and charged them furiously, shouting,-- - -"_A muerte_--_a muerte!_" - -Valentine's powerful voice at this moment rose above the tumult of -battle, and even reached those he wished to warn. - -"Now is the time!" he shouted. - -The count heard him. Turning then to fifty of the adventurers who -bad remained inactive since the beginning of the action, chafing and -trailing their arms,-- - -"It is our turn, comrades!" he shouted as he drew his long sword. Then, -opening the wicket, he bounded boldly into the _mêlée_, followed by his -party, who rushed after him with shouts of joy. The Indians were caught -between two fires--a thing which rarely happens--and compelled to -fight in the open. Still they were not discouraged, for Indian bravery -surpasses all belief. Finding themselves surrounded, they resolved to -die bravely sooner than surrender; and though not nearly so well armed -as their enemies, they received their attack with unlessened resolution. - -But the Indians, on this occasion, had not to do with Mexicans, and soon -discovered the difference. The charge of the Frenchmen was irresistible: -they passed like a tornado through the redskins, who, in spite of their -resolution, were compelled to give ground. But flight was impossible. -Recalled by the voices of their chiefs, who, while themselves fighting -bravely, did not cease to urge them to redouble their efforts, they -returned to the combat. The struggle then assumed the gigantic -proportions of a horrible carnage. It was no longer a battle, but a -butchery, in which each sought to kill, caring little about falling -himself, so long as he dragged down his foeman with him. - -Valentine, the greater part of whose life had been spent in the desert, -and who had frequently encountered the Indians, had never before seen -them display so great animosity, and, above all, such obstinacy; for -usually, when they suffer a check, far from obstinately continuing a -fight without any possible advantageous result for themselves, they -retire immediately, and seek safety in a hurried flight; but this time -their mode of fighting was completely changed, and it seemed that the -more they recognised the impossibility of victory, the more anxious they -felt to resist. - -The count, ever in front of his comrades, whom he encouraged by his -gestures and voice, tried to approach Mixcoatzin, who, still curveting -on his black horse, performed prodigies of valour, which electrified -his men, and threatened, if not to change the face of the combat, at -any rate to prolong it. But each time that chance brought him in front -of the chief, and he prepared to rush upon him, a crowd of combatants, -driven back by the changing incidents of the fight, came between them, -and neutralised his efforts. - -For his part, the sachem also strove to approach the count, with whom he -burned to measure himself, persuaded that, if he succeeded in killing -the chief of the palefaces, the latter would be struck with terror, and -abandon the battlefield. - -At length, as if by mutual agreement, the white men and Indians fell -back a few paces, doubtlessly to prepare for a final contest; and it -was then that, for the first time since the combat, the count and the -sachem found themselves face to face. The two men exchanged a flashing -glance, and rushed upon each other furiously. Neither of the chiefs had -firearms: the sachem brandished his terrible club, and the count waved -his long sword, which was reddened to the hilt. - -"At last!" the count shouted, as he raised his weapon over his head. - -"Begging dog of the palefaces," the Indian said with a grin, "you bring -me, then, your scalp, that I may attach it to the entrance of my cabin!" - -They were only two paces from each other, each awaiting the favourable -moment to rush on his enemy. On seeing their chiefs ready to engage, the -two parties rushed forward impetuously, in order to separate them and -recommence the combat; bat Don Louis, with a gesture of supreme command, -ordered his companions not to interfere. The adventurers remained -motionless. On his side, Mixcoatzin, seeing the noble and gallant -courtesy of the count, commanded his comrades to keep back. The redskins -obeyed, and the question was left to be decided between Don Louis and -the sachem. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -REPRISALS. - - -The two enemies hesitated for a moment; but suddenly the sachem bounded -forward. The count remained motionless; but at the moment the Indian -reached him, with a movement rapid as thought, he seized the nostrils of -the chief's horse with the left hand, so that it reared with a shriek of -pain, and thrust his sword into the Indian's throat: the latter's lifted -arm fell down, his eyes opened widely, a jet of blood poured from the -gaping wound, and he rolled on the ground, uttering a yell of agony, -and writhing like a serpent. The count placed his foot on the chief's -chest, and nailed him to the ground. Then he shouted to his comrades in -a powerful voice,-- - -"Forward--forward!" - -The adventurers responded by a shout of triumph, and rushed once -more on the redskins. But the latter no longer awaited their attack. -Terrified by the death of Mixcoatzin, one of their most revered sachems, -a panic seized upon them, and they fled in every direction. Then began -a real manhunt, with all its hideous and atrocious interludes. As we -have said, the Indians were surrounded: flight had become impossible. -The adventurers, exasperated by the long contest they had been obliged -to sustain, pitilessly massacred their conquered enemies, who would have -implored mercy in vain. The distracted Indians ran hither and thither, -sabred as they passed, transfixed by bayonets, and trampled underfoot -by the horses, which, as cruel as their masters, and intoxicated by the -sharp odour of blood, stamped on them frenziedly. The corpses were piled -up in the centre of the fatal circle which incessantly closed in around -them. - -Their courage and strength all exhausted, the wretched redskins had -thrown away their arms, and, with their hands crossed on their chests, -they gave up any further struggle for life, and awaited death with that -gloomy calmness of despair and stoicism which characterises their race. - -The count had wished for a long time to arrest this horrible carnage; -but, in the intoxication of victory, his orders were not so much -disobeyed as unheard. Still the Frenchmen stopped, struck with -admiration at the sight of the stoical resignation displayed by their -brave enemies, who disdained to ask mercy, and prepared to die worthily, -without any weakness or bravado. The Frenchmen hesitated, looked at -one another, and then raised their bayonets. The count profited by this -truce, and rushed before his men, brandishing in the air his sword, -reddened to the hilt. - -"Enough, comrades," he shouted, "enough! We are soldiers, not hangmen or -butchers. Leave to the Mexicans all cowardly acts, and remain what you -have ever been--brave and clement men. Mercy for these poor wretches!" - -"Mercy--mercy!" the Frenchmen shouted as they brandished their weapons -above their heads. - -At this moment the sun rose gloriously in a flood of vapour. It was a -scene at once imposing and full of sublime horror which the battlefield -offered--still smoking with the last explosions of the firearms, covered -with corpses, and in the midst of which thirty disarmed men appeared to -bid defiance to a circle of men stained with blood and powder, and whose -features were contracted by passion. - -The count then returned his sword to its scabbard, and walked -slowly toward the Indians, who watched his approach restlessly; for -they understood nothing of what had just occurred. The Indians are -implacable, and clemency is unknown to them. In the prairies the only -law is _va victis_. The redskins, being pitiless, never implore the -mercy of their foes, and endure unmurmuring the harsh law which it may -please their conquerors to mete out to them. - -The adventurers had piled their arms, and had already forgotten all -their rancour: they were laughing and talking gaily together. Valentine -and Curumilla had rejoined the count. - -"What is your intention?" the hunter asked. - -"Have you not guessed it?" Louis replied. "I pardon them." - -"All?" - -"Of course," he said with surprise. - -"Then you will restore them to liberty?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum!" the hunter said. - -"Do you see anything to prevent it?" - -"Possibly." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I see no harm in your forgiving the Indians, for that may produce -a good effect among the tribes, especially as the redskins have an -excellent memory, and will long remember the severe lesson they received -this night." - -"Well?" - -"But," the hunter went on, "all those men are not Indians." - -"What do you mean?" - -"That there are disguised Mexicans among them." - -"You are certain of that?" - -"Yes, the more so because I was warned by the man who commands the -horsemen that proved such useful auxiliaries to you." - -"But are not those horsemen Apaches?" - -"You are mistaken, my dear friend: they are white men, and what is more, -_cívicos_; that is to say, men paid and enrolled by the hacenderos to -chase the Indians. You see how honourably they carry out their duties; -but that must not astonish you, for you are sufficiently well acquainted -with the manners of this country to find that perfectly natural, I have -no doubt." - -Louis stopped thoughtfully. - -"What you tell me confounds me," he muttered. - -"Why so?" the hunter replied carelessly. "It is, on the contrary, most -simple. But we have not to trouble ourselves about the horsemen at -present--they are beside the question." - -"Certainly. Indeed, I owe them my thanks." - -"They will save you the trouble, and I too. Let us only deal with the -men down there." - -"Then you are sure there are white men among them?" - -"Quite sure." - -"But how to recognise them?" - -"Curumilla will undertake that." - -"What you tell me is strange. For what purpose are these men leagued -with our enemies?" - -"We shall soon know that." - -They then went on, and stood by the group. Valentine made a sign to -Curumilla: the chief then approached the Indians, and began examining -them attentively in turn, the count and Valentine watching him with -considerable interest. The Araucano was as cold and gloomy as usual--not -a muscle of his face quivered. On seeing him examine them thus, the -Indians could not refrain from shuddering: they trembled at the sight of -this dumb and unarmed man, whose piercing glance seemed to try and read -their hearts; Curumilla laid his finger on an Indian's chest. - -"One!" he said, and passed on. - -"Come out!" Valentine said to the redskin. - -The latter stood apart. - -Curumilla pointed out in this way nine in succession, and then rejoined -his comrades. - -"Is that all?" Valentine asked. - -"Yes," he answered. - -"Disarm those men, and bind them firmly," the count commanded. - -His orders being obeyed, Don Louis then walked up to the Apaches. - -"My brothers may take their arms and mount their horses again," he -said. "They are valiant warriors. The palefaces have appreciated their -courage, and esteem them. My brothers will return to their villages, and -tell the old men and sages of their nation that the palefaces who have -conquered them are not cruel men, like the ferocious Yoris, and that -they desire to bury the hatchet so deeply between themselves and the -Apaches, that it may never be found again for ten thousand years." - -An Indian advanced from the group, and saluted majestically. - -"Strong Heart is a terrible warrior: he is a jaguar during the combat, -but he becomes an antelope after the victory. The words his breast -breathes are inspired in him by the Great Spirit--the Wacondah loves -him. My nation was deceived by the Yoris. Strong Heart is generous--he -has pardoned. Henceforth there will be friendship between the Apaches -and the warriors of Strong Heart." - -The redskins, according to their custom, had, with that poesy which -distinguishes them, given Don Louis the name of Strong Heart. - -After this address on the part of the Indian, who was a celebrated -chief, and known as the White Buffalo, there was an interchange of good -offices between the adventurers and Apaches. Their horses and arms were -returned to them, and the ranks were opened to let them pass. When they -had disappeared in the forest, El Buitre ordered his men to wheel, and -retired in his turn. Don Louis for a moment had the idea of recalling -this auxiliary, who had been so useful to him during the action; but -Valentine opposed it. - -"Let those men go, brother," he said to him. "You must not have any -public relations with them." - -Don Louis did not insist. - -"Now," Valentine went on, "let us finish what we have so well begun." - -"That is right," the count answered. - -The order was at once given to bury the dead and attend to the wounded. -The Frenchmen had suffered a serious loss: they had ten men killed and -twenty odd wounded. It is true that the majority of these wounds were -not mortal; still the victory cost dearly: it was a warning for the -future. - -Two hours later the company, assembled by the bugle call, ranged -themselves silently in the mission square, in the centre of which Don -Louis, Valentine, and three officers were gravely seated at a table, on -which lay sundry papers. Don Cornelio was writing at a smaller table. -The count had summoned his comrades, and appointed a court martial, of -which he was president, in order to try the prisoners captured during -the fight. Don Louis rose amidst a solemn silence. - -"Bring forward the prisoners," he said. - -The men previously pointed out by Curumilla appeared, led by a -detachment of adventurers, and were freed from their bonds. Although -they still wore the costume of Apache warriors, they had been compelled -to wash themselves, and remove the paint that disguised them. These men -appeared not so much to repent of their detected roguery, but merely -ashamed of being made a public spectacle. - -"Bring in the last prisoner," Don Louis commanded. - -At this order the adventurers looked round in surprise, not -understanding what the count meant, for the nine Mexicans were all -present. But at the expiration of a moment their surprise was changed -into anger, and a dull murmur ran along their ranks like an electric -current. - -Colonel Florés had made his appearance. He was unarmed, and his head -bare; but his face, stamped with boldness and defiance, had a gloomily -malicious expression, which gave him a most unpleasant appearance. -Curumilla accompanied him. The count made a sign, and silence was -re-established. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the colonel asked in a haughty tone. - -Don Louis did not allow him to continue. - -"Silence!" he said in a firm voice, turning a flashing glance upon him. - -Subdued, in spite of himself, by the count's accent, the colonel blushed -and remained silent. Don Louis continued:-- - -"Brothers and comrades," he said, "unfortunately for us, circumstances -have placed us in an exceptional situation. On all sides treachery -surrounds us. By falsehood after falsehood, trick upon trick, they -have led us onto this desert, where we are abandoned to ourselves, far -from all help, and having our courage alone to count upon to save us. -Yesterday Don Sebastian Guerrero, believing himself at length sure of -the success of his infamous plans, which he has so long been forming -against us, decided on raising the mask. He declared us outlaws, and -branded us with the disgraceful epithet of pirates. Scarce two hours -after his departure we were attacked by Indians. Our enemies' measures -were well calculated, and were within an ace of success. But God was on -the watch, and saved us this time again. Now, do you know the man who -made himself the generals right arm, and carried into effect the odious -treachery of which we were so nearly the victims? - -"This man," he said, pointing with his finger with an expression of -crushing contempt, "is the villain who, since our departure from -Guaymas, has attached himself to us, and never left us. He pretended -to love and defend us, that he might surprise our secrets, and sell -them to our enemies. It is the wretch whom we treated as a brother--to -whom we offered the most delicate and enduring attention. It is the -man, lastly, who assumes the title of colonel, and name of Francisco -Florés, and who lied in doing so; for he is a nameless half-breed, -surnamed El Garrucholo, ex-lieutenant of El Buitre, that ferocious -brigand who commands a _cuadrilla_ of salteadores that has desolated -Upper Mexico for several years. Look at him! Now that he is detected, -he trembles--villain that he is; for he knows that the supreme hour of -justice has rung for him." - -In fact, at this terrible revelation, thus made in the presence of all, -the bandit's boldness suddenly gave way, and an expression of hideous -terror contracted his features. - -"See," the count continued, "the men whom our enemies are not ashamed -to employ against us; and yet they treat us as pirates! Well, we accept -this brand, brothers; and these bandits who have fallen into our hands -shall be judged according to the summary law of pirates." - -The adventurers warmly applauded their chief's address. Besides, all -recognised the truth and logic of his remarks. In the critical situation -in which they found themselves they could forgive nothing: clemency -would have been culpable weakness. They could only regain their position -by boldness and energy, by terrifying their foes, and compelling them -to treat with them. The count sat down again. - -"Don Cornelio," he said, "read to the accused the charges brought -against him." - -The Spaniard rose, and began a long charge against the colonel, -supported by numerous letters written by Don Francisco, or received by -him from various persons, principally General Guerrero, which clearly -and indubitably proved the colonel's guilt. Don Cornelio finished by -describing the interview on the previous day between Don Francisco, El -Buitre, and the Apache chief. The adventurers listened to this long -enumeration of crimes and felonies in the most profound silence. When -Don Cornelio had ended the count addressed the colonel. - -"Do you recognise the truth of the charge brought against you?" - -The bandit raised his head: his mind was made up, and he shrugged his -shoulders contemptuously. - -"Of what use to deny?" he said. "It is all true." - -"Then you confess that you have betrayed us since the first moment we -met?" - -"_Canarios!_" he said, with a mocking smile, "you are mistaken, señor -conde. I betrayed you even before I knew you." - -At this cynical declaration no one present could repress a start of -horror. - -"Does what I say astonish you?" the bandit continued boldly. "Why so? -I consider my conduct perfectly natural. What are you to us Mexicans -but strangers? You are leeches, who come to our country to suck the -brightest of our blood; that is to say, to gorge yourselves with our -riches, deride our ignorance, turn into ridicule our manners and -customs, and impose on us your tastes, and what you call your Western -civilisation. By what right do you seize on all that is dear to us? -You are only ferocious beasts, to destroy whom all measures are -justifiable. If we are not the stronger in the sunshine, well, we have -the night. Loyalty and frankness would ruin us, so we employ falsehood -and treachery. What next? Who is wrong--who is right? Who will dare to -be judge between us? No one. I have fallen into your hands: you are -going to kill me. Very good. I shall be assassinated, but not condemned -by you, for you have no authority by which to try me. What more do you -want? Act as you think proper: it does not trouble me. He who sows the -wind reaps the whirlwind. I have sown trickery--I have reaped treason. -It is but just. I am about to die. Well, you have no right to inflict on -me this death which I have deserved. Your verdict will be a murder, I -repeat." - -After pronouncing these words he folded his arms on his chest, and -boldly surveyed his auditors. In spite of themselves the adventurers -felt moved by a species of admiration for the savage resolution of -this man, with his feline and crafty manner, who had suddenly revealed -himself in so different a light from that in which they had hitherto -known him. In speaking with such brutal frankness the bandit had, as -it were, raised himself in the eyes of all. His roguery appeared less -vile; he inspired a sort of sympathy in these brave men, for whom -courage and virtue are the first two virtues. - -"Then you do not even try to defend yourself?" Don Louis said -sorrowfully. - -"Defend myself," he said in amazement, "for having acted as I thought -it my duty to do, and as I should act again if you were such fools as -to pardon me! Come, caballeros, that is not common sense. Besides, if I -defended myself, I should to a certain extent recognise the competency -of your tribunal, and I absolutely deny it; so, believe me, you had -better finish with me--the sooner the better, both for you and me." - -The count rose, took off his hat, and, addressing the adventurers, said -in a solemn voice,-- - -"Friends and comrades, on your soul and conscience, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered in a hollow voice. - -"What punishment has this man merited?" the count continued. - -"Death!" the adventurers replied simultaneously. - -The count then turned to the colonel. - -"Don Francisco Florés, otherwise called El Garrucholo, you are condemned -to the penalty of death." - -"Thanks!" he said, with a graceful bow. - -"But," the count continued, "as you are convicted of treason, and must -suffer the death of traitors--that is, be shot in the back--taking into -consideration the uniform you wear, which is that of the Mexican army, -which we do not wish to disgrace in your person, you will be first -degraded: the judgment will be executed immediately after." - -The bandit shrugged his shoulders. - -"What do I care?" he said. - -At a sign from the count a non-commissioned officer stepped from the -ranks, and the degradation commenced. El Garrucholo endured this -frightful humiliation without turning pale: the bandit had in him -completely gained the mastery over the caballero, and, as he said, he -cared little about being degraded--that is to say, dishonoured---because -honour to him was as nothing. When the subaltern had returned to the -ranks the count again addressed the condemned man. - -"You have five minutes to commend your soul to God," he said to him. -"May He be merciful to you! You have nothing more to expect in this -world from men." - -The bandit burst into a hoarse laugh. - -"You are all fools!" he shouted. "What have I in common with God, if -really He exist? I had better recommend myself to the demon, into whose -clutches I shall fall, if what the monks say is true." - -At this frightful blasphemy the adventurers gave a start of terror; but -El Garrucholo did not seem to notice it. - -"I have," he continued, "only one favour more to ask of you." - -"Speak!" the count replied, suppressing a gesture of disgust. - -"I wear round my neck, hanging by a steel chain, a little velvet bag, -containing a blessed relic, which my mother gave me, telling me it would -bring me good fortune. Since my birth this scapulary has never left me. -I desire it to be buried with me. Perhaps it will be of use to me down -there where I am bound." - -"What you desire shall be done," the count answered. - -"Thanks!" he said with evident satisfaction. - -Strange anomaly of the Mexican character! This people is credulous and -superstitious, without faith and without belief--a childish people, too -long enslaved, and too quickly liberated, which has not had the time -either to forget or to learn. - -"The picket!" the count commanded. - -Eight men, commanded by a corporal, stepped from the ranks. The bandit -knelt, with his back turned to the executioners. - -"Present--fire!" - -El Garrucholo fell, shot in the back, not uttering a sigh: he was stark -dead. His body was covered with a zarapé. - -"Now," the count said coldly, "for the rest." - -The nine prisoners were brought up to the table: they were trembling, -for the summary justice of the adventurers filled them with terror. -A great noise was at this moment heard a short distance off, mingled -with shouts and imprecations; and suddenly two females, mounted on -magnificent horses, galloped into the middle of the square, when they -stopped. They were Doña Angela and her waiting maid, Violanta. - -Doña Angela's hair was dishevelled; her features were animated, -probably by the speed at which she had come; and her eyes flashed -flames. She remained for a moment motionless amid the crowd surprised -at her sudden appearance. But, seeming suddenly to form a supreme -resolution, she raised her head haughtily, and addressed the attentive -adventurers, who were struck with admiration at so much boldness united -to such beauty. - -"Listen!" she said in a piercing voice. "I, Doña Angela, daughter of the -Governor of Sonora, have come here to protest boldly, in the sight of -all, against the treachery of which my father makes you the victims. Don -Louis, chief of the French pirates, I love you! Will you accept me as -your wife?" - -A thunder of applause greeted these strange words, which were uttered -with extraordinary animation. Don Louis slowly drew nearer the maiden, -as if fascinated and attracted by her glance. - -"Come," he said to her, "come, as you do not fear to ally yourself to -misfortune." - -The girl uttered a scream of joy that resembled a yell; and abandoning -her reins, she bounded like a panther, and fell into the arms of the -count, who pressed her frenziedly against his manly breast. Then, after -a moment, still holding her in his embrace, he proudly raised his head, -and looked commandingly around. - -"This lady is the wife of the chief of the pirates, my brothers. Love -her as a sister: she will be our palladium--our guardian angel." - -The intoxication of the adventurers cannot be described: it was -madness. This strange scene appeared to them a dream. The count then -turned to the prisoners, who awaited their sentence in tremor. - -"Begone!" he said to them. "Go and narrate what you have seen. Doña -Angela pardons you." - -The prisoners left the square, uttering benedictions innumerable. The -poor fellows, after all that had passed in their presence, regarded -themselves as dead men. Valentine drew near the maiden. - -"You are an angel," he said to her in a low voice. "Will you persevere?" - -"I am his to the tomb," she answered with a feverish energy. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -GUETZALLI. - - -Were we writing a romance there are many details we would leave in the -shade, many facts we should pass over in silence. Unfortunately we -are only historians, and, as such, compelled to the most scrupulous -exactitude. - -In the first episode of this history we related how the Count de -Lhorailles, at the head of 150 Frenchmen, selected from the colony of -Guetzalli, which he had founded, let himself be led in pursuit of the -Apache Indians into the great Del Norte desert; and how, after wandering -about with his party in the midst of this ocean of shifting sand, and -seeing his bravest comrades fall around him, he had blown out his -brains, while, in a few hours after his death, the few Frenchmen who -survived this great disaster succeeded in emerging from the desert and -regaining the road to the colony. - -The Frenchmen left at Guetzalli beheld the arrival of the relics of -the expedition with stupor, and the news of the Count de Lhorailles' -death completed their demoralisation. Abandoned without chiefs, so far -from their country, in the midst of an enemy's territory, exposed at -any moment to the attacks of the Apaches, they gave way to despair, and -seriously revolved the question of leaving the colony and returning to -the seacoast. The Count de Lhorailles, who founded the settlement, was, -in fact, the soul of it. He dead, his companions felt in themselves -neither the necessary energy nor strength to continue his work--a -work which, indeed, they knew but imperfectly, for the count had no -confidants among the men who had joined him. Jealous of his power, and -naturally of a reserved temper, he had never confided to anyone his -plans or his projects. - -The Frenchmen who had followed him--for the most part greedy -adventurers, devoured by that inextinguishable thirst for gold which had -made them give up everything to go to America--had been cruelly deceived -in their hopes, when, on disembarking in Mexico, that classic land of -riches, the count, instead of leading them to gold or silver mines, -which they would have worked and filled their pockets abundantly, took -them to the Mexican frontier, and forced them to, till the soil. - -Thus, when the first moment of stupor had passed, each colonist, -acting under the impression of his own will, began his preparations for -departure, in his heart well pleased at seeing an exile thus terminated -which was beset by dangers, while offering none of the advantages -of the situation. It was all over with the colony; but fortunately, -wherever a number of Frenchmen are assembled, when the indispensable -man disappears, another immediately arises, who, impelled by the -circumstances, reveals himself suddenly to the great amazement of his -comrades, and frequently of himself. - -Among the colonists at Guetzalli was a young man scarce thirty years -of age, but gifted with an ardent imagination and a far from common -intellect. This young man, whose name was Charles de Laville, had left -Europe, impelled rather by a certain restlessness of character and -secret curiosity than by a desire to acquire the boasted riches of -San Francisco. In that city, to which he proceeded with his brother, -an older and more earnest man than himself, chance had made him -acquainted with the Count de Lhorailles. The count exercised, perhaps -unconsciously, an irresistible influence even over those who knew him -superficially. When ho organised his expedition he had no difficulty in -taking with him Charles de Laville, who followed him in spite of his -brother's wise recommendations. - -The count, who was a connoisseur in his fellow-men, appreciated at its -full value the honourable and disinterested character of Charles de -Laville. Thus he was the only one of all his companions with whom he -at times spoke almost freely, and imparted to him some of his plans. -He knew that the young man would never turn this confidence against -him, but that, on the contrary, under all circumstances, he would aid -him to the utmost of his power. When the count was on the point of -starting on that disastrous expedition from which he was fated never to -return--an expedition which de Laville obstinately opposed--it was to -the latter gentleman that he intrusted the government and management of -the colony during his absence, persuaded that in his hands the affairs -of Guetzalli could not but prosper. De Laville accepted the confidential -situation against his will. It was a heavy burden for him, so young and -inexperienced, to maintain an active surveillance over men to whom any -restraint, however slight, was insupportable, and who only obeyed with a -secret murmur the will of the count, for whom they experienced a respect -mingled with fear. - -Still, against his expectations, and perhaps his hopes, Charles de -Laville succeeded, in a very short time, not only in securing the -unmurmuring obedience of his countrymen, but also in gaining their -love. It was owing to this influence which he contrived to gain over -the colonists that, when the remnants of the expedition arrived at -Guetzalli, he succeeded in restoring some degree of order in the colony, -arousing the courage of his comrades, and taking the proper defensive -measures in the probable event of an Apache attack. - -He gave the first outburst of grief time to calm; he waited the -subsidence of the exaggerated anger of one party, and the equally -exaggerated fears of another; and when he perceived that, excepting the -profound discouragement that had seized on all, and made them desire -a speedy retreat, their minds were beginning to regain their ordinary -lucidity, he summoned the colonists to a general meeting. The latter -eagerly obeyed, and assembled in the large courtyard in front of the -main building. When de Laville was assured that all the colonists were -assembled, and anxiously awaiting the communication he had to make to -them, he claimed a few moments' attention and took the word. - -"Gentlemen," he said, with that facility of speech he possessed in an -eminent degree, "I am the youngest, and certainly the most inexperienced -of all present; hence it would not become me to speak at this moment, -when such grave interests, and of such great importance, occupy us. -Still, perhaps, the confidence the Count de Lhorailles was kind -enough to place in me will authorise me in taking the present step of -addressing you." - -"Speak, speak--you are worthy of that confidence!" the colonists shouted -tumultuously. - -Thus encouraged, the young man smiled pleasantly and continued:-- - -"It is true that a great disaster has fallen on us: many of our -companions have perished miserably in the great Del Norte desert. The -count who brought us here, our chief, is dead too. I repeat it, it is an -immense loss for us generally, and for the welfare of the colony. But -is the misfortune, though so terrible, irreparable? Ought we, through -this death, to lose all our courage, and abandon a task which is scarce -commenced? I do not think so, nor do you." - -At these words a few slight murmurs were heard. The young man looked -calmly around his audience, and silence was re-established as if by -enchantment. - -"No," he continued forcibly, "you do not think so yourselves. You are -undergoing at this moment the influence of the catastrophe that has -overwhelmed us: discouragement has seized upon you. It must be so; but -you will soon reflect on the consequences of the act you are meditating, -and the chance that will result from it for yourselves. What! two -hundred Frenchmen--that is to say, the bravest men in existence--would -fly through fear of the lances and arrows of those Apaches whom it is -their mission to hold in check? What would the Mexicans think, in whose -opinion you have stood so high up to the present day? What would your -brethren in California say? In the sight of all you would have lost -honour and reputation; for you would have betrayed your duties, and not -forced that name and title of Frenchmen, of which you are so proud, to -be respected in these savage countries." - -At these rude words, uttered with that accent which comes from the -heart, so suited to move the masses, the colonists began, in spite of -themselves to regard the question under a different light, and feel -inwardly ashamed of the flight they meditated. Still they were not yet -convinced, the more so as the position remained the same; that is to -say, excessively critical. Thus the shouts, murmurs, and objections -crossed each other with extreme rapidity, each wishing to offer his -advice, and have his opinion accepted, as generally happens in popular -meetings. One of the colonists succeeded with great difficulty in -gaining the word, and addressed the young man. - -"There is truth in what you say to us, M. Charles: still we cannot -remain in our present situation--a situation which becomes daily more -aggravated, and threatens soon to grow insupportable. What is the remedy -for the evil?" - -"The remedy is easy to find," the young man answered quickly. "Is it my -place to point it out to you?" - -"Yes, yes!" all exclaimed. - -"Well, then, I consent. Listen to me." - -There was immediately profound silence. - -"We are two hundred strong--resolute and intelligent men. Can we not -find among us, then, a chief worthy of commanding us? We have lost the -man who has hitherto guided us; but must we say that, since he is dead, -no one can take his place? That supposition would be absurd. The Count -de Lhorailles was not immortal. We must have expected to lose him sooner -or later, and unfortunately that foreseen catastrophe has occurred -ere it was expected. Is that a reason to let ourselves be demoralised -and downcast? No; let us raise our heads again, regain our courage, -and elect as our chief the man who offers us the best guarantees of -intelligence and loyalty. Such a man may be easily found among you. -Come, comrades, let us have no delay, but vote on the spot. When our -chief is nominated and recognised by all, we shall no longer fear perils -or sufferings, for we shall have a head to guide us, and an arm to -support us." - -These words raised the joy and enthusiasm of the colonists to the -highest pitch. They broke up into groups of three or four, and agitated -the question eagerly of the chief they should select. - -During this period, de Laville, apparently indifferent to what was -passing, re-entered the house, leaving his companions full and entire -liberty to act as they pleased. We will observe that the advice given -by the young man was disinterested on his part: he had no intention of -taking upon himself the heavy responsibility of a command which he did -not at all desire. His object in urging the Frenchmen to elect a chief -had been to prevent the ruin of the colony, which had been founded -scarce a year, which, owing to their combined efforts and toil, was -beginning to give good results, and which, if the colonists did not -disperse, would soon enter on a career of prosperity, and repay them a -hundredfold for their troubles and fatigue. - -The discussion among the colonists was lengthy: in all the groups -orators were speaking warmly; in short, there seemed no chance of an -agreement. Still, by degrees, the effervescence calmed down; the parties -drew nearer; and under the influence of a few men more intelligent or -better disposed than the rest, the discussion went on more regularly and -seriously. At length, after many disputes, the colonists were unanimous, -and selected one among them to tell Charles de Laville the result of -their deliberations. The man selected entered the house, while the -colonists arranged themselves with some degree of order before the gate. - -Charles, as we have said, did not trouble himself at all about what -was going on outside. The death of the count, to whom, in spite of -the latter's eccentric character, he was really attached, had not -only saddened him, but broken the last ties that attached him to this -forgotten nook of earth, where he believed that there was nothing left -for him to do. He therefore only awaited the election of the new chief -to bid good-by to the members of the company, and then separate from -them. When the man delegated by the colonists entered the room where he -was, he raised his head, and looked earnestly at him. - -"Well," he asked him, "have we a new chief at last?" - -"Yes," the other answered laconically. - -"Who is he?" the young man asked with some curiosity. - -"Our comrades will tell you, M. Charles," he replied. "They have -authorised me to ask you to have the kindness to be present at the -election, and thus sanction it." - -"That is only right," he said with a smile. "I forgot that, up to the -present, I have been your chief, and that I must hand over to the leader -you have selected the power the count delegated to me. I follow you." - -The other bowed without a word, and both left the house. When they -appeared in the gateway, the colonists, hitherto silent, uttered a -formidable shout, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs in signs -of joy. The young man turned quite surprised to his companion, but the -latter merely smiled. After this explosion of shouts of welcome, silence -was at once restored. Then the delegate removed his hat, and after -bowing respectfully to the young man, who was all confused, and hardly -knew which way to look, said in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"Charles de Laville, we, the colonists of Guetzalli, after assembling, -in accordance with your advice, to proceed to the election of a new -chief, have recognised that you alone combine all the conditions -necessary worthily to fill that post to which the confidence of the -chief we have lost called you. In consequence, wishing to honour in you -the memory of our deceased chief, at the same time as we desire to prove -to you our gratitude for the way in which you have governed us since you -have been at our head, we unanimously appoint you captain of Guetzalli, -persuaded that you will continue to command us with as much nobility, -intelligence, and justice as you have hitherto displayed." - -Then, taking from one of the colonists the charter which united all the -members of the colony, and which the count had made them all sign when -he enlisted them, he unfolded it. - -"Captain," he said, "this charter-party, read in a loud voice by me, -will be immediately sworn to by all. Will you swear on your side to -protect us, to defend us, and give us good and loyal justice toward and -against all?" - -The young man took off his hat, extended his arm toward the crowd, and -said in a firm voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -"Long live the captain!" the colonists shouted enthusiastically. "The -charter--the charter!" - -The reading commenced. After each article the colonists answered in one -voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -There was something imposing in the aspect of this scene. These men, -with their energetic features and bronzed faces, thus assembled in -the heart of the desert, surrounded by the grand scenery, swearing in -the face of heaven unbounded devotion and obedience, bore a striking -likeness to the famous filibusters of the sixteenth century preparing to -attempt one of their bold expeditions, and swearing on the charter in -the hands of Montbars the exterminator, or any other renowned chief of -Tortoise Island. - -When the reading was completed a fresh outbreak of shouts closed this -simple ceremony of the election of a chief of adventurers in the deserts -of the New World. This time--accidentally, perchance--the choice of -all had fallen on the most worthy. Charles de Laville was really the -only man capable of repairing the disasters of the late expedition, -and leading the colony back to that prosperous path on which it was -progressing previously to the death of Lhorailles. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE ENVOY. - - -The election over, all, in appearance, returned to the old routine, or -at least seemed to re-assume its normal condition. Still it was not so. -The Count de Lhorailles, in dying, had borne with him the hopes of the -adventurers, whom he had only kept together through his resolute and -enterprising character. With his fall, matters began to change, and -difficulties spring up. - -The Mexican authorities, in whom the indomitable will of the count had -alone inspired an apparent kindness toward the colonists, whom they -had never liked to see establish themselves on the territory of the -Republic, no longer apprehending the vengeance of the man they had -learned to fear while learning to know him, very gently and craftily -inaugurated a system of minor annoyances, which was already beginning to -render the position of the French difficult, and would soon cause it to -be intolerable, unless the latter employed an energetic remedy for this -state of things, which grew hourly worse. On the other hand, though the -colony was so remote from the seaboard, rumours of what was going on -in the rest of the world reached it at intervals. Emigrants in troops -passed through Guetzalli: all were proceeding to California, for that -was the promised land at the moment. - -All these emigrants--gambusinos, or Mexican adventurers--only dreamed -of inexhaustible placers and mines of immense wealth. The gold -fever--that horrible malady which the English so well stigmatised by -energetically calling it the "metallic gold fever"--was at its height. -From all corners of the world, Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, Americans, -Polynesians, adventurers of every description, settled like swarms of -ill-omened locusts on this country, which was destined to prove fatal to -them, and swallow them up after unheard-of sufferings. - -In this impious crusade of the vilest appetites the watchword was -"Gold--gold!" These men, who abandoned country, family, everything, in -a word, had only one desire--to amass gold. It was a hideous sight. -And these bands succeeded each other at the colony, with their eyes -obstinately fixed on the horizon, and only replying two words to the -questions asked them: "California--placers." In order to conquer this -metal king all means would be good to them: nothing would check them. -They were ready for anything--to commit the most odious crimes, the most -infamous treachery, the most ignoble acts of cowardice. - -Unfortunately for the colonists, the adventurers who passed near their -abode all belonged to the most ignorant, corrupted, and ferocious -classes of Mexico. In spite of themselves, the Frenchmen, whose object -had been, at the outset, to work the mines, felt the desire aroused in -them to return to the Eldorado they had left, and demand their share -of the spoil. A man, however strong he may be, cannot with impunity -hear the word "gold" constantly buzzing in his ears. In the strange -connection of these four letters there is an immense attractive power, -which sharpens up avarice, and arouses all the evil instincts. - -The colonists of Guetzalli were honest and frank adventurers. The -majority had quitted Europe with the desire of enriching themselves -rapidly in that mysterious country about which they heard such marvels. -Subdued by the ascendency the count had managed to acquire over them, -they had tacitly accepted the position made for them, and, by the aid -of habit, had gradually come, not to forget their past desires, but to -consider them as mocking chimeras and unrealisable dreams. The events -which afterwards happened in the colony, and the golden halo suddenly -spread abroad by California, gave a body to these dreams, and enkindled -their covetousness to the highest pitch. - -Charles de Laville followed with a shudder the progress of this moral -disorganisation of the colony. He understood in his heart that the enemy -he must conquer, in order to become once more master of his companions, -was that old adventurous leaven which still fomented in their hearts, -and caused them to hate the calm and peaceful life they led, instead -of that agitated existence, with its strange interludes, to which they -secretly aspired, perhaps without suspecting it themselves. For it is a -singular anomaly in the human heart that these men, who wished for gold -at any price, who coveted it with unequalled frenzy, and who, to possess -it, braved the most terrible perils, and suffered the most horrible -misery, did not care for it when they possessed it, but regarded it with -disdain, and threw it uncounted on the tables of the gambling houses, -or of places still more infamous. It might be said that the gold so -painfully amassed burned their fingers, and they were anxious to get rid -of it. And that was true, especially in the case of the French. Gold -with them had no value except in proportion to the difficulties they met -with in acquiring it. True adventurers in the fullest sense of the term, -what they loved was not the gold for itself, but the struggles it cost -them, and the energy and courage they must expend in its research. - -Charles was thoroughly acquainted with the character of the men he -commanded He knew that, in order to keep them with him, it would be -sufficient to supply an outlet for this superabundance of sap, this -vivacity of imagination, which filled the hearts and heads of these -extraordinary men. But how to obtain this result? What means should -he employ? Charles racked his brains in vain: the spark did not -strike--there was no light he could throw on the matter. - -About this time two Frenchmen, who had formed part of the count's -last expedition, and who were believed long ago dead, reappeared at -Guetzalli. Great was the amazement of all on seeing them, although so -haggard, half naked, and scarce able to stand; but still greater grew -that amazement when, two days after their return, on finding themselves -slightly recovered, owing to the kind attentions shown them, and able to -speak, they commenced the incredible narrative of their adventures. - -What had happened to them may be told in fewer words than the men -employed. The frightful hurricane that assailed the count's band had -surprised them some distance from the spot where their companions had -taken refuge, and rendered it impossible to rejoin them. They sheltered -themselves as well as they could during the tempest; but when it was -over, they perceived, to their horror, that every trace, every footmark, -had disappeared. - -Before them, behind them, and around them extended the desert, gloomy, -naked, and desolate. As far as their eye could reach they perceived -on all sides sand---sand everywhere and always. Then they believed -themselves lost; despair took possession of them; and they fell back on -the ground, resolved to await death, which would doubtless soon arrive -to put an end to their misery. They remained thus side by side, with -drooping heads and lacklustre eyes, in that state of complete apathy -which seizes on the strongest men after great catastrophes, suspends in -them the inward feeling of self, and interrupts their thoughts. - -How long did they remain in this condition? They were unable to tell. -They no longer lived, they no longer felt--they vegetated. They were -suddenly aroused from this extraordinary listlessness by the appearance -of a band of Apache Indians, who galloped round them, uttering ferocious -yells, and brandishing their long lances with an air of defiance and -menace. The Indians seized them, as they were incapable of offering the -slightest resistance, and led them to one of their villages, where they -kept them in a state of the most disgraceful and humiliating slavery. - -But the energy of the two adventurers, for an instant crushed, soon -gained the mastery again over their hearts. With extreme patience, -skill, and dissimulation they made the preparations for their flight. We -will not enter into any details as to the manner in which they succeeded -in escaping from the watchfulness of their guardians, and managed at -length to reach the colony by a roundabout road, crushed with fatigue, -and half dead with hunger, but arrive at once at the most important -point in their narrative. - -These men declared to the colonists that the village to which the -Apaches led them was built within gunshot of a placer of incalculable -value--that this placer was extremely easy to work, as the gold was on -the surface. As a proof of their veracity they showed several nuggets -of the finest gold, which they had managed to secure, and pledged -themselves to lead to this placer, which was not more than ten days' -journey from the colony, any of the adventurers who would consent to -take them as guides, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for -their toil and fatigue by the rich harvest they would obtain. - -This recital greatly interested the colonists. Charles de Laville, in -particular, lent a lively attention to it. He made the men repeat their -story several times, and they did not once vary from their original -statement. The captain had at length found the means he had been vainly -searching so long. Now he was certain not only that his comrades would -not abandon him, but that they would obey him blindly in all that he -thought proper to order them. The same day he informed the colonists -that he was preparing an expedition to go in search of the placer, -dislodge the Indians, and work it for the profit of all the paction. - -The news was received with transports of joy, and de Laville immediately -began carrying out his plan. Although the number of colonists had -greatly diminished (for frequent desertions had taken place), still -Guetzalli counted nearly two hundred colonists. It was of the utmost -importance to the gold-seekers to keep up the colony, as the only place -whence they could obtain provisions when at the mine; for, as we have -said, Guetzalli, as the advanced post of civilisation, had been founded -on the extreme limit of the desert. This position, chosen originally in -order to oppose the Indians more effectually, and stop their periodical -incursions upon the Mexican territory, became precious in the present -instance, through the facility it afforded the adventurers for supplying -themselves with all they needed without having recourse to strangers; -and this enabled them also to keep the discovery of the placer secret, -at any rate long enough, owing to the distance of the _pueblos_ from -the frontier, to render it impossible for the Mexican Government to -interpose and demand the lion's share, according to its usual custom. - -The captain did not wish to strip the colony thoroughly, for he must -leave it in a respectable position, and safe from a sudden attack on -the part of the Apaches and Comanches, those implacable foes of the -white men, ever on the watch, and ready to profit by their slightest -oversight. De Laville therefore decided that the expedition should -be composed of eighty well-mounted and well-armed men, and that the -others should remain behind to protect the colony. Still, to avoid any -dissension or jealousy among his comrades, the captain declared that -lots should decide who were to go in search of the placer. - -This expedient, which rendered everybody equal, was warmly approved, -and they proceeded to draw lots. The process was extremely simple: the -name of each adventurer was written on a roll of paper and thrown into -a vessel, whence a boy drew them one by one. Of course the eighty names -that came out first would be the members of the expedition. Thus, as the -arrangement was most simple, and at the same time perfectly fair, no one -had a right to complain. - -All was done as was agreed. Chance, as so frequently happens, favoured -the captain by selecting the most energetic and enterprising men. -Then all eagerly prepared for the departure; that is to say, they -collected provisions of every description, got together mules, and made -the tools required for working the mine. Still, in spite of all the -activity displayed by the captain, nearly a month elapsed ere all was in -readiness. - -The frightful catastrophe to which the Count de Lhorailles had fallen -a victim in the great Del Norte desert, which the adventurers would -have to cross in going to the placer, was a serious warning to de -Laville to act with the utmost prudence, and leave nothing to chance. -Hence, without listening in the slightest degree to the impatient -insinuations of his comrades, who urged him to press on the departure -of the expedition, he watched with the most scrupulous attention the -construction of the carts intended to convey the provisions, and allowed -no detail, however trifling, to escape his careful eye; for he knew that -the loss of an hour in the desert, produced by the breaking of a screw, -a tire, or a trace, might cause the death of the men placed under his -orders. - -At last all was ready, and the day for starting settled. Within -forty-eight hours the expedition would leave Guetzalli, when, at about -five in the evening, just as the captain, after giving a final glance at -the wagons already loaded and arranged in the courtyard, was about to -re-enter his house, the sentry on the isthmus announced the arrival of a -stranger. As soon as the captain felt assured that it was a white man, -and that he wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer, he ordered his -admission to the colony. The barrier was at once raised, and the colonel -(for he wore the insignia of that rank) entered Guetzalli, followed by -two lanceros, who served as his escort, and a mule bearing his baggage. - -The captain advanced to meet him. The colonel dismounted, threw the -reins to a lancero, and bowed politely to the captain, who returned the -salute with equal courtesy. - -"With whom have I the honour of speaking?" he asked the stranger. - -"I am," the latter answered, "Colonel Vicente Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, Governor-General of the province of -Sonora." - -"I am delighted, Señor Don Vicente, at the chance afforded me of making -jour acquaintance. You must be fatigued with the long journey you have -had to this place, so I trust you will not refuse to accept some modest -refreshment." - -"I accept most gladly, caballero," the colonel answered with a bow; "the -more so because I have ridden so fast that I have scarce rested a minute -since leaving Pitic." - -"Ah! you come from Pitic?" - -"As the bird flies. I have been only four days covering the ground." - -"Hum! you must be terribly fatigued in that case, for it is a long -distance, and, as you did me the honour to inform me, you have travelled -very rapidly. Be kind enough to follow me." - -The colonel bowed in reply, and the captain introduced him into a room -where refreshments of every description had been prepared. - -"Sit down, Don Vicente," the captain said as he drew forward a chair. - -The colonel fell back into the butaca offered him with a sigh of -satisfaction, whose meaning only those who have ridden thirty leagues -at a stretch can understand. For some minutes the conversation between -the captain and his guest was interrupted, for the colonel ate and -drank with an avidity which, judging from the well-known sobriety of the -Mexicans, proved that he had fasted a long time. De Laville examined him -thoughtfully, asking himself mentally what reason was so important as to -induce Don Guerrero to send a colonel to Guetzalli, and spite of himself -he felt a vague uneasiness weighing on his heart. At length Don Vicente -drank a glass of water, wiped his mouth, and turned to the captain. - -"A thousand pardons," he said, "for having behaved so unceremoniously to -you; but now I will confess to you that I was almost dead of inanition, -having eaten nothing since eight o'clock last evening." - -The captain bowed. - -"You do not, of course, intend to return this evening?" he asked him. - -"Pardon me, caballero, if it be possible, I shall start again in an -hour." - -"So soon?" - -"The general ordered me to make the greatest speed." - -"But your horses are half dead." - -"I count on your kindness to supply me with fresh ones." - -Horses were plentiful at the colony: there were more than the colonists -could use, and hence de Laville would have found no difficulty in -granting the colonel's request. Still his guest's manner seemed so -little natural, and he fancied he detected something so mysterious -about him, that he felt his alarm increased, and said,-- - -"I do not know, colonel, whether, in spite of my lively desire to be -agreeable to you, it will be possible for me to fulfil your request; for -horses are extremely scarce here at this moment." - -The colonel made a sign of annoyance. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, "that would vex me greatly." - -At this moment a peon discreetly opened the door, and handed the captain -a paper, on which a few words were written in pencil. The young man, -after apologising, opened the paper and quickly read it. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he crumpled the paper in his hands with -considerable agitation, "he here! What can be the matter?" - -"Eh?" the colonel said curiously, who had not understood the meaning of -this sentence spoken in French. - -"Nothing," the other answered; "a mere personal matter." Then turning to -the peon, he said, "I am coming." - -The peon bowed and left the room. - -"Colonel," de Laville continued, addressing his guest, "permit me to -leave you for an instant." - -And without waiting for a reply he left the room hurriedly, closing the -door carefully after him. This brusque departure totally discountenanced -the colonel. - -"Oh!" he muttered, repeating in Spanish, though unconsciously, what the -captain had said in French. "What can be the matter?" - -As he was a true Mexican, fond of knowing everything, and, above all, -of discovering anything people wished to keep secret from him, he rose -gently, walked to the window, pulled the mosquito curtain aside, and -looked out curiously into the yard. But it was labour in vain: the -courtyard was deserted. He then returned on tiptoe to his seat, and -began carelessly rolling a papelito, while muttering half aloud,-- - -"Patience! The man who knows how to wait always gains his end. I shall -obtain the clue to this mystery sooner or later." - -This aside having doubtlessly consoled him for the disappointment he had -experienced, he philosophically lit his cigarette, and soon disappeared -in the midst of a dense cloud of smoke which issued from his mouth and -nostrils simultaneously. We will leave the worthy colonel enjoying this -amusement at his ease, and follow de Laville, in order to explain to the -reader the meaning of the exclamation that escaped from him on reading -the paper which the peon so unexpectedly handed to him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -DOÑA ANGELA. - - -Before relating, however, what took place at Guetzalli between de -Laville and the colonel, we must return to the adventurers' encampment. - -Louis, still holding the maiden pressed to his breast, carried her to -the interior of the hut of branches which his comrades had built for -him at the entrance of the church. On arriving there he laid her in a -chair, and seated himself on a stool. There was a long silence, during -which both reflected deeply. A strange phenomenon took place in Louis' -heart. In spite of himself he felt hope returning to his soul: he -inhaled life through every pore--a desire to live came back to him. He -thought of the future--that future he had wished to destroy in himself, -by choosing as his mode of suicide the mad and rash expedition at the -head of which he had placed himself. - -The heart of man is made up of strange contrasts. The count had wrapped -himself up in his grief; he had, as it were, settled it in his mind, -living with it and through it, making it in his own eyes an excuse for -justifying the line of conduct he had traced for himself, or rather -which his foster brother had made him adopt, only desiring and accepting -the bitterness of life, and disdainfully rejecting the joy and happiness -it contains. Now, though unable to account for the extraordinary -revolution that had taken place in him, he instinctively felt that grief -he had so nurtured and petted growing: less, and ready to disappear, to -make room for a gentle and dreamy melancholy, which, before he thought -of wrestling with it and tearing it from his heart, had put forth such -powerful roots that he felt it had seized on his whole being. - -This new feeling was love. All passions are in the extreme, and, above -all, illogical. Were they not so, they would no longer be passions. Don -Louis loved Doña Angela. He loved her with the love of a man who has -reached the confines which separate youth from age; that is, furiously -and frenziedly. He loved her and hated her at the same time; for he -was angry with this new love, which caused him to forget the old, and -revealed to him that the heart of man may at times slumber, but never -die. The empire the maiden held over him was the stronger and more -powerful, because physically and morally she afforded the most striking -contrast to Doña Rosaria, the gentle creature with angel's wings, the -count's first love. Doña Angela's majestic and severe beauty, her -impetuous and ardent character--all in her had seduced and subjugated -the count. Hence he was angry at the power he had unconsciously allowed -her to gain over his will, and blamed as a weakness unworthy of his -character the reaction which this love had effected in his heart, by -obliging him to recognise that it was still possible for him to be happy. - -Louis was far from forming an exception in the great human family. -All men are alike. When they have arranged their existence under the -influence of any feeling, either of joy or grief, they take pleasure in -the continual development of that feeling, convert it into a portion -of their being, and intrench themselves behind it as in an impregnable -fortress; and when, by some sudden blow, the edifice they have taken -such pains to construct falls in ruins, they feel angry with themselves -for not having known how to defend it, and, as a natural consequence, -blame the innocent cause of this great overthrow. - -While reflecting, the count had let his head sink on his breast, -isolating himself in his thoughts, and plunging deeper and deeper -into his sombre reverie, following instinctively the incline on which -his mind was at the moment gliding. He raised his eyes, and fixed on -Doña Angela a glance in which all the feelings that agitated him were -reflected. The maiden was lying back, with her face buried in her hands: -the tears were slowly dropping between her fingers, and resembled a dew -of pearls. She was weeping gently and noiselessly: her breast heaved -convulsively, and she seemed a prey to intense grief. The count turned -pale. He rose hurriedly, and walked toward her. - -At this sudden movement Doña Angela let her hands sink, and regarded -Don Louis with such a gentle expression of resigned grief and true -love, that the count felt a thrill of happiness flush through his body. -Exhausted, overcome, he fell on his knees, murmuring in a panting and -broken voice,-- - -"Oh! I love you--I love you!" - -The maiden half rose from her seat, bent over him, and regarded him for -a long time pensively. Suddenly she fell into his arms, laid her head -on his shoulder, and began sobbing. The count, alarmed by this grief, -the cause of which it was impossible for him to discover, gently put her -back on her chair, sat down by her side, and took her hand, which he -held between his own. - -"Why these tears?" he asked her tenderly. "Whence comes this grief that -oppresses you?" - -"No, I am not weeping. Look!" she replied, trying to smile through her -tears. - -"Child, you conceal something from me--you have a secret!" - -"A secret! That of my love. Did I not tell you that I love you, Louis?" - -"Alas! and I, too, love you," he replied sorrowfully. "And yet I cannot -think of that love without alarm." - -"Why so if you love me?" - -"If I love you, child! For you and your love I would sacrifice -everything." - -"Well?" she said. - -"Alas, child! I am an accursed man. My love is deadly, and I tremble." - -"What greater joy than to die for the man I love?" - -"I am proscribed--a pirate, an outlaw." - -She drew herself up proudly and haughtily, with frowning brow, dilated -nostrils, and flashing eye. - -"You are truly noble, Don Louis!" she almost shrieked in her excitement. -"You have dreamed of the regeneration of an enslaved people. What do -I care for the names given you, my friend? The day will come when -brilliant justice will be done you." Then growing gradually calmer, she -smiled tenderly. "You are proscribed, my poor darling," she said gently; -"and is it not woman's mission in this world to support and console? The -struggle you are about to undertake will be terrible. Your project is -almost a madman's for grandeur and boldness: perhaps you will succumb -in this struggle. You need, not a counsellor or a brother, but a woman -friend whose soul understands yours; from whose heart your heart keeps -no secrets; who consoles you, and cries 'Courage!' when you allow -despair to master you, and when, like a vanquished Titan, you feel ready -to retire. That faithful, devoted friend, ever watchful over you and for -you, I will be, Don Louis--I who will never leave you, and who, if you -fall, will fall by your side, struck by the same blow that crushed you." - -"Thanks, child; but I am not worthy of such sublime devotion. Think of -the painful existence you create for yourself--think of the pleasant -calm and peaceful life you leave behind you, to affiance yourself to -grief, perchance to death." - -"What do I care for that? Death will be welcome if it come by your side. -I love you!" - -Don Louis hesitated. - -"Think," he said presently, "of the immense grief of your father, whom -you abandon--your father who loves you so dearly, and has only you----" - -She laid her hand quickly on his lips. - -"Be silent--be silent!" she screamed in a heart-rending accent. "Do not -speak of my father. Why do you say that to me? Why augment my despair? -I love you, Don Louis--I love you! Henceforth you are everything to -me--fortune, parents, friends--all, I tell you. From the day when I -first saw you, powerful and terrible as the exterminating angel, my -heart fled toward yours. Something, a presentiment perhaps, revealed -to me that our two destinies were for ever enchained to each other. -When I saw you again my heart had divined you, but I remained in the -shadow, for you did not need me; but now times are changed. You are -betrayed, tracked, abandoned, by those whose interest it would have -been to support you. The country you have come to deliver renounces -you. My father, whose life you saved, has become your most implacable -foe, because you spurned his offers, and would not serve his paltry -and shameful ambition. Well, I, intrenching myself in my heart as in a -fortress, have in my turn renounced my country, abandoned my father, -and, like a true daughter of the Mexican volcanoes, feeling lava -instead of blood coursing in my veins, bounding with indignation at -the numberless acts of treachery which have begirt you on all sides--I -have forgotten everything, even that modesty innate in maidens, and -defying that world which I abhor and despise, because it rejects you, I -have come to you to love you--to render sweeter the few days which are -perhaps still left you to live; for I do not deceive myself as to the -future any more than you do, Don Louis. And when the fatal hour arrives, -when the hurricane bursts above your head, I shall be there to support -you by my presence, to encourage you by my boundless love, and to die in -your arms!" - -There is in the woman who really loves, and whom passion masters, so -grand a magnetic attraction, a poesy so powerful, that the man with -the greatest self-restraint feels, in spite of himself, a species of -voluptuous dizziness, and suddenly finds his reason desert him, only to -see that love he inspires, and of which he is proud. - -"But you wept, Angela," the count said. "Your tears are still flowing." - -"Yes," she continued energetically, "I wept--I still weep. Well, cannot -you guess why, Don Louis? It is because I am a woman, after all; because -I am weak, and, in spite of all my will and all my love, my rebellious -nature is struggling with my heart; and because, in order to follow you, -and give myself up to you, I despise all that a woman ought to remember -under such circumstances, confined as she is by the miserable claims -of a puny civilisation, a slave to stupid proprieties, and compelled -constantly to hide her feelings in order to play an infamous comedy. -That is why I wept--why I still weep. But what matter these tears, my -well-beloved? There is as much joy as shame in them, and they prove to -you the triumph you have gained over me." - -"Angela," the count answered nobly, "I will deceive neither your love -nor your confidence. Your happiness will not depend on me." - -She gave him a glance of sublime abnegation. - -"Nothing but your love!" she said gently. "I want nothing but that. What -do I care for aught else?" - -"But I care that the woman who has given up all for me should not sink -in public opinion, and be scandalised." - -"What will you do?" - -"Give you my name, my child--the only property left me. At any rate, if -you are the companion of a pirate," he said bitterly, "no one shall -reproach you with being his mistress. In the eyes of the world, I swear -it to you, you shall be his wedded wife." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in mad delight. - -"Good, brother!" Valentine said as he entered the hut. "I will take on -myself to have your union blessed by a simple-hearted priest, to whom -the Gospel is not a dead letter, and who understands Christianity in all -its gentle and touching grandeur." - -"Thanks, Don Valentine." - -"Call me brother, madam; for I am so to you, as I am his brother. You -are a noble creature, and I thank you for the love you bear Don Louis. -And now," he added, with a smile, "there will be a struggle between us: -there are two of us to love him." - -The count, his eyes filled with tears, but not finding words to express -all he felt, held out his hands to these two beings, who were so good -and so devoted, with an emotion that came from the heart. - -"Now," Valentine said gaily, to change the conversation, "let us talk -about business." - -"Business!" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said with a laugh, "it seems to me that, for the -moment, what we have on hand is sufficiently important for us to trouble -ourselves about it." - -"That is true," Louis answered; "but can we, in the presence of this -lady----" - -"That is true: I did not think of that. I am so little accustomed to -society, I trust the lady will pardon me." - -"Permit me, gentlemen," she said with a smile: "a woman is often a good -counsellor, and under present circumstances I believe I can be of some -use to you." - -"I do not doubt it," the hunter said politely; "but----" - -"But you do not believe a word of it," she laughingly interrupted, her -petulant character gaining the upper hand again. "However, you shall -judge for yourselves." - -"We are listening," the count said. - -"My father is at this moment making great preparations: his object -is to crush you before you are prepared to undertake a campaign. All -the Indios Mansos capable of bearing arms are called out, and an -extraordinary levy of troops is ordered through the whole of Sonora." - -"Ah, indeed!" Louis observed. "Those are tremendous preparations." - -"That is not all. Is there not somewhere near here a French colony?" - -"Yes, there is," the count said, suddenly becoming serious; "the colony -of Guetzalli." - -"My father intends to send there, if he has not done so already, his -aide-de-camp, Colonel Suarez." - -"For what purpose?" - -"I suppose to neutralise, by the brilliant promises made to the -colonists, the assistance you might expect from them." - -Louis became pensive. - -"We must make up our minds," Valentine said sharply, "while the -company is preparing, to open the campaign speedily. We must send some -safe person to Guetzalli. As the colonists are French it is impossible -for them not to make common cause with us in a quarrel like that -which compels us to take up arms, and which concerns them as much as -ourselves." - -"You are right, brother. No more delay; but let us act vigorously. You -will accompany me to Guetzalli." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It is only two days' journey at the most from here. It is always best -to manage one's own business; and besides, nobody can obtain from the -colonists so much as I can." - -"How so?" - -"That is too long a story to tell you now. It is enough for you to know -that, on a recent occasion, I rendered rather a great service to the -colony, which I hope they have not yet had time to forget."[1] - -"Oh, oh! if that be the case, I no longer object. In truth, no one can -have a better hope of succeeding in the negotiation than yourself. Let -us go, then; and may Heaven aid us!" - -"Let us go," Louis answered. - -"Well," Doña Angela said with a smile, "did I not say I should be a good -counsellor?" - -"I never doubted it, madam," the hunter replied gallantly. "Besides, it -could not be otherwise, as my brother assured us that you would be our -guardian angel." - -Don Louis, after handing the command over to the first lieutenant, and -recommending the greatest activity and vigilance, announced to his -comrades his temporary absence, though he did not reveal to them the -object of his journey, in order not to discourage them in case his -negotiation failed; and at sunset, followed only by Valentine, and after -saying farewell to Doña Angela once more, he left the mission, and -started at a gallop on the road to Guetzalli. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE AMBASSADORS. - - -The paper which the peon handed to Captain de Laville, and which caused -him to feel such emotion, only contained one name; but it was a name -well known at Guetzalli--that of the Count de Prébois Crancé. The -Guetzallians had heard vague rumours of the French expedition formed at -San Francisco for the purpose of working the inexhaustible mines of the -Plancha de Plata. They knew, too, of the company's arrival at Guaymas; -but since then they had received no news, and were completely ignorant -of the events that had occurred. - -The captain had not the remotest idea that the Count de Prébois was the -leader of that expedition; but, from several words Louis had let fall -during his stay at the hacienda, he suspected him of fostering certain -projects against the Mexican Government. This was the reason why, on -receiving the paper, his first impulse was to exclaim, "He here! What -can be the matter?" - -He proceeded at once to the count, persuaded that the latter, outlawed -for some reason by the Mexican Government, had come to demand an asylum -from him. Colonel Suarez' unexpected visit coincided strangely with the -count's arrival, and confirmed him in his notion; for he supposed, with -some appearance of truth, that the colonel was ordered to enforce on him -not to receive the exile, or, if he received him into the colony, to -hand him over at once to the Mexican authorities. Fearing lest he might -commit some error prejudicial to the count, he had hurriedly left the -colonel alone, in order to come to an understanding with his compatriot, -as from the first moment he had resolved not only not to surrender him, -but not to abandon him if he claimed his aid. - -The reader sees that, although the captain's hypothesis was false, it -bordered on the truth in several points. - -Don Louis and Valentine, seated on butacas, were smoking and talking -together, while drinking, to refresh themselves, a decoction of -tamarinds, when the door opened, and the captain appeared. The three men -shook hands affectionately, and then de Laville, making the others a -sign to sit down again, began the conversation at once. - -"What good wind brings you to Guetzalli, my dear count?" he said. - -"Hum!" the latter said. "If you asked what _cordonazo_, you would be -nearer the truth, my dear De Laville; for never has a more terrible -hurricane assailed me than threatens at this moment." - -"Oh, oh! do tell me about it I need hardly say, I suppose, I am quite at -your service." - -"Thank you; but, before all, one word. Who has taken the Count de -Lhorailles' place in the government of the colony?" - -"Myself," the young man modestly replied. - -"By Jove! I am delighted to hear that," the count said frankly, "for no -one was more worthy than you to succeed him." - -"My dear sir!" he said in confusion. - -"On my word, captain, I tell you honestly what I think: all the worse if -it wounds you." - -"Far from that," the young man remarked with a smile. - -"Then all is for the best. I see that my interests will not be -imperilled in your hands." - -"You may feel assured of it." - -"Permit me to introduce to you my most intimate friend, my foster -brother, whose name you must often have heard, and with whom I should -be glad for you to be better acquainted: in one word, he is the French -scout whom the Indians and Mexicans have surnamed the 'Trail-hunter.'" - -The captain rose hurriedly, and held out his hand to the hunter. - -"What!" he said with considerable emotion, "Are you Valentine Guillois?" - -"Yes, sir," the hunter replied with a modest bow. - -"Oh, sir!" the young man exclaimed warmly, "I am delighted to form -your personal acquaintance. Everybody respects and cherishes you here, -because you maintain that title of Frenchman, of which we are all so -proud. Thanks, count, thanks; and now, by heavens, ask of me anything -you please, and I shall not know how to repay the pleasure you have -caused me. - -"Good heavens!" the count replied; "for the present I will only ask you -a very simple matter. You will soon be visited, if he has not already -arrived, by an aide-de-camp of General Guerrero." - -"Colonel Suarez?" - -"Yes." - -"He is here." - -"Already?" - -"He has only been here an hour." - -"He has told you nothing?" - -"Not yet: we have not spoken together." - -"All the better. Would you mind placing us where it would be possible -for us to overhear your conversation, and not be seen?" - -"That is very simple. Adjoining the room where he is waiting for me is a -recess, only covered by a curtain; but we can manage it better still." - -"How?" - -"Does he know you?" - -"Me?" - -"Yes. Does he know you by sight?" - -"No." - -"You are sure of that?" - -"Quite." - -"Nor this gentleman either?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Very good: let me manage it. I will arrange it all; and now to talk of -yourself." - -"It is unnecessary." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is probable the colonel will tell you more than I could." - -"Ah, ah! then you fancy he has come on your account?" - -"I am certain of it." - -"Very good. Now, do not trouble yourself about anything, but let me -arrange it all." - -"Agreed." - -"I will be with you again directly." - -And he left the room. - -The colonel was still in the same position as when we left him. He had -lighted a considerable number of husk cigarettes, and the nicotine was -beginning to act gently on his brain; his eyelids were drooping; in -short, he was just on the point of going to sleep. The sudden entrance -of the captain aroused him from this state of torpor, and he raised his -head. - -"Pray pardon my having left you alone so long," the young man said; "but -an unforeseen event----" - -"You are quite excused," the colonel answered politely. "Still I should -have been charmed had you thought of advising the Count de Lhorailles -of my arrival, for the affair that brought me here admits of no delay." - -The captain regarded the Mexican with surprise. - -"How!" he said, "the Count de Lhorailles?" - -"Certainly: it is to him alone that I must communicate the dispatches of -which I am bearer." - -"But the Count de Lhorailles has been dead for nearly a year. Were you -not aware of the fact?" - -"My word, no, sir, I confess." - -"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to -the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him -at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to -take his place." - -"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, -or was assassinated on the road." - -"I fear it." - -"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post." - -"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do -not measure men by age or height." - -"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With -whom have I the honour of speaking?" - -"With Don Carlos de Laville." - -The colonel bowed. - -"I will, then, with your permission, caballero, communicate my -dispatches to you." - -"A moment, sir," the captain said quickly. "I cannot listen to you -unless I have by my side two of the principal men in the colony." - -"For what object?" - -"That is the law." - -"Do so, then." - -The captain struck a bell, and a peon entered. - -"Ask the two gentlemen waiting in the green room to come here," he said. - -The peon went out. - -"What! the two persons who are waiting?" the colonel said suspiciously. - -"Yes. As I presumed, colonel, that you were the bearer of dispatches, -I warned these two persons in order to detain you as short a time as -possible." - -"In that case permit me to return you my thanks, for I am really -terribly pressed for time." - -At this moment the door opened, and the count and Valentine came in. -The colonel bent a piercing glance upon them, to try to discover with -what sort of men he would have to deal; but it was impossible to read -anything in their cold and rigid countenances, which seemed hewn out of -marble. - -"Gentlemen," the captain said, "Colonel Don Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, military governor of the State of -Sonora. Colonel Suarez, two of my countrymen." - -The three men bowed stiffly. - -"Now, gentlemen," the captain continued, "pray be seated. The colonel is -the bearer of dispatches he wishes to communicate to us, and they are -probably important, as the colonel has not stopped even between Pitic -and this place. We are ready to listen to you, colonel." - -Like all men accustomed to double dealing and underhand schemes, the -colonel possessed an infallible instinct for scenting treachery. In the -present case, although all was being done ostensibly with the greatest -frankness, and he was a thousand leagues from suspecting the truth, -he guessed that he was being cheated, although it was impossible to -perceive the secret object they had in view. Still he had no subterfuges -he could employ: he must obey his instructions, and he decided on doing -so, much against the grain, after bending on the two strangers a second -glance, by which he sought to read their very hearts' thoughts, but -which had no better result than the first. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "you have doubtlessly not forgotten the numberless -acts of kindness with which the Mexican Government has overwhelmed you." - -"Overwhelmed is the word," de Laville interrupted him with a smile. "Go -on, colonel." - -"The Government is ready to make still greater sacrifices for you, if -necessary." - -"_Caspita!_" the young man again interrupted him, "we will spare it the -trouble. The kindnesses of the Mexican Government generally cost us very -dearly." - -A discussion commenced in this tone of raillery had not the slightest -chance of resulting in an amicable arrangement. Still the colonel did -not break down, his mind was made up. He cared little for the result, -for he knew perfectly well that those who sent him would not hesitate to -disavow him according to circumstances. - -"Hum!" he said, "the following proposal is made you." - -"I beg your pardon, colonel, but before telling us the proposals, -perhaps it would be better to explain to us the reasons that induce the -Government to offer them," de Laville observed. - -"Good heavens, sir! you must know the reasons as well as I do." - -"Pardon me, but we are completely ignorant of them, and would feel -greatly obliged by your telling them to us." - -The count and Valentine were as motionless as statues, and these two -gloomy faces disturbed the colonel in an extraordinary manner. - -"The reasons are very simple," he stammered. - -"I do not doubt it, but be good enough to mention them." - -"This letter," he said, handing a sealed paper to the captain, "will -explain the matter fully." - -De Laville took the paper, read it through hurriedly, and then crumpled -it up passionately in his hand. - -"Colonel," he then said in a firm voice, "the Government of Sonora -forgets that the colony of Guetzalli only contains Frenchmen; that is to -say, no traitors. We have retained our nationality, although established -in this country; and if the Mexican laws will not protect us we will -appeal to our minister at Mexico, and, if necessary, contrive to protect -ourselves." - -"These threats, sir----" the colonel interrupted. - -"They are not threats," the young man continued energetically. "General -Guerrero insults us by inviting us not merely to abandon one of our -countrymen, who is in every respect worthy of our support, through his -loyalty, courage, and nobility of character, but also by proposing to us -to hunt him down like a wild beast, and deliver him over. The general -menaces us with outlawry if we assist the count, whom he brands as a -pirate and a rebel. Let him do so if he please. This letter you have -handed me will be carried by a sure man to Mexico, and handed to our -minister, with a detail of all the annoyances we have suffered from the -Mexican authorities ever since our settlement here." - -"You are wrong, sir," the colonel answered, "to take the proposal made -you in this way. The general is very well disposed toward you. I doubt -not that he will consent to grant you great advantages if you will -only obey him. What do you peaceful colonists care for this rebellious -count, whom I dare say you never heard of? Your own interests demand -that you should turn against him. This man is a villain, to whom nothing -is sacred. Since his arrival in our country he has committed the most -odious crimes. Take my advice, sir; do not obstinately choose a wrong -path, but prove to the Government all your gratitude for the favours you -have received by abandoning this villain." - -The captain had listened calmly and coldly to the Mexican's long -diatribe, holding in check by a glance the count and his companion, who -found it very difficult not to burst out and treat this man in the way -he deserved. When the colonel at length ceased, the captain looked at -him with sovereign contempt. - -"Have you finished?" he said dryly. - -"Yes," the other answered in confusion. - -"Very good. Now, thanks to Heaven, we have nothing more in common. Be -good enough to mount your horse and leave the colony immediately. As for -General Guerrero, tell him that I will give him an answer myself." - -"I will retire, sir. Do you intend to give this answer soon?" - -"Within twenty-four hours. Begone!" - -"I will report our conversation word for word to the general." - -"I shall be glad of it. Good-by till we meet again, sir." - -"What! do you intend to take your answer personally?" - -"Perhaps so," de Laville answered mockingly. - -The colonel went out all abashed by his reception, and followed by the -three men, who did not let him out of sight, and walked by his side, -so as to prevent him communicating with anyone. His horse was waiting -in the courtyard, held by one of the orderlies. The colonel mounted and -rode off rapidly, for he was anxious to leave the colony. On reaching -the isthmus gate he, however, turned round, and looked back for some -time. - -"Who can those two men be?" he muttered. - -And he dug his spurs in his horse's sides. When he had disappeared in -the windings of the road the captain seized Don Louis' hand, and pressed -it affectionately. - -"And now, my dear count," he said to him, "speak. What can I do for you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN. - - -The count returned the young man's affectionate pressure, but shook his -head sorrowfully and remained silent. - -"Why do you not answer me?" the captain asked him. "Do you doubt my -willingness to be of service to you?" - -"It is not that," the count said sadly. "I know that your heart is noble -and generous, and that you will not hesitate to come to my aid." - -"Whence arises this hesitation, then?" - -"Friend," the count answered with a melancholy smile, "I reproach myself -at this moment for having come to find you." - -"For what reason?" - -"Need I tell you? This land you cultivate, only a few years back, was -a virgin forest, serving as a lurking place for wild beasts: now, -thanks to your labour and intelligence, it has been metamorphosed into -a fertile and cultivated plain; numerous flocks feed in your prairies; -the desolation and neglect of this frontier have disappeared to make -room for the incessant toil of civilisation. This colony of Guetzalli, -founded with so much trouble, bedewed with so much blood, prospers, and -is beginning to repay amply the toil and perspiration it cost you. The -day is at hand when, stimulated by your example, other colonists will -come to join you, and, by aiding you to repulse the Indios Bravos into -their impenetrable deserts, will for ever protect the Mexican frontiers -from the depredations of the savages, and restore to this magnificent -country its pristine splendour. - -"Well?" the captain remarked. - -"Well," the count continued, "is it fitting for me, a stranger, a man to -whom you owe nothing, to drag you into a contest without any probable -issue--to mix you up in a quarrel which does not concern you, and in -which you have everything to lose, so that tomorrow the land you have, -after so many efforts, torn from desolation, should fall back into its -primitive barbarism? In a word, my friend, I ask myself by what title -and by what right I should drag you down in my fall." - -"By what title and right? I will tell you," the young captain said -nobly. "We are here six thousand leagues from our country, on the -extreme limits of the desert, having no protection to hope, or help to -seek, other than from ourselves. At such a distance from their country -all Frenchmen must consider each other as brothers, and be responsible -for each other. All must resent an insult offered to a Frenchman. It is -because we are few in number, and consequently exposed to the insults -of our enemies, that we ought to defend one another, and demand that -justice should be done us. By acting thus we not only protect our own -honour, but defend our country, and guard from any insult that title of -Frenchmen of which we are justly proud." - -"You speak well, captain," Valentine interrupted him. "Your words are -those of a man of heart. It is abroad that patriotism must be strong and -inflexible. We have no right to allow wretched enemies to lower that -national honour which our brothers in France have intrusted to us; for -each of us here represents our beloved country, and must at his risk and -peril make it be respected by all, no matter under what circumstances." - -"Yes," the captain answered quickly, "the Mexican Government, by -insulting the Count de Prébois Crancé, by breaking all its engagements -with him, and betraying him in so cowardly a fashion, has not insulted -a Frenchman, an individual, or nameless adventurer, but the whole of -France. Well, France must reply to it, and, by heavens! we will pick -up the glove thrown to us. We will fight to avenge our honour; and if -we succumb, we shall have fallen nobly in the arena, and believe me, -gentlemen, our blood will not have been shed in vain: our country will -pity while admiring us, and our fall will create us avengers. Besides, -my dear count," he added, "you are in no way a stranger to the colony -of Guetzalli; for did you not lend us the support of your arm and your -counsels under critical circumstances? It is our turn now, and we shall -only pay our debts after all." - -The count could not refrain from smiling. - -"Well," he said with emotion, "be it so: I accept your generous -devotion. Any further resistance would not only be ridiculous, but might -appear in your eyes ungrateful." - -"Very good," the captain said gaily; "we are now beginning to understand -each other. I was certain that I should end by convincing you." - -"You are a charming companion," the count retorted; "it is impossible to -resist you." - -"By Jove! you arrive at the very moment to obtain speedy help." - -"How so?" - -"Just imagine that two days later you would not have found me at home." - -"Impossible!" - -"Did you not notice, on your arrival, the wagons and carts arranged in -one of the courts you crossed?" - -"I did." - -"I was on the point of starting, at the head of eighty picked men, to go -and work certain mines we have heard about." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"Yes; but for the present the expedition will remain _in statu quo_, for -the band I intended to lead into the desert will join you, or at least I -presume so." - -"What! you presume so?" - -"Yes, because I cannot dispose of the band, or change the object of the -expedition, without the general assent." - -"That is true," said the count; and his features grew solemn. - -"But do not feel alarmed," the captain continued; "we shall easily -obtain that assent when the colonists know what interests I propose to -serve." - -"May Heaven grant it!" - -"I guarantee success. You have, I suppose, all the stores necessary for -entering on a campaign?" - -"Nearly so; but I regret to say that all my arrieros have deserted me, -and left my camp furtively." - -"The deuce! and naturally they took their mules with them?" - -"All, without exception; and this renders it very embarrassing to move -my baggage and draw my guns." - -"Good, good! We will provide for all that. I have here, as you saw, -excellent wagons; I am also well supplied with mules; and there are in -the colony men perfectly capable of leading them." - -"You will render me no slight service." - -"I hope to render you others far greater than that." - -The three men had returned to the room in which the conference with -Colonel Suarez had taken place. The captain struck the bell, and a peon -entered. - -"This evening, after _oración_, at the end of the day's labour, the -colonists will assemble in the patio to hear an important communication -I have to make to them," he said. - -The domestic bowed. - -"Bring the dinner," the captain added. Then, turning to his guests, -he said, "I presume you will dine with me, for you cannot start again -before tomorrow?" - -"That is true. Still we expect to be off before sunrise." - -"Where is your camp?" - -"At the mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles." - -"That is close by." - -"Oh! some thirty leagues at the most." - -"Yes, and the position is very strong. You do not intend, though, to -stay there long?" - -"No; I mean to strike a heavy blow." - -"You are right: you must cause the terror of your name to precede you." - -At this moment the peons brought in the dinner. - -"To table, gentlemen," the captain said. - -The meal was, as might be expected in this extreme frontier, excessively -frugal. It was only composed of venison, maize tortillas, red beans, -and pimiento, the whole washed down with pulque, mezcal, and Catalonian -refino, the strongest spirit in the known world. The guests had a true -hunter's appetite; that is to say, they were nearly dead of hunger, for -the count and Valentine had eaten nothing for thirty hours. Hence they -vigorously attacked the provisions placed before them. - -The peons had retired immediately after bringing in the dinner, so as -to leave the party full liberty for conversation. Hence, so soon as the -rough edge was taken off their appetite, the discussion was begun again -exactly where it left off, which always occurs with men whose minds are -preoccupied by any difficult project. - -"So," the captain asked, "war is decidedly declared between you and the -Mexican Government?" - -"Without remedy." - -"Although the cause you sustain is just, as you are fighting for the -maintenance of a right, still you will inscribe something on the banner -you display?" - -"Of course. I inscribe the only thing which can guarantee me the -protection of the people through whom I pass, and make the oppressed and -the malcontents flock to me." - -"Hum! what is it?" - -"Only four words." - -"And they are?" - -"_Independencia de la Sonora._" - -"Yes, the idea is a happy one. If a particle of nobility and generosity -is left in the hearts of the inhabitants of this unhappy country (which, -however, I confess to you I greatly doubt), those four words will -suffice to produce a revolution." - -"I hope so, without daring to count on it. You know, like myself, the -Mexican character--a strange composite of all good and bad instincts, -about which it is impossible to form a decided opinion." - -"Why, my dear count, the Mexicans are like every people that has been -for a long time enslaved. After remaining children for ages, they grew -too fast, and had the pretension of being men, when they scarcely began -to comprehend their emancipation, or were in a position to derive any -benefit from it." - -"Still we will attempt to galvanise them. The revolutionary race is, -perhaps, not completely extinct in this country, and what remains will -be sufficient to enkindle the sacred flame in the hearts of all." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"Hasten onwards, so as not to let myself be attacked, which always -implies inferiority, if not timidity." - -"That is true." - -"How many men do you expect to be able to give me?" - -"Eighty horsemen, commanded by myself, as I told you." - -"Thanks! But when will these horsemen (who, by the way, will be very -useful to me, as I possess so few at the moment) be able to join me?" - -"This evening they will be granted you, and in two days they will reach -the mission." - -"Could you send off the mules, wagons, and muleteers tomorrow with me?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. I will set out at once for Magdalena: it is a large pueblo, -commanding the two roads from Ures and Hermosillo." - -"I know it." - -"Proceed there direct, for that will save a loss of time." - -"Agreed. I shall arrive there at the same time as yourself, which will -be the more easy as I shall send off my baggage to your head quarters." - -"Very good." - -"You intend, then, to act energetically?" - -"Yes; I mean to try a grand stroke. If I succeed in taking one of the -three capitals of Sonora I shall have gained the campaign." - -"Such an enterprise is surely rash." - -"I know it; but in my position I dare not calculate -consequences--boldness alone can and must save me. - -"You are right, and I will not add a word. But now let us proceed to the -meeting, for our men are assembled. In their present temper I am certain -that the request I am about to make of them will be granted without -difficulty." - -They went out. As the captain had announced, all the colonists were -assembled in the courtyard, broken up into scattered groups, eagerly -discussing the reasons which caused their assemblage. When the captain -appeared, accompanied by his two friends, silence was immediately -established, curiosity closing the mouths of the most talkative. - -The Count de Prébois Crancé was known to most of the colonists: his -appearance was consequently hailed with sympathetic greetings, for -each retained in his memory the recollection of the services he had -rendered when Guetzalli was so rudely assailed by the Apaches. The -captain cleverly availed himself of this goodwill, on which he had, -indeed, built, in order to explain his request clearly to the colonists, -while accounting for the causes which obliged the count to come and seek -allies at Guetzalli. - -The men would not have been the hearty adventurers they really were, -had they received such a request coldly. Seduced, as was natural, by -the strangeness and even the temerity of the enterprise proposed to -them, they consented to range themselves under the count's banner with -enthusiastic shouts and delight. The first expedition projected, and for -which all the preparations had been made, was completely forgotten, and -the only question was the enfranchisement of Sonora. Had the count asked -for two hundred men, he would certainly have obtained them on the spot -without the slightest difficulty. - -Captain de Laville, delighted at the prodigious success he had achieved, -warmly thanked his comrades, both in the count's name and his own, and -immediately began getting ready to start. The wagons were carefully -inspected to see that they were all in order, and were then laden with -all the articles requisite for the coming campaign. At about an hour -before sunrise all was ready for starting; the wagons were loaded, and -horses attached; the mules, carefully selected, were intrusted to steady -men. - -Louis and Valentine mounted; the captain accompanied them about a league -from the company; and then they parted, agreeing to meet again three -days later at La Magdalena. - -Mules and wagons progress very slowly in Mexico, where there are in -reality no roads, and where you are generally forced to cut a path with -the axe. Louis and his foster brother, whose presence was imperatively -demanded at the mission, felt in despair at this slowness. In this -extremity the count resolved to leave the caravan, and push on ahead. -In consequence they left the arrieros, after recommending the greatest -diligence to them, and burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, set -out at full speed for the mission. - -The American horses, descended from the old Arabs of the conquerors -of New Spain, have several incontestable advantages over ours. In the -first place they are temperate: a little alfalfa in the morning, after -washing their mouths out, enables them to go a whole day without food, -drink, or rest. These horses seem indefatigable, and, indeed, they have -only one pace--the gallop; and at the end of the day, after going twenty -leagues at that pace, they have not turned a hair, and do not display -the slightest fatigue. - -As our two horsemen were mounted on crack steeds, they reached the -mission in a comparatively very short period. At the first barricade a -man was waiting for them: it was Curumilla. - -"Someone is waiting for you," he said. "Come." - -They followed him, asking each other with a glance what reason could be -so important as to draw such a long sentence from Curumilla. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FATHER AND DAUGHTER. - - -The adventurers' camp had completely changed its character: it had lost -the peaceful appearance of the early days, and assumed a warlike air, -perfectly in accordance with the present aspect of affairs. At each -issue from the mission, a gun, guarded by a detachment, was pointed at -the open country, while piled muskets formed a long row, in front of -which a guard walked up and down. Sentries posted at regular distances -watched the approaches, while advanced posts, established in sure -positions, prevented any attempt at a surprise. - -In the interior of the camp the greatest activity prevailed; the camp -forges smoked, and re-echoed the hasty blows of the smiths; further -on, carpenters were cutting into shape whole trees; the armorers were -inspecting and repairing arms; in short, everybody was working eagerly, -in order to get everything prepared with the least possible delay. - -The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the -camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the -adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached -headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the -melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance _del Rey Rodrigo_, smote -their ears. - -"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to -ask some information from Don Cornelio." - -"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to -obtain it from Curumilla." - -"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words -exchanged by the friends. - -"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile. - -Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a -_jacal_ of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before -which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming -his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his -eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a -shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them. - -"_Capa de Dios!_" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, -caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you." - -"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously. - -"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on -horseback?" - -"No, no, we will join you." - -And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the -count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs -ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding -his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at -the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses. - -"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools -scattered about. - -"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the -count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?" - -"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have -brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, -however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not -wish to talk with you about those matters." - -"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?" - -"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered -me to watch over Doña Angela--a singular commission enough for me." - -"How so?" - -"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I -dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero." - -"I thank you for it." - -"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the -commandant." - -"Ah, ah! And you know the contents of the letter?" - -"It was simply a request for a safe-conduct to remain in the camp." - -"Ah! and who was it signed by?" - -"Father Seraphin." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed quickly, "Father Seraphin, the French -missionary, the sainted man whom the Indians themselves have christened -the 'Apostle of the Prairies?'" - -"Himself." - -"That is strange," the hunter muttered. - -"Is it not?" - -"But," said the count, "Father Seraphin does not need a safe-conduct to -stay with us as long as he pleases." - -"Of course," Valentine confirmed him, "we shall always be happy, myself -in particular, to profit by his advice." - -"The worthy father did not request the safe-conduct for himself: he is -very well aware that his visit could only be agreeable to us." - -"Ah! For whom, then?" - -"For a person for whom he would be bail during the period of his stay -among us, but whose name he kept secret." - -"Hum! that is not clear." - -"That is what I thought, so I urged the commandant to refuse." - -"Well?" - -"He granted the safe-conduct, alleging a reason which, by the way, is -not so illogical--that the man for whom the safe-conduct is requested is -evidently a friend or an enemy, and in either case it is good to know -him, so as eventually to treat him as he deserves." - -The two Frenchmen could not refrain from laughing at this singular -logic. - -"Well, and what is the result of all this?" the count continued. - -"The result is that Father Seraphin arrived this morning at the mission, -accompanied by a person carefully wrapped up in a large cloak." - -"Ah, ah! And this person?" - -"You can guess a thousand times before finding out." - -"I think it would be better for you to tell me at once." - -"I believe so too. Well, prepare yourself to hear something incredible. -This person is no one less than Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"The general!" the count exclaimed as he bounded in his chair. - -"Do not confound persons. I did not say General, but Don Sebastian -Guerrero." - -"A truce with nonsense, Don Cornelio! Let us talk seriously, for what -you say deserves it." - -"I am serious, Don Louis. The general has come here in his private -capacity. In a word, it is the father of Doña Angela who is at this -moment in our camp, and not the Governor of Sonora." - -"I am beginning to understand," the count said in a hollow voice, as he -walked in agitation up and down the jacal. "And what took place between -father and daughter? Do not be afraid to tell me everything. I will keep -the mastery over myself." - -"Nothing at all has passed, Don Louis, thanks to Heaven!" - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, for the simple reason that Doña Angela, by my advice, refused to -receive her father's visit during your absence." - -"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and -fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard. - -"By my advice, yes." - -"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general----" - -"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, -though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance -that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge." - -"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these -difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above -all, great perspicacity." - -Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let -his eyes fall modestly. - -"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count. - -"Leave Doña Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, -dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the -missionary to her. Go: I follow you." - -The Spaniard went out at once to fulfil his orders. - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine said, so soon as he found -himself alone with the count. - -"In two days." - -"And you march?" - -"On La Magdalena." - -"Good! I will now ask your leave to go away, accompanied by Curumilla." - -"What! you wish to leave me?" the count exclaimed with regret. - -The hunter smiled. - -"You do not understand me, brother," he answered. "The Indian chief -and myself are almost useless here. How could we serve you? In no way; -while I am convinced we can make excellent scouts. Leave us to explore -the road, at the same time as we try to destroy, or at least lessen, -the prejudices which the calumnies so sedulously spread about you have -produced against everybody who bears the name of Frenchman." - -"I did not dare ask you to render me that service; but now, as you offer -it so frankly, I will not be so foolish as to refuse it. Go, brother. -Act as you please: all you do will be right." - -"Then farewell! I shall start immediately." - -"Without taking a moment's rest?" - -"You know that I never feel fatigue. Come, courage! We shall meet again -at La Magdalena." - -The two friends embraced, and then quitted the jacal. On the threshold -they separated, after a last pressure of the hand, Valentine going to -the right, the count to the left. - -A guard of ten men defended the approaches to headquarters, and a -sentinel was pacing, with shouldered musket, before the door of the -mission church, the count's temporary residence. On arriving at his -house Don Louis saw Don Cornelio, accompanied by two persons, one -of whom wore a clerical garb. They had stopped, and were apparently -waiting. The count hurried on. Although he had never, till this moment, -seen Father Seraphin, he recognised him by the portraits Valentine had -drawn. - -He was still the man with the angelic glance, the delicate and marked -features, the intelligently gentle countenance, whom we have presented -to our readers in another work; but the apostolate is severe in America. -Years count there as triple for missionaries really worthy of the title; -and Father Seraphin, though hardly thirty years of age, already bore on -his body and face traces of that precocious decrepitude to which those -men fall victims who sacrifice themselves, without any thought of self, -to the welfare of humanity. His back was beginning to bend, his hair was -turning white on his temples, and two deep wrinkles furrowed his brow. -Still the vivacity of his glance seemed to contradict this apparent -weakness, and prove that if his body had grown enfeebled in the contest, -the soul had ever remained equally young and powerful. - -The three men bowed politely. The count and the missionary, after -exchanging an earnest glance, shook hands with a smile. They had -understood each other. - -"You are welcome, sir," the count said, addressing the general, -"although I am surprised that you place such confidence in _pirates_, as -you call us, as to confide yourself so entirely to our honour." - -"The law of nations, sir," the general replied, "has certain recognised -rules which are respected by all men." - -"Excepting by those who are placed without the pale of society and the -common law of humanity," Don Louis remarked dryly. - -The missionary interposed. - -"Gentlemen," he said in his sympathetic voice, "between you there is no -enmity at this moment: there is only a father who claims his daughter -from a gentleman who, I feel convinced, will not refuse to restore her -to him." - -"Heaven forbid, my father," the count said quickly, "that I should -attempt to retain this man's daughter against her will, even were he a -thousandfold a greater enemy than he is." - -"You see, general," the missionary observed, "that I was not mistaken as -to the count's character." - -"Doña Angela came alone, impelled by her own will, into my camp: she is -respected and treated with all the attention she merits. Doña Angela -is free to act as she pleases, and I recognise no right to influence -her. As I did not carry her off from her father, as I did nothing to -attract her hither, I cannot restore her, as this gentleman appears to -demand. If Doña Angela is willing to return to her friends, nobody will -oppose it; but if, on the contrary, she prefers to remain here under the -protection of my brave comrades and myself, no human power will succeed -in tearing her from me." - -These words were pronounced in a peremptory tone, which produced a -marked impression on the two hearers. - -"However, gentlemen," the count continued, "what we say between -ourselves has no value so long as Doña Angela has not pronounced herself -in one way or the other. I will have the honour of leading you to -her. You will have an explanation with her, and she will tell you her -determination. Still, permit me to warn you that, whatever that decision -may be, both yourselves and myself are bound to submit to it." - -"Be it so, sir," the general said dryly: "perhaps it is as well that way -as any other." - -"Come, then," the count continued. - -And he preceded them to the hut which served as the maiden's private -residence. - -Doña Angela, seated on a butaca, and having Violanta at her feet, was -engaged with her needlework. On seeing her father and the persons who -accompanied him enter, a vivid blush purpled her cheeks, but almost -immediately she turned pale as death. Still she contrived to subdue the -emotion she felt, rose, bowed silently, and sat down again. The general -regarded her for a moment with a mingled expression of tenderness and -anger; then turning suddenly to the missionary, he said in a stifled -voice,-- - -"Speak to her, my father; I do not feel the strength to do so." - -The maiden smiled sadly. - -"My good padre," she said to the missionary, "I thank you for the -useless attempt you are making on me today. My resolution is formed: -nothing will alter it--it is impossible. I will never return to my -family." - -"Unhappy child!" the general exclaimed with sorrow, "what reason urged -you to abandon me thus?" - -"I do all justice to your kindness and tenderness toward me, father," -she answered with a melancholy air. "Alas! that unbounded tenderness -and the liberty you ever allowed me to enjoy are perhaps the cause of -what happens today. I do not wish to reproach you. My destiny has taken -possession of me: I will endure the consequences of the fault I have -committed." - -The general frowned and stamped his foot on the ground passionately. - -"Angela, my well-beloved child!" he continued bitterly, "reflect that -the scandal occasioned by your flight will dishonour you for ever." - -A contemptuous smile played round the maidens pallid lips. - -"What do I care?" she said. "The world in which you live is no longer -mine. All my joy and sorrow will be henceforth concentrated here." - -"But I, your father--you forget me, then, and I am no longer anything to -you?" - -The girl hesitated: she remained silent, with downcast eyes. - -"Doña," the missionary said gently, "God curses children who abandon -their father: return to yours. There is still time: he holds out his -arms to you---he calls you. Return, my child. A parent's heart is an -inexhaustible well of indulgence. Your father will forgive you: he has -already done so." - -Doña Angela shook her head, but made no further reply. The general and -the missionary regarded each other with disappointment, while Don Louis -stood a little in the rear, his arms folded on his breast, with sunken -head and thoughtful air. - -"Oh!" the general muttered with concentrated passion, "ours is an -accursed race!" - -At this moment Don Louis drew himself up, and walked a few paces forward. - -"Doña Angela," he said with marked significance, "was it really your own -will that brought you here?" - -"Yes," she answered resolutely. - -"And you have really decided on obeying neither the orders nor -entreaties of your father?" - -"Yes," she said again. - -"Then you renounce for ever your position in society, and your fortune?" - -"Yes." - -"You also renounce the protection of your father, who is your natural -guardian, and has every human and divine claim on you--you renounce his -affection?" - -"Yes," she murmured in a low voice. - -"Then it is now my turn;" and bowing to the general, he continued, -"Sir, whatever may be the hatred that sunders us--whatever may happen -at a later date--the honour of your daughter must remain pure and -unspotted." - -"In order to secure that result," the general said bitterly, "someone -must consent to marry her." - -"Yes. Well, I, the Count de Prébois Crancé, have the honour of asking -you for her hand." - -The general fell back in amazement. - -"Do you really ask that seriously?" he said. - -"Yes." - -"Reflect that, while thanking you for your request, I consider it a -fresh aggrievance." - -"Be it so." - -"That this marriage will in nowise prevent the measures I intend taking -against you." - -"What do I care?" - -"And you still consent to give her your hand?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. You shall have my answer in four days." - -"At La Magdalena, then." - -"Be it so." The general turned to his daughter. "I do not curse you," -he said, "for God himself cannot free a child from its father's -malediction. Farewell! Be happy." - -And he rushed out, followed by the missionary. - -"My father," the count said, "I shall expect you at La Magdalena." - -"I shall be there, sir," Father Seraphin replied sadly, "for I foresee -that there will be tears to dry up." - -"Good-by, sir," the general said. - -"Good-by till we meet again," the count answered with a bow. - -The general and the missionary then mounted and set out, escorted by a -strong detachment of adventurers, who were to accompany them through the -outposts and pickets of the French company. The count looked after them -for a long time, and then walked back slowly to his room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LA MAGDALENA. - - -The village of La Magdalena occupies an important military position, for -it commands the three roads that lead to Ures, Hermosillo, and Sonora, -the chief cities of the State, and is nearly at an equal distance from -all three. This pueblo, in itself of but slight consideration, enjoys, -however, a certain reputation in the country, owing to the beauty of its -situation and the purity of the air breathed there. - -La Magdalena forms a species of parallelogram, one side of which -carelessly mirrors its white houses in the limpid waters of the Rio -San Pedro, a confluent of the Gila. Dense woods of palma Christi, -styrax, Peru trees, and mahogany form an insurmountable barrier against -the burning winds of the desert, while refreshing and perfuming the -atmosphere, and serve as a refuge for thousands of blue jays, cardinals, -and loros, which chatter gaily under the foliage, and enliven the -enchanting landscape--this ravishing oasis, placed there by the hand of -nature, as if to make the traveller returning from the prairie forget -the sufferings and fatigues of the desert. - -The festivities in honour of the patron saint at La Magdalena are the -most frequented and joyful of all Sonora. As they last several days, the -hacenderos and campesinos flock in for a hundred miles round. During -this _fête_, at which rivers of pulque and mezcal flow, there is one -succession of jaranas, montes, and bull baits; in a word, amusements of -every description, which no crime ever saddens, in spite of the great -concourse of strangers. The Mexicans are not wicked; they are only badly -educated, headstrong, and passionate children, but nothing more. - -Three days after the events we narrated in our previous chapter, the -Pueblo de la Magdalena, at the most animated period of its annual -festival, was in a state of more than ordinary agitation and excitement, -evidently not produced by the festival; for the people had suddenly -broken off their sports, and rushed, laughing and pressing, to one of -the ends of the pueblo, where, according to the few words whispered by -the gossips, something out of the way was taking place. - -In fact, bugles soon sounded a call, and a band of armed men debouched -on the pueblo, marching in good order, and to military tunes. First came -an advanced guard of a dozen well-mounted men; then came a company of -men formed in squads of about thirty each, bearing among them a large -banner, on which was inscribed, "Independencia de la Sonora." Behind -this band came two guns drawn by mules, then a squadron of cavalry, -immediately followed by a long file of wagons and carts. The march was -closed by a rearguard of twenty horsemen. - -This small _army_, about three hundred strong, marched through the -pueblo with heads raised and bold glances, passed the double row of -spectators, and stopped, at a signal from the chief, about one hundred -yards in front of the village, at a triangle formed by the meeting of -three roads. Here the troops were ordered to bivouac. - -It is almost needless to tell the reader that this _army_ was the -Atrevida Company. The good conduct of the band, and its martial air, -had gained the favour of the population of the pueblo through which -they marched so boldly. During the passage handkerchiefs and sombreros -were waved, and cries of "Bravo!" were heard. The count, on horseback -a few paces ahead of the main body, had not ceased for a moment bowing -gracefully to the right and left, and these salutes had been returned -with usury all along the village. - -So soon as the order to bivouac was given, each set to work, and in less -than two hours the adventurers, skilfully employing all within their -reach, had established the most graceful and picturesque encampment -that can be imagined. Still, as the count regarded himself as being -in an enemy's country, nothing was neglected not only to protect the -camp from a surprise, but also to place it in a respectable state of -defence. By the aid of the wagons and carts, reinforced by palisades, -the adventurers formed a barricade, still further defended by a ditch, -the earth from which was thrown up on the other side as a breastwork. In -the centre of the camp, on a small mound, rose the chiefs tent, before -which the guns were planted; and from its summit floated the flag to -which we have already alluded. - -The arrival of the French was a piece of good fortune for the Sonorians -whom the festival had attracted to La Magdalena. Indeed, for several -days they had been expected hourly; and the inhabitants, in spite of the -proclamations of the Mexican Government, which represented the French as -plunderers and bandits, had taken no further precautions against them -than to go and meet them, and receive them with shouts of welcome--a -characteristic fact which clearly proved that public opinion was not at -all deceived as to the meaning of the French pronunciamiento, and that -each knew perfectly well on which side were right and justice. - -When the camp was formed the authorities of the pueblo presented -themselves at the gate, asking, in the name of their fellow citizens, -permission to visit the Frenchmen. The count, delighted with this -measure, which was of good augury for the relations he hoped presently -to establish with the inhabitants, at once gave the requisite permission -with the best grace possible. - -De Laville had joined the count at about ten miles from the pueblo, at -the head of eighty horsemen, which supplied the army with a respectable -body of cavalry. Don Louis, having long been acquainted with the captain -of Guetzalli, appointed him Chief of the Staff, and intrusted to him -the annoying details of duty. De Laville eagerly accepted this mark of -confidence; and the count, thenceforward free to occupy himself with the -political portion of the expedition, retired to his tent, in order to -reflect on the means to be employed by which to bring over to his side -the population among which he now was. - -Since the day General Guerrero presented himself at the mission, -accompanied by Father Seraphin, the count, through a feeling of -propriety, had not seen Doña Angela again, over whom he watched, -however, with the utmost solicitude. The young lady appreciated this -delicacy, and, for her part, had not attempted to see him. She had -journeyed from the mission to La Magdalena in a closed palanquin, and a -tent had been erected for her at no great distance from the count's. - -The permission requested by the authorities had scarce been granted ere -the adventurers' camp was visited by all the inhabitants. The mob, eager -to see more nearly these bold men who, though in such small number, did -not fear to declare war openly against the Government of Mexico, rushed -in a body to the place occupied by them. The adventurers received their -guests with that gaiety which distinguishes Frenchmen, and in a few -hours gained the goodwill of the Sonorians, who, the more they saw of -them, the more they wished to see, and who never grew weary of admiring -their recklessness, and, above all, their imperturbable conviction of -the success of the expedition. Night was setting in, the sun was rapidly -sinking on the horizon, when Don Cornelio, who performed the duties of -aide-de-camp to the count, raised the curtain of his tent, and announced -to him that a field officer, who stated he had a message for him, asked -to speak with him. Don Louis gave the order for his introduction. The -envoy entered, and the count at once recognised in him Colonel Suarez. -On his side, the colonel made a gesture of surprise at seeing the man he -had met at Guetzalli, though he had not succeeded in finding out who he -was. Don Louis smiled at the colonel's astonishment, bowed politely, and -begged him to be seated. - -"I am requested, sir, by General Guerrero," the colonel said after the -usual compliments, "to deliver a letter to you." - -"I have already been told so, colonel," the count answered. "I presume -that you are acquainted with the contents of the letter?" - -"Nearly so, sir; for I have several words to add to it in the course of -conversation." - -"I am ready to hear you." - -"I will not waste your time, sir. In the first place here is the letter." - -"Very good," the count said, taking it and laying it on the table. - -"General Don Sebastian Guerrero," the colonel continued, "accepts the -offer you did him the honour of making him for the hand of his daughter: -still he desires that the nuptial ceremony should take place as soon as -possible." - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -"He desires also that this ceremony, at which he hopes to be present -with a large party of his relations and friends, should be celebrated at -La Magdalena by Father Seraphin." - -"I have a few observations to make on that subject, colonel." - -"I am listening to you, caballero." - -"I willingly consent that Father Seraphin should marry us; but the -ceremony will not take place at La Magdalena, but here in my camp, which -I cannot and will not leave." - -The colonel knit his brows. The count continued without seeming to -notice it:-- - -"The general can be present at the ceremony, with as many relations and -friends as he pleases; but as, unfortunately, we do not stand on such -good terms to each other as I should wish, and as I must take care of my -own safety, as much as he does of his, the general will be good enough -to send me ten hostages selected among the most influential persons -in the State. These hostages will be treated by me with the greatest -honour, and restored to the general one hour after the nuptial blessing -and the departure of the guests from the camp. But I must warn your -general that, if the slightest treachery is attempted against myself or -one of the men I have the honour of commanding, these hostages will be -immediately shot." - -"Oh!" the colonel exclaimed, "you distrust General Guerrero, sir, and -put no faith in his honour as a caballero." - -"Unfortunately, sir," the count replied dryly, "I have learned at my -own expense what the value is of the honour of certain Mexicans. I -will, therefore, enter into no discussion on that subject. Such are my -conditions. The general is at liberty to accept or refuse them; but I -pledge you my word of honour that I shall make no change." - -"Very well, sir," the colonel answered, intimidated in spite of himself -by the count's resolute accent, "I will have the honour of transmitting -these harsh conditions to the general." - -Don Louis bowed. - -"I doubt whether he will accept them," the colonel continued. - -"He can do as he pleases." - -"But is there no other way of settling the difference?" - -"I do not see any." - -"Well, in the event of the general accepting, how shall I let you know -it, so as to lose as little time as possible?" - -"In a very simple mode, sir--by the arrival of Father Seraphin and the -delivery of the hostages." - -"And, in that case, when will the ceremony take place?" - -"Two hours after the hostages have reached my camp." - -"I will retire, sir, and submit your reply to my superior officer." - -"Do so, sir." - -The colonel retired, and the count, who fancied himself sure of the -acceptance of his ultimatum, immediately gave the necessary orders for -the construction of the cabin intended to serve as a chapel. After this -he wrote a note, which was handed to Doña Angela through the medium of -Don Cornelio. This note, which was very laconic, contained the following -lines:-- - - "MADAM, - - "I have received your father's answer: it is favourable. - Tomorrow, in all probability, the ceremony of our marriage will - take place. I watch over you and myself. - - "The Count de PRÉBOIS CRANCÉ." - -After sending off this note the count wrapped himself in a cloak, and -went out to visit the posts, and assure himself that the sentries were -keeping good guard. The night was bright and clear; the sky studded with -an infinite number of brilliant stars; the atmosphere perfumed with a -thousand sweet odours; at intervals the strains of the guitars, borne on -the breeze, rose from the pueblo, and died out at the count's ear. The -camp was silent and gloomy; the adventurers, who had retired under their -leafy jacales, were enjoying that rest so necessary after a day's march; -the horses, hobbled pell-mell with the mules, were devouring their -alfalfa; the sentries, with shouldered muskets, were walking slowly -around the intrenchments with their eyes fixed on the plain. - -The count, after walking about for some time, and convincing himself -that everything was in the most perfect order, was induced by the -melancholy and mysterious softness of the night, to lean on the -breastwork; and, with his eye fixed on vacancy, not looking at or -probably seeing anything, he gradually gave way to his dreams, yielding -unconsciously to the mysterious influence of the objects that surrounded -him. From time to time, as the sentries called to each other, he -mechanically raised his head; then he would yield again to the flood of -thought that fell on him, and was so absorbed in himself that he seemed -to be asleep; but it was not so. - -For several hours he had been thus leaning over the breastwork, without -a thought of retiring, when he suddenly felt a hand lightly laid on -his shoulder. This touch, light as it was, sufficed to recall him -from the ideal worlds in which his imagination was galloping, and to -a consciousness of his present situation. The count stifled a cry of -surprise and turned round. A man was holding on to the outside of the -breastwork, his head scarce emerging over the top. It was Curumilla. - -The chief had a finger laid on his lips, as if to recommend prudence to -the count. The latter made a sign of pleasure on recognising the Indian, -and quickly bent down to him. - -"Well?" he said with his mouth to his ear. - -"You will be attacked tomorrow." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Indian smiled. - -"Yes," he said. - -"When?" - -"At night." - -"What hour?" - -"An hour before moonrise." - -"By whom?" - -"Palefaces." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Good-by." - -"Are you off again?" - -"Yes." - -"Shall I see you again?" - -"Perhaps." - -"When?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And Valentine?" - -"He will come." - -The Indian, doubtlessly fatigued with having talked so much, contrary to -his habits, although the sentences he uttered were of no extraordinary -length, slipped down the breastwork again, and said no more. Louis -looked after him, and saw him crawl away on his knees, and disappear -without producing the slightest sound. The scene had taken place so -rapidly, the Indian's flight had been so silent, that the count was on -the point of regarding it as an hallucination; but suddenly the hoot of -the owl, twice repeated, rose in the air. - -This signal had long been agreed on between Valentine and the count. He -understood that Curumilla, while warning him that he was safe, sent him -from a distance a last recommendation to silence. He tossed his head -sadly, and returned to his tent pensively, muttering in a low voice,-- - -"Another piece of treachery!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE COCK-FIGHT. - - -In marching on La Magdalena the count had a double object: in the first -place, that of meeting the rich hacenderos and alcaldes of the pueblos -dissatisfied with the Mexican Government, and try to draw them over to -his side by the brilliant prospects of independence he offered them; -secondly, by his strategic position at the village, to alarm General -Guerrero, and keep him constantly on the alert by a simultaneous feint -of aggressive movements on each of the three Sonorian capitals. - -The general, so soon as war was declared, had appealed to the population -with that pompous and verbose Mexican eloquence which only deceives -the foolish. The inhabitants, who were perfectly indifferent about the -Government, and cared but little to interfere in the general's private -quarrels, which he tried in vain to metamorphose into a national -question, had remained quietly at home, and had in no way responded to -their chiefs so-called patriotic appeal, the more so because, during the -four months since the French landed in Sonora, and had been traversing -the country, their conduct toward the population had been ever -exemplary, and not the smallest complaint had been made against them. - -The general, disappointed at the ill success of his machinations, then -changed his batteries. He proceeded to forced enlistments: next, not -satisfied with that, he treated with the Hiaquis and Opatas Indians, -in order to increase his army. He also wished, at the outset, to enrol -the Apaches; but the rude lesson the French had read the latter had -disgusted them with war, and they retired to their deserts without -listening to any new proposition. - -Still General Guerrero had succeeded in collecting an imposing force. -His army amounted to nearly 12,000 men--an enormous number, if we -think of the few combatants his enemy could draw up in time. The -general, we must do him the justice to say, in spite of his incessant -braggadocio, and the continual marches and countermarches he performed, -had an instinctive respect for his enemy, or, if you like it better, a -perfectly reasonable fear, which incited him to prudence, and prevented -him ever coming too close to the French outposts. He contented himself -with actively watching the count's movements, and holding the three -roads in such a way as to be able easily to concentrate his troops on -the point menaced by the adventurers. - -It is a singular fact that the Americans of the South have never been -able, after so many centuries, and though they are nearly descended -from the Spaniards, to dispel that superstitious terror with which the -European conquerors inspired them on their landing. The deeds of those -heroic adventurers are still in every mouth, and during the war of -independence it frequently happened that a handful of Spaniards put to -flight, merely by showing themselves, masses of Mexican insurgents. The -most convincing proof of our assertion we can produce is that, at this -very moment, three hundred French adventurers, isolated in the centre of -a country they did not know, and the majority of whom did not even speak -the language, held in check an army of 12,000 men, commanded by chiefs -who were esteemed good soldiers, and not only made Sonora tremble, but -even the Federal Government in Mexico itself. - -The boldness and temerity of the enterprise attempted by the count -increased, were that possible, the terror he inspired. This expedition -was so mad, that sensible men could not imagine that the count was -not backed up by secret, though powerful allies, who only awaited an -opportunity to declare themselves. This terror was carefully kept -up by the count's spies and scouts. The boldness of his movements, -the decision with which he acted, and finally, the occupation of La -Magdalena without a blow being struck, heightened the apprehensions of -the Government, and increased its indecision as to the intentions of the -chief, or, as they called him, the _Cabecilla_. - -It was about five in the morning when the curtain that closed the -count's tent was raised from the outside, and a man entered. Don Louis, -startled by this sudden apparition, rubbed his eyes and seized his -pistols, saying in a firm voice,-- - -"Who is there?" - -"I, of course," the new arriver said. "Who would dare enter in this way -except me?" - -"Valentine!" the count exclaimed with a shout of joy, and throwing -down his pistols. "You are welcome, brother: I have been expecting you -impatiently." - -"Thank you," the hunter said. "Did not Curumilla announce my return this -very night?" - -"Yes," the count said with a laugh; "but you know how easy it is to talk -with the chief." - -"That is true. Well, I have brought you the information he omitted to -give you, and perhaps it is all for the best." - -The count had dressed himself; that is to say, he put on his coat and -zarapé, for he had thrown himself on his bed in his clothes. - -"Take a stool," he said, "and let us talk." - -"I prefer going out." - -"As you please," Don Louis answered, suspecting that his friend had -peculiar reasons for acting thus. They left the tent together. - -"Captain de Laville," the hunter said, addressing the young man, who was -walking up and down before the tent, "an escort of ten horsemen, a horse -for myself, and another for the chief, if you please." - -"At once?" - -"Yes, if it be possible." - -"Of course it is." - -"We are going to leave the camp, then?" Louis said when they were alone. - -"We are going to La Magdalena," the hunter made answer. - -"The moment is a most unfortunate one." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am expecting the general's answer." - -"In that case you can come," the hunter said with a malicious smile, -"for you will not receive that reply. The colonel's mission was only a -bait to lull your vigilance to sleep." - -"Oh, oh! are you certain of what you assert?" - -"By Jove!" - -At this moment the escort appeared. Louis and Valentine mounted. It was -hardly six in the morning; the country was deserted; at each puff of -wind the trees shook their branches, which were damp with the abundant -bright dew, and caused a gentle shower which rustled on the bushes; the -sun sucked up the dense vapour that rose from the ground; and the birds, -hidden in the foliage, woke up singing. The two friends, slightly in -advance of their escort, rode pensively side by side, with the bridle on -their horses' necks, and gazing vacantly at the magnificent landscape -which lay expanded before them. The first houses of the pueblo, gaily -enframed in clumps of floripondios and vines, were visible from a -turning in the road. Don Louis raised his head. - -"Well," he said, as if answering his own thoughts, "I swear this shall -be the last time that General Guerrero mocks me thus. It is plain that -Colonel Suarez only came to my camp to see for himself in what condition -we were." - -"For nothing else." - -"Where are we going now?" - -"To a cockfight." - -"A cockfight!" the count said in surprise. - -The hunter looked at him significantly. - -"Yes," he said to him, "you know, perhaps--or, if you do not, I will -tell you--that the finest cockfights take place annually at La Magdalena -at the period of the festival." - -"Ah!" Louis said indifferently. - -"I am certain that it will interest you," Valentine continued with a -cunning air. - -The count perfectly well understood that his friend only spoke to him -in this way in order to foil any eavesdroppers who might be about, and -was silent, for he felt certain that all would be cleared up ere long. -Besides, the little party were at this moment entering the pueblo, -the houses of which were beginning to open, in which the dwellers, -hardly awake, saluted them as they passed with joyous and friendly -smiles. After passing slowly through two or three streets, at a sign -from Valentine the detachment stopped before a house of rather mean -appearance, and which had nothing about it to recommend it to the -attention of strangers. - -"It is here," the hunter said. - -They stopped and dismounted. Valentine then gave the leader of the -escort strict orders to remain mounted with his men, and not stir till -the count's return; then he tapped discreetly at the door, which was -immediately opened. They entered, and the door was closed without their -seeing anybody. They were scarcely in the house ere the hunter led his -companion into a cuarto, the door of which he opened with a key he drew -from his pocket. - -"Follow my example," he said as he took off his vicuna hat and zarapé, -which he exchanged for a cloak and a broad-brimmed straw hat. The count -imitated him. - -"Now come." - -They wrapped themselves carefully in their cloaks, pulled their hats -over their eyes, and left the house by a door cleverly hidden in the -wall, which communicated with the adjoining house, through which -they passed without meeting anybody, and found themselves once more -in the street. But during the few minutes they remained in the house -the appearance of the pueblo had completely changed. The streets were -now thronged with people coming and going: at each step children and -leperos were letting off fireworks with shouts of delight and bursts -of laughter. Through the whole of Spanish America, and especially in -Mexico, no at all respectable festival goes off without crackers and -fireworks: letting off squibs is the acme of joy. We will repeat on this -head a rather characteristic anecdote. - -Some time after the Spaniards had been definitively expelled from -Mexico, King Ferdinand one morning asked a rich Mexican who had sought -refuge at the court of Spain,-- - -"What do you imagine your countrymen are doing at this moment, Don Luis -de Cerda?" - -"Sire," the Mexican replied gravely, as he bowed to the king, "they are -letting off squibs." - -"Ah!" the king said, and passed on. - -A few hours later the king accosted the gentleman again: it was two in -the afternoon. - -"And now," he asked him gaily, "what are they engaged in?" - -"Sire," the Mexican said with no less gravity than on the first -occasion, "they continue to let off squibs." - -The king smiled, but made no reply. At nightfall, however, he again -addressed the same question to the gentleman, who answered with his -imperturbable coolness,-- - -"May it please your Majesty, they are letting off more squibs than ever." - -This time the king could not contain himself, but burst into a fit of -laughter--a very remarkable circumstance, for this prince was never -renowned for the jollity of his character. - -The Mexicans have three passions;--playing at monte, witnessing -cockfights, and letting off squibs. We believe that the third is the -most deeply rooted in them; and the quantity of powder consumed in -Mexico in the shape of squibs is incalculable. Hence squibs were being -let off in all the streets and on all the squares of La Magdalena. -At each step crackers exploded beneath the feet of our two friends, -who, however, long accustomed to Mexican habits, did not attach the -slightest importance to the fireworks, but continued their progress in -perfect coolness, clearing a way as well as they could through the dense -crowd of Indians, half-breeds, Negroes, Zambos, Spaniards, Mexicans, and -North Americans. At length they turned into a lane about half way down -the Calle San Pedro. - -"Halloh!" Louis said, "are we really going to see a cockfight?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a smile. "Let me alone. I told you it -would interest you." - -"Go on, then," the count said with a careless shrug of his shoulders. -"Deuce take you and your absurd ideas!" - -"Good, good!" Valentine replied with a laugh. "We shall see; but we have -arrived." - -And without any more words they entered the house. - -There is no amusement in Mexico, save perhaps monte or fireworks, which -excites interest to such a degree as a cockfight; and this interest is -not confined merely to a certain class of society. In this respect there -is no difference between the President of the Republic and the most -humble citizen, between the generalissimo and the lowest leper, between -the highest dignitary of the Church and the most obscure sacristan: -whites, blacks, half-castes, and Indians the whole population rushes -with unequalled frenzy to this bloody spectacle which is so full of -interest to them. - -The pit is arranged in the following way:--Behind a house a large yard -is selected, in the centre of which rises a circular amphitheatre, -from fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The wall of this amphitheatre is -never less than twenty feet high: it is built with brick, and carefully -covered with hard stucco inside and out. Five rows of seats rising above -each other complete the interior of the building. Until the opening -of the doors no one knows what birds are entered; but, so soon as the -public are admitted, the cocks are brought in. The bettors bring one -each, which are then intrusted to the care of the trainer who makes the -preliminary arrangements. These, however, are very simple. The cocks are -armed with artificial spurs made of polished steel, about four inches in -length, by half an inch wide at the base, slightly curved at the end, -and terminating in a sharp point, while the upper side of the spur is -sharpened. These spurs are firmly attached to the legs of the cocks by -straps. When thus prepared for the contest, the cocks are taken into the -pit by the trainers, who hold them up in the air, and submit them to -the inspection of the spectators, who then make their bets. The money -thus risked on the life of a bird is incredible, and men often ruin -themselves by betting. - -At the moment when the Frenchmen entered, the amusement had long before -begun, so that all the best places were taken, and the pit filled with -spectators pressing against each other. As, however, our friends had by -no means come to take an active part in the amusement, they modestly -seated themselves on the wall of the arena, where a band of ragged -leperos had taken refuge, too poor to bet, but who regarded with envious -eye and scarce-suppressed passion the happy favourites of fortune -who were moving about beneath them with shouts and exclamations. The -tumult was at its height, and all eyes were fixed on the pit, where--an -extraordinary circumstance--one cock had defeated nine others in -succession. - -The Frenchmen cleverly profited by the effervescence of the spectators -to pass on unnoticed, and reach the places they had selected. After -a minute Valentine lit a maize pajilla, and bent over to his foster -brother's ear. - -"Wait for me here," he said; "I shall return in a moment." - -Louis bowed in assent. Valentine rose with a nonchalant air, leaped -carelessly over the benches, and, with cigar in mouth, mingled among -the spectators who crowded the approaches to the pit. The count looked -after him for a few moments, but then lost him in the crowd. His eyes -then turned to the pit; and so great is the attraction offered by -this singular and cruel spectacle, that the count involuntarily grew -interested in what was going on before him, and even took a certain -pleasure in it. - -The combats followed in rapid succession, each offering different but -exciting incidents. The count began to find his foster brother's absence -protracted, for he had left him for nearly an hour, when all at once he -saw himself standing before him. - -"Well?" he asked him. - -"Well," Valentine answered in Castilian, "it appears that I was right, -and that Señor Rodrigo's cocks are achieving marvels. Come and see it -more closely. I assure you that it is curious." - -The count rose without replying, and followed him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Owing to their disguise, but, above all, the interest everybody took in -the cockfight, the Frenchmen succeeded in leaving the amphitheatre as -they had entered it; that is to say, without attracting any attention. -When they reached a sort of dark passage leading to the interior of the -house, Valentine stopped. - -"Listen, to me, Louis," he said, gluing his mouth, as it were, to his -friend's ear. "The moment has arrived for you to learn why I brought you -hither." - -"I am listening." - -"Since I left you at the mission, as you may suppose, I have not been -inactive. I have gone about the country, have entered into relations -with all the richest and most respected inhabitants, and have succeeded -in making them comprehend how important it was for them to join and -support you. The festival of La Magdalena offered us a favourable -opportunity for meeting without attracting the attention of the Mexican -Government, and arousing its apprehension. The only house in which a -large body of persons can meet without exciting notice is indubitably -that in which there is a cockpit. I therefore made an appointment here -for this moment with the malcontents, who are numerous. They are all men -who, by their fortunes or position, enjoy a high degree of consideration -in the State which we wish to revolutionise, and possess great -influence. I will introduce you to them: they are awaiting your arrival. -You will explain to them your intentions, and they will tell you on what -conditions they will consent to join you. Remember, however, brother, -that you are dealing with Mexicans. Set no more confidence in their -words or promises than they deserve. Be sure that success alone will -gain them; that if you fail they will abandon you remorselessly, and be -ready to deliver you up if they fancy they can derive any advantage from -such an act of infamy. Now, if what I tell you does not suit you, you -can retire, and I will undertake to dismiss them without compromising -you in any way." - -"No!" the count answered resolutely, "it is too late now: to hesitate or -recoil would be cowardly. I must go on at all risks. Announce me to our -new friends." - -"Come on, then." - -They walked to the end of the passage, where a closed door checked their -progress. Valentine tapped thrice at equal intervals with the hilt of -his machete. - -"Who is there?" a voice asked from inside. - -"The man expected a long time, though you did not dare hope that he -would come," Valentine answered. - -"He is welcome," the voice added. - -At this moment the door opened, the two men entered, and it closed -again on them immediately. They then found themselves in a large room -with whitewashed walls, and the floor of beaten earth. The furniture -consisted of benches, on which were seated some fifty men, some of whom -wore an ecclesiastical garb. Curtains of red serge placed before the -windows took off the glare, while at the same time preventing anyone -outside seeing what was going on. On the entrance of the count and -Valentine, all rose and uncovered themselves respectfully. - -"Caballeros," Valentine said, "according to my promise, I have the -honour to present to you the Count de Prébois Crancé, who has consented -to accompany me in order to hear the propositions you have to make to -him." - -All bowed ceremoniously to the count, and he returned their bows with -that grace and amenity peculiar to him. A man of a certain age, with an -elegant and intelligent face, and dressed in the magnificent costume of -the rich hacenderos, advanced and addressed the hunter. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said with a slightly ironical accent, "I believe -you have made a small mistake." - -"Be good enough to explain, Señor Don Anastasio," the hunter replied. "I -do not understand the words you have done me the honour to address to -me." - -"You said, sir, that the count had done us the honour of coming to hear -the propositions we had to make to him." - -"Well, sir?" - -"That is just where the mistake lies, Don Valentine." - -"How so, Señor Anastasio?" - -"It appears to me that we have no propositions to make to the count, but -that we, on the contrary, should listen to his." - -A murmur of assent ran through the audience. Don Louis saw it was time -to interfere. - -"Gentlemen," he said, bowing gracefully to the hacenderos, "will you -allow me to have a frank explanation with you? I am convinced that -when I have done so any misunderstanding will be removed, and we shall -comprehend each other perfectly." - -"Speak, speak, señor!" they said. - -"Gentlemen," he went on, "will not here enter into any personal details. -I will not tell you how or why I arrived at Guaymas--in what way the -Government of Mexico, after breaking all the promises it made me, ended -by declaring me an enemy of the country, placed me without the pale of -society, and carried its impudence so far as to treat me as a pirate, -and set a price on my head, as if I were a bandit or wretched assassin; -for that would cause the loss of precious moments, and be a gratuitous -abuse of your patience, as you all know thoroughly what has occurred." - -"Yes, señor conde," the hacendero who had already spoken interrupted -him, "we know the facts to which you allude: we deplore them, and blush -for the honour of our country." - -"I thank you, gentlemen, for these marks, of sympathy: they are very -sweet to me, as they prove that you are not mistaken as to my character. -I will come to facts without further circumlocution." - -"Hear, hear!" the audience murmured. - -The count waited a few moments, and when silence was completely restored -he continued:-- - -"Gentlemen, Sonora is the most fertile and richest country not only of -Mexico, but of the whole universe. By its position at the extremity -of the centre of the Confederation, from which it is divided by lofty -mountains and vast despoblados, Sonora is a country apart, destined, -in a speedy future, to separate itself from the Mexican Confederation. -Sonora is sufficient for itself. The other provinces supply it with -nothing; on the contrary, Sonora supports and enriches them with the -surplus of its produce. But Sonora, owing to the system of oppression -under which it groans, is, properly speaking, only a vast desert. The -greater part of its territory is uncultivated, for the Government of -Mexico, which knows so well how to squeeze it, and seize the productions -of its soil, and the gold and silver of its mines, is impotent to -protect it against the enemies that surround it--the Indios Bravos, -whose incursions, annually becoming more insolent, threaten to grow -even more so, unless a speedy remedy is applied, and the evil uprooted. -I said, at the outset, that within a short period Sonora would be -separated from the Mexican Confederation. Let me explain myself. This -will happen inevitably, but in two different ways, according to the -advantage the inhabitants will derive from it. Sonora is menaced by -powerful enemies other than the Indians. These enemies are the North -Americans, those Wandering Jews of civilisation, whose axes you may hear -felling the trees of the last forests that separate you, and who will -soon invade and occupy your country, unless you take care; and it will -be impossible for you to offer the slightest resistance to this unjust -conquest, for you have no support to expect from your Government, which -consumes all its energies in the purposeless and universal contests of -the cabecillas, who seize on the power in turn." - -"Yes, yes," several persons exclaimed, "that is true; the count is -right." - -"This conquest with which you are menaced is imminent--it is inevitable; -and then what will happen, gentlemen? What has happened wherever the -Yankees have succeeded in planting themselves. You will be absorbed by -them: your language, customs, even your religion, all will be submerged -in this flood. See what has occurred in Texas, and shudder at the -thought of what awaits you soon!" - -A thrill of anger ran through the assembly at these words, of which each -recognised the justice in his heart. The count went on:-- - -"You have a means to escape this frightful evil; it is in your hands--it -depends on you alone." - -"Speak, speak!" was shouted on every side. - -"Declare your independence loudly, frankly, and energetically. Separate -yourselves boldly from Mexico, form the Sonorian Confederation, and call -to your aid the French emigrants in California. They will not remain -deaf to your appeal: they will come to help you not only in conquering, -but also in maintaining your independence against your enemies within -and without. The Frenchmen whom you adopt will become your brothers: -they have the same religion, almost the same habits as yourselves; in -a word, you belong to the same race. You will easily understand each -other. They will erect an impassable barrier against North American -invasion, make the Indians respect your frontiers, and compel the -Mexicans to recognise the right you have proclaimed of being free." - -"But," one of the company objected, "if we call the French to our aid, -what will they ask of us in return?" - -"The right of cultivating your lands which lie fallow," the count -answered energetically; "of bringing to you progress, the arts, and -industry; in one word, of peopling your deserts, enriching your towns, -and civilising your villages: that is what the French will ask. Is it -too much?" - -"No, certainly, it is not," Don Anastasio said amid a murmur of assent. - -"But," another objected, "who guarantees us that, when the moment -arrives to settle our accounts with the colonists we have summoned -to our aid, they will faithfully fulfil the promises they have made -us, and not insist, in their turn, on dictating laws to us, by taking -advantage of their number and strength?" - -"I, caballeros, I, who in their name will treat with you, and assume the -responsibility of everything." - -"Yes, the prospective of which you allow us a glimpse is seductive, -caballero," Don Anastasio answered in the name of all. "We recognise the -truth of the facts you tell us. We know only too well how precarious -our position is, and what great dangers menace us; but a scruple causes -us to refrain at this moment. Have we the right to plunge our unhappy -country, already half ruined, in the horrors of a civil war, when in -this unfortunate land nothing is prepared for an energetic resistance? -The Government of Mexico, so weak for good, is powerful for evil, -and it will manage to find troops to reduce us if we revolt. General -Guerrero is an experienced officer--a cold and cruel man, who will -recoil before no extremity, however terrible its nature, to stifle in -blood any attempt at insurrection. In a few days he has succeeded in -collecting a powerful army to conquer us: each of your soldiers, in the -coming contest, will have to fight against ten. However brave the French -may be, it is impossible for them to resist such an imposing force. A -battle lost, and all is over with you. Any armed opposition will become -impossible, and you will drag us down in your fall if we help you; and -we have the more to fear, because our position is not like yours. We are -sons of the country: we have in it our families and fortunes. We have, -therefore, everything to lose; while you, on the other hand, supposing -you are beaten, and your enterprise completely fails, have a means of -safety we cannot employ, in flight. These considerations are serious. -They oblige us to act with the greatest prudence, and reflect deeply, -before determining to shake off the detested yoke of Mexico. Do not -believe, caballero, that we speak thus through cowardice or weakness. -No, it is solely through the fear of failure, and the loss, in the -shipwreck, of the few shreds of liberty which, through policy, they -have not yet dared to tear from us, and which they possibly only need a -pretext to assail." - -"Gentlemen," the count answered, "I appreciate at their full value the -motives you have been good enough to lay before me. Still, permit me to -observe that, however serious the objections may be you do me the honour -of laying before me, we are not here to discuss them. The object of our -meeting is an offensive and defensive alliance between yourselves and -me, is it not?" - -"Certainly," most of the audience exclaimed, surprised by the count's -sudden change of position, and led to speak, perhaps involuntarily, more -hurriedly than they had intended. - -"Well," the count continued, "let us not waste our time, like those -tradesmen who boast to each other about the quality of their wares. Let -us go straight to our object, frankly, clearly, and like men of honour. -Tell me, without any concealment, on what conditions you consent to form -an alliance with me and give me your support, and the number of men I -can count on when the right moment arrives." - -"That is the right way to speak, señor conde," Don Anastasio replied. -"Well, to a question so clearly asked, we will answer no less clearly. -We do not doubt (Heaven forbid we should!) either the courage or -strategic skill of your soldiers: we know that the French are brave. -Still your band is not large: up to the present it has no support, and -only possesses the patch of ground on which it is encamped. Establish a -solid base of operations--seize, for instance, one of the three chief -cities of Sonora--then you will no longer be adventurers, but really -soldiers; and we shall no longer fear to treat with you, because your -expedition will have gained consistency--in one word, have become -earnest." - -"Very good, gentlemen; I understand you," the count answered coldly. -"And, in case I succeed in carrying one of the cities you mention, I can -count on you?" - -"Body and soul." - -"And how many men will you place at my disposal?" - -"Six thousand in four days--the whole of Sonora in a week." - -"You promise it?" - -"We all swear it!" they exclaimed enthusiastically. - -But this enthusiasm could not produce a flash or smile on the count's -face. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "within a fortnight I give you the meeting in -one of the three chief cities of Sonora; and then, as I shall have -accomplished my obligations, I shall call on you to keep yours." - -The Mexicans could not restrain a gesture of astonishment and admiration -at these noble words. The count, though no longer young, was still -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms. -Each of his phrases left a memory. All present came in turn to press -his hand, and renew individually their protestations of devotion, after -which they left the room. The count and Valentine remained alone. - -"Are you satisfied, brother?" the hunter asked him. - -"Who could be strong enough to galvanise this people?" the count -muttered with a mournful shrug of his shoulders, and rather answering -his own thoughts than the question his friend had addressed to him. The -two men went to fetch their zarapés. They found their escort where they -had left it, and retired slowly through the crowd, who saluted them as -they passed with shouts of "_Vivan los Franceses!_" - -"If I come to be shot some day," the count said bitterly, "they will -only have to alter one word." - -Valentine sighed, but made no reply. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -FATHER SERAPHIN. - - -Doña Angela had just awakened: a sportive sunbeam, passing indiscreetly -over her charming face, had made her open her eyes. She was lying half -extended in her hammock, with her head supported on her right arm, and -was pensively looking at the swan's-down slipper which she was idly -balancing on her dainty little foot. Violanta, seated at her foot on -a stool, was busily arranging the various articles of her mistress's -toilette. At length Doña Angela shook off her careless languor, and a -smile played on her coral lips. - -"Today," she said, as she raised her head coquettishly. - -This one word contained the maiden's thoughts, her joy, love, -happiness--her whole life, in fact. She fell back in a reverie, yielding -herself up unconsciously to the delicate and busy services of her -waiting-maid. The sound of a footstep was heard outside, and Doña Angela -raised her head quickly. - -"Someone is coming," she said. - -Violanta went out, but returned almost immediately. - -"Well?" - -"Don Cornelio requests permission to say two words to the señorita," the -camarista answered. - -The maiden frowned with an air of vexation. - -"What can he want again?" she said. - -"I do not know." - -"That man displeases me singularly." - -"I will tell him that you cannot receive him." - -"No," she said quickly, "let him enter." - -"Why, if he displeases you?" - -"I prefer seeing him. I do not know why, but that man almost terrifies -me." - -The waiting maid blushed and turned her head away, but recovered almost -immediately. - -"Still he is entirely devoted to Don Louis and yourself, señorita." - -"Do you think so?" she said, fixing a piercing glance on her. - -"Well, I suppose so; his conduct up to the present has been most -honourable." - -"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Still there is something at the bottom -of my heart which tells me that this man hates me. I experience, on -seeing him, an insurmountable feeling of repulsion. This is something -inexplicable to me; but, though everything seems to prove to me that I -am wrong, still, whether right or wrong, there is at times an expression -in his glance which makes me shudder. The only thing a man cannot -disguise is his look, for it is the reflex of his soul, and God has -decreed it so, in order that we may put ourselves on our guard, and -recognise our enemies. But he is doubtlessly tired of waiting. Let him -come in." - -Violanta hastened to execute her mistress's orders. Don Cornelio entered -with a smile on his lips. - -"Señorita," he said, after a graceful bow, which the maiden returned -without leaving her hammock, "pardon me for daring to trouble your -solitude; but a worthy priest, a French missionary, desires that you -will grant him the favour of a few minutes' interview." - -"What is the missionary's name, Señor Don Cornelio?" - -"Father Seraphin, I believe, señorita." - -"Why does he not address himself to Don Louis?" - -"He intended to do so in the first instance." - -"Well?" - -"But," Don Cornelio continued, "at sunrise Don Louis left the camp, -accompanied by Don Valentine; and though it is now near midday, he has -not yet returned." - -"Ah! Where did Don Louis go to at so early an hour?" - -"I cannot tell you, señorita. All that I know for certain is, that he -proceeded in the direction of La Magdalena." - -"Has anything new occurred?" - -"Nothing I am aware of, señorita." - -There were a few moments of silence, during which Doña Angela was -reflecting. At length she continued: - -"And do you not suspect what this missionary wishes to say to me, Don -Cornelio?" - -"In no way, señorita." - -"Beg him to come in. I shall be happy to see and converse with him." - -Violanta, without giving Don Cornelio time to reply, raised the curtain -that closed the entrance of the jacal. - -"Come in, my father," she said. - -The missionary appeared. Doña Angela greeted him respectfully, and -pointed to a chair. - -"You wish to speak with me, my father?" she said. - -"Yes, madam," he replied with a bow. - -"I am ready to listen to you." - -The missionary looked round in a way that Don Cornelio and the waiting -maid understood, for they went out at once. - -"Cannot what you have to say to me be heard by that girl, who is devoted -to me?" - -"Heaven forbid, madam, that I should try to lessen the confidence you -place in that person, but allow me to give you a little piece of advice." - -"Pray do so." - -"It is often dangerous to confide your secret thoughts to persons in a -lower station than yourself." - -"Yes, that may be true in theory, my father, but I will not discuss it. -Be kind enough to explain to me the reason of your visit." - -"I am grieved, madam, at having hurt your feelings without wishing it. -Pardon an observation which you considered indiscreet, and may Heaven -grant that I am deceived!" - -"No, my father, no; I did not consider your remark indiscreet. But I am -a spoiled child, and it is my place to ask your forgiveness." - -At this moment the sound of horses was heard in the camp. Violanta -raised the curtain. - -"Don Louis has arrived," she said. - -"Let him come hither at once," Doña Angela exclaimed. - -The missionary gazed on her with an expression of gentle pity. A few -minutes later Don Louis and Valentine entered the jacal. The hunter -walked up to the missionary, and pressed his hand affectionately. - -"Have you come from the general, my father?" the count asked him quickly. - -"Alas, no!" he answered. "The general is unaware of my coming; for had -he known of it, he would probably have tried to oppose it." - -"What do you mean? Speak, in Heaven's name!" - -"Alas! I am about to redouble your agony and your sorrow. General -Guerrero never intended to bestow on you this lady's hand. I cannot tell -you what I have seen or heard, for my office forbids it; but I am a -Frenchman, sir--that is to say, your fellow countryman--and I believe -my duty orders me to warn you that treachery surrounds you on all sides, -and that the general is trying to lull your vigilance by fallacious -promises, in order to surprise you and finish with you." - -Don Louis let his head sink on his chest. - -"In that case, sir," he said presently, "with what object have you come -here?" - -"I will tell you. The general wishes to get back his daughter, and, to -effect that, all means will be good. Permit me to draw your attention to -the fact that, under present circumstances, the lady's presence here is -not only a danger for you, but also an ineffaceable stain on her honour." - -"Sir!" the count exclaimed. - -"Deign to listen to me," the missionary continued coldly. "I do not -doubt either your honour or the lady's; but you have no power, to my -knowledge, to impose silence on your enemies, and stop the immense flood -of calumny they pour out on you and her. Unhappily your conduct seems to -justify them." - -"But what is to be done? What means shall I employ?" - -"There is one." - -"Speak, my father." - -"This is what I propose. You intend to marry this lady?" - -"Certainly; you know that is my dearest wish." - -"Let me finish. The marriage must not be celebrated here; for such a -ceremony, performed in the midst of a camp of adventurers, without -witnesses, would seem a mockery." - -"But----" - -"It must take place in a city, in the presence of the entire population, -in the broad sunshine, to the sound of the bells and cannon, which, -traversing the air, will tell all that the marriage has really taken -place." - -"Yes," Valentine remarked, "Father Seraphin is right; for then Doña -Angela will no longer marry a pirate, but a conqueror, with whom terms -must be made. She will not be the wife of an adventurer, but of the -liberator of Sonora, and those who blame her today will be the first to -sing her praises." - -"Yes, yes, that is true!" the maiden cried with fire. "I thank you, my -father, for coming. My duty is laid down: I will accomplish it. Who will -dare to attack the reputation of her who has married the saviour of her -country?" - -"Still," the count remarked, "this is only a palliative, after all. -The marriage cannot take place yet. A fortnight, perhaps a month, will -elapse ere I have rendered myself master of a city. Till then Doña -Angela must remain in the camp where she has hitherto been." - -All eyes were anxiously turned to the missionary. - -"No," he said, "if the young lady will allow me to offer her a shelter." - -"A shelter!" she said with an inquiring glance. - -"Very simple and most unworthy to receive her, doubtlessly," he -continued, "but where at least she will be in safety, in the midst of a -family of honourable and good persons, to whom it will be a delight to -receive her." - -"Is the shelter you offer me, my father, very far from here?" the maiden -asked quickly. - -"Twenty-five leagues at the most, in the direction in which the French -expedition must proceed on its march into Sonora." - -Doña Angela gave a cunning smile at having been so well understood by -the good priest. - -"Listen, my father," she said with that resolution which was one of the -principal features of her character. "Your reputation reached me long -ago, and I know that you are a holy man. Even if I did not know you, -the friendship and respect Don Valentine professes for you would be to -me a sufficient guarantee. I trust myself in your hands. I understand -how unsuitable my presence in the camp now, at any rate, is. Take me -wherever you please. I am ready to follow you." - -"My child," the missionary said with charming unction, "it is God who -inspires this determination. The grief you will feel at a separation of -a few days at the most will double the happiness of a reunion which no -one will dare any longer to oppose--which will not only raise you again -in the public opinion, which it is always precious to preserve, but -also give your reputation a lustre which it will be hopeless to try and -tarnish." - -"Go, then, as it must be so, Doña Angela," the count said. "I intrust -you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse -ere we are again together." - -"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater -courage the agony of absence." - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked. - -"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us -get over it at once." - -"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, -Doña Angela--you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by -heavens, I love you as a sister!" - -Doña Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. -The latter continued:-- - -"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort----" - -"For what?" the priest asked simply. - -"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the -enemy's marauders." - -"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us -than an escort, which is often compromising." - -"For you, I grants but, my father, you do not remember that you will -travel with two females who must be immediately recognised." - -"That is true," he said simply; "I did not think of it." - -"What is to be done, then?" - -Doña Angela began laughing. - -"Gentlemen, you are really troubled by a very trifling matter. The good -father said an instant back, that the gown is the best safeguard, for -friend and foe will respect it under all circumstances." - -"That is true," the missionary said in confirmation. - -"Well, it is extremely simple. If Father Seraphin has no objection, -my waiting maid and myself will put on novices' robes, under which it -will be easy for us to disguise ourselves so cleverly that no one can -recognise us." - -Father Seraphin seemed to be reflecting profoundly for a few moments. - -"I see no serious obstacles to this disguisement," he at length -observed: "under the circumstances it is permissible, as it will serve a -good object." - -"But where shall we find monks' robes?" the count objected, half -seriously, half laughing. "I must confess that my camp is completely out -of them." - -"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La -Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during -that time Doña Angela will complete her preparations for departure." - -No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an -hour after, Doña Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don -Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed -under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a -warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by -Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a -secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for -serious thought, could they have seen it. - -"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. -"A priest is a very weak escort in the present times." - -"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that." - -"Oh! you always think of everything, brother." - -"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will -soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be -surprised." - -"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through -Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair." - -"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for -we have hardly the requisite time for action." - -"Have you any plan?" - -"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be -awfully taken in." - -"On my word, I trust to you with the greater pleasure because we have -been a long time already at La Magdalena, and I wish to begin my forward -march seriously." - -"Very good. Can you spare me fifty adventurers?" - -"Take as many as you like." - -"I only want fifty resolute men accustomed to desert warfare. For that -purpose I shall take Captain de Laville, and recommend him to select -from among the men he brought with him from Guetzalli the boldest and -most clever." - -"Do so, my friend. As for myself, I will carefully watch over the camp, -and double the patrols." - -"That precaution can do no harm. So now good-by till tomorrow." - -"Farewell!" - -They separated, and Don Louis returned to his tent. - -At the moment Valentine reached Captain de Laville's jacal he saw Don -Cornelio quitting the camp with an indifferent air, and mechanically -looked after him. In a moment he lost him out of sight behind a clump -of trees, but all at once saw him reappear but mounted this time, and -setting off full gallop in the direction of the pueblo. - -"Eh, eh?" Valentine muttered with a thoughtful air. "What can Don -Cornelio have to do in such haste at La Magdalena? I will ask him." - -And he entered the jacal, where he found the captain, with whom he -immediately began discussing the plan he had formed to foil the intended -surprise on the part of the Mexicans. As we shall see this plan carried -out presently, we will say nothing about it here, but go and rejoin -Father Seraphin and Doña Angela. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE. - - -It is especially at night, about two hours after sunset, that American -scenery assumes grand proportions. Under the influence of the first -night shadows the trees seem to put on majestic forms; the animated -silence of the desert becomes more mysterious; and man experiences -involuntarily a feeling of undefinable respect, which contracts his -heart, and fills him with superstitious dread. At that hour the waters -of the rivers flow with hoarse murmurings; the heavy and sinister flight -of the birds of night agitates the air with a fluttering of evil augury; -and the wild beasts, aroused in their hidden dens, salute the darkness -with long howlings of joy, for at night they are incontestably the kings -of the desert, for man is deprived of his greatest strength--the power -of the eye. - -Father Seraphin was riding by the side of the two females along the foot -of a lofty mountain, whose wooded slopes were lost in the black depths -of the Barrancas. Since leaving the camp they had not stopped once. They -were following at this moment a narrow path traced by mules, which wound -with countless turnings along the sides of the mountain. This path was -so narrow that two horses could scarce go along side by side; but the -steeds on which our travellers were mounted were so sure-footed, that -the latter proceeded without any hesitation along a road on which no -other animal would have ventured in the darkness. - -The moon had not yet risen; not a star glistened in the cloud-laden sky; -the darkness was dense; and, under the circumstances, this was almost -fortunate; for had the travellers been able to see the spot where they -were, and the way in which they were suspended, as it were, in space at -a prodigious height, possibly their courage would have failed them, and -their heads grown dizzy. Father Seraphin and Doña Angela were riding -side by side: Violanta was a few paces behind. - -"My father," the young lady said, "we have now been travelling for -nearly six hours, and I am beginning to feel fatigued. Shall we not halt -soon?" - -"Yes, my child, in an hour at the most. In a few moments we shall leave -this path, and cross a defile called the Quebrada del Coyote: at the end -of that pass we shall spend the night in a poor house, which is now not -more than two miles off." - -"You say we are going to pass through the Coyote defile. We are, then, -on the road to Hermosillo?" - -"Quite true, my child." - -"Is it not imprudent for us to venture on this road, which my father's -troops command." - -"My child," the missionary said gently, "in good policy we must often -risk a great deal in order to secure greater tranquillity. We are not -only on the road to Hermosillo, but we are going to that very city." - -"What! to Hermosillo?" - -"Yes, my child. In my opinion it is the only spot where you will be -completely safe from your father's search, as he will never think of -looking for you there, and cannot imagine that you are so near him." - -"That is true," she said after a moment's reflection. - -"The plan is a bold one, and hence must succeed. I believe, in truth, -that Hermosillo is the only spot where I can be safe from the pursuit of -those who have an interest in finding me." - -"I will take care, besides, to recommend you to the persons to whom I -shall intrust you; and, for greater security, I will leave you as little -as possible." - -"I shall be greatly obliged to you, my father, for I shall feel very sad -and lonely." - -"Courage, my child! I have faith in Don Louis. Heaven must protect his -expedition, for the work he has undertaken is grand and noble, as it has -for its object the emancipation of an entire country." - -"Believe me, my father, I am happy to hear you speak thus. The count may -fail; but in that case he will fall like a hero, and his death will be -that of a martyr." - -"Yes, the count is a chosen vessel. I believe, like yourself, my child, -that if his contemporaries do not do him the justice which is his -due, posterity at least will not confound him with those filibusters -and shameless adventurers for whom gold alone is everything, and who, -whatever may be the title they assume, are in reality no more than -highway robbers. But the road is growing wider--we are about to enter -the pass. This spot does not enjoy a very good reputation, so keep by my -side. Although I believe that we have nothing to fear, it is always well -to be prudent." - -In fact, as the missionary stated, the path had suddenly widened out: -the two sides of the mountain, which had, for some distance, been -gradually drawing together, now formed two parallel walls, at the most -only forty yards apart. It was this narrow gorge which was known as -the Quebrada del Coyote. It was about half a mile in length; but then -it suddenly grew wider, and opened on a vast _chaparral_, covered with -thickets and fields of dahlias; while the mountains separated to the -right and left, not to meet again till eighty leagues further on. - -At the moment when the travellers entered the pass the moon broke out -from the clouds in which it floated, and lighted up this dangerous pass -with its mournful and sickly light. This gleam, weak as it was, could -not fail to be agreeable to the travellers, as it allowed them to look -around and see where they were. They pressed on their wearied steeds, -in order to arrive more speedily at the end of the gloomy gorge in -which they were. They had gone on for about ten minutes, and had nearly -reached the centre of the pass, when the neighing of a horse smote their -ears. - -"We have travellers behind us," the missionary said with a frown. - -"And in a hurry, as it seems," Doña Angela added. "Hark!" - -They stopped to listen. The noise of hurried galloping reached their -ears. - -"Who can these men be?" the missionary murmured, speaking to himself. - -"Travellers like ourselves, probably." - -"No," Father Seraphin remarked, "travellers would not go at such a pace: -they are doubtlessly persons in pursuit of us." - -"That is not probable, my father: no one is aware of our journey." - -"Treachery has the eye of the lynx and the ear of the opossum, my dear -child. It is incessantly on the watch: everything is known--a secret is -no longer one when two persons know it. But time presses: we must make -up our minds." - -"We are lost if they are enemies!" Doña Angela exclaimed with terror. -"We have no help to expect from any one." - -"Providence is on the watch, child. Place confidence in her: she will -not abandon us." - -The noise of horses rapidly approaching came nearer, and resembled -the grumbling of thunder. The missionary drew himself up: his face -suddenly assumed an expression of indomitable energy which would have -been thought impossible for such gentle features; his voice, usually so -pleasant and sonorous, became quick, and almost harsh. - -"Place yourselves behind me, and pray," he said; "for, if I am not -greatly mistaken, the meeting will be dangerous." - -The two females obeyed mechanically. Doña Angela believed herself lost: -alone with this poor priest, any resistance must be impossible. The -missionary collected the reins in his left hand, attached them to the -pommel of his saddle, and awaited the shock with his face turned to -the newcomers. He had not long to wait: within scarce five minutes ten -horsemen appeared at full gallop. When twenty paces from the travellers -they halted as firmly as if their horses' hoofs were suddenly fixed in -the ground. - -These men, as far as it was possible to distinguish in the doubtful and -tremorous light of the moon, were dressed in the Mexican garb, and their -faces were covered with black crape. Doubt was no longer possible: these -sinister horsemen were really in pursuit of our travellers. There was an -instant of supreme silence--a silence which the missionary at length -resolved to break. - -"What do you want, gentlemen?" he said in a loud and firm voice. "Why -are you pursuing us?" - -"Oh, oh!" a mocking voice said, "the dove assumes the accent of the -gamecock. Señor padre, we have no intention to injure you; we only wish -to do you a service by saving you the trouble of guarding the two pretty -girls you so cleverly have with you." - -"Go your way, sirs," the priest continued, "and do not trouble -yourselves about what does not concern you." - -"Come, come, señor padre," the first speaker went on, "surrender with -a good grace: we should not like to fail in the respect due to you. -Resistance is impossible--we are ten against you alone: besides, you are -a man of peace." - -"You are cowards!" the missionary shouted. "Retire! A truce to mockery, -and let me continue my journey in peace." - -"Not so, señor padre, unless you consent to leave us your two -companions." - -"Ah, ah! that is it? Well, then, we must fight, gentlemen. It seems to -me that you are strangely mistaken about me. Yes, I am a missionary, -a man of peace; but I am also a Frenchman, and you appear to have -forgotten that. You must understand that I will not suffer the slightest -insult to the persons, whoever they may be, whom Heaven has placed under -my protection." - -"And with what will you defend them, Mr. Frenchman?" the stranger asked -with a grin. - -"With these," the missionary coldly replied as he drew a brace of -pistols from his holsters, and set the hammers with a resolute air. - -The bandits hesitated involuntarily. The missionary's action was so -clear, his voice so firm, his presence so intrepid, that they felt -themselves tremble; for they understood that they had a brave-hearted -man before them, who would sooner die than yield an inch. The Mexicans -do not respect much; but we must do them the justice of saying that they -have an unbounded reverence for the priest's gown. The missionary was -not a man like some who may be unfortunately met with, especially among -the clergy of North and South America. His reputation for virtue and -goodness was immense along the whole Mexican frontier: it was a serious -matter to insult him, much more to threaten him with death. Still the -strangers had advanced too far to give way. - -"Come, padre," the man who had hitherto been spokesman said, "do not -attempt any useless resistance. At all risks we will carry off these -women." - -And he made a movement as if to advance. - -"Stop! One step further, and you are a dead man. I hold in my hands the -life of two." - -"And I of two others," a rough voice exclaimed; and a man, suddenly -emerging from a thicket, bounded forward like a jaguar, and placed -himself intrepidly by the missionary's side. - -"Curumilla!" the latter exclaimed. - -"Yes," the chief answered, "it is I. Courage! Our friends are coming up." - -In fact a dull and continued sound could be heard rapidly increasing. -The strangers had not yet paid attention to it, as they were so engaged -by their discussion with the missionary. Still the situation was -growing complicated. Father Seraphin saw that, so long as a pistol was -not fired, he should remain almost master of the situation, certain, -from Curumilla's words, as he was of seeing speedy help arrive. His -resolution was at once formed: all he wanted was to gain time, and he -attempted it. - -"Come, gentlemen," he said, "you see that I am no longer alone: God has -sent me a brave auxiliary; hence my position is no longer so desperate. -Will you parley?" - -"Parley!" - -"Yes." - -"Be quick." - -"I will try to be so, as I presume, from the way in which you stopped -me, you are salteadores. Well, look you. You have me almost in your -power, or at least you think so. Remember that I am only a poor -missionary, and that what I possess belongs to the unhappy. How much -do you want for my ransom? Answer. I am ready to make any sacrifice -compatible with my position." - -Father Seraphin might have spoken thus for a long time, for the -strangers were no longer listening: they had noticed the approaching -sound, and were beginning to grow nervous. - -"Maldición!" the man who had hitherto spoken said, "that demon has -mocked us." - -He dug his spurs into his horses flanks; but the noble animal, instead -of bounding forward, reared up almost straight with a snort of pain, and -then fell in a heap. Curumilla had cut its back sinews with a blow of -his machete. After this exploit the Indian uttered a loud cry for help, -which was answered by a formidable hurrah. - -Still the impulse had been given, and the bandits rushed forward with a -ferocious yell. The missionary discharged his pistols, rather for the -purpose of hastening the advent of his unknown friends than of wounding -his enemies, which was easy to see; for no one fell, and the two parties -were so close that it was almost impossible to miss the mark. - -At the same instant five or six horsemen rushed on the strangers like -a whirlwind. A frightful medley began, and the bullets whistled in -every direction. The missionary had dismounted, and, compelling the two -females to do the same, he led them a few paces in the rear, in order to -protect them from the shots. But the struggle was not a long one: within -five minutes the bandits fled at full speed, pursued by nearly all the -newcomers, and leaving four of their men stretched on the ground. - -After a chase of a few minutes, however, the horsemen giving up a -pursuit which they saw was useless, returned and joined the missionary. -The latter, forgetting the unjust aggression he had just escaped, was -already seeking to succour the unhappy men who had fallen victims to -the trap they had laid for him: he went piously from one to the other, -in order to offer them assistance if there were still time. Three were -dead: the fourth was gasping and rolling on the ground in convulsions -of death. The missionary raised the veil that concealed his face, and -uttered a cry of surprise on recognising him. At this cry the dying man -opened his eyes, and fixed a haggard glance on Father Seraphin. - -"Yes, it is I," he said in an expiring voice. "I have only what I -deserve." - -"Unhappy man!" the missionary replied, "Is that what you swore to me?" - -"I tried to do it," he continued. "A few days back I saved the man you -recommended to me, father." - -"And I," the missionary said sorrowfully, "you owe your life to me, and -yet tried to kill me?" - -The dying man made a gesture of energetic denial. - -"No," he exclaimed, "never! Look you, my father: there are accursed -natures in the world. El Buitre was a wretched bandit. Well, he dies as -he lived: that is just. Good-by, father! Well, I saved your friend, the -hunter. Ah, ah!" - -While saying this the wretch had sat up. Suddenly he was seized with a -convulsion, and rolled on the ground: he was dead. The missionary knelt -down by his side and prayed. All present, moved involuntarily, took off -their hats piously, and remained silent by his side. All at once shouts -and firing were heard, and a numerous baud of horsemen galloped down the -pass. - -"To arms!" the men shouted, leaping into their saddles hurriedly. - -"Stay," Curumilla said; "they are friends." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -Employing our privilege as romancers, we will go back a little way, -and return to Don Cornelio, whom Valentine looked after with such -astonishment when he saw him leave the camp in such an unusual manner. - -In the first place we will say a few words about Don Cornelio, that -joyous and careless gentleman whom, in the first part of this history, -we saw so impassioned for music generally, and the romance del Rey -Rodrigo in particular. At the present time he was greatly changed: he no -longer sang--the chords of his jarana no longer vibrated under his agile -fingers; a deep wrinkle crossed his brow; his cheeks had grown pale; -and he frowned incessantly under the pressure of gloomy thoughts. What -could have happened? What powerful cause had thus changed the Spaniard's -character? - -This cause might be easily guessed. Don Cornelio loved Doña Angela. -He loved her with all his strength--we will not say with a true and -sincere love, for it was not love at all that he felt for her: another -sentiment, less noble, but perhaps more lively, had craftily entered the -gentleman's heart by the side of love. - -This sentiment was avarice. We previously stated that Don Cornelio was -under the influence of a fixed idea. This idea had led the Spaniard to -America. The hidalgo wished to make his fortune by a marriage with a -lady young, rich, and fair, but, before all, rich. A fixed idea is more -than a passion, more than a monomania: it is the first stage of madness. -Many times had Don Cornelio been deceived in his attempts on rich -American women, whom he sought to dazzle, not by his luxury (for he was -poor as Job, of lamentable memory), but by his personal advantages; that -is to say, his beauty and wit. His meeting with Doña Angela decided his -fate. Persuaded that the young lady loved him, he began to love her, for -his part, with the frenzy of the drowning man, for whom such a love was -the only chance of salvation. - -When he perceived his error it was too late. We will do him the justice -of conceding that the poor gentleman had struggled valiantly to tear -from his heart this insensate passion. Unfortunately all his efforts -were futile, and, as ever happens under such circumstances, forgetting -all he owed to Don Louis, who had saved him not only from misery, but -also from death, he felt for the count an intense hatred, the more -tenacious because it was dumb and concentrated; and, by a natural -feeling, he turned one half of that hatred on Doña Angela, although the -young lady and the count had only been the instruments, throughout the -affair, of that fatality which was so bitter against him. - -Thus, with extreme patience and unexampled hypocrisy, Don Cornelio -prepared his vengeance against these two beings, who had never done him -aught but kindness, and watched with the perfidy of a wild beast the -opportunity to destroy them. This opportunity would not be difficult to -find in a country where treachery is the order of the day, and forms the -basis of all combinations and transactions, of whatever nature they may -be. - -Don Cornelio had entered into relations with the enemies of the count, -and surrendered to them the secrets the latter allowed to let slip in -his presence. He had so arranged as to make his two foes fall into a -trap from which they could not escape, and in wreathing round them a -net from which extrication would be impossible. And now that we have -explained Don Cornelio's feelings to the reader we will proceed with our -narrative. - -The Spaniard had succeeded in drawing over to his side Doña Angela's -waiting maid. Thus Violanta betrayed her mistress to the profit of Don -Cornelio, by whom she believed herself beloved, and who, had led her -to fancy that he would marry her some day. From the camarista, who had -remained on the listen, the Spaniard learned all that was said in the -jacal between Father Seraphin, the count, and the young lady: the order -he afterwards received to go to La Magdalena and purchase the gowns -dissipated all his doubts, and he resolved to act without loss of time. - -It was by his advice that the Mexicans were to attempt to attack -the camp that very night: hence he knew where to find them. Taking -advantage, therefore, of a moment when everybody was too busy with his -own affairs to think about what others were doing, he glided silently -out of the camp, like a man taking a morning's walk, gained a clump of -trees behind which a horse was hidden, and rode off at full speed across -country, after taking a scrutinising glance around to assure himself -that he was not watched. - -He galloped thus for several hours, not seeming to follow any regular -road, dashing straight on, and paying no attention to obstacles, or not -checking the speed of his horse. Still, gradually his thoughts, at -first gloomy and sad, assumed a different direction: he attached the -bridle to his saddle-bow, and for the first time for many a day his -fingers began straying mechanically over the resonant strings of his -jarana, which he always wore in a sling, and brought with him; then, -yielding unconsciously to the influence of the surrounding scenery, he -began singing in a loud voice that couplet of the romance which bore a -certain degree of reference to his present position:-- - - "Amada enemiga mia, - De España segunda Elena, - O ¡si yo naciera ciego! - O ¡tú sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto y hora - Que al mundo me dio mi estrella: - Pechos que me dieron leche - Mejor sepulcro me dieran - Pagará----"[1] - -"Deuce take the owl singing at this hour!" a rough voice said, harshly -interrupting the virtuoso. "Who ever heard such an infernal row?" - -Don Cornelio looked around. The darkness was profound. A tall man with -crafty air, and mustachios turned up, was examining him impudently while -tapping the hilt of a long rapier. - -"Eh, eh!" the Spaniard said with great composure, "Is that you, captain? -What are you doing here?" - -"Waiting for you, Cristo." - -"Well, here I am." - -"That is fortunate. When do we start?" - -"All is changed." - -"Eh?" - -"Lead me first to your encampment, where I will explain it all to you." - -"Come." - -Don Cornelio followed him. This captain, whom the reader has doubtless -recognised, was the old soldier of the war of independence whom we had -the honour of presenting to him under the name of Don Isidro Vargas, the -confidential tool of General Guerrero, to whom he was attached like the -blade to the hilt. - -The Spaniard, drawing his horse after him by the bridle, entered a -large clearing lighted up by a dozen fires, round which were crouched -a hundred men with sinister faces and irregular accoutrements, but all -armed to the teeth. These bandits, whose ferocious appearance would have -delighted a painter, illumined as they were by the fantastic flames of -the braseros, were gambling, drinking, and quarrelling, and did not -seem to notice Don Cornelio's arrival. The latter made a gesture of -disgust on seeing them, but hobbled his horse near theirs, and rejoined -the captain, who had already seated himself by a fire evidently made -specially for him, as not one of the worthy people he had the honour of -commanding came near it. - -"Now I will hear you," the captain said so soon as he saw his comrade -stretched out comfortably at his side. - -"What I have to say will not take long." - -"Let me hear it, at any rate." - -"In two words, this is the matter: our expedition of this evening is -useless--the bird has flown." - -The captain, according to his habit in any moment of nervous excitement, -rapped out a frightful oath. - -"Patience!" the Spaniard went on. "This is what has happened." - -And he described the way in which Father Seraphin had left the camp, -accompanied by the young lady. On hearing it the worthy captain's face -brightened. - -"Come," he said, "all is for the best. What will you do?" - -"Give me El Buitre and ten resolute men. The priest must pass through -the Quebrada del Coyote: on arriving there I promise to strip him." - -"And what shall I do during that time?" - -"Whatever you like." - -"_Mil rayos!_ since I am here, I will remain; but I shall quit this -encampment at daybreak, and after leaving a party to beat up the -country, I will join the general at Ures." - -"Then he is at Ures at this moment?" - -"Yes, temporarily." - -"Very good; then you will see me there with my prisoners." - -"Agreed." - -"And now make haste; I must start at once." - -The captain rose, and while Don Cornelio was drawing his horse's girths -tighter, he gave orders to ten of his men to prepare for an expedition. -Within five minutes the little party left the clearing under the orders -of the Spaniard, and took up the missionary's trail. The reader knows -already what took place in the pass, which was not more than two leagues -from the spot where the bandits lay in ambush. We will, therefore, leave -Don Cornelio, and confine our attention to Captain Vargas. - -"On my word," the captain said to himself when the Spaniard had left -him, "I prefer that matters should end thus. There are only blows to be -gained from those confounded Frenchmen, deuce take them! Now we shall be -quiet for the whole night, so we will go to sleep." - -The captain was not so safe as he imagined, though, and the night was -not destined to be so quiet as far as he was concerned. On leaving the -camp Valentine explained to his comrades the nature of the expedition -they were going on, and recommended them to play Indian; that is to say, -employ craft. On entering the forest in which Captain Vargas was hidden, -the Frenchmen had heard the sound of horses, and seen the bandits under -the Spaniard's command flash past in the darkness like a baud of black -shadows. Not wishing to defer the execution of his plans, and possibly -surrender the substance for the shadow, the hunter contented himself -with sending an intelligent man after the party, in order to know what -became of it; and the Frenchmen, after dismounting, crept into the -forests like reptiles. - -Nothing was more easy than to surprise the Mexicans. The latter believed -themselves so safe that they had not even taken the precaution to post -sentries round their bivouac, who might warn them in case of danger. -Huddled pell-mell round the fires, the greater part were asleep, or -already, plunged in that seeming lethargy which precedes sleep. As for -the captain, he was wrapped up carefully in his cloak, and, with his -feet to the fire and his head on a saddle, was fast asleep. - -The adventurers reached the centre of the clearing without the slightest -sound betraying their approach. Then, in accordance with the orders -they had received, they seized the firelocks and sabres placed near -each of the sleepers, formed a pile of them, and then cut the picket -ropes of the horses, which they drove off with blows of the chicote. -At the terrible noise produced by the headlong course of the horses, -which spread in every direction, snorting and neighing, the Mexicans -awoke. They remained for an instant as if petrified at the sight of the -adventurers, who surrounded them on all sides with levelled muskets. -By an instinctive movement they felt for their arms, but they had been -removed. - -"_Con mil rayos y mil demonios!_" the captain shouted, as he stamped his -foot furiously, "we are taken like rats in a trap." - -"Hilloh!" Valentine said with an ironical laugh, "you are no longer -majordomo, then, Señor Don Isidro Vargas?" - -"And you," he answered with a grin of rage, "as it seems, are no longer -a dealer in novillos, Señor Don Valentine?" - -"What would you?" he said cunningly. "Trade is so very bad." - -"Hum! not very bad with you, it seems." - -"Hang it! you know men do what they can;" and turning to de Laville, he -said, "My dear captain, all these caballeros have reatas: be good enough -to employ them in binding them tightly." - -"Eh, Señor Don Valentine?" the ex-majordomo shouted. "You are not -merciful to us." - -"I! What an error, Don Isidro! Still, as you know, war has certain -necessities. I am taking my precautions--that is all." - -"What do you intend to do with us?" - -"You shall see, for I do not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of a -surprise; and, by the way, how do you find what I have just done to you? -It is as good as what you were preparing for us, I think?" - -Captain Vargas could find no reply: he contented himself with gnawing -his fingernails, after assuring himself, by a glance all around, that -flight was as impossible as resistance. At this moment the man whom -Valentine sent off to watch the scouting party returned, and whispered a -few words in his ear. The hunter turned pale: he looked at the Mexican -captain in a way that made him shudder, and then addressed his party. - -"Tell off ten men to mount at once," he said sharply. "Captain de -Laville, you will answer to me on your head for these bandits, whom -I leave in your hands. Return to the camp quietly. I will join you, -probably, on the road. The first who attempts to escape, blow out his -brains pitilessly. You understand me?" - -"You may be at ease: it shall be done. But what has happened?" - -"The bandits we saw going off on our arrival intend to attack Father -Seraphin." - -"Death and the devil! you must make haste." - -"I intend to do so. Good-by! Woe to you scoundrels! If a hair falls from -the missionary's head you shall be all shot," he added, turning to his -terrified prisoners. - -And with this fearful promise he went off, followed by the few -adventurers chosen to accompany him. On entering the pass the hunter met -the fugitives, on whom he rushed. Unfortunately the latter had seen them -first; and they succeeded in escaping by abandoning their horses, and -clambering like cats up the almost perpendicular sides of the mountain. -Valentine, without losing time in a futile pursuit, hastened to join the -missionary. - -"Ah!" the latter exclaimed on seeing him, "my friend, my dear Valentine, -had it not been for Curumilla, we were lost." - -"And Doña Angela?" - -"Thanks be to Heaven, she is saved." - -"Yes," she said, "thanks to Heaven and to these caballeros, who arrived -just in time to protect us." - -One of the strangers approached. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said in excellent French, "but you are the French -hunter of whom so much is said--Valentine Guillois, I think?" - -"Yes, sir," Valentine answered with surprise. - -"My name, sir, is Belhumeur." - -"I know you, sir: my foster brother has often mentioned you as his best -friend." - -"I am delighted that he has kept me in such pleasant memory. Allow me to -present to you Don Rafaël Garillas de Saavedra." - -The two men bowed and shook hands. - -"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked. - -"Is not that the best form of introduction?" - -"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed. - -"I will myself return with you, señor padre," Don Rafaël said. "I -intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way -of seeing him and securing his friendship." - -"And what is that way?" - -"By offering a shelter to Doña Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which -belongs to me." - -"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafaël, for not having -thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady." - -"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the -hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don -Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?" - -"One!" he said. "What is it?" - -"For ever!" - -"Come, I will not recall my word," he said with a good-humoured laugh. -"You are an angel: I shall end by loving you madly." - -"Let us go!" she exclaimed. - -"Will you not join our party, Belhumeur?" Valentine asked. - -"Certainly; for I wish to speak with Don Louis." - -"That is it," Don Rafaël observed. "I will escort the padre with Black -Elk and Eagle-head. Señor Don Valentine, Belhumeur will serve as your -guide to the Hacienda del Milagro." - -"By Jove!" Valentine said with a laugh, "you will probably see me before -you expect." - -"Come whenever you please: you will ever be welcome." - -After exchanging affectionate farewells the two parties turned their -back on each other, and left the gorge by opposite roads. - - -[1] Enemy whom I adore, of Spain the second Helen, oh that I were born -blind, or you born without beauty! Accursed be the day and hour when my -star caused me to be born! Breasts that nourished me, better to have -given me death. You will pay---- - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE FORWARD MARCH. - - -The sun had risen nearly an hour when Valentine, and the band he -commanded, joined Captain de Laville and the prisoners again at about -two leagues from La Magdalena. The Mexicans were marching with bowed -heads, and hands fastened behind their backs, between two files of -French horsemen, with their rifles on the thigh, and finger on the -trigger. The captain was slightly in advance of his men, conversing with -the old Mexican officer, whose legs had been tied under his horse's -belly, owing to an attempt at escape he had made. - -In the rear came the prisoners' horses, easily recaught by the -adventurers, and loaded with the muskets, sabres, and lances of their -ex-masters. When the two bands united they went on more rapidly. -Valentine, had he wished it, could have reached the camp before sunrise; -but it was important for the success of the expedition, at the head of -which the count had placed himself, that the population of La Magdalena, -at this moment increased tenfold by the strangers who, owing to the -festival, had flocked in from all parts of Sonora, should understand -that the French had not undertaken an expedition so feather-brained as -was supposed, or at least as the Mexican Government wished it to be -supposed, and therefore the prisoners would march into camp in broad -daylight. - -The count, warned by Curumilla, whom the hunter sent on in advance, -determined to give great importance to this affair, and display a -certain degree of ostentation: consequently the whole army was under -arms; and the flag, planted in front of the count's tent to the sound -of bugles and drums, was saluted by the shouts of the adventurers. As -the count had foreseen, the inhabitants of La Magdalena rushed to the -camp to witness the sight the count prepared for them; and the road was -soon covered by curious persons on horse and on foot, hurrying to be the -first to arrive. When the head of the detachment reached the camp gates -it stopped at a signal from Valentine, and a bugler sounded a call. At -this summons an officer came out. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted. - -"France!" Captain de Laville, who had advanced a few paces, replied. - -"What corps?" the officer continued. - -"The liberating army of Sonora!" - -An immense shout, raised by the populace, drowned the words. - -"Enter," the officer said. - -The barrier was raised, the drums began beating, the bugles sounding, -and the marching past began. There was something really grand in this -scene, so simple in itself, but which made the heart beat more rapidly -when you examined the resolute air of this handful of men, left to -themselves without succour, six thousand leagues from their country, who -so proudly sustained the name of France, and who, at the beginning of -the campaign, without firing a shot, returned with a hundred prisoners -captured at the moment they were preparing to surprise the camp. - -The Sonorians, under an involuntary emotion, regarded the Frenchmen -with a respectful timidity, mingled with admiration, and, far from -pitying the fate of their compatriots, they overwhelmed them with -yells and jests. So great is the influence of courage and energy -on these primitive races! When the prisoners were collected in the -middle of the camp square the count approached them, surrounded by -his staff and some of the chief inhabitants of La Magdalena, who -followed him instinctively, carried away by their enthusiasm. It was -really a holiday. Floods of light inundated the landscape; a gentle -breeze refreshed the atmosphere; the bugles played merry tunes; the -drums rattled; and the assembled populace uttered shouts of joy, while -waving handkerchiefs and hats. The count smiled, for he was momentarily -happy. The future appeared to him less gloomy and sad. He examined the -prisoners for a moment with a pensive eye. - -"I have come to Sonora," he at length said in a piercing voice, "to give -liberty to the people of this country. I have been represented to you -as a cruel and faithless man. Begone! You are free! Go and tell your -countrymen how the chief of the pirates avenges the calumnies spread -abroad about him. I do not even ask of you the promise not to bear -arms against me again. I have on my side something which is stronger -than all the soldiers who can be opposed to me--the hand of God, which -guides me; for He wishes that this country should be at length free and -regenerated. Unfasten those men, and restore them their horses." - -The order was immediately obeyed, and the people greeted this generous -resolution with shouts and ebullitions of joy. The prisoners hastened -to quit the camp, though not before they had displayed by energetic -protestations, their gratitude for the count's generosity. Don Louis -then turned to Captain Isidro. - -"As for you, captain," he said gravely, "you are one of the few lions -left from that war of independence which overthrew the Spanish power. We -are brothers, for we both serve the same cause. Take back your sword: a -brave man like you must always wear it at his side." - -The captain looked at him gloomily. - -"Why can I no longer hate you?" he replied. "I should have preferred an -insult to your generosity. Now I am no longer free." - -"You are so, captain. I ask from you neither friendship nor gratitude. -I have acted as I thought it my duty to do. Let us each follow our own -road, but let us try not to meet again." - -"Your hand, caballero; and now a word." - -"Speak." - -"Take care of the persons in whom you place confidence." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I can say no more, or I should be a traitor myself." - -"Oh, ever, ever the same treachery!" the count muttered, growing -thoughtful. - -"And now farewell, caballero. If I am forbidden to wish the success of -your plans, at least I will do nothing against them; and if you do not -see me among the ranks of your friends, I shall not be in those of your -enemies." - -The old captain bounded into his seat, made his horse perform a few -graceful curvets, and after bowing to the company, started at a gallop. - -The remainder of the day was one continued festival. The count had -succeeded: his generous conduct to the prisoners bore its fruits. The -French adventurers had risen enormously in the opinion of the Sonorians. -The count had already acquired a great influence in the country, and -several persons began to prognosticate a successful issue for the -expedition. - -At nightfall Don Louis convoked all the chiefs of the army to a secret -council of war. By a providential accident, the count, who would -doubtlessly have permitted Don Cornelio to be present at the council, -owing to the confidence he placed in him, had sent that gentleman to -La Magdalena to buy several horses he required. This commission, by -preventing the Spaniard's presence at the council, insured its secrecy. - -Don Cornelio had succeeded by a miracle in escaping the hunter's -pursuit, and had re-entered the camp unnoticed about two hours before -the arrival of the prisoners. He had killed his horse, but was this time -at least safe himself, for no one dreamed of suspecting him; and even -had it been the case, nothing would have been easier for him than to -establish an _alibi_. - -At eight in the evening the roll call sounded, the camp gates were -closed, and the officers proceeded to head quarters; that is to say, the -jacal inhabited by the count. A row of sentries, set about ten paces -distant from the hut, so as to be themselves out of hearing distance, -had orders to fire on the first person who attempted to enter the place -of meeting without orders. - -The count was seated at a table, on which a road map of Sonora was laid -out. The assembly was composed of some fifteen persons, among whom were -Valentine, Curumilla, Captain de Laville, and Belhumeur, who was too -intimate a friend of the count to be excluded from a conference of such -an important nature. When all had arrived the door was shut, and the -count rose. - -"Comrades," he said in a firm voice, though suppressed, lest he should -be heard outside, "our expedition is about to commence in reality: -what we have done up to the present is nothing. I have several times -sounded, either myself or through my spies, the intentions of the -richest hacenderos or campesinos of this State. They seem very well -disposed toward us; but let us not be deceived by fallacious promises. -These people will do nothing as long as our expedition does not rest on -a solid base of operations; in other words, we must seize on a city. If -we succeed, our cause is gained, for the whole country will rise for us. -I have led you to this place because La Magdalena forms the extremity of -an angle at which three roads debouch, each leading to one of the chief -cities of Sonora; and it is one of those cities we must carry. But which -shall it be? That is the question. All three are crammed with troops: -in addition, General Guerrero holds the roads leading to them, and he -has sworn," the count added with a smile, "to make only one mouthful of -us, if we dare to take one step in advance. But that disquiets you but -very slightly, I suppose: let us, therefore, return to the important -question. Captain de Laville, be good enough to give us your opinion." - -The captain bowed. - -"I am inclined for Sonora," he said. "It is a new city, I grant, but -it bears the name of the country we propose to deliver, and that is an -important consideration." - -Several officers spoke in turn, and the majority ranged themselves on -the side of Captain de Laville. The count then turned to Valentine. - -"And what is your opinion, brother?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said, "I am no great hand at talking, as you know, -brother," he answered. "Still I have a certain knowledge of warfare, -which may perhaps inspire me rightly. You want a rich and manufacturing -city, in order to protect the opulent inhabitants of the country from -any sudden attack, and whence you can effect your retreat without -danger, if too numerous forces try to crush you. Is it not so?" - -"Indeed, the city we seize must combine these three conditions as far as -possible." - -"There is only one which combines them." - -"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said. - -"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. -It is the _entrepôt_ of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very -rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen -leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming -from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if -we are compelled to fight our retreat." - -The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers. - -"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must -not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an -experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would -result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated -imposing forces there." - -"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans -will learn to know us at the first blow." - -All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the -_army_ should march on Hermosillo. - -"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the -three roads. We must put them off the scent." - -"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make -demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the -move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am -afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men." - -Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on -a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was -said around him. - -"Let the chief speak," Valentine said; "his words are worth their weight -in gold." - -Everyone was silent. - -"Curumilla," the chief said, "knows a crossroad which abridges the -distance, and of which the Mexican general is ignorant. Curumilla will -guide his friends." - -The chief then took up his calumet again, and sat down once more as -if it were nothing. From this moment the discussion was at an end. -Curumilla, according to his custom, had cut the knot by removing the -most dangerous obstacle. - -"Comrades," the count said, "the wagons and guns are horsed. Wake -up your men, and break up the camp silently. The inhabitants of La -Magdalena, on getting up tomorrow morning, must not know what has become -of us." - -Then taking Captain de Laville and Valentine one side,-- - -"While I am going along the crossroad under the chiefs guidance, you, -captain, will proceed in the direction of Ures; and you, brother, will -march on Sonora. Get near enough to be seen, but do not engage in any -skirmish; fall back, and join me again at once. We can only conquer our -enemies by the rapidity of our movements." - -"But in case we cannot join you on the road," Valentine objected, "what -place will you appoint for our meeting?" - -"The Hacienda del Milagro, four leagues from Hermosillo," Belhumeur -said. "Headquarters will be there." - -"Yes," the count said, furtively pressing the Canadian's hand. - -The meeting broke up, and each went to execute the orders he had -received. The camp was broken up in the utmost silence, and the most -minute precautions were taken to allow none of the movements to -transpire outside. The bivouac fires were left lighted; in short, -nothing was touched which could cause any suspicion of a hurried -departure. - -At about eleven in the night the two parties, under Valentine and -Captain de Laville, set out in different directions: the count soon -followed them with the main body and the baggage, so that by midnight -the camp was entirely deserted. Curumilla had not deceived the count. -After about two hours' march he made the troops wheel to the right, and -entered a narrow path, in which there was just room for the vehicles, -and the whole company disappeared in the infinite windings of a true -wild beast's track, in which it was impossible to suppose that an armed -body, accompanied by numerous and heavy wagons and field pieces, would -ever venture. - -Still, when the first obstacles were overcome, this road, which appeared -so difficult, offered no serious causes for delay, and the Frenchmen -pushed on rapidly. Two days after they were rejoined by the detachments -which had operated on their flank. Captain de Laville and Valentine had -been completely successful in deceiving the general, whose advanced post -still continued to guard the roads, little suspecting that they had been -turned. - -This march lasted nine days, through numberless difficulties, over -shifting sand which fled beneath the feet, under a parching heat with -no water, and, during the last two days, with no provisions or forage. -But nothing could lessen the courage of the men, or destroy their -inexhaustible gaiety: they went on bravely, keeping their eyes fixed on -their chief, who went on foot before them, consoling and encouraging -them. On the evening of the ninth day they saw in the distance, in -the centre of a well-wooded landscape, the outlines of a considerable -hacienda. It was the first house they had come across since leaving La -Magdalena. - -"What hacienda is that?" Don Louis asked Belhumeur, who walked by his -side. - -"The Hacienda del Milagro," the Canadian answered. - -The Frenchmen uttered a shout of joy: they had arrived. They had marched -sixty leagues in nine days, along almost impracticable roads. - -Curumilla had kept his promise. Thanks to him, the column had not been -molested. - - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -BEFORE THE ATTACK. - - -When within gunshot of the hacienda the count commanded a halt. - -"De Laville," he said to the captain, "push on ahead, and occupy the -hacienda in force: we shall have our headquarters there." - -"What is the use of that?" Belhumeur asked. "Did you not put faith in -my words, then? Don Rafaël and his family will be delighted to receive -you and greet you with open arms." - -The count smiled, and bent down to the Canadian's ear. - -"My friend Belhumeur," he said to him in a low voice, "you are a -child who will understand nothing. I take these precautions which -grieve you so much, not for my own sake, but on behalf of our friends. -Supposing, as may be unfortunately the case, that we are beaten by the -Mexicans--what will happen then? That Don Rafaël will inevitably fall -a victim to the sympathy he has evinced for us; while, by acting as I -do, he bows to force, and the Mexican authorities will be unable, in -spite of all their desire, to render him responsible for our stay at his -house." - -"That is true," the Canadian answered, struck by the logic of this -reasoning. - -"Still," Don Louis continued, "in order to avoid any misunderstanding, -you will accompany the captain, and while he is talking loudly you can -whisper to our friends what the reason is." - -Five minutes later the detachment started at a gallop, followed -presently by the rest of the column. All took place as the count had -arranged. Warned by Belhumeur, Don Rafaël protested energetically -against the forced occupation of the hacienda, and feigned only to yield -to superior force. The estate was definitively occupied, and Don Rafaël -mounted with some of his servants, in order to go and meet the column; -but, by the count's orders, it did not stop at the hacienda, but pushed -on and camped about two leagues from Hermosillo. - -The count and Rafaël met, not like strangers to each other, but as old -friends delighted at meeting again, and entered the hacienda, conversing -in a low voice. Before dismounting, the count sent off couriers and -scouts in every direction, in order to have certain news about the -enemy; and only keeping with him an escort of eight men, he sent the -others to the bivouac, and entered the hacienda. - -Don Ramon, Don Rafaël's father, and Doña Luz, that amiable woman -whose touching history we told in a previous story,[1] were waiting, -surrounded by their servants, the arrival of the Frenchmen at the door -of the hacienda. - -"You are welcome, valiant combatants for the independence of Sonora," -General Don Ramon said as he held out his hand to the count. - -The latter leaped from his horse. - -"May God grant that I may be as fortunate as you have been, general!" -he replied with a bow. Then, turning to Doña Luz, "Pardon me, madam," -he said to her, "for having come to trouble your peaceful retreat: your -husband is alone to blame for the indiscretion I am committing at this -moment." - -"Señor conde," she answered with a smile, "do not make such excuses: -this house and all it contains belong to you. We see your arrival with -joy--we shall witness your departure with sorrow." - -The count offered his arm to Doña Luz, and they entered the hacienda. -But the count was restless--his glance wandered incessantly. - -"Patience!" Don Rafaël said to him with a meaning smile; "you will -see her. It would have been imprudent for her to appear sooner, so we -prevented her." - -"Thanks!" the count said; and the cloud which obscured his noble face -disappeared at once. - -The interview of the two lovers was as it should be; that is to say, -calm, affectionate, and deeply felt. The count warmly thanked Father -Seraphin for the protection he had accorded the maiden. - -"Ere long," Doña Luz said, "all your torments will be ended, and you -will be able to yield to the passionate emotions of your heart without -constraint." - -"Yes," the count answered pensively, "tomorrow will probably decide my -fate, and that of the woman I love." - -"What do you mean?" Don Rafaël exclaimed. - -The count looked anxiously around him: he saw that he could speak, and -that those who pressed toward him were sincere friends. - -"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall attack Hermosillo and take it, or fall -dead in the breach." - -All present were in a state of stupor. Don Rafaël made Black Elk a sign -to stand outside the door to keep off all comers, and then returned to -the count. - -"Have you really that idea?" he asked him. - -"Were it not so, should I be here?" he said simply. - -"But," Don Rafaël continued urgently, "Hermosillo is an inclosed town -with strong walls." - -"I will force them." - -"It has a garrison of 1200 men." - -"Ah!" he said indifferently. - -"For two months the militia have been exercised daily." - -"Militia!" he replied with a disdainful air. "I suppose, at any rate, -they are numerous?" - -"About 3000 men." - -"All the better." - -"General Guerrero, who has at length discovered that his flank was -turned, has thrown himself into the city with 6000 Indians, and is -awaiting other reinforcements." - -"That is the reason, my friend, why I must attack at once. I have -already, according to your calculation, opposed to me 11,000 men, -intrenched behind good walls. The longer I wait, the more numerous they -will grow; and if I do not take care," he added with a laugh, "that army -will end by growing so considerable that it will be impossible for me to -destroy it." - -"You are perhaps unaware, my friend, that Hermosillo is surrounded by -market gardens, which render the approaches almost impracticable?" - -"Believe me, my good friend," the count replied carelessly, "I shall -enter by the gates." - -The company gazed on the count with an amazement akin to terror. They -looked at each other, and seemed to be asking whether they had not to -deal with a maniac. - -"Pardon me, my friend," Don Rafaël continued, "but I think you said that -you intended to attack tomorrow?" - -"Certainly." - -"But supposing your troops have not arrived?" - -"What! my troops not arrived? Did not you see them march past the -hacienda an hour ago?" - -"Yes, I saw a small detachment pass--your vanguard, of course." - -"My vanguard!" the count exclaimed with a laugh. "No, my good friend, -that small detachment forms my entire _army_." - -Don Rafaël, Don Ramon, and, the other persons present were men of -recognised courage. On several occasions they had sustained giant -combats against enemies tenfold in number; in short, they had furnished -proof of the most extravagant courage and most insane temerity. But -the count's eccentric proposition of going coolly with a handful of -adventurers to take a city defended by 10,000 men seemed to them so -extraordinary and so incredible, that they remained dumb for a moment, -hardly knowing whether they were awake or suffering from a frightful -nightmare. - -"Tell me, my friend," Don Rafaël exclaimed, his arguments quite -exhausted, "how many men can you deploy in line?" - -"Hang it! not many," the count said with a smile, "I have invalids: -still I can dispose of about two hundred and fifty, and I hope they -will be sufficient." - -"Yes," Doña Angela said enthusiastically, "they will be sufficient, for -the cause these men defend is holy, and God will protect them." - -"Don Rafaël," the count said simply, "have you ever heard of what is -called the _furia Francese?_" - -"Yes, but I confess to you that I do not exactly understand what it is." - -"Well," he added, "wait till tomorrow, and when you have seen this -formidable army crushed, destroyed, and dispersed like autumn leaves -by the wind; when you have been present at the capture of Hermosillo, -you will know what _furia Francese_ is, and understand the prodigies -of valour which history has recorded, and Frenchmen perform almost in -sport." - -The conversation ended here, and they proceeded to the dining room, -where the refreshments, of which the count stood in such need, had been -prepared. So soon as they rose from table the count asked leave to -retire to the apartment prepared for him, and begged Father Seraphin to -follow him. They remained for a long time shut up, talking ear to ear. -When the missionary came out his eyes were red, and traces of tears -furrowed his pale cheeks. The count pressed his hand. - -"So, then," he said, "in case of a mishap----" - -"I will be there, count, trust me;" and he retired slowly. - -During the evening, and, indeed, far into the night, the count listened -to the reports of his scouts and spies: the news they brought coincided -in every respect with the information imparted by Don Rafaël. General -Guerrero had hurried to Hermosillo, where he was securely intrenched. - -Valentine and Curumilla were the last to arrive; but they were not the -bearers of bad news. Valentine, at the head of a party of foragers, had, -by Curumilla's advice, advanced along the Guaymas road, and surprised a -convoy of provisions and ammunition intended for the Mexicans. This had -been taken to the camp by the hunter's care, and was warmly welcomed -by the Frenchmen, whose stock of food, as we have seen, was entirely -exhausted. Captain de Laville, for his part, had surprised three or four -of the enemy's patrols, which had imprudently advanced too far. The -count sent Curumilla to the captain with orders to take advantage of -the darkness of the night to advance, and push on his advanced posts to -within a gun-shot and a half of the town. - -When alone with Valentine he spread out a plan of Hermosillo on the -table, and both bending over it, began studying it attentively. We have -already described Hermosillo several times: we will limit ourselves to -saying that the market gardens by which that city is surrounded are -inclosed with walls, behind which it is easy to place _tirailleurs_, -whom the nature of the ground enables to fall back from post to post, -constantly protected by the walls, which are about three feet in -thickness, and built of _adobas_. In addition, on the side on which -the count was marching, a wide and deep ditch, which could only be -traversed by means of a bridge, at the end of which a strong body of -troops was doubtless posted, formed an almost impregnable defence. - -As may be seen from our description, Hermosillo is far from being -an open town, which can be seized without striking a blow; and, in -attempting to carry it at the head of 250 men, the Count de Prébois -Crancé, if he succeeded, might justly flatter himself on having -accomplished one of the greatest exploits of modern times. - -General Guerrero, according to the reports of the scouts, and the -Mexican officers under his command, affected a superb contempt for these -naked-footed Frenchmen, as they called them, and promised to give them -so rough a lesson that they would not feel disposed to begin again. -Curumilla, however, had brought back a piece of news which could not -fail to give the count hopes. In spite of the immense preparations he -had made, against the company, General Guerrero had been so surprised -by the news of its hurried march on Hermosillo, and the daring manner -in which it had turned its advanced posts, that, in his hurry to go to -the aid of the menaced city, he had been constrained to leave behind him -the greater part of his forces, and the city, in reality, only contained -twelve or fifteen hundred defenders, doubtlessly a very large number, -but much less than the count had expected to find. - -Curumilla had peacefully entered the city. His being an Indian served as -his safeguard, and he had seen, visited, and examined everything. This -news the Araucano brought back on reporting to the count the execution -of the orders sent through him to Captain de Laville. The count and the -hunter rubbed their hands, and hastened to make their final arrangements. - -Among the hacenderos present at the conference of La Magdalena was one -whose influence was immense upon the pueblos. It was the man who, in -the name of his countrymen, had assured the count that, so soon as an -important town had fallen into the hands of the French, the signal for -revolt should be given, and the country roused in a few days, in order -to effect a decisive diversion. Don Louis, not wishing to lose a moment, -and in the certainty of success, wrote him a letter in which, after -announcing to him the fall of Hermosillo, he urged him to be ready to -support him, and give the signal for insurrection. - -We mention this fact to prove not only that the count believed himself -sure of succeeding, but also foresaw everything with that sublime -intuition only possessed by men of genius. - -The letter written, and the last arrangements made, the count and -Valentine left the room. It was about two in the morning: the sky was -gloomy, and warm gusts coming from the desert bowed down the leafy -crowns of the trees. - -The two foster brothers went down into the patio, where all the -inhabitants of the hacienda had assembled to salute the count on his -departure. Doña Angela, wrapped up in a long white dressing gown, with -pallid face and eyes filled with tears, looked like a phantom in the -glare of the torches shaken by the peons. The escort had mounted and sat -motionless. Curumilla held the horses of the two Frenchmen. When they -appeared, all raised their hats and saluted with a deep and respectful -bow. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," Don Rafaël said to him. "May Heaven grant you the -victory!" - -"May Heaven grant you the victory," Don Ramon repeated, "for you are -fighting for the independence of a people!" - -"Never were more fervent prayers offered up than we shall make for you, -Don Louis," Doña Luz then said. - -The count felt his heart contract. - -"I thank you all," he said with much emotion. "Your wishes do me good: -they prove to me that among the Sonorians there are some who comprehend -my noble object. Thanks once again." - -Doña Angela came up to the count. - -"Don Louis," she said to him, "I love you. Do your duty." - -The count bent down to her, and imprinted a kiss on her pale forehead. - -"Doña Angela, my affianced!" he said with a tenderness impossible to -render, "you will see me again either a conqueror or a corpse." - -And he made a move as if to depart. At this moment Father Seraphin came -to his side. - -"What!" he said with surprise, "do you accompany me, my father?" - -"I am going where duty calls me, sir," the missionary replied with that -angelic simplicity which was so characteristic of him--"where I shall -find pain to console, misfortunes to alleviate. Let me follow you." - -Louis pressed his hand silently, and after bowing once again to the -friends he was leaving, perhaps for ever, he gave the signal for -departure, and the cavalcade soon disappeared in the darkness. - -Doña Angela remained cold and motionless in the doorway so long as she -could hear the horses' hoofs echoing on the road. When every sound had -died away in the distance a long-restrained sob burst from her. - -"Heavens, heavens!" she exclaimed in despair, and stretching out her -hands to the sky. Then she fell back in a fainting fit. Doña Luz and Don -Rafaël hastened to her aid, and carried her into the hacienda, where -they eagerly tried to restore her to consciousness. Belhumeur tossed his -head several times, and prepared to shut the gate of the hacienda. - -"Not yet," a voice said to him; "let us go out first." - -"Eh, what?" he said. "Where the deuce do you want to go at this hour, -Black Elk? - -"To tell you the truth," the hunter answered, "I am almost a Frenchman, -since I am a Canadian, and so I am going to help my countrymen." - -"Halloh!" Belhumeur exclaimed, struck by these words, "that's not a bad -idea. By Jove! you shall not go alone; I will accompany you." - -"All the better; then there will be three of us." - -"How three? Who else is coming with us?" - -"Eagle-head, by Jove! The chief says there are down there some Indians, -enemies of his nation, whom he should like to have a set-to with." - -"Let us be off, then. I believe that the count will be pleased to have -three fighting men more, like us, in his company." - -"By Jove! I should think so," Belhumeur said. - -"I do not care," Black Elk remarked, "whatever you may say, he is a fine -fellow. What do you think about him, you who know him, eh?" - -"Tough as hickory," the Canadian answered intrepidly. - -Without further commentary the three bold hunters mounted and proceeded -in the track of the count. - - -[1] See "The Trappers of Arkansas." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO. - - -Although the horses ridden by the count's escort were good, the hunters -were mounted on such fast mustangs that they caught up Don Louis within -twenty minutes of his leaving the hacienda. On hearing hurried footfalls -behind them, the Frenchmen, not knowing who could be coming like a -tornado after them, bravely wheeled round; but Belhumeur prevented any -misunderstanding by making himself known. - -"You are welcome, you and your companions, Belhumeur," the count said to -him. "But what urgent reason compels you to gallop so late along the -roads?" - -"A service I want to ask of you, Don Louis," the Canadian frankly -replied. - -"A service! Speak, my friend: whatever it may be, if it depends on me, -it is granted before asking." - -"What I want _does_ depend on you." - -"What is it?" - -"My comrades and myself wish to have the honour of fighting by your side -tomorrow." - -"Is that the service you had to ask of me, Belhumeur?" - -"Yes, and no other." - -"Then you are mistaken, my friend: you mean to say a service to render -me. I heartily accept your proposition, and thank you for it cordially." - -"Then that is arranged. You admit us into your ranks?" - -"By Jove! I should be mad not to do so." - -Belhumeur informed his friends of the success of his negotiation, and -they rejoiced at it as if they had received the handsomest possible -present. After this slight incident, the party, increased by the three -new recruits, went onwards. The Frenchmen trotted on in the darkness -like a troop of silent phantoms, bending over the necks of their horses, -eagerly questioning the sounds that rose from the desert, and sounding -the gloom in order to obtain some sign that they were approaching their -comrades. - -Captain Charles de Laville, though still very young, seemed predestined -for the part he was playing at this moment. His glance was infallible, -both as superior chief and as a subordinate leader: he not only -understood with extreme rapidity the orders he received, but seized -their meaning and carried them out with rare intelligence.[1] The -count had not been in error for a moment about de Laville's brilliant -qualities. Hence he had made him a favourite, and, whenever he had a -difficult duty to intrust to anyone, he gave it to him, certain that -he would perform it with honour. The success surpassed his hopes on -this occasion; for De Laville executed the advance movement with such -precision and in such profound silence that the count almost found -himself up with the rear before he suspected he was anywhere near it. - -In order to march more rapidly, and not be in any way detained, the -captain had left his wagons and baggage at a deserted rancho about a -league from the city, under the guard of the invalids, who, although -too weak to fight in the ranks of the company, could yet, behind -intrenchments, offer a sufficiently lengthened resistance to allow their -comrades to come to their assistance. - -The count passed through the ranks, saluted in an affectionate voice by -his men, and placed himself at the head of the column. For two months -past the fatigue Don Louis had endured, and the constant state of -excitement in which events kept him, had seriously injured his health; -and it was only by his energy and will that he succeeded in conquering -his illness and keeping upright. He understood that if he gave way all -was lost: hence he wrestled with his sufferings, and though a fever -devoured him, his face remained calm, and nothing revealed to his -comrades the sufferings he endured with the courage of a stoic. Still he -suddenly felt himself attacked by such a feeling of weakness, that had -not Valentine, who guessed his condition, and watched over him like a -mother, held him in his arms, he must have fallen from his horse. - -"What is the matter, brother?" the hunter asked him affectionately. - -"Nothing," he answered, as he passed his hand over his forehead, which -was dank with icy perspiration and fatigue; "but," he added, "it has -gone off now." - -"Take care, brother," he said to him with a sad shrug of his shoulders: -"you do not nurse yourself enough." - -"Eh? Can I do it? But be not alarmed. I know what I want: the smell of -powder will restore me. Look, look! we have reached our destination at -last." - -In fact, by the first rays of the sun, which rose majestically above the -horizon, Hermosillo, with its white houses glistening, now was visible -about a cannon shot off. An immense shout of joy from the whole company -greeted the so-ardently-desired appearance of the city. The order to -halt was given. The city was silent--it seemed deserted: not a sound was -heard within its walls. So calm, quiet, and dumb was it, that you might -have fancied that you had before you that city in the Arabian Nights -which a wicked enchanter struck with his wand and plunged into eternal -sleep. - -The country was deserted. Only here and there the fragments of arms, -uniforms, sandals, the footsteps of horses, and the furrows of carts -indicated the recent passage of General Guerrero's troops. The count -examined the city for a while with the utmost attention, in order to -make his final arrangements, when suddenly two horsemen appeared on -the bridge to which we have already alluded, and galloped toward the -company, waving a flag of truce. - -"Let us see what these persons want," the count said. - -And he galloped up to them. - -"What do you want, gentlemen, and who are you?" he said when he came up -to them. - -"We wish," one of them said, "to speak with the Count de Prébois Crancé." - -"I am the count. Be good enough to tell me what brings you here." - -"Monsieur le comte, I am a Frenchman," the first speaker said. - -"I recognise you, sir. Your name is Thollus, I believe, and you are a -merchant at Hermosillo." - -"Quite correct, monsieur le comte. My companion is Señor ----" - -"Don Jacinto Jabalí,[2] a _juez de letras_, I suppose, or something of -that sort, a great friend of General Guerrero. Well, gentlemen, I do not -exactly see what we can have in common." - -"Pardon me, sir, we are sent to you by Señor Don Flavio Agustado, -Prefect of Hermosillo, in order to make certain propositions to you." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said, champing his moustache. "Are you really?" - -"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in -an insinuating tone. - -"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I -hardly think so for me." - -"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these -conditions, it is possible----" - -"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit -yourself of your mission--that is only too proper; still, make haste, -for I am pressed for time." - -M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his -companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a -rock of granite before him. - -"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I -have the honour to represent----" - -"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him -impatiently. - -"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an -attempt on the city," the negotiator continued--"offers you, I say, the -sum of----" - -"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more -would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, -I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, -sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer -of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman--I -disown you as such." - -"Still, monsieur le comte----" the poor fellow stammered, completely -taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look. - -"Enough!" the count interrupted him; and drawing his watch from his -pocket, he said in a peremptory tone, which admitted of no reply, and -terrified the negotiators. "It is now eight o'clock. Go and tell your -prefect that in two hours I shall attack the city, and at eleven shall -be master of it. Begone!" - -And with a gesture of supreme contempt he ordered them to retire. The -unlucky envoys did not wait to hear the order repeated; they turned back -at once, and regained the city with hanging heads. The count galloped -up to the head of the column, where the officers were assembled -slightly in advance of the ranks, impatiently awaiting the result of the -conference. - -"Gentlemen," the count said to them on coming up, "get ready to fight." - -The news was greeted with a shout of joy, which had the effect of -increasing the speed of the negotiators, in whose ears it echoed -like a death knell. After this the count, with extreme simplicity -and clearness, pointed out to each officer the post he must occupy -during the action. He placed the whole of the cavalry under the orders -of Captain de Laville; selected Don Cornelio, who had only rejoined -the company on the previous evening, as his aide-de-camp; and, at -Valentine's request, he placed under the latter's orders the Canadian -hunters and the Indians, with authority to act as he thought proper, and -in whatever way he considered most advantageous to the common welfare. - -De Laville, sent forward with a dozen horsemen to reconnoitre, soon -returned, announcing that the city appeared to be in a complete state of -defence, that the roofs of the houses were covered with soldiers, that -the tocsin was pealing from all the churches, and the drums making a -frightful disturbance. At this moment a spy announced that a body of two -to three hundred Indians was apparently threatening the baggage, and the -count at once sent off ten men to reinforce the small garrison he had -left in the rear. This final duty accomplished, he ordered the company -to form a circle, and placed himself in the centre. Then he spoke in a -voice trembling with emotion. - -"Comrades," he said, "the hour to avenge ourselves for all the villainy -practised on us during the last four months, and the atrocious calumnies -spread about us, has at length struck. But let us not forget that we -are Frenchmen; and if we have been patient under insults, let us he -magnanimous after victory. We did not desire war; it was forced upon us, -and we accept it. But remember that we are fighting for the liberty of a -people, and that our enemies of today will be our brothers tomorrow. Let -us be terrible during the combat, merciful after the battle. One last -word, or rather a final prayer. Leave the Mexicans the responsibility -of firing the first shot, so that it may be evident that up to the last -moment we desired peace. Now, brothers, long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted as they brandished their -weapons. - -"Each to his post!" the count commanded. - -The order was executed with marvellous precision. Don Louis drew out -his watch: it was ten o'clock. Then he unsheathed his sabre, wielded it -round his head, and turning to the company, every man in which had his -eyes fixed on the leader, he shouted in a sonorous voice,-- - -"Forward!" - -"Forward!" the officers repeated. - -The column started in good order, marching at quick step, with trailed -arms. - -We have mentioned the bridge which alone gave admission to the city: -this bridge was barricaded, and at the other end was a house crowded -with soldiers from the cellars to the _azotea_. A silence of death -brooded over the plain. The Frenchmen marched on coolly, as if on -parade, with heads raised and flashing eyes. On arriving within musket -shot the walls were begirt with a line of fire, and a frightful -discharge scattered death among the Frenchmen. The company at once broke -into skirmishing order, and rushed onwards. - -At this moment an unheard-of, incredible thing was seen--a city of -10,000 souls, surrounded by walls, and defended by a numerous garrison, -attacked by 250 men fighting in the Indian way; that is, in skirmishing -order. The artillery, dragged by its gunners, advanced at the same -speed, and only stopped to load and fire. - -Even before the Mexicans had time to look round the Frenchmen were on -them like a whirlwind, attacked them at the bayonet's point, drove -back the defenders of the bridge, and entered without a check the -city, sweeping before them, in their irresistible attack, all that -opposed their passage. Then the real battle began. The Frenchmen found -themselves opposite four guns loaded with grape, which swept the whole -length of the street at the end of which they were; while to the right -and left, from windows and roofs, a shower of bullets pattered on them. -The position was becoming critical. The count dismounted, and turning to -his soldiers with the shout, "Who'll take the guns?" he rushed forward. - -"We, we!" the Frenchmen yelled, as they chased after him with unexampled -frenzy. - -The artillerymen were sabred at their guns, the muzzles of which were -immediately turned on the Mexicans. At this moment the count perceived, -as in a cloud, Valentine and his hunters, who were fighting like demons, -and massacring the Indians pitilessly, who tried in vain to resist them. - -"Good heavens!" Black Elk said with beatitude at every blow he dealt, -"it was a lucky idea of mine to come." - -"It really was," Belhumeur replied; and he redoubled his blows. - -Valentine had turned the city, and taking advantage of a forgotten -ladder, escaladed the wall, and, without striking a blow, made prisoners -the post stationed there, which was commanded by an officer. - -"Thanks for the ladder, comrade," he said to the latter with a grin; and -opening the gate of the city, he allowed the cavalry to enter. - -Still the Mexicans fought with the energy of despair. General Guerrero, -who flattered himself with the hope of giving the French a severe -lesson, surprised and terrified by their fury, no longer knew what -measures to take in order to resist these invincible demons, as he -called them, whom nothing could arrest, and who, without deigning to -reply to their enemies' fire, had only fought with the bayonet since -their first discharge. - -Driven in on all sides, the general concentrated his troops on the -Alameda, and protected the approaches by guns loaded with canister. In -spite of the enormous losses they had suffered, the Mexicans were still -more than six hundred combatants, resolved to defend themselves to the -death. The count sent Don Cornelio to Captain de Laville with orders to -charge and sabre the last defenders of the city, while he made a flank -movement with the infantry. The captain started immediately at a gallop, -overthrowing with his horse's chest all obstacles. His pace was so -hurried that he arrived alone in front of the enemy. - -The Mexicans, terrified at the extraordinary audacity of this man, -hesitated for a moment; but at the repeated orders of their chiefs they -opened their fire on de Laville, who seemed to mock them, and the balls -began whistling like hail past the ears of the intrepid Frenchman, -who remained calm and motionless in the midst of this shower of lead. -Valentine, frightened by the captain's boldness, doubled his speed, and -brought up all the cavalry. - -"Hang it, de Laville!" he exclaimed with admiration, "what are you doing -there?" - -"You see, my friend," the latter answered with charming simplicity, "I -am waiting for you."[3] - -Electrified by these noble words, the French dashed on the Alameda, and -charged to the other end with shouts of "Long live France!" a shout to -which the count's infantry responded from the other side of the Alameda, -while attacking the Mexicans at the bayonet's point. - -There were a few moments of deadly struggling and a horrible carnage. -The count, in the height of the medley, fought like the meanest of his -soldiers, exciting them incessantly, and urging them forward. At last, -in spite of their desperate resistance, the Mexicans, pitilessly sabred -by the French, no longer able to organise any effectual defence, and -frightened by the ardour and invincible courage of their adversaries, -whom they regarded as demons, began to break and fly in every direction. -In spite of the fatigue of the horses, de Laville started in pursuit -with his cavalry. - -Hermosillo was taken--the Count de Prébois Crancé was victorious. -Stopping in the midst of the pile of corpses which surrounded him, he -drew his watch coldly, and consulted it. It was eleven o'clock, as the -count had told the envoys in the morning: he had become master of the -city at eleven o'clock exactly. The battle had lasted an hour. - -"Now, brothers," the count said, as he returned his sabre to the -scabbard, "the city is ours! Enough blood has been shed: let us think of -aiding the wounded. Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted with maddening delight. - - -[1] We must be pardoned for laying such stress on the character of the -young chieftain of Guetzalli, who has doubtless been already recognised, -and whose name we are now authorised, to our great delight, to reveal. -After the hapless end of the Marquis de Pindray the colony of Cocospera -unanimously chose as his successor Monsieur O. de la Chapelle, a young -man whom his eminent qualifications recommended for all suffrages. It is -he who figures in our story under the pseudonym of de Laville. Monsieur -O. de la Chapelle died at an early age. This premature end was deeply -felt by all his friends, among whom the author, though he knew him but -very slightly, is happy to call himself, and to testify it by showing -the heroic part he played in the glorious expedition which forms the -subject matter of this work.--G.A. - -[2] Wild boar. - -[3] Fact. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AFTER THE VICTORY. - - -Never before had a more brilliant victory been gained by troops -numerically so weak, and under conditions apparently so unfavourable. -The Mexican array evacuated Hermosillo in the utmost disorder, -abandoning three hundred dead and wounded, baggage of every description, -guns, ammunition, and flags. The rout was complete. - -General Guerrero, shame on his brow and rage in his heart, fled at full -speed along the Ures road, pursued closely by the French cavalry. The -count had made a large number of prisoners, among whom were several -Mexican officers. - -The joy of the adventurers bordered on madness. Still the brilliant -advantages had not been gained without a sensible loss, regard being had -to the numerical strength of the army. It had lost twenty-two men--an -enormous amount, which evidenced the obstinacy of the fight, and the -courage with which the Mexicans had fought. Among the dead the count had -to regret several of his best-beloved officers, brave young fellows, who -had fallen at the head of their sections while urging their men on. - -The count, although his clothes were riddled with bullets, had not -received a scratch: it seemed as if a charm protected him, for no one -had spared his life less than himself during the fight. He had ever been -in the thickest of the action, in advance of his comrades, encouraging -them by word and deed, and only employing his sabre to ward off blows -that came too near him. - -So soon as the battle was over the count proceeded to the Cabildo, -whither the Mexican authorities were convened, in order to settle with -him as to the safety of the city. Don Cornelio had not left him during -the fight: he had done his duty bravely by his side. - -"Don Cornelio," he said to him, "I am pleased with you; you behaved most -bravely. I wish to reward you by intrusting to you a mission of the -highest importance. Are you too tired to get on horseback?" - -"No, señor conde. Besides, you know that I am a thorough _jinete_." - -"That is true. Here are two letters, one for Don Rafaël, which you will -deliver in passing the Hacienda del Milagro: when you get in sight of La -Magdalena you will tear the envelope off the other, and carry it to the -address you will read on it; but in the event of your being stopped or -taken prisoner on the road, that letter must not be found on you, and no -one must know its contents. You understand me?" - -"Perfectly, señor conde, and if necessary it shall be destroyed." - -"Very good. Now get a fresh horse and start without the loss of a -moment: it is a question of life and death." - -"I start, Don Louis; you will hear of me again." - -These words were accompanied by a sinister smile, which passed unnoticed -by the count. Don Cornelio left the room, and five minutes later his -horse's hoofs could be heard echoing on the pavement. - -At this moment Valentine entered. The hunter's features, usually so -calm, were convulsed, and he seemed suffering from extreme agitation. He -looked around him on entering. - -"What are you looking for?" the count asked him; "and what is the -meaning of the state in which I see you?" - -"It means----" Valentine answered. "But stay, better so. Take a glance -at these papers which I seized in the house of General Guerrero." - -He handed the count a bundle of letters and other papers, which the -other rapidly read through. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, stamping his foot passionately, "such great -ingratitude after so many acts of kindness! A thousand devils! this land -is, then, accursed, that treason should spring up under every blade of -grass." - -"Fortunately we have the proofs to hand. I will take on myself to arrest -the villain." - -"It is too late." - -"How too late?" the hunter exclaimed. "Where is he, then?" - -"He has set out on a mission of the highest importance, which I -intrusted to him for the leaders of the malcontents." - -"Confusion!" the hunter said; "what is to be done? It is plain that the -scoundrel will sell our secrets to the enemy." - -"Wait. I gave him a letter for Don Rafaël, which he cannot fail to -deliver." - -"That is true: if only to lull suspicion to sleep, he will do so. I will -be off to the hacienda at once." - -"Go, my friend: unfortunately I cannot accompany you." - -"It is unnecessary. I swear that if this devil's own Don Cornelio falls -into my hands, I will crush him like the viper he is. Good-by." - -The hunter hurriedly left the Cabildo, and a few minutes later, followed -by Belhumeur, Black Elk, Curumilla, and Eagle-head, he was galloping at -full speed along the road to the hacienda. - -The count then occupied himself, before taking a moment's rest, in -organising the tranquillity and security of the city. As most of the -Mexican authorities had taken flight, he appointed others, had the dead -buried, and arranged an hospital for the sick, the direction of which he -gave to Father Seraphin, whose evangelic devotion was beyond all praise. - -Posts and main guards were established, and patrols received orders -to march about the city in order to maintain tranquillity--a useless -measure of precaution, for the inhabitants appeared as joyful as the -French. The streets were hung with flags, and on all sides could be -heard shouts of "Long live France! long live Sonora!" repeated with an -expression of indescribable satisfaction. - -When the count had discharged these imperious duties, his mind being no -longer over-excited by the necessity of the moment, nature, conquered -for an instant, gained the upper hand with an extreme of reaction, and -Don Louis fell back almost fainting into the chair where he had been -working without relaxation for nearly eight hours. He remained thus -without help until a late hour of the night, for he had not the strength -to call for assistance. - -At length Captain de Laville entered to make his chief a report about -the result of the pursuit of the Mexicans. He was terrified at the state -in which he found Don Louis; for the count was suffering from a violent -fever, attended by delirium. The captain immediately summoned the -company's surgeon, and the count was laid in a hastily-prepared bed. - -The surgeon could not be found, and a Mexican doctor came in his stead. -This man declared that the count was suffering from an attack of -dysentery, and made him drink a potion which he prepared at once. The -count fell into a species of lethargic sleep which lasted ten hours. -Fortunately the company's surgeon at length arrived. After a glance at -the count, and examining the few drops of the potion left in the glass, -the doctor immediately had eggs beaten in milk administered to the -count, and ordered all his limbs to be rubbed with hot napkins. - -"Why, doctor," the captain remarked to him, "what sort of treatment is -this? The physician assured me that the count had the dysentery." - -The doctor smiled sorrowfully. - -"Yes," he said, "he has a dysentery; but do you know what the physician -gave him?" - -"No." - -"Belladonna; that is to say, poison." - -"Oh!" the captain said in horror. - -"Silence!" the surgeon continued. "Let this remain a secret between us -two." - -At this moment the physician entered. He was a plump little man, with -the look of a frightened cat. The captain seized him by the collar, and -dragged him into a corner of the room. - -"Look here!" he said to him, pointing to the glass the surgeon still -held in his hand. "Of what was that potion composed you gave the count?" - -The Mexican turned pale. - -"Why?" he stammered. - -"Poison, you villain!" the captain shouted violently. - -"Poison!" he exclaimed, raising his eyes and arms to heaven. "Could it -be possible? Oh, let us see!" - -He examined the glass with feigned attention. - -"It is true," he said after a moment. "_Por Dios,_ what inadvertence!" - -The word appeared so precious to the Frenchmen that, in spite of their -anger and alarm, they could not prevent it, but burst into a loud laugh. -The little doctor took advantage of this attack of gaiety to escape very -quietly, and could never be found again, though carefully sought for: he -had probably left the city. - -Thanks to the intelligent and affectionate care of the surgeon, however, -the effects of the poison were neutralised. The count felt a little -better, and gave orders that the company should assemble at once in the -patio of the Cabildo. The command was rapidly obeyed, and within an hour -the company was drawn up under arms in the courtyard. The count came -down, leaning on the arm of Captain de Laville. - -"My comrades," he said, "I am ill, as you can see. Still I have called -you together to inform you of an engagement I have made in your name -with the inhabitants of Hermosillo. I declared that even if you walked -over piles of piastres and ounces, you would not stoop down to pick them -up. Was I wrong?" - -"No," they all exclaimed; "you were quite right." - -"We are no pirates, whatever they may say," the count continued, "and -the hour has arrived to prove it." - -"We will do so." - -"Thank you, comrades." - -The company was dismissed, and carefully kept its promise: not a -waist-buckle was stolen by these half-naked men, who for four months had -been suffering the most horrible privations. - -The count's condition, however, instead of becoming better, grew worse -daily, in spite of the anxious attentions of the doctor and Father -Seraphin, who had posted himself by his bed, and never left him. In Don -Louis the mind wore out the body. Since Don Cornelio's departure he had -received no news either of the Spaniard or Valentine. Two faithful men, -sent to the Hacienda del Milagro, had not returned, and neither Don -Rafaël nor Doña Angela gave a sign of life. - -This silence became incomprehensible. On the other hand, the situation -of the company was growing daily more serious. The count, master of a -powerful city, found himself more isolated than before; the pueblos that -should have risen did not stir; the man to whom the count had written, -and who had pledged himself to give the signal for revolt, gave no -reply to the appeal, and remained indifferent to the repeated entreaties -Don Louis made him. - -Unfortunately dysentery is one of those frightful diseases which -completely annihilate a man's faculties, and for a very long period -the count was incapable of attending to anything. Señor Pavo had come -at full speed from Guaymas to Hermosillo, ostensibly to felicitate the -count on his gallant exploit, but in reality to be able to betray him -with greater facility. - -Don Louis was alone, without friends in whom he could trust, lying -on a bed of pain, internally devoured by a mortal restlessness, and -a prey to a profound despair at seeing himself reduced to a state of -powerlessness, and losing the fruits of his toil and fatigues. - -Captain de Laville, the only man in whom he could have trusted at the -moment, was attacked by the same illness as his chief, and, like him, -was incapable of acting. Señor Pavo skilfully profited by this state -of affairs to sow seeds of disaffection among the Frenchmen. The count -was the soul of the company--the only tie that rendered it compact and -united: in his absence from his duties all went wrong. - -A system was then organised in the shade by Don Pavo. This system -consisted in continual demonstrations on the part of the adventurers, -who at every hour of the day came one after the other to lay before -the count the most absurd grievances, and threaten to leave him. At -last matters reached such a pitch that it was necessary to come to some -decision. - -Two courses offered themselves: the first, to give up the results of the -victory of Hermosillo, and retreat on Guaymas. This was suggested to -the count by the French representative, Señor Don Antonio Mendez Pavo. -The second was to await at Hermosillo, while holding their ground by -force and risking a siege, the succours which must speedily arrive from -California, where they were being rapidly organised. So greatly had the -news of the brilliant victory gained by the count electrified the minds -of the adventurers, and inflamed their imagination. - -These two courses were equally repugnant to the count. The first seemed -to him shameful; the second impracticable. Still the situation was -growing every day more and more intolerable, when at this moment a -strange event occurred, which, had we been writing a romance instead of -a history, would have seemed to us too startling for credibility. - -The company, incessantly excited by the hypocritical pity of Señor -Pavo, and the dark intrigues he set at work, had fallen into a state -of perfect insubordination towards the count, and almost open revolt. -Seeing that Don Louis was too ill to act vigorously, and incapable of -opposing anything they pleased to do, the men let him know that, unless -he consented to give the order for retreat, they would leave Hermosillo -and abandon him. - -The count was forced to yield. General Guerrero had pledged his word -that the retreat should not be disquieted, Don Louis succeeded in -obtaining hostages who responded for the safety of the sick he was -compelled to leave behind, and with a breaking heart, no strength or -courage left, he was borne away in a litter. A reaction took place -among the volunteers at the sight of their well-beloved chief, reduced -to this miserable state, and almost dead of sorrow. They pressed round -him, swearing obedience and fidelity, and promising him to fall to the -last man for him. A melancholy smile played round the pallid lips of -the dying man, for these proofs of devotion came too late. The count, -crushed by a succession of insults, had drunk the cup to the dregs: he -no longer put faith in his comrades. - -The retreat commenced. In spite of the general's solemn pledge, it was -an uninterrupted succession of skirmishes; but a final ray of glory -was reflected on the French. The adventurers, aroused by the smell of -powder, found all their courage once more to victoriously repulse the -attacks of the Mexicans, whom they compelled to retreat pitiably, and -give up any further annoyances. - -The company camped about three leagues from Guaymas, resolved to force -a passage, and enter that port the next day in spite of any opposition. -The count, slightly revived by the prospect of an approaching combat, -had fallen asleep after making all his preparations, when toward -midnight he was aroused by the arrival of a flag of truce. - -The envoys were Señor Pavo and a merchant of Guaymas, who came on behalf -of General Guerrero. They were bearers of an armistice for forty-eight -hours; and a letter from the general, who earnestly begged the count to -come to him in order to arrange the terms of peace. - -"I consent to the armistice," the count replied. "Let the general send -me an escort, and I will go to him." - -His companions objected. - -"Why not take your cavalry?" one of them said to him. - -"For what use?" he said with discouragement. "I am the only person they -care for: if a trap is set for me, I will fall into it alone." - -The adventurers insisted, but he remained inflexible. - -"We no longer understand one another," he said to them. - -Then he turned to the negotiators. - -"Return to Guaymas, gentlemen, and be good enough to tell General -Guerrero that I thank him, and am awaiting his escort." - -The escort arrived at daybreak, and the count set out, after a last and -melancholy glance at his comrades, who witnessed his departure with -aching hearts and tears in their eyes. Henceforth the divorce between -the count and the adventurers was accomplished. - -General Guerrero, on the count's entrance to Guaymas, ordered the -honours due to a commander-in-chief to be paid him. Don Louis smiled -with disdain. What did he care for these empty ceremonies? - -The count and the general had a lengthened conversation together. The -general had not yet given up his projects of seduction; but this time, -like the first, the count answered with a positive refusal. - -The company was henceforth surrendered defencelessly to the machinations -of Señor Pavo. This man lost no time, and by his advice the adventurers -sent as a deputation to the count two ignorant sailors, with orders to -come to a settlement with him at any price. These two emissaries were -selected by Señor Pavo, for the worthy man knew perfectly well what he -was about. The two sailors presented themselves at the count's house, -who sent out a message to them that he was engaged at the moment, and -begged them to wait a little while. The ambassadors, ruffled in their -self-esteem, and puffed up with the importance of the mission intrusted -to them, left the count's house immediately, swearing at his insolence, -and went straight to the palace of General Guerrero. - -The latter, advised beforehand, knew what would happen, and was -impatiently awaiting them. He ordered them to be admitted at once so -soon as they sent in their names, and received them most graciously: -then, when he had sufficiently intoxicated them with flattery, he made -them sign--that is to say, make a cross at the foot of--a treaty, in -which they recognised that, having been _deceived and abandoned in -a cowardly manner_ by their chief, they pledged themselves to lay -down their arms and quit the country for a sum of _eleven thousand -piastres_.[1] We must confess that General Guerrero made a capital -bargain, for the arms came into his possession. Oh! the Mexicans are -famous negotiators, and, above all, most crafty diplomatists. - -Unable to vanquish the company, the Mexicans bought it of two -scoundrels, by the intervention of a third, whose duty it was to defend -it. - -Thus the Atrevida Company had committed suicide. It effected its own -dissolution without even attempting to see once again that chief who had -been its idol, and whom it abandoned writhing on a bed of suffering. - -We must mention, to the honour of the French plenipotentiaries that, in -the treaty they signed, the liberty of the count was formally guaranteed. - -Now let us see by what extraordinary concourse of circumstances the -count, when in such a critical position, was thus abandoned by all his -friends. How was it that General Guerrero, his obstinate foe, had shown -himself so kind and almost generous toward Don Louis during the last -events we have narrated? - -We will proceed to explain this; but, in order to do so, we must take up -events further back, and return to Valentine and his comrades, whom we -left galloping at full speed along the road to the hacienda. - - -[1] A little over £2000. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO. - - -The road from Hermosillo to the Hacienda del Milagro is perfectly well -traced, straight and wide along the entire distance. Although the night -was gloomy and unlit by the moon, as the five horsemen galloped on side -by side, it would have been impossible for them to pass Don Cornelio -without seeing him, had they caught him up; but they reached the -hacienda without receiving any tidings of him. - -The road had been so trampled in every direction during the last few -days, both by French and Mexicans, that it was impossible for these -experienced hunters to distinguish or take up any imprint which could -serve to guide them in their researches. The traces of horses, wagons, -and men were so interlaced in each other, that they were completely -illegible, even to the most practised eye. Several times Valentine -tried, though in vain, to read this book of the desert. Hence, the -nearer the hunters drew to their destination, the more alarmed and -anxious they became. - -It was about eight in the morning when they reached the hacienda: they -had travelled the whole night through without stopping, save to search -for traces of the man they were pursuing. The hacienda was tranquil; the -peons were engaged in their ordinary labours; the ganado was grazing -at liberty on the prairies. When the hunters entered, Don Rafaël was -preparing to mount on horse, seemingly to take a ride round his farm. -A peon was holding a magnificent mustang, which champed its bit and -snorted impatiently at being held so long. When the hacendero perceived -the newcomers he ran toward them, playfully menacing them with his -chicote. - -"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good -morning, gentlemen." - -The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at -all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafaël then noticed their gloomy and -embarrassed air. - -"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the -bearers of ill news?" - -"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am -mistaken!" - -"Speak--explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about -you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary." - -The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance. - -"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for." - -"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the -house, where we shall converse more at our ease." - -The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafaël into a vast apartment which -served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine -opposed the closing of the door. - -"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners." - -"Why such precautions?" - -"I will tell you. Where are Doña Angela and Doña Luz at this moment?" - -"They are probably still asleep." - -"Very good. Tell me, Loyal Heart, have you received any visitor during -the last twenty-four hours?" - -"I have not seen a living soul since the departure of the Count de -Prébois Crancé." - -"Ah!" the hunter said, "then a courier did not arrive last night?" - -"None." - -"So that you are ignorant of the deeds accomplished yesterday?" - -"Utterly." - -"You are not aware that the count fought a battle yesterday?" - -"No." - -"That he took Hermosillo by assault?" - -"No." - -"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?" - -"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?" - -"The most perfect truth." - -"In that case the count is victor?" - -"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo." - -"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all -your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness -to tell me why you asked them?" - -"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of -you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give -you a letter." - -"Me! That is strange. The courier was doubtlessly a native, an Indian?" - -"No, he was Don Cornelio Mendoza, a Spanish gentleman, whom you probably -remember." - -"Certainly--a jolly, excellent companion, who was continually strumming -the vihuela." - -"The same man," Valentine said ironically. "Well, this jolly, excellent -companion, who was continually strumming the vihuela, my dear Loyal -Heart, is simply a traitor who sold all our secrets to the enemy." - -"Oh, Valentine! you must be very sure ere you bring such an accusation -against a caballero." - -"Unfortunately," the hunter said sadly, "the slightest doubt on the -subject is impossible; the count holds in his hands all the fellow's -correspondence with General Guerrero." - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" Don Rafaël exclaimed, "do you know, my friend, -this is very serious?" - -"I am so fully of your opinion that, in spite of the fatigue that -overpowered me, I begged these gentlemen to accompany me, and started -at full gallop, hoping to surprise him on the road and seize him; for, -beside the letter he had to deliver to you, he had others of a most -compromising nature, addressed to several influential persons in the -province." - -"That is an awkward affair," Loyal Heart said with a pensive air: "it is -evident that the scoundrel, instead of coming here, has gone straight to -hand the papers to the general." - -"There is not, unfortunately, the least doubt of that." - -"What is to be done?" Don Rafaël muttered mechanically. - -There was a moment's silence: each reflected on the means to be employed -in order to neutralise the effects of this treachery. Curumilla and -Eagle-head rose, and prepared to leave the room. - -"Where are you going?" Valentine asked them. - -"While our brothers are consulting," the Araucano replied, "the Indian -chiefs will go on the discovery." - -"You are right, chief: go, go," the hunter said. "I do not know why," he -added mournfully, "but I have a foreboding of misfortune." - -The two Indians went out. - -"Do you know the contents of the letter the count wrote me?" Don Rafaël -asked presently. - -"On my faith, no; but it is probable that he told you of the victory, -and begged you to conduct Doña Angela to Hermosillo. In any case the -letter was most compromising." - -"As for that, I am very slightly alarmed, for General Guerrero will -think twice before he attacks me. - -"What is the use of this long deliberation, and such a loss of precious -time? We have only one thing to do, and that is to go to Hermosillo as -escort to Doña Angela," Belhumeur said. - -"In truth, that is the most simple," Valentine said in confirmation. - -"Yes," Don Rafaël remarked; "the count can only be pleased with that -course." - -"Come, let us carry out the plan without further delay," Belhumeur -continued. "While Black Elk and myself make all the preparations for -the journey, do you, Loyal Heart, go and inform Doña Angela of the -determination we have come to." - -"Do so, and, above all, make haste," Valentine said. "I do not know -why, but I should have liked to be off already." - -Without further words they separated, and the hunter remained alone. In -spite of himself Valentine was a prey to the most poignant uneasiness. -He walked in agitation up and down the room, stopping at times to listen -or look out of the windows, as if he expected to see an enemy rise. At -length, no longer able to endure the uncertainty, he went out. - -The two hunters were busily engaged in lassoing horses and saddling -them, while the peons were bringing in mules to carry the baggage. -Valentine felt his disquietude augmented with every moment. He helped -his comrades with feverish impatience, and urged each to make haste. An -hour passed away. All was then ready, and they only awaited Doña Angela, -who arrived, accompanied by Doña Luz and Don Rafaël. - -"At last!" Valentine exclaimed. "To horse, to horse! Let us start at -once!" - -"Let us go," his friends repeated. - -Each mounted; but suddenly a great noise was heard outside, and -Curumilla appeared with agitated features, and panting violently. - -"Fly, fly!" he shouted; "they are coming." - -"Forward!" Valentine exclaimed. - -But an insurmountable obstacle rose before them. At the moment they were -passing through the gate of the hacienda it was suddenly blocked up by -the cattle the peons were driving back from the fields, probably to -prevent them being carried off by marauders. The poor beasts pressed -into the gateway, each anxious to be first, while uttering lamentable -moans, and goaded behind by the peons. It was useless to hope getting -out before the ganado had entered, and there was no chance of clearing -the gateway by driving it back. Hence the fugitives were compelled to -wait, whether they would or not. Valentine was half mad with anger. - -"I knew it, I knew it," he muttered in a hoarse voice, and clenching his -fists in rage. - -At length, after nearly an hour (for Don Rafaël possessed numerous -herds), the gate was free. - -"Let us be off in Heaven's name!" Valentine shouted. - -"It is too late," Eagle-head said, appearing suddenly in the gateway. - -"Maldición!" the hunter yelled as he rushed forward. - -Valentine looked around him, and uttered a cry of alarm. The hacienda -was completely surrounded by nearly five hundred Mexican cavalry, in the -midst of whom General Guerrero could be distinguished. - -"Ah, the wretched traitor!" the hunter exclaimed. - -"Come, let us not be discouraged," Loyal Heart said. "_Cuerpo de -Cristo!_ it is not so long since I gave up desert life that I should -have forgotten all its stratagems. We will not give these troops time to -look about them. Let us charge, and make a hole through them." - -"No," Valentine said authoritatively; "close and bar the gate, -Belhumeur." - -The Canadian hastened to obey. - -"Stay," Don Rafaël said. - -"Loyal Heart," Valentine continued, "you are no longer the master to act -as you please, and throw yourself headlong into desperate enterprises. -You must live for your wife and your children; besides, can we expose -Doña Angela to the risk of being killed among us?" - -"That is true," he answered. "Pardon me; I was mad." - -"Oh!" Doña Angela exclaimed, "what do I care about death if I am not to -see again the man I love?" - -"Señorita," the hunter said sententiously, "allow events to follow their -course. Who knows if things are not better so? For the present return to -the house, and leave us to manage this affair." - -"Come, my child, come," Doña Luz said to her affectionately; "your -presence is useless here, and perhaps it may soon become injurious." - -"I obey you, señora," the maiden said sadly; and she retired slowly, -leaning on the arm of Doña Luz, who lavished on her all the consolations -her heart dictated. Don Rafaël had given all his servants orders to arm, -and hold themselves in readiness to offer a vigorous resistance in case -the hacienda was attacked, an event which, from the orders given by the -general to his troops, might be expected at any moment. The peons of the -hacienda were numerous, and devoted to their master; hence the struggle -threatened to be serious. - -Suddenly repeated blows were struck on the gate. Valentine, who had -been thinking deeply for several moments, bent down to Don Rafaël's ear, -and whispered a few words. - -"Oh!" the latter replied, "that is almost cowardice, Don Valentine." - -"You must," the hunter said obstinately. - -And while Loyal Heart proceeded very unwillingly to the gate, he quickly -entered the house. Don Rafaël opened a trap door in the gate, and asked -who was there, and what was wanted; then, to the great surprise of all, -after negotiating for a few moments with the men who demanded entrance -in so peremptory a manner, he ordered the gate to be unbarred. In an -instant it was thrown open, and the general appeared, accompanied by -several officers, with whom he rode boldly in. - -"I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting, general, but I did not know -it was you," Don Rafaël said to him. - -"Caramba! amigo," the general remarked with a smile as he looked round, -"you have a numerous garrison here, as far as I can judge." - -"After the late events that have taken place in Sonora the roads are -infested with marauders," Don Rafaël replied: "it is wise to take -precautions." - -The general shrugged his shoulders. - -"Very good, caballero," he replied dryly; "but it does not please me -to see so many men armed without any legal motive. Lay down your arms, -gentlemen." - -The peons looked at their master; the latter bit his lips, but made -them a sign to obey. All the weapons were then thrown on the ground. - -"I am very vexed, Don Rafaël, but I am about to leave a garrison in your -hacienda. You and all the persons present are my prisoners. Get ready to -follow me to Guaymas." - -"Is that the reward for allowing you to enter my house?" Don Rafaël said -bitterly. - -"I should have entered in any case," the general replied sternly. "And -now send my daughter here at once." - -"Here I am, my father," the young lady said as she appeared at the head -of the steps. - -Doña Angela came down slowly into the courtyard, walked toward her -father, and stopped two paces from him. - -"What would you of me?" she said to him. - -"Give you the order to follow me," he answered dryly. - -"I can do no other than obey you. Still you know me, father: my -resolution is inflexible. I have in my hands the means to liberate -myself from your tyranny when it appears to me too heavy for endurance. -Your conduct will regulate mine. Now let us start." - -The only affection that remained warm and pure in the heart of the -ambitious man was his love for his daughter; but that love was immense -and unbounded. This man, who recoiled before no deed, however cruel it -might be, to attain the object he proposed to himself, trembled at a -frown from this child of sixteen, who, knowing the tyrannical power she -exercised over her father, abused it unscrupulously. On his side, Don -Sebastian knew the iron will and untamable character of his daughter. -Hence he trembled in his heart on listening to her cold declaration, -although he allowed nothing to be seen. He turned away with an air of -disdain, and gave orders for departure. - -A quarter of an hour later all the prisoners were _en route_ for -Guaymas, and no one was left at the hacienda but General Don Ramon and -Doña Luz, who were watched by a garrison of fifty men, commanded by an -officer, who had orders not to let them communicate with anybody. - -Valentine, on seeing the general so speedily recovered from his defeat, -judged the position of affairs at a glance. With his usual perspicuity -he understood that, owing to Don Cornelio's treachery, the pueblos would -not rise, that the hacenderos who had pledged their word would keep -aloof, that the revolt would prove abortive, and that the count, ill and -abandoned by everybody, would probably soon be reduced to treat with the -man he had conquered. This was the reason why he urged Don Rafaël not -to attempt a useless resistance, which could only have compromised him; -and, at the same time, he persuaded Doña Angela to feign acceptance of -her father's conditions, and return with him. - -We see that the hunter had reasoned well, and that his previsions were -correct. Still he was mistaken in supposing that he would manage to -advise his foster-brother of all that had occurred. The orders given -by the general in reference to the prisoners were executed with such -extreme precision, that it was impossible even to tell the count of his -whereabouts. And now that we have recounted the events that took place -at the hacienda, we will approach the conclusion of this long drama. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE BOAR AT BAY. - - -We must beg the reader to follow us to Guaymas, about a year after the -events described in the last chapter. - -A man dressed in a military garb, bearing considerable resemblance -to the Mexican uniform, was walking, with his arms behind his back, -up and down the sumptuously furnished room. This man appeared to be -deep in thought; his brows were drawn together; and at times he turned -an impatient glance toward a clock placed on a bracket. This man was -evidently expecting somebody who did not arrive, for his impatience and -ill-temper increased with every moment. He took up his hat, which he had -thrown on a sofa, probably with the intention of withdrawing, when a -door opened, and a servant announced,-- - -"His Excellency Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"At last," the visitor growled between his teeth. - -The general appeared. He was in full uniform. - -"Pardon me, my dear count," he said in an affectionate tone, "pardon -me for having kept you waiting so long, I had infinite difficulty in -getting rid of the troublesome people who bored me. At length I am -quite at your service, and ready to listen with proper attention to the -communications it may please you to make to me. - -"General," the count answered, "two motives bring me here today: in -the first place, the desire to obtain from you a clear and categorical -answer on the subject of the propositions I had the honour of making -to you a few days back; and next the complaints I have to make to you -on the matter of certain very grave facts which have occurred to the -prejudice of the French battalion, and of which I have not the least -doubt," he added with a certain tinge of irony in his voice, "you were -ignorant." - -"This is the first I hear of them, sir. Believe me that I am resolved -to do good and ample justice to the French battalion, of which I have -had only to speak in terms of praise since its organisation, not only -through the good conduct of the men without distinction, but also for -the services it has not ceased to render." - -"Those are handsome words, general. Why must they be so barren?" - -"You are mistaken, count, and I hope soon to prove to you the contrary. -But let this be for the present, and come to the grievances of which you -have to complain. Explain yourself." - -The two persons who were talking in this friendly manner and lavishing -smiles were General Guerrero and Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, the two -men we have seen in such bitter enmity. What had happened, then, since -the treaty of Guaymas? What reason was sufficiently powerful to make -them forget their hatred? What community of ideas could have existed -between them to produce a change so extraordinary and inexplicable? - -We will ask our readers' permission to explain this before going -further, the more so as the events we have to narrate throw a perfect -light on the Mexican character. - -The general, after the success of the treaty of Guaymas, and the way in -which, thanks to the treachery of Don Cornelio, the insurrection of the -pueblos was prevented, thought he had completely gained his cause, and -believed that he had got rid of the count for ever. The latter, sick -almost unto death, and incapable of connecting two ideas, had received -orders to leave Guaymas immediately. His friends, who were restored -to liberty after the signature of the treaty, hastened to join him. -Valentine had him carried to Mazatlan, where he gradually recovered; -then both set out for San Francisco, leaving Curumilla in Sonora, who -was ordered to keep them acquainted with the progress of events. - -The general had held up before his daughter as a merit the generosity -with which he had treated the count; then he had left her ostensibly -free to act as she pleased, hoping that with time she would forget her -love, and consent to second certain projects he did not as yet let her -see, but which consisted in marrying to one of the most influential -persons in Mexico. Still months had slipped away. The general, who built -on the count's absence, and, before all, the want of news about him, -to cure his daughter of what he called her mad passion, was greatly -astonished, when he one day began talking to her about his plans and the -marriage he had projected, to hear her answer,-- - -"My father, I have told you that I will marry the Count de Prébois -Crancé: no other will obtain my hand. You yourself consented to that -union: hence I consider myself bound to him, and, so long as he lives, I -will remain faithful to him." - -The general was at first greatly taken aback by this answer; for, -although he was well aware of his daughter's firmness of character, -he was far from expecting such pertinacity. Still, after a moment, he -regained his presence of mind, and bending over to her, kissed her on -the forehead, saying, with pretended kindness,-- - -"Come, you naughty child, I see I must do what you please, though I -confess it is a heavy sacrifice. Well, I will try. It will not depend on -me whether you see the man you love again." - -"Oh, father! can it be possible?" she exclaimed with a joy she could not -restrain. "Are you speaking seriously?" - -"Most seriously, wicked one; so dry your tears--re-assume your gaiety -and your bright colour of former days." - -"Then I shall see him again?" - -"I swear it to you." - -"Here?" - -"Yes, here, at Guaymas." - -"Oh!" she exclaimed impetuously, as she threw her arms round his neck -and embraced him tenderly, at the same time melting into tears. "Oh, how -kind you are, my father, and how I will love you if you do that!" - -"I will do it, I tell you," he said, affected, in spite of himself, by -this love so true and so passionate. - -The general had already arranged his scheme in his head--the scheme -which we shall soon see unfolded in all its hideousness. Of the reply -his daughter had made him Don Sebastian only remembered one sentence: -"_So long as the count lives I will remain faithful to him._" - -Poor Doña Angela had, without suspecting it, germinated in her father's -brain the most horrible project that can be imagined. Two days later -Curumilla started for San Francisco, bearer of a letter from the young -lady for the count--a letter destined to have an immense influence on -Don Louis' ulterior determination. - -The Mexicans had been so magnificently beaten by the French at -Hermosillo that they had kept up a most touching and respectful -recollection of them. General Guerrero, who, as the reader has been in -a position to see, was a man of imagination, had made a reflection full -of logic and good sense on this subject. He said to himself that if the -French had so thoroughly thrashed the Mexicans, who are very terrible -soldiers as we know, _a fortiori_, they would defeat the Indians, and, -if necessary, the Yankees, those gringos, as the Americans of the -South call them, whom they hold in mortal terror, and expect at any -moment to see invade Mexico. In consequence of this reasoning, General -Guerrero had formed at Guaymas a battalion entirely composed of French -volunteers, commanded by their own officers, and whose services were for -the present limited to acting as police of the port, and maintaining -order in the town. - -Unfortunately the commandant of the battalion, though an upright officer -and good soldier, was not exactly the man to be placed at the head of -these volunteers. His ideas, rather narrow and paltry, were not up to -the position he occupied, and grave misunderstandings soon broke out -between the Mexicans and the foreigners--misunderstandings probably -encouraged in an underhand manner by certain influential persons, but -which placed the battalion, in spite of the conciliatory temper of its -chief, and the attempts he made to restore harmony, in a very difficult -position, which naturally became more aggravated with each day. - -Two parties were formed in the battalion: one, hostile to the -commandant, spoke affectionately of the count, the memory of whom was -still maintained in Sonora, regretted his absence, and formed vows -for his return; the other, though not devoted to the commandant, yet -remained attached to the honour of the flag. But the devotion was -lukewarm, and there was no doubt, if any unforeseen event occurred, that -these men would let themselves be led away by circumstances. - -In this state of affairs General Alvarez _pronounced_ against Santa -Anna, President of the Republic, and summoned the chiefs of all the -corps scattered through the provinces to revolt. General Guerrero -hesitated, or pretended to hesitate, ere declaring himself. Suddenly it -was heard with amazement, almost with stupor, that the Count de Prébois -Crancé had landed at Guaymas. This is what had occurred. - -Immediately after that conversation with his daughter, of which we have -quoted a part, the general paid a visit to Señor Don Antonio Mendez -Pavo. This visit was a long one. The two gentlemen conversed secretly -together, after which the general returned to his house rubbing his -hands. - -In the meanwhile Don Louis was at San Francisco, sorrowful and gloomy, -ashamed of the result of an expedition so well begun, furious with the -traitors who had caused its failure, and burning--shall we confess -it?--in spite of Valentine's wise exhortations, to take his revenge. -From several quarters simultaneously influential persons invited the -count to undertake a second expedition. The money requisite for the -purchase of arms and enrolment of volunteers was offered him. Louis had -also had secret interviews with two bold adventurers, Colonel Walker and -Colonel Fremont, who at a later date was a candidate for the presidency -of the United States. These two men made him advantageous offers; but -the count declined them, owing to the omnipotent intervention of the -hunter. - -Still the count had fallen into a black melancholy. The man once so -gentle and benevolent had become harsh and sardonic. He doubted himself -and others. The treachery to which he had been a victim embittered his -character to such a degree that his best friends began to be seriously -apprehensive. - -He never spoke of Doña Angela--her name never rose from his heart to his -lips; but his hand frequently sought on his breast the relic she gave -him on their first meeting, and when he was alone he kissed it fondly -with many a tear. The arrival of Curumilla at San Francisco produced -a complete change; the count appeared to have suddenly recovered all -his hopes and all his illusions; the smile reappeared on his lips, and -fugitive rays of gaiety illumined his brow. - -Two men arrived soon after Curumilla, whose names we will not mention, -lest we should sully the pages of this book. In a few days these men, -doubtlessly following the instructions they had received, took complete -possession of the count's mind, and hurled him back into the torrent -from which his foster-brother had found such difficulty in drawing him. - -One evening the two were seated in a room of the house they occupied in -common, and smoking a pipe after dinner. - -"You will come with me, my brother, I trust?" the count said, turning to -Valentine. - -"Then you really mean to go?" the latter said with a sigh. - -"What are we doing here?" - -"Nothing, it is true. My life is a burden to me, as yours is to you; -but we have before us the boundless desert, the immense horizon of the -prairies. Why not recommence our happy life of hunting and liberty, -instead of trusting to the fallacious promises of these heartless -Mexicans, who have already made you suffer so deeply, and whose infamous -treachery brought you to your present condition?" - -"I must," the count said with resolution. - -"Listen," Valentine went on. "You no longer possess that ardent -enthusiasm which sustained you on your first expedition. You lack faith. -You do not yourself believe in success." - -"You are mistaken, brother. I am more certain of, success now than I -was then; for I have as my allies the men who were formerly my most -obstinate foes." - -Valentine burst into a mocking laugh. - -"Do you still believe in that?" he said to him. - -The count blushed. - -"Well, no," he said. "I will conceal nothing from you. My destiny drags -me on. I know that I am proceeding, not to conquest, but to death. But -no matter; I must, I will see her again. Here, read!" - -The count drew from his breast the letter Curumilla brought him, and -handed it to Valentine; the latter read it. - -"Well," he said, "I prefer your being frank with me. I will follow you." - -"Thanks! Good heavens!" he added sadly, "I do not deceive myself: I -know the old Latin proverb which says _Non bis in idem_: what is once -missed is so for ever. I do not allow myself to be deceived by the -hypocritical protestations of General Guerrero and his worthy acolyte, -Señor Pavo. I know perfectly well that both will betray me on the first -opportunity. Well, be it so. I shall have seen again the woman who -expects me, who summons me, who is all in all to me. If I fall I shall -have a tomb worthy of me. The road I have traced others happier than I -will follow, and bear civilisation to those countries which you and I -once dreamed of emancipating." - -Valentine could not restrain a sad smile at these words, which -completely revealed the count's character--a strange composite of the -most varying elements, and in which passion, pride, and enthusiasm waged -an unceasing contest. - -The next day Louis opened a recruiting office, and a week later embarked -on board a schooner with his volunteers. The voyage commenced with an -evil augury, for the adventurers were wrecked. Had it not been for -Curumilla, who saved him at the risk of his life, it would have been all -over with the count. The adventurers remained twelve days abandoned on a -rock. - -"The Romans would have seen a foreboding in our shipwreck," the -count said with a sigh, "and would have given up an expedition so -inauspiciously begun." - -"We should do wisely in following their example," Valentine said sadly: -"there is yet time." - -The count shrugged his shoulders in reply. A few days later they arrived -at Guaymas. Señor Pavo received the count most kindly, and proposed, -himself, to present him to the general. - -"I wish to make your peace," he said to him. - -Don Louis allowed him to do so. His heart beat at the thought that he -was possibly about to see Doña Angela again, but nothing of the sort -took place. The general was extremely gracious to the count, spoke to -him with feigned candour, and appeared ready to accept his propositions. -Don Louis brought with him two hundred men and arms, and placed his -sword at his disposal, if he intended to join the Governor-General -Alvarez. Don Sebastian, while not replying absolutely to these advances, -still allowed it to be seen that they were not displeasing to him; he -even went further, for he almost promised the count to give him the -command of the French battalion--a promise which, on his side, the count -feigned to hear with the greatest pleasure. - -This interview was followed by several others, in which, always -excepting the numberless protestations the general lavished on the -count, the latter could obtain nothing except a species of tacit -permission to take the command of the volunteers, in concert with the -chief of the battalion. This permission was more injurious than useful -to the count, however, as it rendered a great part of the Frenchmen -indisposed toward him, for they were angry at the general appointing -them a new leader. - -During the week the count had been at Guaymas the general had not -said a word to him about Doña Angela, and it had been impossible for -him to see her. On the day when we find him again at Don Sebastian's -house, matters had reached such a pitch between the inhabitants and -the French, that immediate repression was urgent in order to prevent -great calamities. Several Frenchmen had been insulted--two had even -been stabbed in the public streets; the _cívicos_ and inhabitants made -growling threats against the volunteers; and there was in the air that -something which forebodes a great catastrophe, which no one, however, -can explain. - -The general pretended to feel deeply the insults offered the French. He -promised the count that prompt and full justice should be done, and the -assassins arrested. The truth was that the general, before striking the -great blow he was meditating, wished for the arrival of the powerful -reinforcements he expected from Hermosillo in order to crush the French, -and he only sought to gain time. - -The count withdrew. - -The next day the insults began again, and the French saw the assassins, -whom the general had promised to punish, walking impudently about the -streets. The battalion began to grow fearfully excited, and a fresh -deputation, at the head of which the count was placed, was sent to the -general. The count peremptorily demanded that justice should be done, -two cannon given to the battalion for its security, and that the cívicos -should be at once disarmed; for these men, drawn from the dregs of the -populace, occasioned all the disorders. - -Once again the general protested his kindly feeling toward the French, -and promised to deliver to them two guns; but he would not hear a -word about disarming the cívicos, alleging as his reason that such a -step might irritate the population and produce an ill effect. While -accompanying the Frenchmen to the very door of the saloon he told -them that, in order to prove the confidence he placed in them, he -would himself come without an escort to their barracks, and hear their -complaints. - -The step the general took was a bold one, and therefore sure to succeed, -especially with Frenchmen, who are good judges of bravery, and correct -appreciators of everything that is daring. The general kept his promise; -he really proceeded alone to the French quarters, in spite of the -recommendations of his officers; he even answered them in a way which -proves how thoroughly he was acquainted with the character of Frenchmen. - -A colonel, among others, demonstrated to him the imprudence of thus -placing himself defencelessly in the hands of men exasperated by the -vexations of every description from which they had suffered so long. - -"You do not know what you are saying, colonel. The Gauls in no way -resemble the Mexicans: with them the point of honour is everything. -I know very well that the question will be discussed of keeping me -prisoner; but there is one man who will never consent, and who will -defend me if necessary: that man is the Count de Prébois Crancé." - -The general judged correctly: all happened as he said. It was the -count who energetically opposed his arrest, which was already almost -resolved. The general left the barracks in the same way as he entered -them. No one dared to utter a word of reproach in his presence. On the -contrary, thanks to the honeyed eloquence with which he was gifted, he -succeeded so well in turning opinions in his favour, that every one -overwhelmed him with protestations of devotion, and an ovation was -almost offered him. - -The result of this audacious visit was immense for the general; -for, through the effect he had contrived to produce on the mass of -volunteers, a division commenced among them almost immediately after -his departure, and they no longer agreed. One party wished for peace at -any price; the others demanded war with loud shouts, insisting that he -was deceiving them, and that they would be once again the dupes of the -Mexicans. - -The latter were right, for they saw clearly; but, as ever happens, they -were not listened to, and in conclusion they came to a compromise, which -is always bad in such circumstances; that is to say, a committee was -appointed to come to an understanding with the government, and regulate -the affairs of the battalion. - -As may be seen, the mine was charged: a spark would be sufficient to -enkindle an immense fire. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE BEGINNING OF THE END. - - -It was night. In a small house at Guaymas, Louis and Valentine were -conversing by the light of a meagre candle, which only spread a smoking -and trembling illumination. They were discussing the measures by which -to expedite the finale of the gloomy machinations in which General -Guerrero had managed to enfold them with diabolical cunning, while -Curumilla was peacefully sleeping in a corner of the room. - -"I foresaw it," Valentine said. "Now it is too late to draw back. We -must act energetically: if not, you are lost." - -"Eh, my friend? I am so in every way." - -"What! will you really break down when the hour of danger has pealed?" - -"I do not fear it: it will be welcome. I should wish to die, brother." - -"Come, be a man. Regain your courage, but make haste. Have you noticed -the arms and ammunition continually arriving? Believe me, we must make -an end of it, one way or other, as speedily as possible." - -"Yes, I know as well as you that the general is deceiving us; but these -volunteers are not the men I had at Hermosillo. These fellows hesitate -and are afraid. Their commandant is incapable of acting: he is a -vacillating, irresolute man. With such people we can achieve nothing." - -"I am afraid so: still it is better to know at once on what you have to -depend than to remain any longer in this state of uncertainty." - -"Tomorrow the delegates will go and see the general." - -"Let them go to the deuce: they will be at least certain of obtaining a -categorical answer from him," Valentine said impatiently. - -At this moment two light taps were heard at the street door. - -"Who can arrive so late?" the count said. "I expect nobody." - -"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the -people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors." - -And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into -the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,-- - -"Look, look! I am pursued!" - -Valentine rushed out. - -Although this woman was _tapada_--that is to say, her features were -completely hidden by a rebozo--the count recognised her at once. What -other woman but Doña Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, -in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting -into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all -those attentions which her condition demanded. - -"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. -"What has happened?" - -In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her -forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of -intense happiness. - -"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into -tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms. - -Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was -suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were -haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was -agitated by a convulsive tremor. - -"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, -explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me." - -"If I love you, poor cherished one of my heart!" she said with a sigh as -she laid her hand in his. "If I love you! Alas! I love you to death, Don -Louis; and this love will kill me." - -"Speak not so, my well-beloved angel! Dispel these gloomy thoughts: let -us only think of our love." - -"No, Don Louis, I have not come to you to speak of love: I have come to -save you." - -"To save me!" he said with feigned gaiety. "Do you believe me, then, to -be in great peril?" - -"Don Louis, you are running an immense risk. Take heed of my words. Do -not look at me so with a smile: tomorrow you will be a lost man. All the -measures are taken. I heard all: it is horrible! And that is the way I -learnt your return to Guaymas, of which I was ignorant. Then I ran off -madly, wildly to you, in order to say to you, 'Fly, fly, Don Louis!'" - -"Fly!" he repeated thoughtfully. "And you, Angela, must I lose you again -this time and for ever? No, I prefer death." - -"I will go with you; for am I not your affianced, your wife in the sight -of Heaven? Come, come, Don Louis, let us go--not lose a minute, a -second. Your black horse will carry us beyond pursuit in two hours. But -take your weapons, for I was followed by a man as I came here from my -father's house." - -She spoke with strange volubility, like a person talking in a fever. The -count knew not what resolution to follow, when suddenly a loud noise was -heard in the street, and the door, which was only leant to, flew wide -open. - -"Save me, save me!" the poor child exclaimed, a prey to indescribable -terror. - -Don Louis bounded on his pistols, and placed himself resolutely before -her. - -"Oh, you shall come, you villain!" Valentine's voice was heard outside. -"You shall not escape me this time. Come, walk in, or I'll quicken your -motions with my dagger." - -And with a vigorous effort the hunter entered the room, dragging after -him a man who made futile efforts to escape. - -"Shut the door, Louis," Valentine continued. "And now, my worthy spy, -show me your treacherous face, that I may be able to recognise you -again." - -Curumilla had left the corner in which he had hitherto been sleeping. -Without uttering a syllable he drew Doña Angela behind a mosquito net, -which completely concealed her, and then rejoined his friends, candle -in hand. All this while the prisoner offered an obstinate resistance to -prevent his features being seen; but he did not say a word, contenting -himself with uttering hoarse and indistinct exclamations of rage. At -length, after a long struggle, the stranger seemed to comprehend that -all his efforts would be in vain: he drew himself up, took off his -cloak, and crossed his arms on his chest. - -"Well, look at me, as you insist on doing so," he said with a sarcastic -accent. - -"Don Cornelio!" the Frenchmen exclaimed. - -"Myself, gentlemen. How have you been since I last had the pleasure of -seeing you?" he continued with serpent coolness. - -"Miserable traitor!" Valentine yelled as he rushed on him. - -But the count checked him. - -"Wait," he said. - -"I betrayed you, it is true," Don Cornelio replied. "What next? I had -probably a motive in doing so. I know you are going to say that you -did me many services. What does that prove, if you did me in a single -day more injury than all the good you did me during the course of our -relations?" - -"I did you an injury! You lie, you scoundrel!" - -"Señor conde," Don Cornelio said with a haughty air, "I would remind you -that I am a gentleman, and will not allow you to address me in the way -you are now doing." - -"This wretch is mad, on my soul!" the count said with a smile of pity. -"Let him go, brother; he is unworthy of our anger: he only merits our -contempt." - -"Not so," Valentine sharply objected. "This man is the general's tool: -we cannot let him go thus." - -"What shall we do with him? Sooner or later we must release him." - -"That is possible, but for the present we will hand him over to the care -of Curumilla." - -The Indian gave a nod of assent, and seizing Don Cornelio, led him -away. The latter allowed him to do so without offering the slightest -resistance. - -"We shall meet again, gentlemen," he said with a mocking smile. - -The Indian looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and drew him into -another room. Doña Angela then emerged from behind the curtain. - -"I am waiting for you, Don Louis," she said. - -The latter shook his head sadly. - -"Alas!" he said, "I cannot fly: my life is not my own. I have sworn to -my comrades not to abandon them. Were I to fly, I should be a traitor." - -Doña Angela went up to him and bent gracefully over him. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she said. "You are acting as a caballero. Follow -your destiny. Your honour is as dear to me as to yourself. I wish it -to be unspotted. I no longer insist. Farewell! Give me a kiss on the -forehead: we shall not meet again till the day of our death." - -All at once a cry was heard in the street, so horrible that the three -persons shuddered with terror. The door opened, and Curumilla stalked -in: his face was calm, and his step as measured as usual. - -"You went out by the door of the corral then, chief?" Valentine asked -him. - -"Yes." - -"But what have you done with Don Cornelio?" - -"Free," the Indian said. - -"What! free?" Don Louis exclaimed. - -"There must be something in the background," the hunter remarked. "Why -did you give him his liberty?" - -Curumilla drew his knife from his waist belt, and the blade was red with -blood. - -"You need no longer fear him," he said. - -"You have not killed him?" the three exclaimed simultaneously. - -"No," he said. "He is dumb and blind." - -"Oh!" they said with a gesture of horror. - -Curumilla had simply scooped out Don Cornelio's eyes with his scalping -knife, and torn out his tongue; then he led him to the other end of the -town, and abandoned him to his fate. Valentine and Don Louis considered -it useless to address any reproaches to the chief, which could not -repair the evil, and which, indeed, the Araucano would not have -understood; consequently they refrained from any observation. - -Doña Angela, in spite of the count's entreaties, would not consent to -him accompanying her on her return home. She withdrew, after whispering -in his ear the parting recommendation,-- - -"Take heed of tomorrow, Don Louis." - -The count smiled, and she flew away like a bird, leaving behind her very -sad and naked the little room which she had illumined for a short time -with her presence. - -"Come," the count said, as he fell hack in a butaca so soon as she was -gone, "it seems that tomorrow will bring the finale: all the better. -Still the man that takes me will have to pay dearly for it." - -The next day, as had been arranged, the delegates of the volunteers -waited on the general, who received them in his usual way, lavishing -protestations and promises on them. The delegates pressed for a -settlement, on which Don Sebastian, who was doubtlessly ready to deal -the blow he had so long meditated, changed his tone and dismissed -them, bidding them await his good pleasure. The delegates withdrew, -exasperated by the roguery of the man in whom they had been so weak -as to place confidence, and who now proved to them that he had been -deceiving them from the beginning. - -The volunteers were anxiously expecting the answer their delegates were -to bring them. When the latter described what had taken place their -exasperation reached its height: the cry "To arms!" was raised, and -everyone prepared for fighting. The chief of the battalion completely -lost his head. - -"Bid them form a square," the count said to him. The order was obeyed. -The count placed himself in the centre of the square, and raised his -hand to command silence. - -All were still: the moment was a solemn one, and all perceived it. In -spite of himself, a certain degree of hesitation was depicted on the -count's handsome face: not that he feared for himself personally, but he -felt that he was about to risk his last stake, and it would be decisive. -Everyone had his eyes fixed upon him. - -"You hesitate, count," an officer said to him. "Why did you join us, -then? Are you no longer the man of Hermosillo?" - -At this sharp remark a vivid blush suffused the count's cheek, and he -trembled with suppressed passion. - -"No," he exclaimed, "no, by heavens! I do not hesitate. My friends, -reflect: there is yet time. Remember that, the sword once drawn, we -become outlaws. What will you do?" - -"Fight--fight!" the volunteers shouted, waving their weapons -enthusiastically. - -The count drew himself up, unsheathed his sword, and brandished it over -his head. - -"You wish it?" he shouted. - -"Yes, yes!" - -"Well, then, forwards! Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the volunteers replied. - -The battalion, formed in four companies, resolutely left its -quarters, and proceeded at a quick step toward the Mexican barracks. -Unfortunately, as we have said, a dissension had sprung up among the -French. Many of them marched very unwillingly, being forced on by their -comrades. The chief of the battalion, too, though personally very brave, -was not the man suited to attempt a _coup de main_ like the present one; -and the count, through excess of delicacy, and in order to maintain -unity of action, committed the fault of declining the command when -offered to him by the officers and men. - -The battalion proceeded toward the Mexican barracks by three different -roads. But General Guerrero had made his arrangements long before. He -had shut himself up in these barracks with three hundred troops of the -line. The neighbouring houses were crammed with cívicos, while four guns -commanded the only approaches. The Frenchmen only amounted to three -hundred men, one half of them discouraged, while the Mexicans were -nearly two thousand. - -Still the action began vigorously on all sides at once. The first charge -was admirable. The Mexican guns swept down the attacking party, and -effected a frightful carnage. Still the French held their ground, and -continued to advance, supported by the example of the count, who walked -fifteen paces in advance of the column, with a rifle in one hand and -a sword in the other, amid a hail-storm of bullets, shouting in his -powerful voice,-- - -"Forward! forward!" - -All at once, the chief of the battalion, who ought to have supported the -attack on the right, seeing his company decimated by canister, lost his -head completely, and fell back in disorder on the French quarters. The -count tried in vain to rally the volunteers; disorder was beginning to -spread among them, and all his efforts were powerless. - -It was at this moment the count understood the fault he had committed -by not accepting the chief command. Still the Mexican guns no longer -fired, for the artillerymen were dead. - -"Forward! Charge with the bayonet!" the count shouted; and he rushed -onward, followed by Valentine and Curumilla, who did not remain an inch -behind. Some twenty volunteers dashed after him. The count rushed up -to the wall of the barracks, which he succeeded in scaling, and stood -upright on the summit, exposed to the whole of the enemy's fire. - -"Forward! forward!" he repeated. - -His hat, pierced by balls, was blown off his head, and several -bayonet-thrusts tore his clothes. A terrible hand-to-hand contest -commenced. Unfortunately there were only fifteen Frenchmen altogether. -After a heroic attempt to hold their ground they were compelled to give -way; but they fell back like lions, pace by pace, with their faces -turned to the foe, and not ceasing to fight. The count howled with -rage: tears of passion poured down his cheeks at seeing himself thus -abandoned. He wished to die. But in vain did he throw himself into the -thickest of the fight: his friends protected him, in spite of himself, -against the blows dealt at him. At length the route commenced. The count -broke his sword, after a glance of powerless fury at his enemies, whom, -had he been bravely supported, he would have conquered, and who thus -escaped him. - -Valentine and Curumilla dragged him down to the port; but the vessel -which brought him had set sail during the combat. Flight was impossible. -In this extremity only one house could offer a refuge to the conquered: -it was that of the French agent, and the volunteers flocked to it. - -Señor Pavo promised that all those who delivered their arms up to him -should be placed under the protection of the French flag. The count had -entered the house and thrown himself into a chair, insensible to all -that was said and done around him; but Valentine was watching. - -"A moment," he said. "Señor Pavo, will the life of Count de Prébois -Crancé be saved?" - -The Mexican looked craftily at the hunter, but made no answer. - -"No shuffling, sir," Valentine continued. "We want a distinct answer, or -we shall renew the engagement." - -As it was no longer possible to hesitate Señor Pavo spoke. - -"Gentlemen," he said in a clear and distinct voice, "on my honour I -swear to you that the life of Count Louis de Prébois Crancé shall be -spared." - -"We shall remember your words, sir," Valentine said sternly. - -Don Antonio Pavo hoisted a white flag as a signal of peace. Nearly the -whole battalion of volunteers had sought refuge at his house. The battle -was over; it had lasted three hours. The French had thirty-eight men -killed, and sixty-three wounded, out of three hundred combatants. The -Mexicans lost thirty-five men during the action, and had one hundred and -forty-seven wounded, out of about two thousand soldiers. The battle -had been warmly contested, and the conquerors paid dearly for a victory -which was the result of treachery. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE CATASTROPHE. - - -Immediately after the combat a delicious comedy, began between Don -Antonio Pavo and General Guerrero. The latter would not listen to any -proposition tending to obtain for the French a written capitulation. He -confined himself to giving his word of honour as a general officer, that -if the arms were surrendered to him at once, _all_ the rebels should -have their lives granted them. Don Antonio was constrained to yield -to the general's orders. The arms were surrendered, the French made -prisoners of war, and locked up. - -So soon as night fell, Colonel Suarez, accompanied by four other -officers, presented himself at the house of Don Antonio Pavo, demanding, -in the name of General Guerrero, that the Count de Prébois Crancé should -be immediately handed over to him. Don Antonio hastened to obey by -giving the count orders to quit his house. The latter, without replying, -contented himself with darting a glance of sovereign contempt at him, -and surrendered to the colonel. A quarter of an hour later he was in -solitary confinement. Of all the combatants only two had escaped, -Valentine and Curumilla, and that was only at the count's peremptory -order. - -We repeat it here, although the names are changed, and certain facts -have, been expressly altered, we are not writing a romance, but the -history of a man whose noble character must be dear to all his fellow -countrymen. There are, then, certain things which we cannot and ought -not to pass over in silence, though frequently in the course of this -long narrative we have softened down facts which we felt a repugnance to -display in all their horror. - -Despite the solemn promise made by Don Antonio Pavo in the presence of -all the volunteers, a few days after his illegal arrest the count was -told to prepare for trial. The Europeans were aroused by this disloyal -act, and several of them went to Don Antonio to remind him of his -promise, and incite him to keep it Then Don Antonio asserted that he -never made any promise, and that the affair in no way concerned him. - -In the meanwhile the preparations for the count's trial were actively -pushed on. All the officers of the battalion, including the commandant, -were interrogated, and all, with one exception, we are compelled to -confess, sought to throw the whole blame of their conduct on the count. -Not a single witness for the defence was examined; for what was the use -of it? The accused was condemned beforehand. - -When the count was arrested he still had in his waist belt the pistols -with which he marched into action. General Guerrero ordered that -they should be left him. He doubtless hoped that Louis, impelled by -despair, would, in a moment of terror, blow out his brains, and thus -spare himself the shame of signing the death warrant. But he was not -acquainted with the character of his enemy. The count possessed a mind -too strongly tried by that touchstone called misfortune to have recourse -to suicide, and tarnish the end of his career. - -In the meanwhile Valentine had not been inactive. If he had consented -to preserve his liberty, it was only in the hope of saving his -foster-brother. Two or three days before the count's secret imprisonment -was altered, toward evening, the door of his cell opened. He turned his -head mechanically to see who entered, uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him. The newcomer was Valentine. - -"You--you here!" he said to him. "Oh, thanks for coming!" - -"Did you not expect me, brother?" the hunter asked. - -"I expected your visit, though I did not dare count on it. You must be -exposed to a thousand annoyances, and compelled to conceal yourself?" - -"I! Not a bit of it." - -"All the better; you cannot imagine how happy I am at seeing you. But -who is the person accompanying you?" - -In truth, Valentine was not alone; another person had entered the cell -with him, and was standing motionless against the door, which the jailer -locked again, after introducing the visitors. - -"Do not trouble yourself about that person at present," Valentine said; -"let us talk about business." - -"Be it so: speak." - -"You know that you will be condemned to death. I suppose?" - -"I presume so." - -"Good! Now listen to me, and, above all, do not interrupt me; for time -is precious, and we must profit by it. You understand that if I obeyed -you when you ordered me to escape, I did so because I suspected in what -way affairs would turn. Now the moment for action has arrived. All is -prepared for your flight; the jailers are bought--they will not see you -quit the prison. I have freighted a vessel. Take your hat, and come. In -ten minutes we shall be aboard, in half an hour under sail, and we will -leave Mexican justice to deal with you in your absence. Come, I have -managed capitally, I think, brother. You see that I have lost no time, -and all this is very simple." - -"Extremely simple indeed," the count replied with the utmost calmness. -"I thank you for what you have done for me." - -"Indeed, brother, it is not worth thanking for." - -The count laid his hand on his arm to interrupt him. - -"But," he continued, "I cannot accept your offer." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed with a start of surprise. "What do you say, -brother? You must be jesting." - -"Not at all, brother. What I say is the truth. It is my inflexible will -to leave to the Mexican people the iniquity of my condemnation, the -indelible stain of my death. I will not fly: I cannot--I ought not; for -it would be an act of cowardice on my part. A soldier does not abandon -his post. A gentleman does not sully his escutcheon. A Frenchman has not -the right to dishonour his name. I die for a noble and grand idea--the -emancipation and regeneration of a people. That idea required a baptism -of blood to make it prosper and bear fruit at a later date. I give it -mine without regret--without a thought of self, gladly--I will say -almost with happiness. Brother, in a prison thoughts ripen quickly: it -is probably because a man is nearer the tomb there, and life appears to -him what it really is--a dream. I have thought much. I have reflected -deeply. I have weighed with the utmost impartiality the for and against -of the two questions, and I prefer death. I knew what you would attempt -for me. Your life has been one long devotion; but that devotion must -this night accomplish its greatest sacrifice in letting me die, and -not attempting to save me. A man like I am must not secure his life by -trickery. I pledged my head as the stake in the game I played. I lost, -and I pay my debt." - -"Brother, brother, do not speak so!" Valentine exclaimed with despair; -"you break my heart." - -"Reflect, my good Valentine, on the position in which I now stand. I am -tried contrary to the law of nations. Hence my position is a fine one; -my judges will endure all the disgrace of my condemnation. If I fly, -I shall be nothing more than any common adventurer--a pirate, as they -call me, prodigal of his companions' blood, and chary of his own. Must I -not acquit the debt I have contracted with all my friends, who died to -defend my cause? Come, brother, do not try to convince me, for it would -be useless. I repeat to you, my resolution cannot be shaken." - -"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed again, with an outburst of passion he could -not repress, "you are determined to die. But do you reflect that, in -dying, you drag down with you to the grave another person? Do you -believe that she will consent to live when----" - -"Silence!" the count interrupted him in great agitation. "Do not speak -to me of her. Poor Angela! Alas! why did she love me?" - -"Why!" the person who accompanied Valentine, and had hitherto remained -motionless, exclaimed. "Because you are great, Louis; because your heart -is immense." - -"Oh!" he said with grief, "Angela! Brother, brother, what have you done?" - -The hunter made no reply, for he was weeping. His iron nature was -broken; the strong man wept like a child. - -"Do not reproach him for having brought me, Don Louis. I wished to -come--I insisted on accompanying him." - -"Alas!" the count replied with an ineffable sadness, "you break my -heart, poor darling child. In your presence all my resolution and -courage abandon me. Oh! why have you come to revive, by your presence, -regrets which nothing will be able to calm again?" - -"You are mistaken, Don Louis," she said with febrile energy. "You -believe me to be a weak woman, without courage. My love for you is too -true and too pure for me ever to advise you to do anything against your -honour or your glory. Just now, concealed in that obscure corner, I -listened eagerly to your words. I was happy at hearing you speak as you -did. I love you, Don Louis, oh, as man never was loved in this world! -But I love you for yourself, and not for myself. Your glory is as dear -to me as you are. Your memory must remain without a stain, as your life -has been unsullied. Don Louis, I, to whom you are all in all, the man -for whom I would sacrifice my life if necessary, I have come to say to -you, 'Dear count, die nobly, with head erect: fall like a hero! Your -memory will be revered as that of a martyr.'" - -"Yes, thanks, thanks for saying that to me, Angela," the count said as -he pressed her in his arms with passionate energy; "you restore me all -my energy." - -"And now farewell, count, to meet again soon." - -The count went up to Valentine. - -"Your hand, brother," he said to him. "Forgive me for not desiring to -live." - -The hunter threw himself into his brother's arms, and the two remained -thus enfolded for several minutes. At length the count liberated himself -from this loving prison by a heroic effort. Valentine left the cell, not -having the strength to utter a word, and supporting Doña Angela, who, in -spite of the courage she had displayed, felt on the point of fainting. - -The door closed again, and the count remained alone. He fell back -in his chair, leaned his elbows on the table, buried his face in his -hands, and remained in this position the whole night through. The next -morning, at an early hour, Don Louis was fetched to go to the court. The -interrogatory was over, and the pleading was about to begin. - -The count had chosen as his defender a young captain of the name of -Borunda, who during the siege of Hermosillo had been taken prisoner by -the French at the attack on the bridge head. Borunda had remembered the -generous manner in which the count had treated him at that period. His -pleading was what might be expected from the young and noble officer, -simple, pathetic, and imprinted with that eloquence which comes from -the heart, and nothing can equal. Assuredly the count would have been -acquitted, had not his death been decided beforehand. - -Don Louis, who during the entire discussion remained calm and apathetic, -listening to the false statements and calumnious imputations of the -witnesses without quivering, or addressing a reproach to those ingrates -who sacrificed him in this cowardly way, felt affected by his defender's -glowing language. He rose and held out his hand to him with inimitable -grace. - -"Thank you, sir," he said to him. "I am happy at having found a man like -yourself among so many enemies. Your pleading was as it should be, and -money will not repay such words." - -Then, drawing from his finger the ring bearing his coat of arms, which -he had always worn since leaving France, he passed it on to the -captain's finger, adding,-- - -"Accept this ring, and keep it in remembrance of me." - -The captain pressed his hand, but could not reply.[1] - -The judges retired to deliberate. They returned at the expiration of -five minutes. Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, unanimously found guilty, -was condemned to be shot. The sworn interpreter of the court was then -called on by the president to translate the sentence to the condemned; -but then a strange incident occurred. This interpreter rose and -addressed the court. - -"No, gentlemen," he said resolutely; "I will not translate this unjust -sentence, which you will soon regret having pronounced." - -This energetic protest abashed the judges for an instant. The -interpreter was discharged on the spot. He was a Spaniard. - -"Gentlemen," the count then said with the greatest coolness, "I -understand your language sufficiently well to know that you have -condemned me to death. May Heaven pardon you, as I do!" - -He bowed to the judges with a smile, and withdrew as calm as he entered. - -The count was immediately placed in _capilla_. It is the fashion in -Spain and all Southern America for men condemned to death to be placed -in a room, at one end of which is an altar. Near the bed stands the -coffin in which the body of the condemned will be laid after the -execution. The walls are hung with black cloth, on which silver tears -and mournful inscriptions are sewn. This custom, which is very cruel in -our opinion, and is evidently a relic of the barbarous medieval times, -is probably intended to imbue the condemned with religious ideas. - -The count was in no way influenced by these mournful trappings, but -employed himself with the utmost tranquillity in setting his affairs -in order. The very day he was put in _capilla_ Valentine entered his -cell, followed by Father Seraphin. He was the priest he would most -certainly have sent for to console him in his last moments, had he known -where to find him; but Valentine thought of everything. By his orders -Curumilla went on the search, and the worthy Indian soon discovered the -missionary, who, on learning the nature of the case, hastened to follow -him. - -Still the condemnation of the count had produced an extraordinary -emotion. While the cívicos and other bandits of the town indulged in -indecent joy, parading the streets with bands of music at their head, -the upper classes and sound portion of the population displayed extreme -sorrow. They spoke of nothing less than preventing the execution of the -sentence, and for some hours General Guerrero trembled lest his victim -should escape him. - -The Vice-Consul of the United States, indignant at this unjust sentence, -but not having the power to act officially, proceeded to Don Antonio -Pavo with the hope of inducing him to act energetically, and save the -count. Don Antonio refused. While protesting the sorrow he felt, nothing -could make him recall his refusal. - -Still Don Antonio understood that he could not refrain from paying a -visit to the count. Valentine was with him, as well as Father Seraphin. -The hunter had obtained leave to remain with his foster brother till -the last moment. The count received Don Antonio with an icy face. -He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders in contempt when -the latter tried to exculpate himself, and alleviate all that was -reprehensible in his conduct. The count handed him several papers, and, -interrupting him roughly in the midst of a very involved sentence, in -which he was trying to prove how innocent he was of all imputed to him, -said dryly,-- - -"Listen to me, sir. I am willing, if it is of any use to you, to give -you a letter, in which I acknowledge that your conduct toward me was -always irreproachable; but on one condition----" - -"What is it, sir?" he asked eagerly. - -"I do not wish to be shot on my knees, and with my eyes bandaged. You -understand me, sir? I want to look death in the face. Go and arrange -that with the governor." - -"That favour shall be granted you, I can assure you, sir," he answered, -delighted at having been let off so easily. - -He went out and kept his word. What did the count's enemies care whether -he fell standing or on his knees, with eyes bandaged or not? Their great -object was that he should be dead. Still General Guerrero profited by -this opportunity to appear generous at a small cost. - -The next day but one Valentine brought Doña Angela with him: the maiden -had donned that monk's robe which she had already worn under critical -circumstances. - -"Is it for today?" the count asked. - -"Yes," Valentine answered. - -Louis took his foster-brother on one side. - -"Swear to me to protect that child when I am no longer here to do so." - -"I swear it!" Valentine said in a broken voice. - -Doña Angela heard the words. She smiled sadly as she wiped away a tear. - -"Now, brother, there is another oath I must obtain from you." - -"Speak, brother." - -"Swear to do what I ask you, whatever it may be." - -Valentine looked at his foster-brother: he saw such anxiety depicted on -his face that he let his eyes fall. - -"I swear it!" he said in a hollow voice. - -He had guessed what Don Louis was about to demand of him. - -"I do not wish you to avenge me. Believe me, brother, God will take that -vengeance on Himself, and sooner or later punish my enemies in a more -terrible manner than you can do. Do you promise to obey me?" - -"You have my word, brother," the hunter answered. - -"Thanks! Now let me say good-by to this poor girl." - -And he walked toward Doña Angela, who advanced to meet him. We will not -describe their conversation. They forgot everything during an hour to -live an age of joy by isolating themselves, and speaking heart to heart. -Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside, the door of the capilla opened, -and Colonel Suarez appeared. - -"I am at your orders, colonel," the count said, not giving the other -time to speak. - -He passed his fingers for the last time through his moustache, smoothed -his hair, took up his Panama straw hat, which he held in his hand, and -after taking a melancholy glance around, went out. - -Father Seraphin walked on his right; Doña Angela, with the hood over her -head, on his left. Valentine came next, tottering like a drunken man, in -spite of all the efforts he made, with haggard eyes, and face bathed in -tears. There was something heart-rending in the aspect of this man, with -the energetic features and bronzed face, a prey to such grief, which was -the more profound because it was silent. - -It was six in the morning, the sun had just risen, the dawn was -magnificent, the atmosphere was filled with perfume, nature seemed -rejoicing, and a man full of life, health, and intellect was about to -die--die brutally, struck by unworthy foemen. - -An immense crowd covered the place of execution, and the troops were -drawn up in battle array. General Guerrero, in full uniform, glistening -with precious stones, appeared at the head of the troops. - -The count walked slowly, talking with the missionary, and from time to -time addressing a word to the heroic girl, who refused to abandon him at -this supreme hour. He held his hat before his face to protect him from -the sunbeams, and fanned himself carelessly. On reaching the execution -ground he stopped, went in the direction of the firing party, threw his -hat on the ground, and waited. - -An officer read his sentence. When this was over, the count -affectionately embraced the missionary, did the same to Valentine, and -whispered in his ear,-- - -"Remember!" - -"Yes," the latter said in an inarticulate voice. - -Then came the turn of Doña Angela. They remained for a long time in a -close embrace, and then separated as if by mutual agreement. - -"Though separated on the earth, we shall soon be united in heaven. -Courage, my beloved!" she said with exaltation. - -He replied to her with a smile which had nothing earthly about it. - -Father Seraphin and Valentine fell back about fifteen paces, knelt down -on the ground, and folded their hands in prayer. Doña Angela, with the -cowl still over her face, placed herself only a few paces from the -general, who watched all the preparations for the execution with a -triumphant smile. - -The count looked around him to assure himself that his friends had -retired, took a step forward nearer the firing party, from which he was -only eight yards, and laying his hands behind his hack, with head erect, -a smile on his lips, and a resolute glance, he called out in a clear, -impressive voice,-- - -"Come, my brave fellows, do your duty! Aim at the heart!" - -Then a strange event occurred. The officer stammered as he gave the -order to fire; and the soldiers, firing one after the other, did not hit -the sufferer. - -"Enough of this, caray!" the general shouted. - -The soldiers reloaded their muskets, and the order to fire was given -once more. A discharge burst forth like thunder, and the count fell with -his face to the earth. - -He was dead: progress counted one martyr more! - -"Farewell, father," a voice cried in the general's ear. "I keep my -promise." - -Don Sebastian turned in terror, for he had recognised his daughter's -voice. - -Doña Angela had fallen to the ground. Her father rushed toward her. It -was too late; he only pressed a corpse in his arms. His punishment had -already commenced. - -The count had scarce fallen ere Valentine rushed toward him, followed by -the missionary. - -"Let no one approach the body!" he said in a voice which made the -bravest recoil, and kneeling on his right, while the missionary placed -himself on the left, he prayed. - -Curumilla had disappeared. - -Those who tell us that the Count de Prébois Crancé was an adventurer, I -will merely ask what Hernando Cortez was on the day before the fall of -Mexico? - -In politics, as in everything else, the end justifies the means, and -success is only the consecration of genius. - - -[1] We are delighted to be able to state that Captain Borunda, in spite -of the brilliant offers afterwards made him, would not consent to part -with this ring.--G.A. - - - - -NOTE. - -Several of our friends have remarked to us with truth that the work -of justice we have attempted in this work would be incomplete if we -insisted on concealing our characters under their pseudonyms. We will, -therefore, obey our friends' wishes. Who does not remember the heroic -episode of Count Gaston de Raousset-Boulbon's life? The incident that -terminated it was, in spite of the political preoccupations of the -moment, considered a public calamity. - -It is the expedition of this great soldier, who only lacked a lever to -overturn a world, that we have attempted to describe. Don Louis is the -count. By the side of Consul Calvo, General Yanès, and the Commandant -Lebourgeois-Desmarets, a sinister trinity fatal to the count, the -first two through a mean hatred, the third through jealousy, also grin -the ignoble and gloomy faces of Colonel Campusano and Cubillas, those -subaltern agents, the buzzards who were less hideously ferocious than -the men who urged them to action. Now let us mention hap-hazard the -names of the few men who remained faithful to the count at all risks. -In the first rank we will name Monsieur A. de la Chapelle, editor -in chief of the _Messager de San Francisco,_ a private friend of -Raousset, who left him at his death the duty of avenging his memory, -and whom friendship inspired to write so fine a book; then Lenoir, -Gamier, Fayolle, and Lefranc, of whom the last three fell bravely -before Hermosillo; O. de la Chapelle, brother of the journalist, that -chivalrous chief of the Cocosperians; lastly, the Mexican captain, -Borunda, whose chivalrous pleading would have saved the count, had not -his death been resolved on. - -Twelve years have passed over the drama of Guaymas, and the hour has -arrived to do proper justice to the heroic victim of that unjustifiable -assassination. We, one of his obscurest friends, will be pleased if -our book, so incomplete as it may be, aids to any extent, however -slight, in effecting this rehabilitation so eagerly expected by all -honest hearts. We will add in conclusion, that the narrative has been -undertaken without any notes being prepared beforehand, and written -under the impression of ineffaceable memories, rather with the heart -than with the pen. - - -GUSTAVE AIMARD. - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 42742-8.txt or 42742-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/4/42742/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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- }
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diff --git a/42742.txt b/42742.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3c6acfa..0000000 --- a/42742.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10583 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Indian Chief - The Story of a Revolution - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: May 20, 2013 [EBook #42742] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - - - - -THE INDIAN CHIEF - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - -PREFACE. - -With this volume terminates the series in which Gustave Aimard has -described the sad fate of the Count de Raousset-Boulbon, who fell a -victim to Mexican treachery. In the next volume to be published, under -the title of the "Trail Hunter," will be found the earlier history of -some of the characters whose acquaintance the reader has formed, I trust -with pleasure, in the present series. - - L.W. - - - - CONTENTS. - - - I. THE INTERVIEW - II. THE MISSION - III. THE SPY - IV. THE EXPLOSION - V. THE FIRST POWDER BURNT - VI. REPRISALS - VII. GUETZALLI - VIII. THE ENVOY - IX. DONA ANGELA - X. THE AMBASSADORS - XI. THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN - XII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER - XIII. LA MAGDALENA - XIV. THE COCK-FIGHT - XV. THE INTERVIEW - XVI. FATHER SERAPHIN - XVII. THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE - XVIII. THE SURPRISE - XIX. THE FORWARD MARCH - XX. BEFORE THE ATTACK - XXI. THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO - XXII. AFTER THE VICTORY - XXIII. THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO - XXIV. THE BOAR AT BAY - XXV. THE BEGINNING OF THE END - XXVI. THE CATASTROPHE - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -The Jesuits founded in Mexico missions round which, with the patience -that constantly distinguished them, an unbounded charity, and a -perseverance which nothing could discourage, they succeeded in -collecting a large number of Indians, whom they instructed in the -principal and most touching dogmas of their faith--whom they baptized, -instructed, and induced to till the soil. - -These missions, at first insignificant and a great distance apart, -insensibly increased. The Indians, attracted by the gentle amenity of -the good fathers, placed themselves under their protection; and there -is no doubt that if the Jesuits, victims to the jealousy of the Spanish -viceroys, had not been shamefully plundered and expelled from Mexico, -they would have brought around them the majority of the fiercest _Indios -Bravos_, have civilised them, and made them give up their nomadic life. - -It is to one of these missions we purpose conducting the reader, a month -after the events we have narrated in a preceding work.[1] - -The mission of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles was built on the right -bank of the Rio San Pedro, about sixty leagues from Pitic. Nothing can -equal the grandeur and originality of its position. Nothing can compare, -in wild grandeur and imposing severity, with the majestically terrible -landscape which presents itself to the vision, and fills the heart with -terror and a melancholy joy, at the sight of the frightful and gloomy -rocks which tower over the river like colossal walls and gigantic -parapets, apparently formed by some convulsion of nature; while in the -midst of this chaos, at the foot of these astounding precipices, past -which the river rushes in impetuous cascades, and in a delicious valley -covered with verdure, stands the house, commanded on three sides by -immense mountains, which raise their distant peaks almost to the heavens. - -Alas! this house, formerly so smiling, so animated, so gay and -happy--this remote corner of the world, which seemed a counterpart of -Eden, where, morning and night, hymns of gratitude, mingling with the -cascade, rose to the Omnipotent--this mission is now dead and desolate, -the houses are deserted and in ruins, the church roof has fallen in, -the grass has invaded the choir. The terrified members of this simple -and innocent community, scattered by persecution, sought refuge in the -desert, and returned to that savage life from which they were rescued -with so much difficulty. Wild beasts dwell in the house of God, and -nothing is heard save the voice of solitude murmuring unceasingly -through the deserted houses and crumbling walls, which parasitic plants -are rapidly invading, and will soon level with the ground, covering them -with a winding sheet of verdure. - -It was evening. The wind roared hoarsely through the trees. The sky, -like a dome of diamond, flashed with those millions of stars which are -also worlds; the moon spread around a vague and mysterious light; and -the atmosphere, refreshed by a gusty breeze, was embalmed with those -desert odours which it is so healthy to respire. - -Still the night was somewhat fresh, and three travellers, crouching -round a large _brasero_ kindled amid the ruins, seemed to appreciate its -kindly warmth. These travellers, on whose hard features the changing -flashes of light were reflected, would have supplied a splendid subject -for an artist, with their strange costumes, as they were encamped there -in the midst of the wild and startling landscape. - -A little distance behind the principal group four hobbled horses were -munching their provender, while their riders, for their part, were -concluding a scanty meal, composed of a slice of venison, a few pieces -of _tasajo_, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with water -slightly dashed with refino to take off its hardness. - -These three men were Count Louis, Valentine, and Don Cornelio. Although -they ate like true hunters--that is to say, with good appetite, and not -losing a mouthful--it was easy to guess that our friends were engaged -with serious matters for thought. Their eyes wandered incessantly -around, consulting the shadows, and striving to pierce the darkness. -At times the hand stopped half way to the mouth--the lump of tasajo -remained in suspense: with their left hand they instinctively sought -the rifle that lay on the ground near them. They stretched forth their -necks, and listened attentively, analysing those thousand nameless -noises of the great American deserts, which all have a cause, and are an -infallible warning to the man who knows how to understand them. - -Still the meal drew to an end. Don Cornelio had seized his _jarana_; but -at a sign from Don Louis he laid it again by his side, wrapped himself -in his _zarape_, and stretched himself out on the ground. Valentine was -in deep reflection. Louis had risen, and, leaning against a wall, looked -cautiously out into the desert. A long period elapsed ere a word was -exchanged, until Louis seated himself again by the hunter's side. - -"'Tis strange," he said. - -"What?" Valentine replied abstractedly. - -"Curumilla's prolonged absence. He has left us for nearly three hours -without telling us the reason, and has not returned yet." - -"Have you any suspicion of him?" the hunter said with a certain degree -of bitterness. - -"Brother," Louis replied, "you are unjust at this moment. I do not -suspect; I am restless, that is all. Like yourself, I feel a too lively -and sincere friendship for the chief not to fear some accident." - -"Curumilla is prudent; no one is so well acquainted as he with Indian -tricks. If he has not returned, there are important reasons for it, be -assured." - -"I am convinced of it; but the delay his absence causes us may prove -injurious." - -"How do you know, brother? Perhaps our safety depends on this very -absence. Believe me, Louis, I know Curumilla much better than you do. -I have slept too long side by side with him not to place the utmost -confidence in him. Thus, you see, I patiently await his return." - -"But supposing he has fallen into a snare, or has been killed?" - -Valentine regarded his foster brother with a most peculiar look; then he -replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, and an air of supreme contempt,-- - -"He fallen into a snare! Curumilla dead! Nonsense, brother, you must be -jesting! You know perfectly well that is impossible." - -Louis had no objection to offer to this simple profession of faith. - -"At any rate," he continued presently, "you must allow that he has kept -us waiting a long time." - -"Why so? What do we want of him at this moment? You do not intend to -leave this bivouac, I fancy? Well, what consequence is it if he return -an hour sooner or later?" - -Louis made a sign of impatience, wrapped himself up in his zarape, and -lay down by Don Cornelio's side, after growling,-- - -"Good night." - -"Good night, brother," Valentine answered with a smile. - -Ten minutes later, Don Louis, despite his ill temper, overcome by -fatigue, slept as if he were never to wake up again. Valentine allowed -a quarter of an hour to elapse ere he made a move; then he rose gently, -crept up to his foster brother, bent over him, and examined him -attentively for two or three minutes. - -"At length," he said, drawing himself up. "I was afraid he would insist -on sitting up and keeping me company." - -The hunter thrust into his girdle the pistols he had laid on the ground, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and stepping carefully across the -stones and rubbish that burdened the soil, rapidly but noiselessly -retired, and speedily disappeared in the darkness. He walked in this way -for about ten minutes, when he reached a dense thicket. Then he crouched -behind a shrub, and, after taking a cautious survey of the surrounding -country, whistled gently thrice, being careful to leave an equal space -of time between each signal. At the expiration of two or three minutes -the cry of the moorhen was heard twice from the midst of the trees that -bordered the river's bank only a few paces from the spot where the -hunter was standing. - -"Good!" the latter muttered. "Our friend is punctual; but, as the -wisdom of nations says somewhere that prudence is the mother of surety, -let us be prudent: that can do no harm when dealing with such scamps." - -And the worthy hunter set the hammer of his rifle. After taking this -precaution he left the thicket in which he had been concealed, and -advanced with apparent resolution, but still without neglecting any -precaution to avoid a surprise, toward the spot whence the reply to his -signal had come. When he had covered about half the distance four or -five persons came forward to meet him. - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with -me. Attention!" - -Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the -nearest man. - -"Halt," he said, "or I fire!" - -"_Capo de Dios!_ you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. -"You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your -rifle--you see that we are unarmed." - -"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms -concealed about your person?" - -"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you -venture to doubt it?" - -The hunter laughed. - -"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see -before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my -friends." - -"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please." - -"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are -bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours." - -"As you please, Don Valentine: you shall arrange matters as you will. -Still, the first time we had a conference together, I found you much -more facile." - -"I do not deny it. Come alone, and we will talk." - -The stranger gave his companions a sign to stop where they were, and -advanced alone. - -"That will do," the hunter said as he uncocked his rifle, and rested the -butt on the ground, crossing his hands over the muzzle. - -The man to whom Valentine displayed so little confidence, or, to speak -more clearly, whom he doubted so greatly, was no other than General Don -Sebastian Guerrero. - -"There, now you must be satisfied. I think I have given you a great -proof of my condescension," the general said as he joined him. - -"You have probably your reasons for it," the hunter replied, with a -cunning look. - -"Sir!" the general haughtily objected. - -"Let us be brief and clear, like men who appreciate one another -correctly," Valentine said dryly. "I am neither a fool nor a man -infatuated with his own merits; hence frankness, reciprocal frankness, -can alone bring us to any understanding, if that be possible, though I -doubt it." - -"What do you suppose, then, sir?" - -"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is -all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, -Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to -solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at -night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great -advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see -that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor -the other." - -"Suppose that things are as you state?" - -"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts." - -"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you." - -"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have -proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters." - -"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of -rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid----" - -"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk -to be incurred." - -"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the -affair, and feel annoyed." - -"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save -you the trouble of an explanation?" - -"How so?" - -"Listen to me." - -The two men were standing just two paces apart, looking in each other's -eyes. Still Valentine, ever on his guard, was carefully watching, -though not appearing to do so, the four men left behind. - -"Speak!" the general said. - -"General, you wish simply to propose to me that I should sell my friend." - -Don Sebastian, at these words, pronounced with a cutting accent, -involuntarily gave a sign of surprise, and fell back a pace. - -"Sir!" - -"Is it true--yes or no?" - -"You employ terms----" the general stammered. - -"Terms have nothing to do with the matter. Now that you have discovered -Don Louis is not the accomplice you hoped to find, who would raise you -to the president's chair, and as you despair of changing his views, you -wish to get rid of him--that is natural." - -"Sir!" - -"Let me continue. For that purpose you can hit on nothing better than -buying him. Indeed, you are used to such transactions. I have in my -hands the proofs of several which do you a great deal of honour." - -The general was livid with terror and rage. He clenched his fists and -stamped, while uttering unconnected words. The hunter seemed not to -notice this agitation, and continued imperturbably,-- - -"Still you are mistaken in applying to me. I am no Dog-face, a fellow -with whom you made a famous bargain some years ago. I have dealt in -cattle, but never in human flesh. Each man has his speciality, and I -leave that to you." - -"Stay, sir!" the general exclaimed in a paroxysm of fury. "What do -you want to come to? Did you accept this interview for the purpose of -insulting me?" - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"You do not believe it," he said: "that would be too childish. I want to -propose a business transaction." - -"What!" - -"Or a bargain, if you prefer that term." - -"What is its nature?" - -"I can tell you in two words. I have in my possession various papers, -which, if they saw light, and were, handed to certain persons, might -cost you not only your fortune, but possibly your life." - -"Papers!" Don Sebastian stammered. - -"Yes, general; your correspondence with a certain North American -diplomatist, to whom you offered to deliver Sonora and one or two other -provinces, if the United Sates supplied you with the means to seize the -presidency of the Mexican Republic." - -"And you have those papers?" the general said with ill-restrained -anxiety. - -"I have the letters, with your correspondent's answers." - -"Here?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a laugh. - -"Then you will die!" the general yelled, bounding like a panther on the -hunter. - -But the latter was on his guard. By a movement as quick as his -adversary's, he seized the general by the throat, threw himself upon -him, and laid his foot on his chest. - -"One step further," he said coldly to the general's companions, who were -running up at full speed to his aid, "one step, and he is a dead man." - -Certainly the general was a brave man. Many times he had supplied -unequivocal proofs of a courage carried almost to temerity: still he -saw such resolution flashing in the hunter's tawny eye, that he felt a -shudder pass through all his limbs--he was lost, he was afraid. - -"Stop, stop!" he cried in a choking voice to his friends. - -The latter obeyed. - -"I could kill you," Valentine said; "you are really in my power; but -what do I care for your life or death? I hold both in my hands. Rise! -Now, one word--take care that you do nothing against the count." - -The general had profited by the hunter's permission to rise; but so -soon as he felt himself free, and his feet were firmly attached to the -ground, a revolution was effected in him, and he felt his courage return. - -"Listen in your turn," he said. "I will be as frank and brutal with you -as you were with me. It is now a war to the death between us, without -pity and without mercy. If I have to carry my head to the scaffold, the -count shall die; for I hate him, and I require his death to satisfy my -vengeance." - -"Good!" Valentine coldly answered. - -"Yes," the general said sarcastically. "Come, I do not fear you! I do -not care if you employ the papers with which you threatened me, for I am -invulnerable." - -"You think so?" the hunter said slowly. - -"I despise you; you are only adventurers: You can never touch me." - -Valentine bent toward him. - -"Perhaps not," he said; "but your daughter?" - -And, taking advantage of the general's stupefaction, the hunter uttered -a hoarse laugh and rushed into the thicket, where it was impossible to -follow him. - -"Oh!" the general muttered, at the expiration of a moment, as he passed -his hand over his damp forehead, "the demon! My daughter!" he yelled, -"my daughter!" - -And he rejoined his companions, and went off with them, not responding -to one of the questions they asked him. - - -[1] See "Gold-Seekers." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MISSION. - - -Valentine, after suddenly parting from the general as we narrated, did -not appear at all alarmed about pursuit; and if he hurried on at first, -he soon relaxed his speed. On arriving about a hundred yards from the -spot where his interview with Don Sebastian had taken place, he stopped, -raised his eyes to the sky, and seemed to consult his position. Then he -went on; but, instead of proceeding toward the mission, he turned his -back completely on it, and returned to the bank of the river, whence he -had before been retrograding. - -Although the hunter was walking at a quick pace, he seemed greatly -preoccupied, and looked mechanically around him. At times he stopped, -not to listen to any strange sound, but through the thoughts which -oppressed him, and robbed him of all sense of external things. Evidently -Valentine was seeking the solution of a problem that troubled him. - -At length, after about a quarter of an hour, he saw a faint light a -few paces ahead of him. It glistened through the trees, and seemed to -indicate an encampment. Valentine stopped and whistled softly. At the -same moment the branches of a shrub, about five yards from him, parted, -and a man appeared. It was Curumilla. - -"Well," Valentine asked, "has she come?" The Araucano bowed his head in -reply. The hunter made an angry gesture. - -"Where is she?" he asked. - -The Indian pointed to the fire the hunter had noticed. - -"Deuce take the women!" the hunter growled; "they are the least logical -beings in existence. As they let themselves ever be guided by passion, -they overthrow unconsciously the surest combinations." - -Then he added in a louder voice,-- - -"Have you not executed my commission, then?" - -This time the Indian spoke. - -"She will listen to nothing," he said; "she will see." - -"I knew it!" the hunter exclaimed. "They are all alike--silly heads, -only fit for mule bells; and yet she is one of the better sort. Well, -lead me to her. I will try to convince her." - -The Indian smiled maliciously, but made no reply. He turned away and led -the hunter to the fire. In a few seconds Valentine found himself on the -skirt of a vast clearing, in the centre of which, by a good fire of dead -wood, Dona Angela and her camarista, Violanta, were seated on piles of -furze. Ten paces behind the females, several peons, armed to the teeth, -leant on their long lances, awaiting the pleasure of their mistress. -Dona Angela raised her head at the sound caused by the hunter's -approach, and uttered a slight cry of joy. - -"There you are at last!" she exclaimed. "I almost despaired of your -coming." - -"Perhaps it would have been better had I not done so," he answered with -a stifled sigh. - -The young lady overheard, or pretended not to hear, the hunter's reply. - -"Is your encampment far from here?" she continued. - -"Before proceeding there," the hunter said, "we must have a little -conversation together, senora." - -"What have you to say to me that is so interesting, or rather, so -urgent?" - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -The young lady made a gesture signifying her readiness to hear something -which she knew beforehand would be disagreeable. - -"Speak!" she said. - -The hunter did not allow the invitation to be repeated. - -"Where did Curumilla meet you?" - -"At the hacienda, just as I was mounting to start. I only awaited him to -begin my journey." - -"He tried to dissuade you from this step?" - -"He did; but I insisted on coming, and compelled him to guide me here." - -"You were wrong, nina." - -"For what reason?" - -"For a thousand." - -"That is no answer. Mention one." - -"Your father, in the first place." - -"He has not yet arrived at the hacienda. I shall have got back before he -comes. I have nothing to fear on that side." - -"You are mistaken. Your father has arrived: I have seen him--spoken with -him." - -"You! Where? When?" - -"Here, scarce half an hour ago." - -"That is impossible," she said. - -"It is the fact. I will add that he wanted to kill me." - -"He!" - -"Yes." - -The young lady remained thoughtful for a moment; then she raised her -head, and shook it several times. - -"All the worse," she said resolutely. "Whatever happens, I will carry it -out to the end." - -"What do you hope from this interview, nina? Do you not know that your -father is our most inveterate foe?" - -"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections -when I sent my request to you." - -"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer -entertain. Believe me, nina, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return -as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if -he does not see you on his arrival?" - -"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don -Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine." - -"Think of the consequences of such a step." - -"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform -your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde." - -The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. -He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed -affectionately. - -"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. -Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not -entail frightful disaster!" - -"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us -start. You will see all end better than you anticipate." - -"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here." - -"I ask nothing better. I will only take Violanta with me." - -"As you please." - -At a sign from her mistress the camarista went up to the peons, who -were still motionless, and gave them orders not to leave the clearing -under any pretext before her return. Then, guided by Valentine, the two -females proceeded toward the camp of the filibusters, Curumilla forming -the rear guard. On arriving about a hundred yards from it Valentine -stopped. - -"What is the matter?" Dona Angela asked him. - -"I hesitate about troubling my friend's repose. Perhaps he will be angry -with me for having brought you to him." - -"No," she said, "you are deceiving me: that is not your thought at this -moment." - -He regarded her with amazement. - -"Good heavens!" she continued with animation, "do you fancy I do not -know what is troubling you now? It is to see a girl of my age, rich -and well born, take what your countrymen would call an improper step, -and which, were it known, would inevitably destroy her reputation. But -we Americans are not like your cold and staid European women, who do -everything by weight and measure. We love as we hate. It is not blood, -but the lava of our volcanoes that circulates in our veins. My love is -my life! I care naught for anything else. Remain here a few moments, -and let me go on alone. Don Louis, I am convinced, will understand -and appreciate my conduct at its just value. He is no common man, I -tell you. I love him. In a love so true and ardent as mine there is a -certain magnetic attraction which will prevent it being spurned." - -The young Mexican was splendidly lovely as she uttered these words. With -her head thrown haughtily back, her flashing eye and quivering lip, she -was at once a virgin and a Bacchante. Subdued, in spite of himself, by -the maiden's accent, and dazzled by her glorious beauty, the hunter -bowed respectfully before her, and said, with considerable emotion in -his voice,-- - -"Go, then; and may Heaven grant that, by your aid, my brother may be -again led to take an interest in life!" - -She smiled with an undefinable expression of archness and serenity, and -flew, lightly as a bird, into the thicket. Valentine and Curumilla, who -were near enough to the camp to see what occurred, though the sound of -voices could not reach them, resolved to wait where they were till their -presence became absolutely necessary. - -The encampment was in the same state as when the hunter quitted it to -go and meet the general. Don Louis and Don Cornelio were fast asleep. -Dona Angela remained for a moment silent, fixing on Don Louis a glance -in which an unbending resolution flashed. Then she stooped down gently -over him. But at the moment when she was about to lay her hand on his -shoulder to arouse him, a sudden sound caused her to tremble. She sprang -back, threw a startled glance around, and disappeared once again in the -thicket. - -Hardly had she retired ere the sound which smote on her ears, and -interrupted the execution of her project, became louder; and it was soon -easy to distinguish the cadenced sound of a large body of men on the -march, and the harsh creaking of cartwheels. - -"Your companions are arriving," Dona Angela said hurriedly to Valentine -as she rejoined him; "they are only a short distance from the mission. -Can I still count on you?" - -"Always," he answered. - -"I have changed my mind: I will not explain my views to the count in -this way, but in the presence of all of you, by the light of the sun. -You shall soon see me again in your midst. Good-by! I am going back to -the hacienda. Prepare the count for my visit." - -After making a parting sign to the hunter, and smiling on him, the young -girl remounted her horse, and set off at a gallop, followed by her -escort. - -"Yes, I will prepare Louis to receive her," the hunter muttered, as -he followed her with his eyes for a moment. "That child has a noble -heart: she really loves my foster brother. Who knows what will be the -consequences of this love?" - -And, after shaking his head two or three times dubiously he re-entered -the encampment, accompanied by Curumilla, whose Indian stoicism was -unshaken, and who seemed perfectly a stranger to all that was taking -place around him. - -Valentine awoke Louis. The latter sprang up at once. - -"Have you any news?" he asked. - -"Yes, the company is coming up." - -"Already! Oh, oh! it has pushed on. That is a good omen." - -"Shall we stay here long?" - -"No, two days at the most, or long enough to rest the men and cattle." - -"Perhaps it would be better to push on at once--" - -"I should like it as much as yourself, but it is impossible, as the -40,000 rations we ought to have found here have not yet arrived, and we -are forced to await them." - -"That is true." - -"I am the more annoyed at this oversight, because our provisions -are rapidly diminishing. Still, do not let our comrades see our -disappointment, but let us put on a good face. They know we went ahead -of them to make the commissariat arrangements, so let them fancy we have -succeeded." - -Valentine bowed in affirmation. The night was almost at an end; already -the sky on the horizon was beginning to be shaded with large white -strips of cloud; the stars had all disappeared one after the other; and -the sun was just about to rise. Curumilla threw a handful of dried wood -on the fire in order to make a flame, and neutralise the effect of the -icy night air. - -"_Caramba!_" Don Cornelio exclaimed, as he woke up suddenly; "I am -frozen; the nights are so cold." - -"Are they not?" Valentine said to him. "Well, if you want to warm -yourself, nothing is easier. Come along with me." - -"I am quite willing. Where are you going?" - -"Listen." - -"I am doing so. Stay!" he said at the expiration of an instant. "Can -that be the company?" - -"It is. But it is unnecessary for us to put ourselves out of the way, -for here they come." - -In fact, at this moment, the French advanced guard entered the mission. -According to the treaty made with the Atrevida Company, 40,000 rations -should have been prepared at the mission for the troop. The count -gave the command to Colonel Flores, with orders to push on, and, -accompanied by Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Cornelio, had gone on -ahead. Unfortunately the company had not carried out its engagements -with that loyalty the count had a right to expect. Instead of 40,000 -rations he had found scarce half, ranged with a certain degree of -symmetry in a ruined cabin. This breach of faith was the more injurious -to the interests of the expedition, because the count, owing to this -perfidious manoeuvre, found himself almost unable to push on, as he was -about definitively to leave the inhabited and cultivated plains to bury -himself in the desert. - -Indeed, since the company had left Guaymas, the ill-will of the Mexicans -had been so evident under all circumstances, that Don Louis had required -a superhuman energy and will of iron not to give way to discouragement, -and withdraw in the face of these obstacles raised in his path with -unparalleled animosity. Still, up to the present, the Mexicans had never -dared to break their engagements so boldly as now: hence they must -feel themselves very strong, or at least their precautions were so well -taken, and they felt so sure of success, that they raised the mask. - -Besides, the count had found no one at the mission to hand him over -the stores in the name of the company; and the persons who treated him -so unworthily had not deigned to weaken by an excuse the treachery of -which they were guilty at this moment. Don Louis foresaw, then, that -after such behaviour, the _denouement_ of the odious farce played by the -Mexicans was at hand, and he prepared to face the storm bravely. - -The mission was held in military fashion by the company; for they were -on the edge of the desert, and it was wise to begin a careful watch. -Cannon were planted at each angle of headquarters--sentinels placed at -regular distances; in short, this mission, sad and abandoned on the -previous day, seemed to have sprung magically into life again; the -rubbish was removed, and the old Jesuit church, more than half in ruins, -suddenly assumed the appearance of a fortress. - -When the count had given the necessary orders for the instalment of the -company, and was assured of their perfect execution, he inquired of -Colonel Flores how he had performed his duties as temporary chief. The -colonel, alone among the French, and feeling himself consequently in -the wolfs throat, was too crafty not to act ostensibly with the utmost -loyalty; hence on every occasion he offered proofs of goodwill, and -acted with a degree of circumspection by which Valentine, that eternal -doubter, was nearly duped, although he knew perfectly well the nature of -the Mexican character. - -Then the count withdrew with the hunter, and the two foster brothers -held a conversation, which, to judge by its length, and, above all, Don -Louis' thoughtful air when it was ended, must have been very important. -In fact, Valentine, accomplishing his pledge to Dona Angela, informed -the count of the events of the past night, not only telling him all that -had passed between him and the young lady, but also the details of his -interview with the general on the river bank. - -"You see, then," he said in conclusion, "that the situation is growing -more and more critical, and they mean war." - -"Yes, it is war; but so long as the least hope is left me, be assured, -brother, that I shall not give them the satisfaction of supplying a -pretext for a rupture." - -"You must play more cautiously than ever, brother. However, unless I am -greatly mistaken, we shall speedily know what we have to expect." - -"That is my opinion too." - -At this moment Don Cornelio appeared, accompanied by Curumilla. - -"I beg your pardon," he said to the hunter; "but I should feel obliged -by your putting matters right with the chief, who persists in telling me -that we are at this moment closely watched by an Indian war party." - -"What!" Valentine said, frowning. "What is that you say, Don Cornelio?" - -"Look here. While walking in the neighbourhood of the mission with the -chief, I picked up this----" - -"Let me see," Valentine said. - -Don Cornelio handed him a moccasin, which the hunter examined -attentively for several minutes. - -"Hum!" he then said, "this is serious. Where did you find it?" - -"On the river bank." - -"What do you think of it, chief?" Valentine said, turning to the -Araucano. - -"The moccasin is new--it has been lost. Curumilla has seen numerous -trails." - -"Listen," Don Louis said quickly. "Tell no one about this discovery: -we must distrust everything, for treachery is hovering around us, -and threatens us from all sides at once. While I strengthen our -intrenchments under pretext of a longer stay here, you, brother, will go -out to reconnoitre with the chief, and assure yourself of what we have -really to fear from the Indians." - -"Be quiet, brother: on your side, keep a good watch." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SPY. - - -It was about eight in the morning when Valentine and Curumilla left -Don Louis. The hunter had passed the whole night without closing an -eye. He felt fatigued: his eyelids, weighed down with sleep, closed -involuntarily. Still he prepared to make the researches his foster -brother had intrusted to him, when Curumilla, noticing his condition, -invited him to take a few hours' rest, remarking that he did not -absolutely want him in following up the trail he had noticed in the -morning, and that he would give him a good account of all he did. - -Valentine placed the most entire confidence in Curumilla. Many times, -during the course of their common existence, he had been in a position -to appreciate the sagacity, cleverness, and experience of the chief; -hence he needed but little pressing to consent to his proposition of -going out alone, and after giving him the warmest recommendations, he -wrapped himself up in his cloak, and fell off to sleep at once. - -He had enjoyed for about two hours a peaceful and refreshing nap when -he felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder. So light as the touch was, -it was sufficient to arouse the hunter, who, like all men habituated -to prairie life, maintained, if we may use the expression, a sense -of external things even during sleep. He opened his eyes, and looked -fixedly at the man who had come to disturb the rest he was enjoying, -while mentally consigning him to the deuce. - -"Well," he said, with the harsh accent of a man aroused at the -pleasantest moment of a dream, "what do you want of me, Don Cornelio? -Could you not select a more favourable moment to talk with me, for I -suppose what you have to say to me is not extremely important?" - -Don Cornelio (for it was really that gentleman who awoke Valentine) laid -his finger on his mouth, while looking suspiciously around, as if to -recommend caution to the hunter; then he leant over his ear. - -"Pardon me, Don Valentine," he said; "but I believe that the -communication I have to make to you is of the utmost importance." - -Valentine sprang up as if moved by a spring, and looked the Spaniard in -the face. - -"What is the matter, then?" he asked in a low and concentrated voice, -which, however, had something imperious about it. - -"I will tell you in two words. Colonel Flores (whose face, by the way, -does not at all please me) has been doing nothing but prowl round the -mission since the morning, inquiring what has been done and left undone, -gossiping with one or the other, and trying, above all, to discover -the opinion of our men as regards the chief. There was not much harm -in that, perhaps, but, so soon as he saw you were asleep, he learnt -that the count, who was engaged with his correspondence, had given -orders that he should not be disturbed for some hours. Upon this he -pretended, to retire to a half-ruined cabin situated at the outskirts -of the mission; but a few minutes after, when he supposed that no one -was thinking about him, instead of taking a siesta as he had given out, -he slipped away from the hut among the trees like a man afraid of being -surprised, and disappeared in the forest." - -"Ah, ah!" Valentine said thoughtfully, "what interest can that man have -in absenting himself so secretly?" Then he added, "Has he been gone -long?" - -"Hardly ten minutes." - -Valentine rose. - -"Remain here," he said. "In case the colonel returns during my absence, -watch him carefully; but do not let him suspect anything. I thank you -for not having hesitated to wake me. The matter is serious." - -Then, breaking off the conversation, the hunter quitted Don Cornelio, -and gliding along under the shadow of the ruins, so as to attract -no attention, entered the forest. In the meanwhile, Colonel Flores, -believing Valentine to be asleep, and knowing that the count was -writing, felt no apprehension about being followed. He walked rapidly -toward the river, not taking any trouble to hide his footsteps--an -imprudence by which the hunter profited, and which placed him at once on -the track of the man he was watching. - -The colonel soon arrived at the river. The most complete calm prevailed -around; the alligators were wallowing in the mud; the flamingoes were -fishing negligently: all, in a word, evidenced the absence of man. -Still, the colonel had scarce appeared on the bank ere an individual, -hanging by his arms from the branch of a tree, descended to the ground -scarce a couple of paces from him. At this unexpected apparition the -colonel recoiled, stifling a cry of surprise and alarm; but he had not -the time to recover from his emotion ere a second individual leaped in -the same fashion on the sand. Mechanically Don Francisco raised his eyes -to the tree. - -"Oh, oh!" the first arrival said with a coarse laugh, "you need not -take the trouble to look up there, Garrucholo; no one is left there." - -At the name of Garrucholo the colonel shuddered, and attentively -examined the two men who had presented themselves in so strange -a manner, as they stood motionless before him, and looked at him -derisively. The first of the two was a white man, as could be easily -recognised at the first glance, in spite of his bronzed complexion, -which was almost of the colour of brick. The clothes he wore were -exactly like those of the Indians. This interesting personage was armed -to the teeth, and held a long rifle in his hand. His comrade was a -redskin, painted and armed for war. - -"Eh?" the first speaker continued. "I fancy you do not recognise me, -boy. By God, you have a short memory!" - -This oath, and, above all, the strong accent with which the man -expressed himself in Spanish, although he spoke that language fluently, -were a ray of light for the colonel. - -"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead. - -"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not -forgotten me, companero." - -This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; -still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen. - -"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked. - -"And you?" the other answered boldly. - -"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained." - -"And mine too." - -"Ah!" - -"Hang it! I am here because you are so." - -"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, -will you?" - -"I am quite ready to do so, but the spot is badly selected for talking -Come with me." - -"I beg your pardon, Buitre, my friend. We are, as you said yourself, old -acquaintances." - -"Which means?" - -"That I doubt you excessively." - -The bandit began laughing. - -"A confidence that honours me," he said, "and of which I am deserving. -Did you find in the mission church the hilt of a dagger with an S -engraved on the pommel?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. That hilt signified, I think, that you were to take a walk -in this quarter?" - -"It did." - -"Well, the persons with whom you must converse are before you. Do you -now understand?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then let us have a talk; but as what we have to say only concerns -ourselves, and it is unnecessary to mix up in our business people who -have no concern with it, we will proceed to a spot where we shall have -nothing to fear from indiscreet ears." - -"Who the deuce do you expect will surprise you here?" - -"No one, probably; but, my esteemed friend, as prudence is the mother of -safety, I have become, since our last parting, extraordinarily prudent." - -"I'll go wherever you please." - -"Come on." - -The three men re-entered the forest. - -Valentine followed them pace by pace. They did not go far. On arriving a -certain distance from the river they stopped at the entrance of a large -clearing, in the centre of which rose an enormous block of green rock. -The three men clambered up, and, on reaching the top, lay down at their -ease on a species of platform. - -"There!" El Buitre said, "I believe we can talk here in perfect surety." - -Valentine was for an instant rather disappointed at this precaution -on the part of the bandits. Still he did not give in. The hunter was -accustomed to see material impossibilities arise before him of the same -nature as in the present case. After a few seconds' reflection he looked -around him with a malicious glance. - -"Now to see who is the most cunning," he muttered. - -He lay down on the ground. The grass grew tall, green, and close in -the clearing; and Valentine began crawling, with a slow and almost -imperceptible motion, in the direction of the rocks, passing through the -grass without imparting the slightest oscillation to it. After about a -quarter of an hour of this manoeuvre the hunter saw his efforts crowned -with success; for he reached a spot where it was possible for him to -rise, and whence he was enabled to overhear perfectly all that was said -on the platform, while himself remaining invisible. - -Unfortunately the time he had employed in gaining his observatory -prevented him hearing what were probably very important matters. At the -moment he began listening El Buitre was the speaker. - -"Bah, bah!" he said with that mocking accent peculiar to him, "I answer -for success. Even if the French are devils, each of them is not equal to -two men. Hang it all, let me alone!" - -"_Canarios!_ may I be hanged if I interfere at all in this affair! I -have done too much already," the colonel made answer. - -"You are always a trembler. How do you expect that men half demoralised, -fatigued by a long journey, can resist the combined and well-directed -attack of my brother's, this Apache chief's, band, supported as they -will be by the eighty scoundrels the Mexican Government has placed at my -disposal for this expedition?" - -"I do not know what the French will do; but you will, perhaps, learn -that they are stout fellows." - -"All the better--we shall have the more fun." - -"Take care not to have too much," El Garrucholo said with a grin. - -"Go to the deuce with your observations! Besides, I have a grudge -against their chief, as you know." - -"Bah! how can a man like you have a grudge against anyone in particular? -He only has a grudge against riches. Who are your men?" - -"_Civicos_--real bandits--regular game for the gallows. My dear fellow, -they will perform miracles." - -"What! civicos? The idea is glorious--the men whom the hacenderos pay -and support for the purpose of fighting the redskins." - -"Good Lord, yes, that is the way of the world. This time they will fight -by the side of the redskins against the whites. The idea is original, -is it not, especially as, for this affair, they will be disguised as -Indians?" - -"Better still. And the chief, how many warriors has he with him?" - -"I do not know; he will tell you himself." - -The chief had remained gloomy and silent during this conversation, and -the colonel now turned toward him with an inquiring glance. - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," the redskin said in his guttural -voice: "two hundred Apache warriors follow his war plume." - -El Garrucholo gave a significant whistle. - -"Well," he continued, "I maintain what I said." - -"What?" - -"You will receive an awful thrashing." - -El Buitre repressed with difficulty a gesture of ill-temper. - -"Enough," he said; "you do not know the Indians. This chief is one of -the bravest sachems of his tribe. His reputation is immense in the -prairies. The warriors placed under his orders are all picked men." - -"Very good. Do what you please: I wash my hands of it." - -"Can we at least reckon on you?" - -"I will execute punctually the orders I received from the general." - -"I ask no more." - -"Then nothing is changed?" - -"Nothing. Always the same hour and the same signal." - -"In that case it is useless for us to remain longer together. I will -return to the mission, for I must try to avoid any suspicion." - -"Go, and may the demon continue his protection to you!" - -"Thanks." - -The colonel left the platform. Valentine hesitated a moment, thinking -whether he should follow him; but, after due reflection, he felt -persuaded that all was not finished yet, and that he should probably -still obtain some precious information. El Buitre shrugged his -shoulders, and turning to the Indian chief, who was still impassive, -said,-- - -"Pride has ruined that man. He was a jolly comrade a few years back." - -"What will my brother do now?" - -"Not much. I shall remain in hiding here until the sun has run -two-thirds of its course, and then go and rejoin my comrades." - -"The chief will retire. His warriors are still far off." - -"Very good. Then we shall not meet again till the appointed moment?" - -"No. The paleface will attack on the side of the forest, while the -Apaches advance by the river." - -"All right! But let us be prudent, for a misunderstanding might prove -fatal. I will draw as near as possible to the mission; but I warn you -that I shall not budge till I hear your signal." - -"Wah! my brother will open his ears, and the miawling of the tiger-cat -will warn him that the Apaches have arrived." - -"I understand perfectly. One parting remark, chief." - -"I listen to the paleface." - -"It is clearly understood that the booty will be shared equally between -us?" - -The Indian gave a wicked smile. - -"Yes," he said. - -"No treachery between us, redskin, or, by God! I warn you that I will -flay you alive like a mad dog." - -"The palefaces have too long a tongue." - -"That is possible; but if you do not wish misfortune to fall on you, -profit by my words." - -The Indian only replied by a gesture of contempt: he wrapped himself in -his buffalo robe, and retired slowly. - -The bandit looked after him for a moment. - -"Miserable dog!" he muttered, "so soon as I can do without you I will -settle your account, be assured." - -The Indian had disappeared. - -"Hum! what shall I be after now?" El Buitre continued. - -Suddenly a man bounded like a jaguar, and, before the bandit could even -understand what was happening, he was firmly garotted, and reduced to a -state of complete powerlessness. - -"You do not know what to be after? Well, I will tell you," Valentine -remarked, as he sat down quietly by his side. - -The first moment of surprise past, the bandit regained all his coolness -and audacity, and looked impudently at the hunter. - -"By God! I do not know you, comrade," he said; "but I must confess you -managed that cleverly." - -"You are a connoisseur." - -"Slightly so." - -"Yes, I am aware of it." - -"But you have tied me a little too tightly. Your confounded reata cuts -into my flesh." - -"Bah! you will grow used to it." - -"Hum!" the bandit remarked. "Did you hear all we said?" - -"Nearly all." - -"Deuce take me if people can now talk in the desert without having -listeners!" - -"What would you? It is a melancholy fact." - -"Well, I must put up with it, I suppose. You were saying----" - -"I! I did not say a word." - -"Ah! I beg your pardon in that case; but I fancied you were -cross-questioning me. You probably did not tie me up like a plug of -tobacco for the mere fun of the thing." - -"There is some truth in your observation. I had, I allow, another -object." - -"What is it?" - -"To enjoy your conversation for a moment." - -"You are a thousand times too kind." - -"Opportunities for conversing are so rare in the desert." - -"That is true." - -"So you are on an expedition?" - -"Yes, I am: a man must be doing something." - -"That is true also. Be good enough to give me a few details." - -"About what?" - -"Why, this expedition." - -"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible." - -"Only think of that! Why so?" - -"I know very little." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me -to do a thing for me to refuse." - -Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a -bluish flash. - -"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?" - -"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin. - -"Oh, oh!" Valentine remarked. "Still I hope I shall alter your opinion." - -"Try it. Stay!" he added, suddenly changing his tone. "Enough of that -sort of farce. I am in your power--nothing can save me. Kill me--no -matter, I shall not say a word." - -The two men exchanged glances of strange expressiveness. - -"You are an idiot," Valentine answered coldly; "you understand nothing." - -"I understand that you want to know the secrets of the expedition." - -"You are a fool, my dear friend. Did I not tell you that I knew all?" - -The bandit seemed to reflect for a minute. - -"What do you want, then?" he said. - -"Merely to buy you." - -"Hum! that will be dear." - -"You do not say no?" - -"I never say no to anything." - -"I see you are becoming reasonable." - -"Who knows?" - -"At how much do you estimate your share of this night's booty?" - -El Buitre looked at him as if wishful to read the thoughts in his heart. - -"Hang it! that will mount high." - -"Yes, especially if you are hung!" - -"Oh!" - -"Everything must be foreseen in such a business." - -"You are right." - -"The more so as, if you refuse the bargain I offer you, I will kill you -like a dog." - -"That's a chance." - -"It is very probable. So take my word, let us bargain. Give me your -figure." - -"Fifteen thousand piastres," the bandit exclaimed; "not an ochavo less." - -"Pooh!" Valentine said, "that is little." - -"Eh?" he remarked in amazement. - -"I will give you twenty thousand." - -In spite of the bonds that held him the bandit gave a start. - -"Done!" he exclaimed; but in a moment added, "Where is the sum?" - -"Do you fancy me such a fool as to pay you beforehand?" - -"Hang it! I fancy----" - -"Nonsense! You are mad, compadre. Now that we understand one another, -let me undo you--that will freshen up your ideas." - -He took off the reata. El Buitre rose at once, stamped his foot to -restore the circulation, and then turning to the hunter, who stood -watching him laughingly, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of his -rifle, said,-- - -"At least you have some security to give me?" - -"Yes, and an excellent one." - -"What?" - -"The word of an honest man." - -The bandit made a gesture; but Valentine continued, not seeming to -notice it,-- - -"I am the man whom the whites and Indians have surnamed the -'Trail-hunter.' My name is Valentine Guillois." - -"What!" El Buitre exclaimed with strange emotion, "are you really the -Trail-hunter?" - -"I am," Valentine answered simply. - -El Buitre walked up and down the platform hastily, muttering in a -low voice broken sentences, and evidently a prey to intense emotion. -Suddenly he stopped before the hunter. - -"I accept," he said hurriedly. - -"Tomorrow you shall receive your money." - -"I will none of it." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Valentine, allow me to remain master of my secret for a few days; I -will then explain my conduct to you. Though I am a bandit, every feeling -is not yet dead in my heart; there is one which has remained pure, and -that is gratitude. Trust to me. Henceforth you will not have a more -devoted slave, either for good or evil." - -"Your accent is not that of a man who has the intention of deceiving. I -trust to you, asking no explanation of your sudden change of feeling." - -"At a later date you shall know all, I tell you; and now that we are -alone, explain to me your plan in all its details, in order that I may -help you effectively." - -"Yes," Valentine said, "time presses." - -The two men remained alone for about two hours discussing the hunter's -plan, and when all was settled they separated--Valentine to return to -the mission, and El Buitre to rejoin his companions, who were concealed -a short distance off. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXPLOSION. - - -During Valentine's absence facts of extreme gravity had occurred at the -mission. The Count de Prebois Crance had finished his correspondence, -and held in his hand the letters he had just written, while he gave -a peon, already mounted, his final instructions. At this moment -the advanced posts uttered the cry of "Who goes there?" which was -immediately taken up along the whole line. Louis felt his heart -contracted by this shout, to which he was, however, accustomed; a cold -perspiration beaded on his temples; a mortal pallor covered his face; -and he was forced to lean against a wall lest he should fall, so weak -did he feel. - -"Good heavens!" he stammered in a low voice, "what can be the matter -with me?" - -Let who can explain the cause of this strange emotion, this inner -presentiment which warned the count of a misfortune; for our part, we -confess our inability, and content ourselves with recording the fact. - -The count, however, wrestled with this extraordinary emotion, for which -there was no plausible reason. Owing to a supreme effort of the will, a -perfect reaction took place in him, and he became once more cold, calm, -and stoical, ready to sustain, without weakness as without bravado, the -blow by which he instinctively felt himself menaced. - -In the meanwhile an answer had been returned to the sentries' challenge, -and words exchanged. Don Cornelio came up to the count, his face quite -discomposed by astonishment, and himself a prey to the most lively -emotion. - -"Senor conde----" he said in a panting voice, and then stopped. - -"Well," the count asked, "what is the meaning of those challenges I -heard?" - -"Senor," Don Cornelio continued with an effort, "General Guerrero, -accompanied by his daughter, several other ladies, a dozen officers, and -a powerful escort, requests to be introduced to your presence." - -"He is welcome. At length, then, he consents to treat directly with me." - -Don Cornelio withdrew to carry out the orders he had received, and soon -a brilliant cavalcalde, at the head of which was General Guerrero, -entered the mission. The general was pale, and frowned: it was easy -to see that he with difficulty suppressed a dumb fury that filled his -heart. The adventurers, in scattered groups, and haughtily wrapped up -in their rags, regarded curiously these smart Mexican officers, so vain -and so glittering with gold, who scarce deigned to bestow a glance upon -them. The count walked a few paces toward the general, and uncovered -with a movement full of singular grace. - -"You are welcome, general," he said in his gentle voice; "I am happy to -receive your visit." - -The general did not even lift his finger to his embroidered hat, but, -suddenly stopping his horse when scarce two paces from the count,-- - -"What is the meaning of this, sir?" he exclaimed in an angry voice. "You -are guarded as if in a fortress! You have, Heaven pardon me! sentries -and patrols round your encampment, as if you were in command of a -regular army." - -The count bit his lips; but he restrained himself, and replied in a -calm, though grave voice,-- - -"We are on the edge of the _despoblados_ (deserts), general, and our -safety depends on our vigilance. Although I am not the commander of an -army, I answer for the safety of the men I have the honour of leading. -But will you not dismount, general, so that we may discuss more at our -ease the grave questions which doubtless bring you here?" - -"I will not dismount, sir, nor anyone of my suite, before you have -explained to me your strange conduct." - -Such a flash sparkled in the count's blue eye that, in spite of himself, -the general turned his head away. This conversation had taken place -under the vault of heaven, in the presence of the Frenchmen, who had -collected round the newcomers. The patience of the adventurers was -beginning to grow exhausted, and hoarse, mutterings were heard. With -a sign the count appeased the storm, and silence was immediately -re-established. - -"General," Don Louis continued with perfect calmness, "the words you -address to me are severe. I was far from expecting them, especially -after the way in which I have acted since my landing in Mexico, and the -moderation I have constantly displayed." - -"All that is trifling," the general said furiously. "You Frenchmen have -a honeyed tongue when you wish to deceive us. But, by heavens, I will -teach you differently! You are warned once for all." - -The count drew himself up, and a feverish flush suffused his cheeks. He -put on again the hat he had hitherto held in his hand, and looked the -general boldly in the face. - -"I would observe, Senor Don Sebastian Guerrero," he said, in a voice -broken by emotion, which he attempted in vain to check, "that you -have not returned me my salute, and that you employ strange language -in addressing a gentleman at least as noble as yourself. Is this the -boasted Mexican courtesy? Come to the facts, caballero, without holding -language unworthy of yourself or me; explain yourself frankly, that I -may know, once for all, what I have to hope or fear from these eternal -tergiversations, and the continued treachery of which I am the victim." - -The general remained for a moment thoughtful after this rude apostrophe. -At length he made up his mind, removed his hat, saluted the count -graciously, and suddenly changed his manner. - -"Pardon me, caballero," he said; "I was so far carried away by my temper -as to employ expressions which I deeply regret." - -The count smiled disdainfully. - -"Your apologies are sufficient, sir," he said. - -At the word "apologies" the general quivered, but soon regained command -of himself. - -"Where do you desire that I should communicate to you the orders of my -Government?" - -"At this spot, sir. I have, thanks to Heaven, nothing to hide from my -brave comrades." - -The general, though evidently annoyed, dismounted. The ladies and -officers who accompanied him did the same. The escort alone remained -on horseback, with their ranks closed up. At an order from Don Louis -several tables were produced, and instantaneously covered with -refreshments, of which the French officers began to do the honours with -the grace and gaiety that distinguish their nation. The general and the -count seated themselves on butacas, placed in the doorway of the mission -church, near a table, on which were pen, ink, and paper. - -There was a lengthened silence. It was evident that neither wished to be -the first to speak. The general at length opened the conversation. - -"Oh, oh!" he said, "you have guns with you?" - -"Did you not know it, general?" - -"My faith, no!" - -And he added, with a sarcastic smile,-- - -"Do you intend to pursue the Apaches with such weapons?" - -"At the present moment less than ever, general," Don Louis answered -dryly. "I do not know of what use this artillery will be to me. Still it -is good, and I am convinced that it will not betray me in the hour of -need." - -"Is that a menace, sir?" the general asked significantly. - -"What is the use of threatening when you can act?" the count said -concisely. "But that is not the question, for the present at least. I -am awaiting your pleasure, sir, to explain to me the intentions of your -Government with regard to me." - -"They are kind and paternal, sir." - -"I will wait till you have told me them ere I express any opinion." - -"This is the message I am charged to deliver to you." - -"Ah! have you a message for me?" - -"Yes." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"The message is quite paternal." - -"I am certain of it. Let us see what your Government's intentions are." - -"I should have wished them better, but I consider them acceptable in -their present form." - -"Be kind enough to communicate them to me, general." - -"I was anxious to come myself, senor conde, in order to lessen by my -presence any apparent bitterness these proposals might contain." - -"Ah!" the count remarked, "propositions are made to me; in other words, -and speaking by the card, conditions which it is desired to impose on -me. Very good." - -"Oh, conde, conde, how badly you take what I say to you!" - -"Pardon me, general, you know that I do not speak your magnificent -Spanish very well; still I thank you from my heart for your kindness in -accepting the harsh mission of communicating these propositions to me." - -This was said with an accent of fine raillery which completely -discountenanced the general. - -"I would observe, general, that we are now only a few leagues from the -mine, and the alternative offered me is most painful, especially after -the evasive answers constantly made to me and the persons I sent with -full powers to treat personally with the authorities of the country." - -"That is true; I can comprehend that. Colonel Flores, whom you sent -to me a few days back, will have told you how pained I felt at all -that is happening. I lose as much as yourself. Unfortunately, you will -understand me, my dearest count, I must obey, whether I like it or not." - -"I understand perfectly," Louis answered ironically, "how deeply pained -you must feel." - -"Alas!" the general said, more embarrassed than ever, and who began to -regret in his heart that he was not accompanied by a larger force. - -"Well, as it is useless to prolong this position indefinitely, as it is -so cruel for you, explain yourself without further circumlocution, I -beg." - -"Hum! Remember that I am in no way responsible." - -The fact is the general was afraid. - -"Go on--go on!" - -"The propositions are as follow:--You are enjoined----" - -"Oh! that is a harsh term," Louis observed. - -The general shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say that he had -nothing to do with drawing up the document. - -"Well, then," the count said, "we are enjoined----" - -"Yes, First. Either to consent to give up your nationality as -Frenchmen----" - -"Pardon me," the count interrupted, and laid his hand on the general's -arm, "an instant, if you please. As I see that what you are commissioned -to communicate to me interests all my comrades, it is my duty to invite -them to be present at the reading of these propositions; for you have -them in writing, I believe?" - -"Yes," the general stammered, turning livid. - -"Very good. Buglers!" the count shouted in a high and imperative voice, -"sound the assembly." - -Ten minutes later the whole company was ranged round the table, at -which the general and the count were seated. Don Louis looked carefully -around, and then noticed the Mexican officers and ladies, who, curious -to know what was going on, had also drawn nearer. - -"Chairs for these ladies and caballeros," he said. "Pray excuse me, -senoras, if I do not pay you all the attention you deserve; but I am -only a poor adventurer, and we are in the desert." - -Then, when all had taken their seats,-- - -"Give me a copy of these proposals," he said to the general; "I will -read them myself." - -The general obeyed mechanically. - -"Gentlemen and dear comrades," Don Louis then said in a sharp voice, -in which, however, a scarcely suppressed anger could be noticed, "when -I enrolled you at San Francisco, I showed you the authentic documents -conferring on me the ownership of the mines of the Plancha de Plata, did -I not?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers shouted with one voice. - -"You read at the foot of those documents the names of Don Antonio -Pavo, President of the Mexican Republic, and of General Don Sebastian -Guerrero, present here at this moment. You then knew on what conditions -you enlisted, and also the engagements the Mexican Government entered -into with you. Today, after three months' marching and counter-marching; -after suffering without a murmur all the annoyances it pleased the -Mexican Government to inflict on you; when you have proved, by your good -conduct and severe discipline, that you were in every way worthy to -fulfil honourably the mission that was intrusted to you; when, finally, -in spite of the incessant obstacles continually raised in your path, you -have arrived within less than ten leagues of the mines, do you know what -the Mexican Government demands of you? Listen: I will tell you, for you -are even more interested than myself in the question." - -A thrill of curiosity ran through the ranks of the adventurers. - -"Speak--speak!" they shouted. - -"You have three alternatives:--First. You are enjoined to resign your -French nationality, and become Mexicans, and will be permitted to -work the mines, without any pay, under the supreme command of General -Guerrero, whose aide-de-camp I shall become." - -An Homeric burst of laughter greeted this proposition. - -"The second--let us have the second!" some shouted. - -"_Sapristi!_" others remarked, "these Mexicans are not fools to wish to -have us for their countrymen." - -"Go on--go on!" the remainder howled. - -The count gave a sign, and silence was re-established. - -"Secondly. You are ordered to take out cards of surety if you wish to -remain Frenchmen. By means of such cards you can go anywhere: still, -as foreigners, you will be forbidden any possession--that is to say, -working--of the mines. You have quite understood me, I presume?" - -"Yes, yes! The last one--the last one!" - -"I did not fancy the Mexicans were such funny fellows," a soldier -remarked. - -"Thirdly. I personally am ordered to reduce the company to fifty men, to -hand over my command to a Mexican officer, and on that condition you can -at once take possession of the mines." - -When the captain had ended his reading there was such an explosion of -laughter, shouts, and yells, that for nearly a quarter of an hour it -was almost impossible to hear anything. At length the count succeeded -in restoring some degree of order and silence, though with considerable -difficulty. - -"Such are the paternal intentions of the Mexican Government as regards -us. What do you think of them, my friends? Still, I implore you, do -not allow yourselves to be carried away by your just indignation, -but reflect deeply on what you think it your duty to do for your own -interests. As for myself, my resolution is formed--it is immutable; and -even if it cost my life, I shall not alter it. But you, my friends, my -brethren, your private interests cannot be mine; hence do not sacrifice -yourselves through friendship and devotion to me. You know me well -enough to put faith in my words. Those among you who wish to leave me -will be free to do so: not only will I not oppose their departure, but I -shall bear them no ill will. The strange position in which we are placed -by the ill faith of the Mexicans imposes on me obligations and a line of -conduct to which you can refuse to submit without disgrace. From this -moment I release you from every engagement with me. I am no longer your -chief, but I will ever be your friend and brother." - -These words had scarce been uttered ere the adventurers, through an -irresistible impulse, overthrowing all in their way, rushed toward the -count, surrounded him with shouts and cries, lifted him in their arms, -and showered on him assurances of their complete devotion. - -"Long live the count! Long live Louis! Long live our chief! Death to the -Mexicans! Down with the traitors!" - -Their effervescence assumed proportions which threatened to become -dangerous to the Mexicans at the moment in the camp. The exasperation -was at its height. Still, owing to the influence the count exerted over -his comrades, and the energetic conduct of the officers, the tumult -gradually died out, and all returned nearly to the normal condition. - -General Guerrero, at first alarmed by the effect produced on the French -by the untoward propositions of which he had constituted himself the -bearer, soon reassured himself, however, especially on seeing with -what abnegation and loyalty the count protected him against the just -indignation of his companions. Nearly sure of running no risk, owing to -the noble character of the man he had so unjustly deceived, he resolved -to strike the final blow. - -"Caballeros," he said in that honeyed voice peculiar to the Mexicans, -"permit me to address a few words to you." - -At this request the tumult was on the point of recommencing: still the -count succeeded in producing a stormy silence, if we may be allowed to -employ the phrase. - -"General, you can speak," he said to him. - -"Gentlemen," Don Sebastian went on, "I have only a few words to add. -The Count de Prebois Crance has read you the conditions the Mexican -Government imposes, but he was unable to read to you the consequences of -a refusal to obey those conditions." - -"That is true, sir. Be good enough, therefore, to make them known to us." - -"It is a terrible duty for me to fulfil; still I must do so for your -benefit, caballeros." - -"Come to the point!" the adventurers shouted. - -The general unfolded a paper, and after a moment of hesitation he read -as follows, with a voice which, spite of all his efforts, slightly -trembled:-- - -"Count Don Louis de Prebois Crance, and all the men who remain faithful -to him, will be regarded as pirates; placed without the pale of the law, -and arrested as such; tried by a military commission, and shot within -twenty-four hours." - -"Is that all, sir?" the count asked coldly. - -At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the -proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree. - -"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have -nothing further to add?" - -"I regret, senor conde----" - -"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call -me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons -that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the -satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor -the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here -as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your -departure." - -The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen -death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to -prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders -for immediate departure. At this moment Dona Angela, suddenly emerged -from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked -forward, majestically robed in her _rebozo_, her eye flashing with a -sombre fire. - -"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was -silent, and regarded her with astonishment. - -"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you----" - -"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, senor conde. -As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious -treachery of which you are a victim, I--a woman, the daughter of your -most implacable enemy--declare openly before all, that you, count, are -the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy -country. You are misunderstood--insulted; and the epithet of pirate is -attached to your name. Well, pirate--be it so. Don Louis, I love you! -Henceforth I am yours--yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. -As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will -pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you." - -The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, -and raised his eyes to heaven. - -"Dona Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and -whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love." - -"Now, my father, let us go," she said to the general, who was half -mad with rage, and who yet did not dare give way to his passion; and -turning for the last time to the count, she said, "Good-by, Don Louis! -My betrothed, we shall soon meet again." - -And she left the camp, accompanied by the enthusiastic shouts of the -adventurers. - -The Mexicans marched out with drooping heads and a blush on their -foreheads. In spite of themselves they were ashamed of the infamous -treachery they had dealt out to men whom they had earnestly summoned, -whom they had deluded during four months with false promises, and whom -they were now preparing to rush upon like wild beasts. - -Scarce two hours after these events occurred Valentine re-entered the -camp. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE FIRST POWDER BURNT. - - -The emotion caused by the general's visit gradually calmed down. The -Frenchmen, so long the sport of Mexican bad faith, experienced almost -joy at seeing themselves at length liberated from the inextricable web -of trickery which had encompassed them. With that carelessness which -forms the basis of the national character, they began laughing and -jibing at the Mexicans generally, and especially at the authorities of -the country, of whom they had to complain so greatly, though without -daring to offer the least observation, through respect for their chief. -Full of confidence in the count, without calculating that they were only -a handful of men abandoned to their own resources, without help or -possible protection, more than six thousand leagues from their country, -they indulged to the fullest extent of their imagination in the wildest -dreams, discussing among themselves the most extraordinary and daring -plans, without ever supposing, in their candid filibustering simplicity, -that even the least extravagant of their dreams was impossible to -realise. - -Louis would not allow the ardour of his volunteers to be chilled. After -consulting with his officers, to whom he submitted his plans, which they -accepted enthusiastically, by Valentine's advice he ordered a general -assembly of the company. The bugles at once sounded, and the adventurers -collected around headquarters. - -"Gentlemen," the count said, "you see in what a position the breach of -faith of the Mexican authorities has placed us; but this position, in my -opinion, is far from being desperate. Still I must not conceal from you -that it is extremely grave, and, from certain information I have from -a good source, it threatens to become still more so. We have two modes -in which to act. The first is to proceed by forced marches to Guaymas, -seize a vessel, and embark ere our enemies have thought about opposing -our departure." - -A long murmur of dissatisfaction greeted these words. - -"Gentlemen," the count continued, "it was my duty to submit this -proposition to you, and you will discuss it amongst yourselves. If -it does not suit you, no more need be said. And now for the second. -Mexico, since its emancipation, has languished in a state of the most -scandalous barbarism. It would be grand to regenerate this people, or -at least attempt it. The American emigration from the United States -is at this moment invading California, leaving other emigrants no -means, I will not say of prospering, but even of keeping on a footing -of equality with the Yankees. We are here in Sonora, 200 resolute -Frenchmen, well armed and disciplined. Let us seize a large town to have -a basis of operations; then we will summon to us the French emigrants -from California and all America. Let us emancipate Sonora, make it free -and strong, civilise it in spite of itself, and not only shall we have -created an outlet for French immigration, but have regenerated a people -and formed a colony which will advantageously balance American influence -on these shores, and oppose a dyke to its incessant encroachments. -We shall have acquired a claim to the gratitude of our country, and -have avenged ourselves on our enemies in the way Frenchmen revenge -themselves; that is to say, by responding to their insults by kindness. -Such, gentlemen, are the two sole methods we can select which would -be worthy of men like us. Weigh my words carefully; reflect on my -propositions; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you will inform me of your -intentions through the channel of your officers. Remember one thing -before all, comrades, and that is, you must maintain strict discipline -among yourselves. Obey me passively, and place unbounded faith in me. -If you fail in one of the duties I impose on you at this moment, we -are all lost; for the struggle will become impossible, and consequently -our enemies will gain an easy victory over us. In conclusion, brethren, -accept my word that whatever may be the circumstances in which we find -ourselves--however magnificent the offers that may be made me--I will -never abandon you. We will perish or succeed together." - -This speech was greeted as it deserved to be; that is to say, with -an enthusiasm impossible to describe. The count then withdrew with -Valentine. - -"Alas, brother!" he said to him, with an expression of heart-rending -sorrow, "the die is now cast. I, Count de Prebois Crance, am a rebel, a -pirate: I am at open war with a recognised power, with a constitutional -Government. What can I do with the few men I command? I shall perish -in the first battle--the combat is senseless. I shall be ere long the -laughing stock of the world. Who could have predicted this when I left -San Francisco, full of hope, to work those mines which I shall never -see? What has become of my fair dreams, my seductive hopes?" - -"Do not allow yourself to be downcast, brother," Valentine answered. -"At present, above all, you need all your intellect and all your energy -to fulfil worthily the task accident imposes on you. Remember that from -this intellect and this energy depends the safety of two hundred of your -countrymen, whom you have sworn to lead back to the seashore; and you -must keep your oath." - -"I will die with them. What more can they demand?" - -"That you should save them," the hunter replied sternly. - -"That is my most anxious desire." - -"Your position is a fine one--you are not so alone as you fancy." - -"How so?" - -"Have you not the French colony of Guetzalli, founded by the Count de -Lhorailles?" - -"Yes," Louis answered sadly; "but the count is dead." - -"He is; but the colony exists, and is prosperous. You will find there -fifty to sixty resolute men, who ask no better than to join you, even if -merely through the spirit of adventure." - -"Fifty men are very few." - -"Nonsense! They are more than you need when dealing with Mexicans. -Do one thing more: prepare an insurrection among the half savage -population, whose alcaldes pine secretly at their secondary position, -and the species of vassaldom into which the Mexican Government forces -them." - -"Oh, oh!" Louis said, "that is a good idea. But where is the man who -will undertake to visit this people, and negotiate with the alcaldes of -the Pueblos?" - -"I will, if you like." - -"I did not dare ask it. Thank you. I, for my part, will prepare -everything in order to begin with a terrible blow, which will startle -the Mexican Government by giving it an idea of our strength." - -"Good! Before all, do not forget that, until fresh orders, the war you -undertake must be an uninterrupted succession of daring blows." - -"Oh! you may be at ease. Now that the Mexicans have lifted the mask, -and forced me to defend myself, they will learn to know the men they -have so long despised, and whom they fancied cowards because they were -good-hearted." - -"Has Colonel Flores left?" - -"No, not yet." - -"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext." - -"Why so?" - -"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from -the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more -important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican -colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched." - -"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to -be taken?" - -"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced." - -The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were -busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun -carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of -laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all -their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of -dealing and receiving blows. - -Colonel Flores wandered about rather sadly in the midst of the -confusion: his position was becoming difficult, and he felt it. Still -he did not know how to prolong his stay among the Frenchmen, now that -war was declared, and the interests of the company of which he was -the delegate were completely laid aside; and thus the only plausible -reason he could allege for remaining was cut away. Since the Frenchmen's -arrival in Mexico the double character played by the colonel brought him -handsome sums: his profession of spy, rendered easy by the confiding -frankness of the adventurers, had been to him a source of enormous -profit, and people do not give up without pain a lucrative engagement. - -Thus the colonel's brow was anxious, for he racked his brains in -vain for a plausible excuse to offer the count. In the height of his -diplomatic combinations Valentine came to him, and told him, with the -most innocent air possible, that Don Louis was seeking for him, and -wished to speak with him. The colonel shuddered at the news: he thanked -the hunter, and hastened to the count. Valentine looked after him with -an ironical smile; and, certain that Louis would detain him long enough -by his side, he commenced the execution of the plan he had prepared. - -While all this was occurring night had set in--a gloomy and sad night, -without a star in the sky. The clouds shot rapidly across the sickly -disc of the moon, and intercepted its rays. The wind lamented sadly as -it whistled through the branches of the trees, which dashed against each -other with a lugubrious sound. In the mysterious depths of the forest -could be heard growls and savage yells, mingled with the dashing of the -cascade and the monotonous clashing of the pebbles rolled on the bank by -the river. It was one of those nights in which nature seems to associate -herself with human sorrows, and lament at the crimes for which her -gloomy shadows serve as a veil. - -By Valentine's orders the trees had been cut down for a distance of -fifty yards round the camp, in order to clear the ground, and deprive -the enemy of the chance of creeping up to the intrenchments unseen. -On the space thus left free enormous fires were kindled at regular -intervals. These fires, whose tall flames illumined the prairie for a -considerable distance, formed a brilliant circle round the camp, which -was itself plunged in complete obscurity. Not the slightest light -flashed in the mission. The intrenchments appeared to be deserted--not -a sentry could be seen. The mission had fallen back into the silence of -solitude--all was calm and tranquil. - -But this calm concealed the tempest. In the shadow palpitated the -anxious hearts of the men who, with ear on the watch, and finger on the -trigger, awaited motionless the arrival of their enemies. The hours, -however, passed away slowly one after the other, and nothing justified -the apprehensions expressed by Valentine as to a speedy attack. - -The count was walking up and down the church which served as his -retreat, listening anxiously to the slightest sounds that interrupted -the silence at intervals. At times he turned an angry and impatient look -upon the desert country, but nothing stirred--the same calm continued -ever to oppress nature. Wearied by this long and enervating delay, -he quitted the church, and proceeded toward the intrenchments. The -adventurers were at their posts, stretched on the ground, each man with -his hand on the trigger. - -"Have you seen or heard nothing yet?" the count asked, though he knew -beforehand the answer he would receive, and rather for the purpose of -deceiving his impatience than with any other object. - -"Nothing," Don Cornelio answered coldly, who happened to be close to him. - -"Ah! it is you," the count said. "And Colonel Flores, what have you done -with him?" - -"I followed your instructions, commandant. He is asleep." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Spaniard smiled. - -"I guarantee that he will sleep at least till sunrise," he said. "I -managed matters well." - -"Very good; in that case we have nothing to fear from him." - -"Nothing at all." - -"Has anyone seen Don Valentine or the Indian chief?" - -"No; they both went out at sunset, and have not reappeared since." - -While speaking thus the two men were looking out, and their eyes -attentively examined the plain: hence they made a gesture of surprise, -almost of alarm, on suddenly perceiving a man who seemed to emerge from -the ground, and rose between them like a phantom. - -"_Valgame Dios!_" the superstitious Spaniard said as he crossed himself, -"what is this?" - -The count quickly drew a revolver from his girdle. - -"Do not fire," the newcomer said as he laid his hand on the count's arm. - -"Curumilla!" the count exclaimed in surprise. - -"Silence!" the Araucano commanded. - -"Where is Valentine?" - -"He sent me." - -"Then the redskins will not attack us this night?" - -Curumilla regarded the count with amazement. - -"Does not my brother see them?" he said. - -"Where?" the count asked in astonishment. - -"There!" Curumilla answered, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the plain. - -Don Louis and Don Cornelio looked out for several instants with the most -sustained attention; but, in spite of all their efforts, they perceived -nothing. The plain was still just as naked, lighted up by the ruddy -glare from the braseros: here and there alone lay the trunks of the -trees felled during the day to leave an open prospect. - -"No," they said at length, "we see nothing." - -"The eyes of the white men are closed at night," the chief muttered -sententiously. - -"But where are they?" the count asked impatiently. "Why did you not warn -us?" - -"My brother Koutonepi sends me for that purpose." - -The name of Koutonepi--that is to say, the Valiant--had been given to -Valentine by the Araucanos on his arrival in America, and Curumilla -never called him otherwise. - -"Then make haste to teach us, chief, that we may foil the accursed -stratagem which these demons have doubtlessly invented." - -"Let my brother warn his brothers to be ready to fight." - -The word ran immediately along the line from one to the other. Curumilla -then tranquilly shouldered his rifle, and aimed at a trunk of a tree -rather nearer the intrenchments than the rest. - -Never did a shot produce such an effect. A horrible yell rose from -the plain, and a swarm of redskins, rising, as if moved by a spring, -from behind the stems of trees that sheltered them, rushed toward the -intrenchments, bounding like coyotes, uttering fearful yells, and -brandishing their weapons furiously. - -But the Frenchmen were prepared for this attack: they received the -Indians at the bayonet point without recoiling an inch, and answering -their ferocious yells with the unanimous shout of "VIVE LA FRANCE!" - -From this moment war was, _de facto_, declared. The French had smelled -powder, and the Mexicans were about to learn, at their own expense, what -rude enemies they had so madly brought on themselves. - -Still the redskins, led and animated by their chief, fought with -extraordinary obstinacy. The majority of the Frenchmen who composed -the company were ignorant of the way of fighting with the Indians, and -it was the first time they had come into collision with them. While -valiantly resisting them, and inflicting on them terrible losses, they -could not refrain from admiring the audacious temerity of these men, -who, half naked and wielding wretched weapons, yet rushed upon them with -invincible courage, and only fell back when dead. - -Suddenly a second band, more numerous than the first, and composed -entirely of horsemen, burst on to the battlefield, and sustained the -efforts of the assailants. The latter, feeling themselves supported, -redoubled their yells and efforts. The medley became terrible: the -combatants fought hand to hand, lacerating each other like wild beasts. - -The French bugles and drums sounded the charge heartily. - -"A sortie--a sortie!" the adventurers shouted, ashamed at being thus -held in check by enemies apparently so insignificant. - -"Kill, kill!" - -The Indians responded with their war cry. - -An Indian chief, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and with his body -naked to the waist, curveted in the front rank of his men, dropping -with his club every man that came within reach of his arm. Twice he -had made his steed leap at the barricades, and twice he scaled them, -though unable to clear them completely. This chief was Mixcoatzin. His -black eye flashed with a sombre fire; his arm seemed indefatigable; -and everyone withdrew from this terrible enemy, who was apparently -invincible. - -The sachem redoubled his boldness, incessantly urging on his men, and -insulting the whites by his shouts and ironical gestures. - -Suddenly a third troop appeared on the battlefield, which, owing to -the braziers, was as light as day. But this troop, composed, like -the second, of horsemen, instead of joining the Indians, formed a -semicircle, and charged them furiously, shouting,-- - -"_A muerte_--_a muerte!_" - -Valentine's powerful voice at this moment rose above the tumult of -battle, and even reached those he wished to warn. - -"Now is the time!" he shouted. - -The count heard him. Turning then to fifty of the adventurers who -bad remained inactive since the beginning of the action, chafing and -trailing their arms,-- - -"It is our turn, comrades!" he shouted as he drew his long sword. Then, -opening the wicket, he bounded boldly into the _melee_, followed by his -party, who rushed after him with shouts of joy. The Indians were caught -between two fires--a thing which rarely happens--and compelled to -fight in the open. Still they were not discouraged, for Indian bravery -surpasses all belief. Finding themselves surrounded, they resolved to -die bravely sooner than surrender; and though not nearly so well armed -as their enemies, they received their attack with unlessened resolution. - -But the Indians, on this occasion, had not to do with Mexicans, and soon -discovered the difference. The charge of the Frenchmen was irresistible: -they passed like a tornado through the redskins, who, in spite of their -resolution, were compelled to give ground. But flight was impossible. -Recalled by the voices of their chiefs, who, while themselves fighting -bravely, did not cease to urge them to redouble their efforts, they -returned to the combat. The struggle then assumed the gigantic -proportions of a horrible carnage. It was no longer a battle, but a -butchery, in which each sought to kill, caring little about falling -himself, so long as he dragged down his foeman with him. - -Valentine, the greater part of whose life had been spent in the desert, -and who had frequently encountered the Indians, had never before seen -them display so great animosity, and, above all, such obstinacy; for -usually, when they suffer a check, far from obstinately continuing a -fight without any possible advantageous result for themselves, they -retire immediately, and seek safety in a hurried flight; but this time -their mode of fighting was completely changed, and it seemed that the -more they recognised the impossibility of victory, the more anxious they -felt to resist. - -The count, ever in front of his comrades, whom he encouraged by his -gestures and voice, tried to approach Mixcoatzin, who, still curveting -on his black horse, performed prodigies of valour, which electrified -his men, and threatened, if not to change the face of the combat, at -any rate to prolong it. But each time that chance brought him in front -of the chief, and he prepared to rush upon him, a crowd of combatants, -driven back by the changing incidents of the fight, came between them, -and neutralised his efforts. - -For his part, the sachem also strove to approach the count, with whom he -burned to measure himself, persuaded that, if he succeeded in killing -the chief of the palefaces, the latter would be struck with terror, and -abandon the battlefield. - -At length, as if by mutual agreement, the white men and Indians fell -back a few paces, doubtlessly to prepare for a final contest; and it -was then that, for the first time since the combat, the count and the -sachem found themselves face to face. The two men exchanged a flashing -glance, and rushed upon each other furiously. Neither of the chiefs had -firearms: the sachem brandished his terrible club, and the count waved -his long sword, which was reddened to the hilt. - -"At last!" the count shouted, as he raised his weapon over his head. - -"Begging dog of the palefaces," the Indian said with a grin, "you bring -me, then, your scalp, that I may attach it to the entrance of my cabin!" - -They were only two paces from each other, each awaiting the favourable -moment to rush on his enemy. On seeing their chiefs ready to engage, the -two parties rushed forward impetuously, in order to separate them and -recommence the combat; bat Don Louis, with a gesture of supreme command, -ordered his companions not to interfere. The adventurers remained -motionless. On his side, Mixcoatzin, seeing the noble and gallant -courtesy of the count, commanded his comrades to keep back. The redskins -obeyed, and the question was left to be decided between Don Louis and -the sachem. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -REPRISALS. - - -The two enemies hesitated for a moment; but suddenly the sachem bounded -forward. The count remained motionless; but at the moment the Indian -reached him, with a movement rapid as thought, he seized the nostrils of -the chief's horse with the left hand, so that it reared with a shriek of -pain, and thrust his sword into the Indian's throat: the latter's lifted -arm fell down, his eyes opened widely, a jet of blood poured from the -gaping wound, and he rolled on the ground, uttering a yell of agony, -and writhing like a serpent. The count placed his foot on the chief's -chest, and nailed him to the ground. Then he shouted to his comrades in -a powerful voice,-- - -"Forward--forward!" - -The adventurers responded by a shout of triumph, and rushed once -more on the redskins. But the latter no longer awaited their attack. -Terrified by the death of Mixcoatzin, one of their most revered sachems, -a panic seized upon them, and they fled in every direction. Then began -a real manhunt, with all its hideous and atrocious interludes. As we -have said, the Indians were surrounded: flight had become impossible. -The adventurers, exasperated by the long contest they had been obliged -to sustain, pitilessly massacred their conquered enemies, who would have -implored mercy in vain. The distracted Indians ran hither and thither, -sabred as they passed, transfixed by bayonets, and trampled underfoot -by the horses, which, as cruel as their masters, and intoxicated by the -sharp odour of blood, stamped on them frenziedly. The corpses were piled -up in the centre of the fatal circle which incessantly closed in around -them. - -Their courage and strength all exhausted, the wretched redskins had -thrown away their arms, and, with their hands crossed on their chests, -they gave up any further struggle for life, and awaited death with that -gloomy calmness of despair and stoicism which characterises their race. - -The count had wished for a long time to arrest this horrible carnage; -but, in the intoxication of victory, his orders were not so much -disobeyed as unheard. Still the Frenchmen stopped, struck with -admiration at the sight of the stoical resignation displayed by their -brave enemies, who disdained to ask mercy, and prepared to die worthily, -without any weakness or bravado. The Frenchmen hesitated, looked at -one another, and then raised their bayonets. The count profited by this -truce, and rushed before his men, brandishing in the air his sword, -reddened to the hilt. - -"Enough, comrades," he shouted, "enough! We are soldiers, not hangmen or -butchers. Leave to the Mexicans all cowardly acts, and remain what you -have ever been--brave and clement men. Mercy for these poor wretches!" - -"Mercy--mercy!" the Frenchmen shouted as they brandished their weapons -above their heads. - -At this moment the sun rose gloriously in a flood of vapour. It was a -scene at once imposing and full of sublime horror which the battlefield -offered--still smoking with the last explosions of the firearms, covered -with corpses, and in the midst of which thirty disarmed men appeared to -bid defiance to a circle of men stained with blood and powder, and whose -features were contracted by passion. - -The count then returned his sword to its scabbard, and walked -slowly toward the Indians, who watched his approach restlessly; for -they understood nothing of what had just occurred. The Indians are -implacable, and clemency is unknown to them. In the prairies the only -law is _va victis_. The redskins, being pitiless, never implore the -mercy of their foes, and endure unmurmuring the harsh law which it may -please their conquerors to mete out to them. - -The adventurers had piled their arms, and had already forgotten all -their rancour: they were laughing and talking gaily together. Valentine -and Curumilla had rejoined the count. - -"What is your intention?" the hunter asked. - -"Have you not guessed it?" Louis replied. "I pardon them." - -"All?" - -"Of course," he said with surprise. - -"Then you will restore them to liberty?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum!" the hunter said. - -"Do you see anything to prevent it?" - -"Possibly." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I see no harm in your forgiving the Indians, for that may produce -a good effect among the tribes, especially as the redskins have an -excellent memory, and will long remember the severe lesson they received -this night." - -"Well?" - -"But," the hunter went on, "all those men are not Indians." - -"What do you mean?" - -"That there are disguised Mexicans among them." - -"You are certain of that?" - -"Yes, the more so because I was warned by the man who commands the -horsemen that proved such useful auxiliaries to you." - -"But are not those horsemen Apaches?" - -"You are mistaken, my dear friend: they are white men, and what is more, -_civicos_; that is to say, men paid and enrolled by the hacenderos to -chase the Indians. You see how honourably they carry out their duties; -but that must not astonish you, for you are sufficiently well acquainted -with the manners of this country to find that perfectly natural, I have -no doubt." - -Louis stopped thoughtfully. - -"What you tell me confounds me," he muttered. - -"Why so?" the hunter replied carelessly. "It is, on the contrary, most -simple. But we have not to trouble ourselves about the horsemen at -present--they are beside the question." - -"Certainly. Indeed, I owe them my thanks." - -"They will save you the trouble, and I too. Let us only deal with the -men down there." - -"Then you are sure there are white men among them?" - -"Quite sure." - -"But how to recognise them?" - -"Curumilla will undertake that." - -"What you tell me is strange. For what purpose are these men leagued -with our enemies?" - -"We shall soon know that." - -They then went on, and stood by the group. Valentine made a sign to -Curumilla: the chief then approached the Indians, and began examining -them attentively in turn, the count and Valentine watching him with -considerable interest. The Araucano was as cold and gloomy as usual--not -a muscle of his face quivered. On seeing him examine them thus, the -Indians could not refrain from shuddering: they trembled at the sight of -this dumb and unarmed man, whose piercing glance seemed to try and read -their hearts; Curumilla laid his finger on an Indian's chest. - -"One!" he said, and passed on. - -"Come out!" Valentine said to the redskin. - -The latter stood apart. - -Curumilla pointed out in this way nine in succession, and then rejoined -his comrades. - -"Is that all?" Valentine asked. - -"Yes," he answered. - -"Disarm those men, and bind them firmly," the count commanded. - -His orders being obeyed, Don Louis then walked up to the Apaches. - -"My brothers may take their arms and mount their horses again," he -said. "They are valiant warriors. The palefaces have appreciated their -courage, and esteem them. My brothers will return to their villages, and -tell the old men and sages of their nation that the palefaces who have -conquered them are not cruel men, like the ferocious Yoris, and that -they desire to bury the hatchet so deeply between themselves and the -Apaches, that it may never be found again for ten thousand years." - -An Indian advanced from the group, and saluted majestically. - -"Strong Heart is a terrible warrior: he is a jaguar during the combat, -but he becomes an antelope after the victory. The words his breast -breathes are inspired in him by the Great Spirit--the Wacondah loves -him. My nation was deceived by the Yoris. Strong Heart is generous--he -has pardoned. Henceforth there will be friendship between the Apaches -and the warriors of Strong Heart." - -The redskins, according to their custom, had, with that poesy which -distinguishes them, given Don Louis the name of Strong Heart. - -After this address on the part of the Indian, who was a celebrated -chief, and known as the White Buffalo, there was an interchange of good -offices between the adventurers and Apaches. Their horses and arms were -returned to them, and the ranks were opened to let them pass. When they -had disappeared in the forest, El Buitre ordered his men to wheel, and -retired in his turn. Don Louis for a moment had the idea of recalling -this auxiliary, who had been so useful to him during the action; but -Valentine opposed it. - -"Let those men go, brother," he said to him. "You must not have any -public relations with them." - -Don Louis did not insist. - -"Now," Valentine went on, "let us finish what we have so well begun." - -"That is right," the count answered. - -The order was at once given to bury the dead and attend to the wounded. -The Frenchmen had suffered a serious loss: they had ten men killed and -twenty odd wounded. It is true that the majority of these wounds were -not mortal; still the victory cost dearly: it was a warning for the -future. - -Two hours later the company, assembled by the bugle call, ranged -themselves silently in the mission square, in the centre of which Don -Louis, Valentine, and three officers were gravely seated at a table, on -which lay sundry papers. Don Cornelio was writing at a smaller table. -The count had summoned his comrades, and appointed a court martial, of -which he was president, in order to try the prisoners captured during -the fight. Don Louis rose amidst a solemn silence. - -"Bring forward the prisoners," he said. - -The men previously pointed out by Curumilla appeared, led by a -detachment of adventurers, and were freed from their bonds. Although -they still wore the costume of Apache warriors, they had been compelled -to wash themselves, and remove the paint that disguised them. These men -appeared not so much to repent of their detected roguery, but merely -ashamed of being made a public spectacle. - -"Bring in the last prisoner," Don Louis commanded. - -At this order the adventurers looked round in surprise, not -understanding what the count meant, for the nine Mexicans were all -present. But at the expiration of a moment their surprise was changed -into anger, and a dull murmur ran along their ranks like an electric -current. - -Colonel Flores had made his appearance. He was unarmed, and his head -bare; but his face, stamped with boldness and defiance, had a gloomily -malicious expression, which gave him a most unpleasant appearance. -Curumilla accompanied him. The count made a sign, and silence was -re-established. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the colonel asked in a haughty tone. - -Don Louis did not allow him to continue. - -"Silence!" he said in a firm voice, turning a flashing glance upon him. - -Subdued, in spite of himself, by the count's accent, the colonel blushed -and remained silent. Don Louis continued:-- - -"Brothers and comrades," he said, "unfortunately for us, circumstances -have placed us in an exceptional situation. On all sides treachery -surrounds us. By falsehood after falsehood, trick upon trick, they -have led us onto this desert, where we are abandoned to ourselves, far -from all help, and having our courage alone to count upon to save us. -Yesterday Don Sebastian Guerrero, believing himself at length sure of -the success of his infamous plans, which he has so long been forming -against us, decided on raising the mask. He declared us outlaws, and -branded us with the disgraceful epithet of pirates. Scarce two hours -after his departure we were attacked by Indians. Our enemies' measures -were well calculated, and were within an ace of success. But God was on -the watch, and saved us this time again. Now, do you know the man who -made himself the generals right arm, and carried into effect the odious -treachery of which we were so nearly the victims? - -"This man," he said, pointing with his finger with an expression of -crushing contempt, "is the villain who, since our departure from -Guaymas, has attached himself to us, and never left us. He pretended -to love and defend us, that he might surprise our secrets, and sell -them to our enemies. It is the wretch whom we treated as a brother--to -whom we offered the most delicate and enduring attention. It is the -man, lastly, who assumes the title of colonel, and name of Francisco -Flores, and who lied in doing so; for he is a nameless half-breed, -surnamed El Garrucholo, ex-lieutenant of El Buitre, that ferocious -brigand who commands a _cuadrilla_ of salteadores that has desolated -Upper Mexico for several years. Look at him! Now that he is detected, -he trembles--villain that he is; for he knows that the supreme hour of -justice has rung for him." - -In fact, at this terrible revelation, thus made in the presence of all, -the bandit's boldness suddenly gave way, and an expression of hideous -terror contracted his features. - -"See," the count continued, "the men whom our enemies are not ashamed -to employ against us; and yet they treat us as pirates! Well, we accept -this brand, brothers; and these bandits who have fallen into our hands -shall be judged according to the summary law of pirates." - -The adventurers warmly applauded their chief's address. Besides, all -recognised the truth and logic of his remarks. In the critical situation -in which they found themselves they could forgive nothing: clemency -would have been culpable weakness. They could only regain their position -by boldness and energy, by terrifying their foes, and compelling them -to treat with them. The count sat down again. - -"Don Cornelio," he said, "read to the accused the charges brought -against him." - -The Spaniard rose, and began a long charge against the colonel, -supported by numerous letters written by Don Francisco, or received by -him from various persons, principally General Guerrero, which clearly -and indubitably proved the colonel's guilt. Don Cornelio finished by -describing the interview on the previous day between Don Francisco, El -Buitre, and the Apache chief. The adventurers listened to this long -enumeration of crimes and felonies in the most profound silence. When -Don Cornelio had ended the count addressed the colonel. - -"Do you recognise the truth of the charge brought against you?" - -The bandit raised his head: his mind was made up, and he shrugged his -shoulders contemptuously. - -"Of what use to deny?" he said. "It is all true." - -"Then you confess that you have betrayed us since the first moment we -met?" - -"_Canarios!_" he said, with a mocking smile, "you are mistaken, senor -conde. I betrayed you even before I knew you." - -At this cynical declaration no one present could repress a start of -horror. - -"Does what I say astonish you?" the bandit continued boldly. "Why so? -I consider my conduct perfectly natural. What are you to us Mexicans -but strangers? You are leeches, who come to our country to suck the -brightest of our blood; that is to say, to gorge yourselves with our -riches, deride our ignorance, turn into ridicule our manners and -customs, and impose on us your tastes, and what you call your Western -civilisation. By what right do you seize on all that is dear to us? -You are only ferocious beasts, to destroy whom all measures are -justifiable. If we are not the stronger in the sunshine, well, we have -the night. Loyalty and frankness would ruin us, so we employ falsehood -and treachery. What next? Who is wrong--who is right? Who will dare to -be judge between us? No one. I have fallen into your hands: you are -going to kill me. Very good. I shall be assassinated, but not condemned -by you, for you have no authority by which to try me. What more do you -want? Act as you think proper: it does not trouble me. He who sows the -wind reaps the whirlwind. I have sown trickery--I have reaped treason. -It is but just. I am about to die. Well, you have no right to inflict on -me this death which I have deserved. Your verdict will be a murder, I -repeat." - -After pronouncing these words he folded his arms on his chest, and -boldly surveyed his auditors. In spite of themselves the adventurers -felt moved by a species of admiration for the savage resolution of -this man, with his feline and crafty manner, who had suddenly revealed -himself in so different a light from that in which they had hitherto -known him. In speaking with such brutal frankness the bandit had, as -it were, raised himself in the eyes of all. His roguery appeared less -vile; he inspired a sort of sympathy in these brave men, for whom -courage and virtue are the first two virtues. - -"Then you do not even try to defend yourself?" Don Louis said -sorrowfully. - -"Defend myself," he said in amazement, "for having acted as I thought -it my duty to do, and as I should act again if you were such fools as -to pardon me! Come, caballeros, that is not common sense. Besides, if I -defended myself, I should to a certain extent recognise the competency -of your tribunal, and I absolutely deny it; so, believe me, you had -better finish with me--the sooner the better, both for you and me." - -The count rose, took off his hat, and, addressing the adventurers, said -in a solemn voice,-- - -"Friends and comrades, on your soul and conscience, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered in a hollow voice. - -"What punishment has this man merited?" the count continued. - -"Death!" the adventurers replied simultaneously. - -The count then turned to the colonel. - -"Don Francisco Flores, otherwise called El Garrucholo, you are condemned -to the penalty of death." - -"Thanks!" he said, with a graceful bow. - -"But," the count continued, "as you are convicted of treason, and must -suffer the death of traitors--that is, be shot in the back--taking into -consideration the uniform you wear, which is that of the Mexican army, -which we do not wish to disgrace in your person, you will be first -degraded: the judgment will be executed immediately after." - -The bandit shrugged his shoulders. - -"What do I care?" he said. - -At a sign from the count a non-commissioned officer stepped from the -ranks, and the degradation commenced. El Garrucholo endured this -frightful humiliation without turning pale: the bandit had in him -completely gained the mastery over the caballero, and, as he said, he -cared little about being degraded--that is to say, dishonoured---because -honour to him was as nothing. When the subaltern had returned to the -ranks the count again addressed the condemned man. - -"You have five minutes to commend your soul to God," he said to him. -"May He be merciful to you! You have nothing more to expect in this -world from men." - -The bandit burst into a hoarse laugh. - -"You are all fools!" he shouted. "What have I in common with God, if -really He exist? I had better recommend myself to the demon, into whose -clutches I shall fall, if what the monks say is true." - -At this frightful blasphemy the adventurers gave a start of terror; but -El Garrucholo did not seem to notice it. - -"I have," he continued, "only one favour more to ask of you." - -"Speak!" the count replied, suppressing a gesture of disgust. - -"I wear round my neck, hanging by a steel chain, a little velvet bag, -containing a blessed relic, which my mother gave me, telling me it would -bring me good fortune. Since my birth this scapulary has never left me. -I desire it to be buried with me. Perhaps it will be of use to me down -there where I am bound." - -"What you desire shall be done," the count answered. - -"Thanks!" he said with evident satisfaction. - -Strange anomaly of the Mexican character! This people is credulous and -superstitious, without faith and without belief--a childish people, too -long enslaved, and too quickly liberated, which has not had the time -either to forget or to learn. - -"The picket!" the count commanded. - -Eight men, commanded by a corporal, stepped from the ranks. The bandit -knelt, with his back turned to the executioners. - -"Present--fire!" - -El Garrucholo fell, shot in the back, not uttering a sigh: he was stark -dead. His body was covered with a zarape. - -"Now," the count said coldly, "for the rest." - -The nine prisoners were brought up to the table: they were trembling, -for the summary justice of the adventurers filled them with terror. -A great noise was at this moment heard a short distance off, mingled -with shouts and imprecations; and suddenly two females, mounted on -magnificent horses, galloped into the middle of the square, when they -stopped. They were Dona Angela and her waiting maid, Violanta. - -Dona Angela's hair was dishevelled; her features were animated, -probably by the speed at which she had come; and her eyes flashed -flames. She remained for a moment motionless amid the crowd surprised -at her sudden appearance. But, seeming suddenly to form a supreme -resolution, she raised her head haughtily, and addressed the attentive -adventurers, who were struck with admiration at so much boldness united -to such beauty. - -"Listen!" she said in a piercing voice. "I, Dona Angela, daughter of the -Governor of Sonora, have come here to protest boldly, in the sight of -all, against the treachery of which my father makes you the victims. Don -Louis, chief of the French pirates, I love you! Will you accept me as -your wife?" - -A thunder of applause greeted these strange words, which were uttered -with extraordinary animation. Don Louis slowly drew nearer the maiden, -as if fascinated and attracted by her glance. - -"Come," he said to her, "come, as you do not fear to ally yourself to -misfortune." - -The girl uttered a scream of joy that resembled a yell; and abandoning -her reins, she bounded like a panther, and fell into the arms of the -count, who pressed her frenziedly against his manly breast. Then, after -a moment, still holding her in his embrace, he proudly raised his head, -and looked commandingly around. - -"This lady is the wife of the chief of the pirates, my brothers. Love -her as a sister: she will be our palladium--our guardian angel." - -The intoxication of the adventurers cannot be described: it was -madness. This strange scene appeared to them a dream. The count then -turned to the prisoners, who awaited their sentence in tremor. - -"Begone!" he said to them. "Go and narrate what you have seen. Dona -Angela pardons you." - -The prisoners left the square, uttering benedictions innumerable. The -poor fellows, after all that had passed in their presence, regarded -themselves as dead men. Valentine drew near the maiden. - -"You are an angel," he said to her in a low voice. "Will you persevere?" - -"I am his to the tomb," she answered with a feverish energy. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -GUETZALLI. - - -Were we writing a romance there are many details we would leave in the -shade, many facts we should pass over in silence. Unfortunately we -are only historians, and, as such, compelled to the most scrupulous -exactitude. - -In the first episode of this history we related how the Count de -Lhorailles, at the head of 150 Frenchmen, selected from the colony of -Guetzalli, which he had founded, let himself be led in pursuit of the -Apache Indians into the great Del Norte desert; and how, after wandering -about with his party in the midst of this ocean of shifting sand, and -seeing his bravest comrades fall around him, he had blown out his -brains, while, in a few hours after his death, the few Frenchmen who -survived this great disaster succeeded in emerging from the desert and -regaining the road to the colony. - -The Frenchmen left at Guetzalli beheld the arrival of the relics of -the expedition with stupor, and the news of the Count de Lhorailles' -death completed their demoralisation. Abandoned without chiefs, so far -from their country, in the midst of an enemy's territory, exposed at -any moment to the attacks of the Apaches, they gave way to despair, and -seriously revolved the question of leaving the colony and returning to -the seacoast. The Count de Lhorailles, who founded the settlement, was, -in fact, the soul of it. He dead, his companions felt in themselves -neither the necessary energy nor strength to continue his work--a -work which, indeed, they knew but imperfectly, for the count had no -confidants among the men who had joined him. Jealous of his power, and -naturally of a reserved temper, he had never confided to anyone his -plans or his projects. - -The Frenchmen who had followed him--for the most part greedy -adventurers, devoured by that inextinguishable thirst for gold which had -made them give up everything to go to America--had been cruelly deceived -in their hopes, when, on disembarking in Mexico, that classic land of -riches, the count, instead of leading them to gold or silver mines, -which they would have worked and filled their pockets abundantly, took -them to the Mexican frontier, and forced them to, till the soil. - -Thus, when the first moment of stupor had passed, each colonist, -acting under the impression of his own will, began his preparations for -departure, in his heart well pleased at seeing an exile thus terminated -which was beset by dangers, while offering none of the advantages -of the situation. It was all over with the colony; but fortunately, -wherever a number of Frenchmen are assembled, when the indispensable -man disappears, another immediately arises, who, impelled by the -circumstances, reveals himself suddenly to the great amazement of his -comrades, and frequently of himself. - -Among the colonists at Guetzalli was a young man scarce thirty years -of age, but gifted with an ardent imagination and a far from common -intellect. This young man, whose name was Charles de Laville, had left -Europe, impelled rather by a certain restlessness of character and -secret curiosity than by a desire to acquire the boasted riches of -San Francisco. In that city, to which he proceeded with his brother, -an older and more earnest man than himself, chance had made him -acquainted with the Count de Lhorailles. The count exercised, perhaps -unconsciously, an irresistible influence even over those who knew him -superficially. When ho organised his expedition he had no difficulty in -taking with him Charles de Laville, who followed him in spite of his -brother's wise recommendations. - -The count, who was a connoisseur in his fellow-men, appreciated at its -full value the honourable and disinterested character of Charles de -Laville. Thus he was the only one of all his companions with whom he -at times spoke almost freely, and imparted to him some of his plans. -He knew that the young man would never turn this confidence against -him, but that, on the contrary, under all circumstances, he would aid -him to the utmost of his power. When the count was on the point of -starting on that disastrous expedition from which he was fated never to -return--an expedition which de Laville obstinately opposed--it was to -the latter gentleman that he intrusted the government and management of -the colony during his absence, persuaded that in his hands the affairs -of Guetzalli could not but prosper. De Laville accepted the confidential -situation against his will. It was a heavy burden for him, so young and -inexperienced, to maintain an active surveillance over men to whom any -restraint, however slight, was insupportable, and who only obeyed with a -secret murmur the will of the count, for whom they experienced a respect -mingled with fear. - -Still, against his expectations, and perhaps his hopes, Charles de -Laville succeeded, in a very short time, not only in securing the -unmurmuring obedience of his countrymen, but also in gaining their -love. It was owing to this influence which he contrived to gain over -the colonists that, when the remnants of the expedition arrived at -Guetzalli, he succeeded in restoring some degree of order in the colony, -arousing the courage of his comrades, and taking the proper defensive -measures in the probable event of an Apache attack. - -He gave the first outburst of grief time to calm; he waited the -subsidence of the exaggerated anger of one party, and the equally -exaggerated fears of another; and when he perceived that, excepting the -profound discouragement that had seized on all, and made them desire -a speedy retreat, their minds were beginning to regain their ordinary -lucidity, he summoned the colonists to a general meeting. The latter -eagerly obeyed, and assembled in the large courtyard in front of the -main building. When de Laville was assured that all the colonists were -assembled, and anxiously awaiting the communication he had to make to -them, he claimed a few moments' attention and took the word. - -"Gentlemen," he said, with that facility of speech he possessed in an -eminent degree, "I am the youngest, and certainly the most inexperienced -of all present; hence it would not become me to speak at this moment, -when such grave interests, and of such great importance, occupy us. -Still, perhaps, the confidence the Count de Lhorailles was kind -enough to place in me will authorise me in taking the present step of -addressing you." - -"Speak, speak--you are worthy of that confidence!" the colonists shouted -tumultuously. - -Thus encouraged, the young man smiled pleasantly and continued:-- - -"It is true that a great disaster has fallen on us: many of our -companions have perished miserably in the great Del Norte desert. The -count who brought us here, our chief, is dead too. I repeat it, it is an -immense loss for us generally, and for the welfare of the colony. But -is the misfortune, though so terrible, irreparable? Ought we, through -this death, to lose all our courage, and abandon a task which is scarce -commenced? I do not think so, nor do you." - -At these words a few slight murmurs were heard. The young man looked -calmly around his audience, and silence was re-established as if by -enchantment. - -"No," he continued forcibly, "you do not think so yourselves. You are -undergoing at this moment the influence of the catastrophe that has -overwhelmed us: discouragement has seized upon you. It must be so; but -you will soon reflect on the consequences of the act you are meditating, -and the chance that will result from it for yourselves. What! two -hundred Frenchmen--that is to say, the bravest men in existence--would -fly through fear of the lances and arrows of those Apaches whom it is -their mission to hold in check? What would the Mexicans think, in whose -opinion you have stood so high up to the present day? What would your -brethren in California say? In the sight of all you would have lost -honour and reputation; for you would have betrayed your duties, and not -forced that name and title of Frenchmen, of which you are so proud, to -be respected in these savage countries." - -At these rude words, uttered with that accent which comes from the -heart, so suited to move the masses, the colonists began, in spite of -themselves to regard the question under a different light, and feel -inwardly ashamed of the flight they meditated. Still they were not yet -convinced, the more so as the position remained the same; that is to -say, excessively critical. Thus the shouts, murmurs, and objections -crossed each other with extreme rapidity, each wishing to offer his -advice, and have his opinion accepted, as generally happens in popular -meetings. One of the colonists succeeded with great difficulty in -gaining the word, and addressed the young man. - -"There is truth in what you say to us, M. Charles: still we cannot -remain in our present situation--a situation which becomes daily more -aggravated, and threatens soon to grow insupportable. What is the remedy -for the evil?" - -"The remedy is easy to find," the young man answered quickly. "Is it my -place to point it out to you?" - -"Yes, yes!" all exclaimed. - -"Well, then, I consent. Listen to me." - -There was immediately profound silence. - -"We are two hundred strong--resolute and intelligent men. Can we not -find among us, then, a chief worthy of commanding us? We have lost the -man who has hitherto guided us; but must we say that, since he is dead, -no one can take his place? That supposition would be absurd. The Count -de Lhorailles was not immortal. We must have expected to lose him sooner -or later, and unfortunately that foreseen catastrophe has occurred -ere it was expected. Is that a reason to let ourselves be demoralised -and downcast? No; let us raise our heads again, regain our courage, -and elect as our chief the man who offers us the best guarantees of -intelligence and loyalty. Such a man may be easily found among you. -Come, comrades, let us have no delay, but vote on the spot. When our -chief is nominated and recognised by all, we shall no longer fear perils -or sufferings, for we shall have a head to guide us, and an arm to -support us." - -These words raised the joy and enthusiasm of the colonists to the -highest pitch. They broke up into groups of three or four, and agitated -the question eagerly of the chief they should select. - -During this period, de Laville, apparently indifferent to what was -passing, re-entered the house, leaving his companions full and entire -liberty to act as they pleased. We will observe that the advice given -by the young man was disinterested on his part: he had no intention of -taking upon himself the heavy responsibility of a command which he did -not at all desire. His object in urging the Frenchmen to elect a chief -had been to prevent the ruin of the colony, which had been founded -scarce a year, which, owing to their combined efforts and toil, was -beginning to give good results, and which, if the colonists did not -disperse, would soon enter on a career of prosperity, and repay them a -hundredfold for their troubles and fatigue. - -The discussion among the colonists was lengthy: in all the groups -orators were speaking warmly; in short, there seemed no chance of an -agreement. Still, by degrees, the effervescence calmed down; the parties -drew nearer; and under the influence of a few men more intelligent or -better disposed than the rest, the discussion went on more regularly and -seriously. At length, after many disputes, the colonists were unanimous, -and selected one among them to tell Charles de Laville the result of -their deliberations. The man selected entered the house, while the -colonists arranged themselves with some degree of order before the gate. - -Charles, as we have said, did not trouble himself at all about what -was going on outside. The death of the count, to whom, in spite of -the latter's eccentric character, he was really attached, had not -only saddened him, but broken the last ties that attached him to this -forgotten nook of earth, where he believed that there was nothing left -for him to do. He therefore only awaited the election of the new chief -to bid good-by to the members of the company, and then separate from -them. When the man delegated by the colonists entered the room where he -was, he raised his head, and looked earnestly at him. - -"Well," he asked him, "have we a new chief at last?" - -"Yes," the other answered laconically. - -"Who is he?" the young man asked with some curiosity. - -"Our comrades will tell you, M. Charles," he replied. "They have -authorised me to ask you to have the kindness to be present at the -election, and thus sanction it." - -"That is only right," he said with a smile. "I forgot that, up to the -present, I have been your chief, and that I must hand over to the leader -you have selected the power the count delegated to me. I follow you." - -The other bowed without a word, and both left the house. When they -appeared in the gateway, the colonists, hitherto silent, uttered a -formidable shout, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs in signs -of joy. The young man turned quite surprised to his companion, but the -latter merely smiled. After this explosion of shouts of welcome, silence -was at once restored. Then the delegate removed his hat, and after -bowing respectfully to the young man, who was all confused, and hardly -knew which way to look, said in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"Charles de Laville, we, the colonists of Guetzalli, after assembling, -in accordance with your advice, to proceed to the election of a new -chief, have recognised that you alone combine all the conditions -necessary worthily to fill that post to which the confidence of the -chief we have lost called you. In consequence, wishing to honour in you -the memory of our deceased chief, at the same time as we desire to prove -to you our gratitude for the way in which you have governed us since you -have been at our head, we unanimously appoint you captain of Guetzalli, -persuaded that you will continue to command us with as much nobility, -intelligence, and justice as you have hitherto displayed." - -Then, taking from one of the colonists the charter which united all the -members of the colony, and which the count had made them all sign when -he enlisted them, he unfolded it. - -"Captain," he said, "this charter-party, read in a loud voice by me, -will be immediately sworn to by all. Will you swear on your side to -protect us, to defend us, and give us good and loyal justice toward and -against all?" - -The young man took off his hat, extended his arm toward the crowd, and -said in a firm voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -"Long live the captain!" the colonists shouted enthusiastically. "The -charter--the charter!" - -The reading commenced. After each article the colonists answered in one -voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -There was something imposing in the aspect of this scene. These men, -with their energetic features and bronzed faces, thus assembled in -the heart of the desert, surrounded by the grand scenery, swearing in -the face of heaven unbounded devotion and obedience, bore a striking -likeness to the famous filibusters of the sixteenth century preparing to -attempt one of their bold expeditions, and swearing on the charter in -the hands of Montbars the exterminator, or any other renowned chief of -Tortoise Island. - -When the reading was completed a fresh outbreak of shouts closed this -simple ceremony of the election of a chief of adventurers in the deserts -of the New World. This time--accidentally, perchance--the choice of -all had fallen on the most worthy. Charles de Laville was really the -only man capable of repairing the disasters of the late expedition, -and leading the colony back to that prosperous path on which it was -progressing previously to the death of Lhorailles. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE ENVOY. - - -The election over, all, in appearance, returned to the old routine, or -at least seemed to re-assume its normal condition. Still it was not so. -The Count de Lhorailles, in dying, had borne with him the hopes of the -adventurers, whom he had only kept together through his resolute and -enterprising character. With his fall, matters began to change, and -difficulties spring up. - -The Mexican authorities, in whom the indomitable will of the count had -alone inspired an apparent kindness toward the colonists, whom they -had never liked to see establish themselves on the territory of the -Republic, no longer apprehending the vengeance of the man they had -learned to fear while learning to know him, very gently and craftily -inaugurated a system of minor annoyances, which was already beginning to -render the position of the French difficult, and would soon cause it to -be intolerable, unless the latter employed an energetic remedy for this -state of things, which grew hourly worse. On the other hand, though the -colony was so remote from the seaboard, rumours of what was going on -in the rest of the world reached it at intervals. Emigrants in troops -passed through Guetzalli: all were proceeding to California, for that -was the promised land at the moment. - -All these emigrants--gambusinos, or Mexican adventurers--only dreamed -of inexhaustible placers and mines of immense wealth. The gold -fever--that horrible malady which the English so well stigmatised by -energetically calling it the "metallic gold fever"--was at its height. -From all corners of the world, Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, Americans, -Polynesians, adventurers of every description, settled like swarms of -ill-omened locusts on this country, which was destined to prove fatal to -them, and swallow them up after unheard-of sufferings. - -In this impious crusade of the vilest appetites the watchword was -"Gold--gold!" These men, who abandoned country, family, everything, in -a word, had only one desire--to amass gold. It was a hideous sight. -And these bands succeeded each other at the colony, with their eyes -obstinately fixed on the horizon, and only replying two words to the -questions asked them: "California--placers." In order to conquer this -metal king all means would be good to them: nothing would check them. -They were ready for anything--to commit the most odious crimes, the most -infamous treachery, the most ignoble acts of cowardice. - -Unfortunately for the colonists, the adventurers who passed near their -abode all belonged to the most ignorant, corrupted, and ferocious -classes of Mexico. In spite of themselves, the Frenchmen, whose object -had been, at the outset, to work the mines, felt the desire aroused in -them to return to the Eldorado they had left, and demand their share -of the spoil. A man, however strong he may be, cannot with impunity -hear the word "gold" constantly buzzing in his ears. In the strange -connection of these four letters there is an immense attractive power, -which sharpens up avarice, and arouses all the evil instincts. - -The colonists of Guetzalli were honest and frank adventurers. The -majority had quitted Europe with the desire of enriching themselves -rapidly in that mysterious country about which they heard such marvels. -Subdued by the ascendency the count had managed to acquire over them, -they had tacitly accepted the position made for them, and, by the aid -of habit, had gradually come, not to forget their past desires, but to -consider them as mocking chimeras and unrealisable dreams. The events -which afterwards happened in the colony, and the golden halo suddenly -spread abroad by California, gave a body to these dreams, and enkindled -their covetousness to the highest pitch. - -Charles de Laville followed with a shudder the progress of this moral -disorganisation of the colony. He understood in his heart that the enemy -he must conquer, in order to become once more master of his companions, -was that old adventurous leaven which still fomented in their hearts, -and caused them to hate the calm and peaceful life they led, instead -of that agitated existence, with its strange interludes, to which they -secretly aspired, perhaps without suspecting it themselves. For it is a -singular anomaly in the human heart that these men, who wished for gold -at any price, who coveted it with unequalled frenzy, and who, to possess -it, braved the most terrible perils, and suffered the most horrible -misery, did not care for it when they possessed it, but regarded it with -disdain, and threw it uncounted on the tables of the gambling houses, -or of places still more infamous. It might be said that the gold so -painfully amassed burned their fingers, and they were anxious to get rid -of it. And that was true, especially in the case of the French. Gold -with them had no value except in proportion to the difficulties they met -with in acquiring it. True adventurers in the fullest sense of the term, -what they loved was not the gold for itself, but the struggles it cost -them, and the energy and courage they must expend in its research. - -Charles was thoroughly acquainted with the character of the men he -commanded He knew that, in order to keep them with him, it would be -sufficient to supply an outlet for this superabundance of sap, this -vivacity of imagination, which filled the hearts and heads of these -extraordinary men. But how to obtain this result? What means should -he employ? Charles racked his brains in vain: the spark did not -strike--there was no light he could throw on the matter. - -About this time two Frenchmen, who had formed part of the count's -last expedition, and who were believed long ago dead, reappeared at -Guetzalli. Great was the amazement of all on seeing them, although so -haggard, half naked, and scarce able to stand; but still greater grew -that amazement when, two days after their return, on finding themselves -slightly recovered, owing to the kind attentions shown them, and able to -speak, they commenced the incredible narrative of their adventures. - -What had happened to them may be told in fewer words than the men -employed. The frightful hurricane that assailed the count's band had -surprised them some distance from the spot where their companions had -taken refuge, and rendered it impossible to rejoin them. They sheltered -themselves as well as they could during the tempest; but when it was -over, they perceived, to their horror, that every trace, every footmark, -had disappeared. - -Before them, behind them, and around them extended the desert, gloomy, -naked, and desolate. As far as their eye could reach they perceived -on all sides sand---sand everywhere and always. Then they believed -themselves lost; despair took possession of them; and they fell back on -the ground, resolved to await death, which would doubtless soon arrive -to put an end to their misery. They remained thus side by side, with -drooping heads and lacklustre eyes, in that state of complete apathy -which seizes on the strongest men after great catastrophes, suspends in -them the inward feeling of self, and interrupts their thoughts. - -How long did they remain in this condition? They were unable to tell. -They no longer lived, they no longer felt--they vegetated. They were -suddenly aroused from this extraordinary listlessness by the appearance -of a band of Apache Indians, who galloped round them, uttering ferocious -yells, and brandishing their long lances with an air of defiance and -menace. The Indians seized them, as they were incapable of offering the -slightest resistance, and led them to one of their villages, where they -kept them in a state of the most disgraceful and humiliating slavery. - -But the energy of the two adventurers, for an instant crushed, soon -gained the mastery again over their hearts. With extreme patience, -skill, and dissimulation they made the preparations for their flight. We -will not enter into any details as to the manner in which they succeeded -in escaping from the watchfulness of their guardians, and managed at -length to reach the colony by a roundabout road, crushed with fatigue, -and half dead with hunger, but arrive at once at the most important -point in their narrative. - -These men declared to the colonists that the village to which the -Apaches led them was built within gunshot of a placer of incalculable -value--that this placer was extremely easy to work, as the gold was on -the surface. As a proof of their veracity they showed several nuggets -of the finest gold, which they had managed to secure, and pledged -themselves to lead to this placer, which was not more than ten days' -journey from the colony, any of the adventurers who would consent to -take them as guides, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for -their toil and fatigue by the rich harvest they would obtain. - -This recital greatly interested the colonists. Charles de Laville, in -particular, lent a lively attention to it. He made the men repeat their -story several times, and they did not once vary from their original -statement. The captain had at length found the means he had been vainly -searching so long. Now he was certain not only that his comrades would -not abandon him, but that they would obey him blindly in all that he -thought proper to order them. The same day he informed the colonists -that he was preparing an expedition to go in search of the placer, -dislodge the Indians, and work it for the profit of all the paction. - -The news was received with transports of joy, and de Laville immediately -began carrying out his plan. Although the number of colonists had -greatly diminished (for frequent desertions had taken place), still -Guetzalli counted nearly two hundred colonists. It was of the utmost -importance to the gold-seekers to keep up the colony, as the only place -whence they could obtain provisions when at the mine; for, as we have -said, Guetzalli, as the advanced post of civilisation, had been founded -on the extreme limit of the desert. This position, chosen originally in -order to oppose the Indians more effectually, and stop their periodical -incursions upon the Mexican territory, became precious in the present -instance, through the facility it afforded the adventurers for supplying -themselves with all they needed without having recourse to strangers; -and this enabled them also to keep the discovery of the placer secret, -at any rate long enough, owing to the distance of the _pueblos_ from -the frontier, to render it impossible for the Mexican Government to -interpose and demand the lion's share, according to its usual custom. - -The captain did not wish to strip the colony thoroughly, for he must -leave it in a respectable position, and safe from a sudden attack on -the part of the Apaches and Comanches, those implacable foes of the -white men, ever on the watch, and ready to profit by their slightest -oversight. De Laville therefore decided that the expedition should -be composed of eighty well-mounted and well-armed men, and that the -others should remain behind to protect the colony. Still, to avoid any -dissension or jealousy among his comrades, the captain declared that -lots should decide who were to go in search of the placer. - -This expedient, which rendered everybody equal, was warmly approved, -and they proceeded to draw lots. The process was extremely simple: the -name of each adventurer was written on a roll of paper and thrown into -a vessel, whence a boy drew them one by one. Of course the eighty names -that came out first would be the members of the expedition. Thus, as the -arrangement was most simple, and at the same time perfectly fair, no one -had a right to complain. - -All was done as was agreed. Chance, as so frequently happens, favoured -the captain by selecting the most energetic and enterprising men. -Then all eagerly prepared for the departure; that is to say, they -collected provisions of every description, got together mules, and made -the tools required for working the mine. Still, in spite of all the -activity displayed by the captain, nearly a month elapsed ere all was in -readiness. - -The frightful catastrophe to which the Count de Lhorailles had fallen -a victim in the great Del Norte desert, which the adventurers would -have to cross in going to the placer, was a serious warning to de -Laville to act with the utmost prudence, and leave nothing to chance. -Hence, without listening in the slightest degree to the impatient -insinuations of his comrades, who urged him to press on the departure -of the expedition, he watched with the most scrupulous attention the -construction of the carts intended to convey the provisions, and allowed -no detail, however trifling, to escape his careful eye; for he knew that -the loss of an hour in the desert, produced by the breaking of a screw, -a tire, or a trace, might cause the death of the men placed under his -orders. - -At last all was ready, and the day for starting settled. Within -forty-eight hours the expedition would leave Guetzalli, when, at about -five in the evening, just as the captain, after giving a final glance at -the wagons already loaded and arranged in the courtyard, was about to -re-enter his house, the sentry on the isthmus announced the arrival of a -stranger. As soon as the captain felt assured that it was a white man, -and that he wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer, he ordered his -admission to the colony. The barrier was at once raised, and the colonel -(for he wore the insignia of that rank) entered Guetzalli, followed by -two lanceros, who served as his escort, and a mule bearing his baggage. - -The captain advanced to meet him. The colonel dismounted, threw the -reins to a lancero, and bowed politely to the captain, who returned the -salute with equal courtesy. - -"With whom have I the honour of speaking?" he asked the stranger. - -"I am," the latter answered, "Colonel Vicente Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, Governor-General of the province of -Sonora." - -"I am delighted, Senor Don Vicente, at the chance afforded me of making -jour acquaintance. You must be fatigued with the long journey you have -had to this place, so I trust you will not refuse to accept some modest -refreshment." - -"I accept most gladly, caballero," the colonel answered with a bow; "the -more so because I have ridden so fast that I have scarce rested a minute -since leaving Pitic." - -"Ah! you come from Pitic?" - -"As the bird flies. I have been only four days covering the ground." - -"Hum! you must be terribly fatigued in that case, for it is a long -distance, and, as you did me the honour to inform me, you have travelled -very rapidly. Be kind enough to follow me." - -The colonel bowed in reply, and the captain introduced him into a room -where refreshments of every description had been prepared. - -"Sit down, Don Vicente," the captain said as he drew forward a chair. - -The colonel fell back into the butaca offered him with a sigh of -satisfaction, whose meaning only those who have ridden thirty leagues -at a stretch can understand. For some minutes the conversation between -the captain and his guest was interrupted, for the colonel ate and -drank with an avidity which, judging from the well-known sobriety of the -Mexicans, proved that he had fasted a long time. De Laville examined him -thoughtfully, asking himself mentally what reason was so important as to -induce Don Guerrero to send a colonel to Guetzalli, and spite of himself -he felt a vague uneasiness weighing on his heart. At length Don Vicente -drank a glass of water, wiped his mouth, and turned to the captain. - -"A thousand pardons," he said, "for having behaved so unceremoniously to -you; but now I will confess to you that I was almost dead of inanition, -having eaten nothing since eight o'clock last evening." - -The captain bowed. - -"You do not, of course, intend to return this evening?" he asked him. - -"Pardon me, caballero, if it be possible, I shall start again in an -hour." - -"So soon?" - -"The general ordered me to make the greatest speed." - -"But your horses are half dead." - -"I count on your kindness to supply me with fresh ones." - -Horses were plentiful at the colony: there were more than the colonists -could use, and hence de Laville would have found no difficulty in -granting the colonel's request. Still his guest's manner seemed so -little natural, and he fancied he detected something so mysterious -about him, that he felt his alarm increased, and said,-- - -"I do not know, colonel, whether, in spite of my lively desire to be -agreeable to you, it will be possible for me to fulfil your request; for -horses are extremely scarce here at this moment." - -The colonel made a sign of annoyance. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, "that would vex me greatly." - -At this moment a peon discreetly opened the door, and handed the captain -a paper, on which a few words were written in pencil. The young man, -after apologising, opened the paper and quickly read it. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he crumpled the paper in his hands with -considerable agitation, "he here! What can be the matter?" - -"Eh?" the colonel said curiously, who had not understood the meaning of -this sentence spoken in French. - -"Nothing," the other answered; "a mere personal matter." Then turning to -the peon, he said, "I am coming." - -The peon bowed and left the room. - -"Colonel," de Laville continued, addressing his guest, "permit me to -leave you for an instant." - -And without waiting for a reply he left the room hurriedly, closing the -door carefully after him. This brusque departure totally discountenanced -the colonel. - -"Oh!" he muttered, repeating in Spanish, though unconsciously, what the -captain had said in French. "What can be the matter?" - -As he was a true Mexican, fond of knowing everything, and, above all, -of discovering anything people wished to keep secret from him, he rose -gently, walked to the window, pulled the mosquito curtain aside, and -looked out curiously into the yard. But it was labour in vain: the -courtyard was deserted. He then returned on tiptoe to his seat, and -began carelessly rolling a papelito, while muttering half aloud,-- - -"Patience! The man who knows how to wait always gains his end. I shall -obtain the clue to this mystery sooner or later." - -This aside having doubtlessly consoled him for the disappointment he had -experienced, he philosophically lit his cigarette, and soon disappeared -in the midst of a dense cloud of smoke which issued from his mouth and -nostrils simultaneously. We will leave the worthy colonel enjoying this -amusement at his ease, and follow de Laville, in order to explain to the -reader the meaning of the exclamation that escaped from him on reading -the paper which the peon so unexpectedly handed to him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -DONA ANGELA. - - -Before relating, however, what took place at Guetzalli between de -Laville and the colonel, we must return to the adventurers' encampment. - -Louis, still holding the maiden pressed to his breast, carried her to -the interior of the hut of branches which his comrades had built for -him at the entrance of the church. On arriving there he laid her in a -chair, and seated himself on a stool. There was a long silence, during -which both reflected deeply. A strange phenomenon took place in Louis' -heart. In spite of himself he felt hope returning to his soul: he -inhaled life through every pore--a desire to live came back to him. He -thought of the future--that future he had wished to destroy in himself, -by choosing as his mode of suicide the mad and rash expedition at the -head of which he had placed himself. - -The heart of man is made up of strange contrasts. The count had wrapped -himself up in his grief; he had, as it were, settled it in his mind, -living with it and through it, making it in his own eyes an excuse for -justifying the line of conduct he had traced for himself, or rather -which his foster brother had made him adopt, only desiring and accepting -the bitterness of life, and disdainfully rejecting the joy and happiness -it contains. Now, though unable to account for the extraordinary -revolution that had taken place in him, he instinctively felt that grief -he had so nurtured and petted growing: less, and ready to disappear, to -make room for a gentle and dreamy melancholy, which, before he thought -of wrestling with it and tearing it from his heart, had put forth such -powerful roots that he felt it had seized on his whole being. - -This new feeling was love. All passions are in the extreme, and, above -all, illogical. Were they not so, they would no longer be passions. Don -Louis loved Dona Angela. He loved her with the love of a man who has -reached the confines which separate youth from age; that is, furiously -and frenziedly. He loved her and hated her at the same time; for he -was angry with this new love, which caused him to forget the old, and -revealed to him that the heart of man may at times slumber, but never -die. The empire the maiden held over him was the stronger and more -powerful, because physically and morally she afforded the most striking -contrast to Dona Rosaria, the gentle creature with angel's wings, the -count's first love. Dona Angela's majestic and severe beauty, her -impetuous and ardent character--all in her had seduced and subjugated -the count. Hence he was angry at the power he had unconsciously allowed -her to gain over his will, and blamed as a weakness unworthy of his -character the reaction which this love had effected in his heart, by -obliging him to recognise that it was still possible for him to be happy. - -Louis was far from forming an exception in the great human family. -All men are alike. When they have arranged their existence under the -influence of any feeling, either of joy or grief, they take pleasure in -the continual development of that feeling, convert it into a portion -of their being, and intrench themselves behind it as in an impregnable -fortress; and when, by some sudden blow, the edifice they have taken -such pains to construct falls in ruins, they feel angry with themselves -for not having known how to defend it, and, as a natural consequence, -blame the innocent cause of this great overthrow. - -While reflecting, the count had let his head sink on his breast, -isolating himself in his thoughts, and plunging deeper and deeper -into his sombre reverie, following instinctively the incline on which -his mind was at the moment gliding. He raised his eyes, and fixed on -Dona Angela a glance in which all the feelings that agitated him were -reflected. The maiden was lying back, with her face buried in her hands: -the tears were slowly dropping between her fingers, and resembled a dew -of pearls. She was weeping gently and noiselessly: her breast heaved -convulsively, and she seemed a prey to intense grief. The count turned -pale. He rose hurriedly, and walked toward her. - -At this sudden movement Dona Angela let her hands sink, and regarded -Don Louis with such a gentle expression of resigned grief and true -love, that the count felt a thrill of happiness flush through his body. -Exhausted, overcome, he fell on his knees, murmuring in a panting and -broken voice,-- - -"Oh! I love you--I love you!" - -The maiden half rose from her seat, bent over him, and regarded him for -a long time pensively. Suddenly she fell into his arms, laid her head -on his shoulder, and began sobbing. The count, alarmed by this grief, -the cause of which it was impossible for him to discover, gently put her -back on her chair, sat down by her side, and took her hand, which he -held between his own. - -"Why these tears?" he asked her tenderly. "Whence comes this grief that -oppresses you?" - -"No, I am not weeping. Look!" she replied, trying to smile through her -tears. - -"Child, you conceal something from me--you have a secret!" - -"A secret! That of my love. Did I not tell you that I love you, Louis?" - -"Alas! and I, too, love you," he replied sorrowfully. "And yet I cannot -think of that love without alarm." - -"Why so if you love me?" - -"If I love you, child! For you and your love I would sacrifice -everything." - -"Well?" she said. - -"Alas, child! I am an accursed man. My love is deadly, and I tremble." - -"What greater joy than to die for the man I love?" - -"I am proscribed--a pirate, an outlaw." - -She drew herself up proudly and haughtily, with frowning brow, dilated -nostrils, and flashing eye. - -"You are truly noble, Don Louis!" she almost shrieked in her excitement. -"You have dreamed of the regeneration of an enslaved people. What do -I care for the names given you, my friend? The day will come when -brilliant justice will be done you." Then growing gradually calmer, she -smiled tenderly. "You are proscribed, my poor darling," she said gently; -"and is it not woman's mission in this world to support and console? The -struggle you are about to undertake will be terrible. Your project is -almost a madman's for grandeur and boldness: perhaps you will succumb -in this struggle. You need, not a counsellor or a brother, but a woman -friend whose soul understands yours; from whose heart your heart keeps -no secrets; who consoles you, and cries 'Courage!' when you allow -despair to master you, and when, like a vanquished Titan, you feel ready -to retire. That faithful, devoted friend, ever watchful over you and for -you, I will be, Don Louis--I who will never leave you, and who, if you -fall, will fall by your side, struck by the same blow that crushed you." - -"Thanks, child; but I am not worthy of such sublime devotion. Think of -the painful existence you create for yourself--think of the pleasant -calm and peaceful life you leave behind you, to affiance yourself to -grief, perchance to death." - -"What do I care for that? Death will be welcome if it come by your side. -I love you!" - -Don Louis hesitated. - -"Think," he said presently, "of the immense grief of your father, whom -you abandon--your father who loves you so dearly, and has only you----" - -She laid her hand quickly on his lips. - -"Be silent--be silent!" she screamed in a heart-rending accent. "Do not -speak of my father. Why do you say that to me? Why augment my despair? -I love you, Don Louis--I love you! Henceforth you are everything to -me--fortune, parents, friends--all, I tell you. From the day when I -first saw you, powerful and terrible as the exterminating angel, my -heart fled toward yours. Something, a presentiment perhaps, revealed -to me that our two destinies were for ever enchained to each other. -When I saw you again my heart had divined you, but I remained in the -shadow, for you did not need me; but now times are changed. You are -betrayed, tracked, abandoned, by those whose interest it would have -been to support you. The country you have come to deliver renounces -you. My father, whose life you saved, has become your most implacable -foe, because you spurned his offers, and would not serve his paltry -and shameful ambition. Well, I, intrenching myself in my heart as in a -fortress, have in my turn renounced my country, abandoned my father, -and, like a true daughter of the Mexican volcanoes, feeling lava -instead of blood coursing in my veins, bounding with indignation at -the numberless acts of treachery which have begirt you on all sides--I -have forgotten everything, even that modesty innate in maidens, and -defying that world which I abhor and despise, because it rejects you, I -have come to you to love you--to render sweeter the few days which are -perhaps still left you to live; for I do not deceive myself as to the -future any more than you do, Don Louis. And when the fatal hour arrives, -when the hurricane bursts above your head, I shall be there to support -you by my presence, to encourage you by my boundless love, and to die in -your arms!" - -There is in the woman who really loves, and whom passion masters, so -grand a magnetic attraction, a poesy so powerful, that the man with -the greatest self-restraint feels, in spite of himself, a species of -voluptuous dizziness, and suddenly finds his reason desert him, only to -see that love he inspires, and of which he is proud. - -"But you wept, Angela," the count said. "Your tears are still flowing." - -"Yes," she continued energetically, "I wept--I still weep. Well, cannot -you guess why, Don Louis? It is because I am a woman, after all; because -I am weak, and, in spite of all my will and all my love, my rebellious -nature is struggling with my heart; and because, in order to follow you, -and give myself up to you, I despise all that a woman ought to remember -under such circumstances, confined as she is by the miserable claims -of a puny civilisation, a slave to stupid proprieties, and compelled -constantly to hide her feelings in order to play an infamous comedy. -That is why I wept--why I still weep. But what matter these tears, my -well-beloved? There is as much joy as shame in them, and they prove to -you the triumph you have gained over me." - -"Angela," the count answered nobly, "I will deceive neither your love -nor your confidence. Your happiness will not depend on me." - -She gave him a glance of sublime abnegation. - -"Nothing but your love!" she said gently. "I want nothing but that. What -do I care for aught else?" - -"But I care that the woman who has given up all for me should not sink -in public opinion, and be scandalised." - -"What will you do?" - -"Give you my name, my child--the only property left me. At any rate, if -you are the companion of a pirate," he said bitterly, "no one shall -reproach you with being his mistress. In the eyes of the world, I swear -it to you, you shall be his wedded wife." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in mad delight. - -"Good, brother!" Valentine said as he entered the hut. "I will take on -myself to have your union blessed by a simple-hearted priest, to whom -the Gospel is not a dead letter, and who understands Christianity in all -its gentle and touching grandeur." - -"Thanks, Don Valentine." - -"Call me brother, madam; for I am so to you, as I am his brother. You -are a noble creature, and I thank you for the love you bear Don Louis. -And now," he added, with a smile, "there will be a struggle between us: -there are two of us to love him." - -The count, his eyes filled with tears, but not finding words to express -all he felt, held out his hands to these two beings, who were so good -and so devoted, with an emotion that came from the heart. - -"Now," Valentine said gaily, to change the conversation, "let us talk -about business." - -"Business!" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said with a laugh, "it seems to me that, for the -moment, what we have on hand is sufficiently important for us to trouble -ourselves about it." - -"That is true," Louis answered; "but can we, in the presence of this -lady----" - -"That is true: I did not think of that. I am so little accustomed to -society, I trust the lady will pardon me." - -"Permit me, gentlemen," she said with a smile: "a woman is often a good -counsellor, and under present circumstances I believe I can be of some -use to you." - -"I do not doubt it," the hunter said politely; "but----" - -"But you do not believe a word of it," she laughingly interrupted, her -petulant character gaining the upper hand again. "However, you shall -judge for yourselves." - -"We are listening," the count said. - -"My father is at this moment making great preparations: his object -is to crush you before you are prepared to undertake a campaign. All -the Indios Mansos capable of bearing arms are called out, and an -extraordinary levy of troops is ordered through the whole of Sonora." - -"Ah, indeed!" Louis observed. "Those are tremendous preparations." - -"That is not all. Is there not somewhere near here a French colony?" - -"Yes, there is," the count said, suddenly becoming serious; "the colony -of Guetzalli." - -"My father intends to send there, if he has not done so already, his -aide-de-camp, Colonel Suarez." - -"For what purpose?" - -"I suppose to neutralise, by the brilliant promises made to the -colonists, the assistance you might expect from them." - -Louis became pensive. - -"We must make up our minds," Valentine said sharply, "while the -company is preparing, to open the campaign speedily. We must send some -safe person to Guetzalli. As the colonists are French it is impossible -for them not to make common cause with us in a quarrel like that -which compels us to take up arms, and which concerns them as much as -ourselves." - -"You are right, brother. No more delay; but let us act vigorously. You -will accompany me to Guetzalli." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It is only two days' journey at the most from here. It is always best -to manage one's own business; and besides, nobody can obtain from the -colonists so much as I can." - -"How so?" - -"That is too long a story to tell you now. It is enough for you to know -that, on a recent occasion, I rendered rather a great service to the -colony, which I hope they have not yet had time to forget."[1] - -"Oh, oh! if that be the case, I no longer object. In truth, no one can -have a better hope of succeeding in the negotiation than yourself. Let -us go, then; and may Heaven aid us!" - -"Let us go," Louis answered. - -"Well," Dona Angela said with a smile, "did I not say I should be a good -counsellor?" - -"I never doubted it, madam," the hunter replied gallantly. "Besides, it -could not be otherwise, as my brother assured us that you would be our -guardian angel." - -Don Louis, after handing the command over to the first lieutenant, and -recommending the greatest activity and vigilance, announced to his -comrades his temporary absence, though he did not reveal to them the -object of his journey, in order not to discourage them in case his -negotiation failed; and at sunset, followed only by Valentine, and after -saying farewell to Dona Angela once more, he left the mission, and -started at a gallop on the road to Guetzalli. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE AMBASSADORS. - - -The paper which the peon handed to Captain de Laville, and which caused -him to feel such emotion, only contained one name; but it was a name -well known at Guetzalli--that of the Count de Prebois Crance. The -Guetzallians had heard vague rumours of the French expedition formed at -San Francisco for the purpose of working the inexhaustible mines of the -Plancha de Plata. They knew, too, of the company's arrival at Guaymas; -but since then they had received no news, and were completely ignorant -of the events that had occurred. - -The captain had not the remotest idea that the Count de Prebois was the -leader of that expedition; but, from several words Louis had let fall -during his stay at the hacienda, he suspected him of fostering certain -projects against the Mexican Government. This was the reason why, on -receiving the paper, his first impulse was to exclaim, "He here! What -can be the matter?" - -He proceeded at once to the count, persuaded that the latter, outlawed -for some reason by the Mexican Government, had come to demand an asylum -from him. Colonel Suarez' unexpected visit coincided strangely with the -count's arrival, and confirmed him in his notion; for he supposed, with -some appearance of truth, that the colonel was ordered to enforce on him -not to receive the exile, or, if he received him into the colony, to -hand him over at once to the Mexican authorities. Fearing lest he might -commit some error prejudicial to the count, he had hurriedly left the -colonel alone, in order to come to an understanding with his compatriot, -as from the first moment he had resolved not only not to surrender him, -but not to abandon him if he claimed his aid. - -The reader sees that, although the captain's hypothesis was false, it -bordered on the truth in several points. - -Don Louis and Valentine, seated on butacas, were smoking and talking -together, while drinking, to refresh themselves, a decoction of -tamarinds, when the door opened, and the captain appeared. The three men -shook hands affectionately, and then de Laville, making the others a -sign to sit down again, began the conversation at once. - -"What good wind brings you to Guetzalli, my dear count?" he said. - -"Hum!" the latter said. "If you asked what _cordonazo_, you would be -nearer the truth, my dear De Laville; for never has a more terrible -hurricane assailed me than threatens at this moment." - -"Oh, oh! do tell me about it I need hardly say, I suppose, I am quite at -your service." - -"Thank you; but, before all, one word. Who has taken the Count de -Lhorailles' place in the government of the colony?" - -"Myself," the young man modestly replied. - -"By Jove! I am delighted to hear that," the count said frankly, "for no -one was more worthy than you to succeed him." - -"My dear sir!" he said in confusion. - -"On my word, captain, I tell you honestly what I think: all the worse if -it wounds you." - -"Far from that," the young man remarked with a smile. - -"Then all is for the best. I see that my interests will not be -imperilled in your hands." - -"You may feel assured of it." - -"Permit me to introduce to you my most intimate friend, my foster -brother, whose name you must often have heard, and with whom I should -be glad for you to be better acquainted: in one word, he is the French -scout whom the Indians and Mexicans have surnamed the 'Trail-hunter.'" - -The captain rose hurriedly, and held out his hand to the hunter. - -"What!" he said with considerable emotion, "Are you Valentine Guillois?" - -"Yes, sir," the hunter replied with a modest bow. - -"Oh, sir!" the young man exclaimed warmly, "I am delighted to form -your personal acquaintance. Everybody respects and cherishes you here, -because you maintain that title of Frenchman, of which we are all so -proud. Thanks, count, thanks; and now, by heavens, ask of me anything -you please, and I shall not know how to repay the pleasure you have -caused me. - -"Good heavens!" the count replied; "for the present I will only ask you -a very simple matter. You will soon be visited, if he has not already -arrived, by an aide-de-camp of General Guerrero." - -"Colonel Suarez?" - -"Yes." - -"He is here." - -"Already?" - -"He has only been here an hour." - -"He has told you nothing?" - -"Not yet: we have not spoken together." - -"All the better. Would you mind placing us where it would be possible -for us to overhear your conversation, and not be seen?" - -"That is very simple. Adjoining the room where he is waiting for me is a -recess, only covered by a curtain; but we can manage it better still." - -"How?" - -"Does he know you?" - -"Me?" - -"Yes. Does he know you by sight?" - -"No." - -"You are sure of that?" - -"Quite." - -"Nor this gentleman either?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Very good: let me manage it. I will arrange it all; and now to talk of -yourself." - -"It is unnecessary." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is probable the colonel will tell you more than I could." - -"Ah, ah! then you fancy he has come on your account?" - -"I am certain of it." - -"Very good. Now, do not trouble yourself about anything, but let me -arrange it all." - -"Agreed." - -"I will be with you again directly." - -And he left the room. - -The colonel was still in the same position as when we left him. He had -lighted a considerable number of husk cigarettes, and the nicotine was -beginning to act gently on his brain; his eyelids were drooping; in -short, he was just on the point of going to sleep. The sudden entrance -of the captain aroused him from this state of torpor, and he raised his -head. - -"Pray pardon my having left you alone so long," the young man said; "but -an unforeseen event----" - -"You are quite excused," the colonel answered politely. "Still I should -have been charmed had you thought of advising the Count de Lhorailles -of my arrival, for the affair that brought me here admits of no delay." - -The captain regarded the Mexican with surprise. - -"How!" he said, "the Count de Lhorailles?" - -"Certainly: it is to him alone that I must communicate the dispatches of -which I am bearer." - -"But the Count de Lhorailles has been dead for nearly a year. Were you -not aware of the fact?" - -"My word, no, sir, I confess." - -"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to -the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him -at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to -take his place." - -"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, -or was assassinated on the road." - -"I fear it." - -"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post." - -"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do -not measure men by age or height." - -"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With -whom have I the honour of speaking?" - -"With Don Carlos de Laville." - -The colonel bowed. - -"I will, then, with your permission, caballero, communicate my -dispatches to you." - -"A moment, sir," the captain said quickly. "I cannot listen to you -unless I have by my side two of the principal men in the colony." - -"For what object?" - -"That is the law." - -"Do so, then." - -The captain struck a bell, and a peon entered. - -"Ask the two gentlemen waiting in the green room to come here," he said. - -The peon went out. - -"What! the two persons who are waiting?" the colonel said suspiciously. - -"Yes. As I presumed, colonel, that you were the bearer of dispatches, -I warned these two persons in order to detain you as short a time as -possible." - -"In that case permit me to return you my thanks, for I am really -terribly pressed for time." - -At this moment the door opened, and the count and Valentine came in. -The colonel bent a piercing glance upon them, to try to discover with -what sort of men he would have to deal; but it was impossible to read -anything in their cold and rigid countenances, which seemed hewn out of -marble. - -"Gentlemen," the captain said, "Colonel Don Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, military governor of the State of -Sonora. Colonel Suarez, two of my countrymen." - -The three men bowed stiffly. - -"Now, gentlemen," the captain continued, "pray be seated. The colonel is -the bearer of dispatches he wishes to communicate to us, and they are -probably important, as the colonel has not stopped even between Pitic -and this place. We are ready to listen to you, colonel." - -Like all men accustomed to double dealing and underhand schemes, the -colonel possessed an infallible instinct for scenting treachery. In the -present case, although all was being done ostensibly with the greatest -frankness, and he was a thousand leagues from suspecting the truth, -he guessed that he was being cheated, although it was impossible to -perceive the secret object they had in view. Still he had no subterfuges -he could employ: he must obey his instructions, and he decided on doing -so, much against the grain, after bending on the two strangers a second -glance, by which he sought to read their very hearts' thoughts, but -which had no better result than the first. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "you have doubtlessly not forgotten the numberless -acts of kindness with which the Mexican Government has overwhelmed you." - -"Overwhelmed is the word," de Laville interrupted him with a smile. "Go -on, colonel." - -"The Government is ready to make still greater sacrifices for you, if -necessary." - -"_Caspita!_" the young man again interrupted him, "we will spare it the -trouble. The kindnesses of the Mexican Government generally cost us very -dearly." - -A discussion commenced in this tone of raillery had not the slightest -chance of resulting in an amicable arrangement. Still the colonel did -not break down, his mind was made up. He cared little for the result, -for he knew perfectly well that those who sent him would not hesitate to -disavow him according to circumstances. - -"Hum!" he said, "the following proposal is made you." - -"I beg your pardon, colonel, but before telling us the proposals, -perhaps it would be better to explain to us the reasons that induce the -Government to offer them," de Laville observed. - -"Good heavens, sir! you must know the reasons as well as I do." - -"Pardon me, but we are completely ignorant of them, and would feel -greatly obliged by your telling them to us." - -The count and Valentine were as motionless as statues, and these two -gloomy faces disturbed the colonel in an extraordinary manner. - -"The reasons are very simple," he stammered. - -"I do not doubt it, but be good enough to mention them." - -"This letter," he said, handing a sealed paper to the captain, "will -explain the matter fully." - -De Laville took the paper, read it through hurriedly, and then crumpled -it up passionately in his hand. - -"Colonel," he then said in a firm voice, "the Government of Sonora -forgets that the colony of Guetzalli only contains Frenchmen; that is to -say, no traitors. We have retained our nationality, although established -in this country; and if the Mexican laws will not protect us we will -appeal to our minister at Mexico, and, if necessary, contrive to protect -ourselves." - -"These threats, sir----" the colonel interrupted. - -"They are not threats," the young man continued energetically. "General -Guerrero insults us by inviting us not merely to abandon one of our -countrymen, who is in every respect worthy of our support, through his -loyalty, courage, and nobility of character, but also by proposing to us -to hunt him down like a wild beast, and deliver him over. The general -menaces us with outlawry if we assist the count, whom he brands as a -pirate and a rebel. Let him do so if he please. This letter you have -handed me will be carried by a sure man to Mexico, and handed to our -minister, with a detail of all the annoyances we have suffered from the -Mexican authorities ever since our settlement here." - -"You are wrong, sir," the colonel answered, "to take the proposal made -you in this way. The general is very well disposed toward you. I doubt -not that he will consent to grant you great advantages if you will -only obey him. What do you peaceful colonists care for this rebellious -count, whom I dare say you never heard of? Your own interests demand -that you should turn against him. This man is a villain, to whom nothing -is sacred. Since his arrival in our country he has committed the most -odious crimes. Take my advice, sir; do not obstinately choose a wrong -path, but prove to the Government all your gratitude for the favours you -have received by abandoning this villain." - -The captain had listened calmly and coldly to the Mexican's long -diatribe, holding in check by a glance the count and his companion, who -found it very difficult not to burst out and treat this man in the way -he deserved. When the colonel at length ceased, the captain looked at -him with sovereign contempt. - -"Have you finished?" he said dryly. - -"Yes," the other answered in confusion. - -"Very good. Now, thanks to Heaven, we have nothing more in common. Be -good enough to mount your horse and leave the colony immediately. As for -General Guerrero, tell him that I will give him an answer myself." - -"I will retire, sir. Do you intend to give this answer soon?" - -"Within twenty-four hours. Begone!" - -"I will report our conversation word for word to the general." - -"I shall be glad of it. Good-by till we meet again, sir." - -"What! do you intend to take your answer personally?" - -"Perhaps so," de Laville answered mockingly. - -The colonel went out all abashed by his reception, and followed by the -three men, who did not let him out of sight, and walked by his side, -so as to prevent him communicating with anyone. His horse was waiting -in the courtyard, held by one of the orderlies. The colonel mounted and -rode off rapidly, for he was anxious to leave the colony. On reaching -the isthmus gate he, however, turned round, and looked back for some -time. - -"Who can those two men be?" he muttered. - -And he dug his spurs in his horse's sides. When he had disappeared in -the windings of the road the captain seized Don Louis' hand, and pressed -it affectionately. - -"And now, my dear count," he said to him, "speak. What can I do for you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN. - - -The count returned the young man's affectionate pressure, but shook his -head sorrowfully and remained silent. - -"Why do you not answer me?" the captain asked him. "Do you doubt my -willingness to be of service to you?" - -"It is not that," the count said sadly. "I know that your heart is noble -and generous, and that you will not hesitate to come to my aid." - -"Whence arises this hesitation, then?" - -"Friend," the count answered with a melancholy smile, "I reproach myself -at this moment for having come to find you." - -"For what reason?" - -"Need I tell you? This land you cultivate, only a few years back, was -a virgin forest, serving as a lurking place for wild beasts: now, -thanks to your labour and intelligence, it has been metamorphosed into -a fertile and cultivated plain; numerous flocks feed in your prairies; -the desolation and neglect of this frontier have disappeared to make -room for the incessant toil of civilisation. This colony of Guetzalli, -founded with so much trouble, bedewed with so much blood, prospers, and -is beginning to repay amply the toil and perspiration it cost you. The -day is at hand when, stimulated by your example, other colonists will -come to join you, and, by aiding you to repulse the Indios Bravos into -their impenetrable deserts, will for ever protect the Mexican frontiers -from the depredations of the savages, and restore to this magnificent -country its pristine splendour. - -"Well?" the captain remarked. - -"Well," the count continued, "is it fitting for me, a stranger, a man to -whom you owe nothing, to drag you into a contest without any probable -issue--to mix you up in a quarrel which does not concern you, and in -which you have everything to lose, so that tomorrow the land you have, -after so many efforts, torn from desolation, should fall back into its -primitive barbarism? In a word, my friend, I ask myself by what title -and by what right I should drag you down in my fall." - -"By what title and right? I will tell you," the young captain said -nobly. "We are here six thousand leagues from our country, on the -extreme limits of the desert, having no protection to hope, or help to -seek, other than from ourselves. At such a distance from their country -all Frenchmen must consider each other as brothers, and be responsible -for each other. All must resent an insult offered to a Frenchman. It is -because we are few in number, and consequently exposed to the insults -of our enemies, that we ought to defend one another, and demand that -justice should be done us. By acting thus we not only protect our own -honour, but defend our country, and guard from any insult that title of -Frenchmen of which we are justly proud." - -"You speak well, captain," Valentine interrupted him. "Your words are -those of a man of heart. It is abroad that patriotism must be strong and -inflexible. We have no right to allow wretched enemies to lower that -national honour which our brothers in France have intrusted to us; for -each of us here represents our beloved country, and must at his risk and -peril make it be respected by all, no matter under what circumstances." - -"Yes," the captain answered quickly, "the Mexican Government, by -insulting the Count de Prebois Crance, by breaking all its engagements -with him, and betraying him in so cowardly a fashion, has not insulted -a Frenchman, an individual, or nameless adventurer, but the whole of -France. Well, France must reply to it, and, by heavens! we will pick -up the glove thrown to us. We will fight to avenge our honour; and if -we succumb, we shall have fallen nobly in the arena, and believe me, -gentlemen, our blood will not have been shed in vain: our country will -pity while admiring us, and our fall will create us avengers. Besides, -my dear count," he added, "you are in no way a stranger to the colony -of Guetzalli; for did you not lend us the support of your arm and your -counsels under critical circumstances? It is our turn now, and we shall -only pay our debts after all." - -The count could not refrain from smiling. - -"Well," he said with emotion, "be it so: I accept your generous -devotion. Any further resistance would not only be ridiculous, but might -appear in your eyes ungrateful." - -"Very good," the captain said gaily; "we are now beginning to understand -each other. I was certain that I should end by convincing you." - -"You are a charming companion," the count retorted; "it is impossible to -resist you." - -"By Jove! you arrive at the very moment to obtain speedy help." - -"How so?" - -"Just imagine that two days later you would not have found me at home." - -"Impossible!" - -"Did you not notice, on your arrival, the wagons and carts arranged in -one of the courts you crossed?" - -"I did." - -"I was on the point of starting, at the head of eighty picked men, to go -and work certain mines we have heard about." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"Yes; but for the present the expedition will remain _in statu quo_, for -the band I intended to lead into the desert will join you, or at least I -presume so." - -"What! you presume so?" - -"Yes, because I cannot dispose of the band, or change the object of the -expedition, without the general assent." - -"That is true," said the count; and his features grew solemn. - -"But do not feel alarmed," the captain continued; "we shall easily -obtain that assent when the colonists know what interests I propose to -serve." - -"May Heaven grant it!" - -"I guarantee success. You have, I suppose, all the stores necessary for -entering on a campaign?" - -"Nearly so; but I regret to say that all my arrieros have deserted me, -and left my camp furtively." - -"The deuce! and naturally they took their mules with them?" - -"All, without exception; and this renders it very embarrassing to move -my baggage and draw my guns." - -"Good, good! We will provide for all that. I have here, as you saw, -excellent wagons; I am also well supplied with mules; and there are in -the colony men perfectly capable of leading them." - -"You will render me no slight service." - -"I hope to render you others far greater than that." - -The three men had returned to the room in which the conference with -Colonel Suarez had taken place. The captain struck the bell, and a peon -entered. - -"This evening, after _oracion_, at the end of the day's labour, the -colonists will assemble in the patio to hear an important communication -I have to make to them," he said. - -The domestic bowed. - -"Bring the dinner," the captain added. Then, turning to his guests, -he said, "I presume you will dine with me, for you cannot start again -before tomorrow?" - -"That is true. Still we expect to be off before sunrise." - -"Where is your camp?" - -"At the mission of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles." - -"That is close by." - -"Oh! some thirty leagues at the most." - -"Yes, and the position is very strong. You do not intend, though, to -stay there long?" - -"No; I mean to strike a heavy blow." - -"You are right: you must cause the terror of your name to precede you." - -At this moment the peons brought in the dinner. - -"To table, gentlemen," the captain said. - -The meal was, as might be expected in this extreme frontier, excessively -frugal. It was only composed of venison, maize tortillas, red beans, -and pimiento, the whole washed down with pulque, mezcal, and Catalonian -refino, the strongest spirit in the known world. The guests had a true -hunter's appetite; that is to say, they were nearly dead of hunger, for -the count and Valentine had eaten nothing for thirty hours. Hence they -vigorously attacked the provisions placed before them. - -The peons had retired immediately after bringing in the dinner, so as -to leave the party full liberty for conversation. Hence, so soon as the -rough edge was taken off their appetite, the discussion was begun again -exactly where it left off, which always occurs with men whose minds are -preoccupied by any difficult project. - -"So," the captain asked, "war is decidedly declared between you and the -Mexican Government?" - -"Without remedy." - -"Although the cause you sustain is just, as you are fighting for the -maintenance of a right, still you will inscribe something on the banner -you display?" - -"Of course. I inscribe the only thing which can guarantee me the -protection of the people through whom I pass, and make the oppressed and -the malcontents flock to me." - -"Hum! what is it?" - -"Only four words." - -"And they are?" - -"_Independencia de la Sonora._" - -"Yes, the idea is a happy one. If a particle of nobility and generosity -is left in the hearts of the inhabitants of this unhappy country (which, -however, I confess to you I greatly doubt), those four words will -suffice to produce a revolution." - -"I hope so, without daring to count on it. You know, like myself, the -Mexican character--a strange composite of all good and bad instincts, -about which it is impossible to form a decided opinion." - -"Why, my dear count, the Mexicans are like every people that has been -for a long time enslaved. After remaining children for ages, they grew -too fast, and had the pretension of being men, when they scarcely began -to comprehend their emancipation, or were in a position to derive any -benefit from it." - -"Still we will attempt to galvanise them. The revolutionary race is, -perhaps, not completely extinct in this country, and what remains will -be sufficient to enkindle the sacred flame in the hearts of all." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"Hasten onwards, so as not to let myself be attacked, which always -implies inferiority, if not timidity." - -"That is true." - -"How many men do you expect to be able to give me?" - -"Eighty horsemen, commanded by myself, as I told you." - -"Thanks! But when will these horsemen (who, by the way, will be very -useful to me, as I possess so few at the moment) be able to join me?" - -"This evening they will be granted you, and in two days they will reach -the mission." - -"Could you send off the mules, wagons, and muleteers tomorrow with me?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. I will set out at once for Magdalena: it is a large pueblo, -commanding the two roads from Ures and Hermosillo." - -"I know it." - -"Proceed there direct, for that will save a loss of time." - -"Agreed. I shall arrive there at the same time as yourself, which will -be the more easy as I shall send off my baggage to your head quarters." - -"Very good." - -"You intend, then, to act energetically?" - -"Yes; I mean to try a grand stroke. If I succeed in taking one of the -three capitals of Sonora I shall have gained the campaign." - -"Such an enterprise is surely rash." - -"I know it; but in my position I dare not calculate -consequences--boldness alone can and must save me. - -"You are right, and I will not add a word. But now let us proceed to the -meeting, for our men are assembled. In their present temper I am certain -that the request I am about to make of them will be granted without -difficulty." - -They went out. As the captain had announced, all the colonists were -assembled in the courtyard, broken up into scattered groups, eagerly -discussing the reasons which caused their assemblage. When the captain -appeared, accompanied by his two friends, silence was immediately -established, curiosity closing the mouths of the most talkative. - -The Count de Prebois Crance was known to most of the colonists: his -appearance was consequently hailed with sympathetic greetings, for -each retained in his memory the recollection of the services he had -rendered when Guetzalli was so rudely assailed by the Apaches. The -captain cleverly availed himself of this goodwill, on which he had, -indeed, built, in order to explain his request clearly to the colonists, -while accounting for the causes which obliged the count to come and seek -allies at Guetzalli. - -The men would not have been the hearty adventurers they really were, -had they received such a request coldly. Seduced, as was natural, by -the strangeness and even the temerity of the enterprise proposed to -them, they consented to range themselves under the count's banner with -enthusiastic shouts and delight. The first expedition projected, and for -which all the preparations had been made, was completely forgotten, and -the only question was the enfranchisement of Sonora. Had the count asked -for two hundred men, he would certainly have obtained them on the spot -without the slightest difficulty. - -Captain de Laville, delighted at the prodigious success he had achieved, -warmly thanked his comrades, both in the count's name and his own, and -immediately began getting ready to start. The wagons were carefully -inspected to see that they were all in order, and were then laden with -all the articles requisite for the coming campaign. At about an hour -before sunrise all was ready for starting; the wagons were loaded, and -horses attached; the mules, carefully selected, were intrusted to steady -men. - -Louis and Valentine mounted; the captain accompanied them about a league -from the company; and then they parted, agreeing to meet again three -days later at La Magdalena. - -Mules and wagons progress very slowly in Mexico, where there are in -reality no roads, and where you are generally forced to cut a path with -the axe. Louis and his foster brother, whose presence was imperatively -demanded at the mission, felt in despair at this slowness. In this -extremity the count resolved to leave the caravan, and push on ahead. -In consequence they left the arrieros, after recommending the greatest -diligence to them, and burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, set -out at full speed for the mission. - -The American horses, descended from the old Arabs of the conquerors -of New Spain, have several incontestable advantages over ours. In the -first place they are temperate: a little alfalfa in the morning, after -washing their mouths out, enables them to go a whole day without food, -drink, or rest. These horses seem indefatigable, and, indeed, they have -only one pace--the gallop; and at the end of the day, after going twenty -leagues at that pace, they have not turned a hair, and do not display -the slightest fatigue. - -As our two horsemen were mounted on crack steeds, they reached the -mission in a comparatively very short period. At the first barricade a -man was waiting for them: it was Curumilla. - -"Someone is waiting for you," he said. "Come." - -They followed him, asking each other with a glance what reason could be -so important as to draw such a long sentence from Curumilla. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FATHER AND DAUGHTER. - - -The adventurers' camp had completely changed its character: it had lost -the peaceful appearance of the early days, and assumed a warlike air, -perfectly in accordance with the present aspect of affairs. At each -issue from the mission, a gun, guarded by a detachment, was pointed at -the open country, while piled muskets formed a long row, in front of -which a guard walked up and down. Sentries posted at regular distances -watched the approaches, while advanced posts, established in sure -positions, prevented any attempt at a surprise. - -In the interior of the camp the greatest activity prevailed; the camp -forges smoked, and re-echoed the hasty blows of the smiths; further -on, carpenters were cutting into shape whole trees; the armorers were -inspecting and repairing arms; in short, everybody was working eagerly, -in order to get everything prepared with the least possible delay. - -The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the -camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the -adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached -headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the -melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance _del Rey Rodrigo_, smote -their ears. - -"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to -ask some information from Don Cornelio." - -"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to -obtain it from Curumilla." - -"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words -exchanged by the friends. - -"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile. - -Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a -_jacal_ of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before -which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming -his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his -eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a -shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them. - -"_Capa de Dios!_" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, -caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you." - -"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously. - -"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on -horseback?" - -"No, no, we will join you." - -And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the -count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs -ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding -his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at -the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses. - -"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools -scattered about. - -"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the -count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?" - -"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have -brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, -however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not -wish to talk with you about those matters." - -"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?" - -"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered -me to watch over Dona Angela--a singular commission enough for me." - -"How so?" - -"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I -dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero." - -"I thank you for it." - -"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the -commandant." - -"Ah, ah! And you know the contents of the letter?" - -"It was simply a request for a safe-conduct to remain in the camp." - -"Ah! and who was it signed by?" - -"Father Seraphin." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed quickly, "Father Seraphin, the French -missionary, the sainted man whom the Indians themselves have christened -the 'Apostle of the Prairies?'" - -"Himself." - -"That is strange," the hunter muttered. - -"Is it not?" - -"But," said the count, "Father Seraphin does not need a safe-conduct to -stay with us as long as he pleases." - -"Of course," Valentine confirmed him, "we shall always be happy, myself -in particular, to profit by his advice." - -"The worthy father did not request the safe-conduct for himself: he is -very well aware that his visit could only be agreeable to us." - -"Ah! For whom, then?" - -"For a person for whom he would be bail during the period of his stay -among us, but whose name he kept secret." - -"Hum! that is not clear." - -"That is what I thought, so I urged the commandant to refuse." - -"Well?" - -"He granted the safe-conduct, alleging a reason which, by the way, is -not so illogical--that the man for whom the safe-conduct is requested is -evidently a friend or an enemy, and in either case it is good to know -him, so as eventually to treat him as he deserves." - -The two Frenchmen could not refrain from laughing at this singular -logic. - -"Well, and what is the result of all this?" the count continued. - -"The result is that Father Seraphin arrived this morning at the mission, -accompanied by a person carefully wrapped up in a large cloak." - -"Ah, ah! And this person?" - -"You can guess a thousand times before finding out." - -"I think it would be better for you to tell me at once." - -"I believe so too. Well, prepare yourself to hear something incredible. -This person is no one less than Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"The general!" the count exclaimed as he bounded in his chair. - -"Do not confound persons. I did not say General, but Don Sebastian -Guerrero." - -"A truce with nonsense, Don Cornelio! Let us talk seriously, for what -you say deserves it." - -"I am serious, Don Louis. The general has come here in his private -capacity. In a word, it is the father of Dona Angela who is at this -moment in our camp, and not the Governor of Sonora." - -"I am beginning to understand," the count said in a hollow voice, as he -walked in agitation up and down the jacal. "And what took place between -father and daughter? Do not be afraid to tell me everything. I will keep -the mastery over myself." - -"Nothing at all has passed, Don Louis, thanks to Heaven!" - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, for the simple reason that Dona Angela, by my advice, refused to -receive her father's visit during your absence." - -"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and -fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard. - -"By my advice, yes." - -"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general----" - -"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, -though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance -that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge." - -"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these -difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above -all, great perspicacity." - -Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let -his eyes fall modestly. - -"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count. - -"Leave Dona Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, -dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the -missionary to her. Go: I follow you." - -The Spaniard went out at once to fulfil his orders. - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine said, so soon as he found -himself alone with the count. - -"In two days." - -"And you march?" - -"On La Magdalena." - -"Good! I will now ask your leave to go away, accompanied by Curumilla." - -"What! you wish to leave me?" the count exclaimed with regret. - -The hunter smiled. - -"You do not understand me, brother," he answered. "The Indian chief -and myself are almost useless here. How could we serve you? In no way; -while I am convinced we can make excellent scouts. Leave us to explore -the road, at the same time as we try to destroy, or at least lessen, -the prejudices which the calumnies so sedulously spread about you have -produced against everybody who bears the name of Frenchman." - -"I did not dare ask you to render me that service; but now, as you offer -it so frankly, I will not be so foolish as to refuse it. Go, brother. -Act as you please: all you do will be right." - -"Then farewell! I shall start immediately." - -"Without taking a moment's rest?" - -"You know that I never feel fatigue. Come, courage! We shall meet again -at La Magdalena." - -The two friends embraced, and then quitted the jacal. On the threshold -they separated, after a last pressure of the hand, Valentine going to -the right, the count to the left. - -A guard of ten men defended the approaches to headquarters, and a -sentinel was pacing, with shouldered musket, before the door of the -mission church, the count's temporary residence. On arriving at his -house Don Louis saw Don Cornelio, accompanied by two persons, one -of whom wore a clerical garb. They had stopped, and were apparently -waiting. The count hurried on. Although he had never, till this moment, -seen Father Seraphin, he recognised him by the portraits Valentine had -drawn. - -He was still the man with the angelic glance, the delicate and marked -features, the intelligently gentle countenance, whom we have presented -to our readers in another work; but the apostolate is severe in America. -Years count there as triple for missionaries really worthy of the title; -and Father Seraphin, though hardly thirty years of age, already bore on -his body and face traces of that precocious decrepitude to which those -men fall victims who sacrifice themselves, without any thought of self, -to the welfare of humanity. His back was beginning to bend, his hair was -turning white on his temples, and two deep wrinkles furrowed his brow. -Still the vivacity of his glance seemed to contradict this apparent -weakness, and prove that if his body had grown enfeebled in the contest, -the soul had ever remained equally young and powerful. - -The three men bowed politely. The count and the missionary, after -exchanging an earnest glance, shook hands with a smile. They had -understood each other. - -"You are welcome, sir," the count said, addressing the general, -"although I am surprised that you place such confidence in _pirates_, as -you call us, as to confide yourself so entirely to our honour." - -"The law of nations, sir," the general replied, "has certain recognised -rules which are respected by all men." - -"Excepting by those who are placed without the pale of society and the -common law of humanity," Don Louis remarked dryly. - -The missionary interposed. - -"Gentlemen," he said in his sympathetic voice, "between you there is no -enmity at this moment: there is only a father who claims his daughter -from a gentleman who, I feel convinced, will not refuse to restore her -to him." - -"Heaven forbid, my father," the count said quickly, "that I should -attempt to retain this man's daughter against her will, even were he a -thousandfold a greater enemy than he is." - -"You see, general," the missionary observed, "that I was not mistaken as -to the count's character." - -"Dona Angela came alone, impelled by her own will, into my camp: she is -respected and treated with all the attention she merits. Dona Angela -is free to act as she pleases, and I recognise no right to influence -her. As I did not carry her off from her father, as I did nothing to -attract her hither, I cannot restore her, as this gentleman appears to -demand. If Dona Angela is willing to return to her friends, nobody will -oppose it; but if, on the contrary, she prefers to remain here under the -protection of my brave comrades and myself, no human power will succeed -in tearing her from me." - -These words were pronounced in a peremptory tone, which produced a -marked impression on the two hearers. - -"However, gentlemen," the count continued, "what we say between -ourselves has no value so long as Dona Angela has not pronounced herself -in one way or the other. I will have the honour of leading you to -her. You will have an explanation with her, and she will tell you her -determination. Still, permit me to warn you that, whatever that decision -may be, both yourselves and myself are bound to submit to it." - -"Be it so, sir," the general said dryly: "perhaps it is as well that way -as any other." - -"Come, then," the count continued. - -And he preceded them to the hut which served as the maiden's private -residence. - -Dona Angela, seated on a butaca, and having Violanta at her feet, was -engaged with her needlework. On seeing her father and the persons who -accompanied him enter, a vivid blush purpled her cheeks, but almost -immediately she turned pale as death. Still she contrived to subdue the -emotion she felt, rose, bowed silently, and sat down again. The general -regarded her for a moment with a mingled expression of tenderness and -anger; then turning suddenly to the missionary, he said in a stifled -voice,-- - -"Speak to her, my father; I do not feel the strength to do so." - -The maiden smiled sadly. - -"My good padre," she said to the missionary, "I thank you for the -useless attempt you are making on me today. My resolution is formed: -nothing will alter it--it is impossible. I will never return to my -family." - -"Unhappy child!" the general exclaimed with sorrow, "what reason urged -you to abandon me thus?" - -"I do all justice to your kindness and tenderness toward me, father," -she answered with a melancholy air. "Alas! that unbounded tenderness -and the liberty you ever allowed me to enjoy are perhaps the cause of -what happens today. I do not wish to reproach you. My destiny has taken -possession of me: I will endure the consequences of the fault I have -committed." - -The general frowned and stamped his foot on the ground passionately. - -"Angela, my well-beloved child!" he continued bitterly, "reflect that -the scandal occasioned by your flight will dishonour you for ever." - -A contemptuous smile played round the maidens pallid lips. - -"What do I care?" she said. "The world in which you live is no longer -mine. All my joy and sorrow will be henceforth concentrated here." - -"But I, your father--you forget me, then, and I am no longer anything to -you?" - -The girl hesitated: she remained silent, with downcast eyes. - -"Dona," the missionary said gently, "God curses children who abandon -their father: return to yours. There is still time: he holds out his -arms to you---he calls you. Return, my child. A parent's heart is an -inexhaustible well of indulgence. Your father will forgive you: he has -already done so." - -Dona Angela shook her head, but made no further reply. The general and -the missionary regarded each other with disappointment, while Don Louis -stood a little in the rear, his arms folded on his breast, with sunken -head and thoughtful air. - -"Oh!" the general muttered with concentrated passion, "ours is an -accursed race!" - -At this moment Don Louis drew himself up, and walked a few paces forward. - -"Dona Angela," he said with marked significance, "was it really your own -will that brought you here?" - -"Yes," she answered resolutely. - -"And you have really decided on obeying neither the orders nor -entreaties of your father?" - -"Yes," she said again. - -"Then you renounce for ever your position in society, and your fortune?" - -"Yes." - -"You also renounce the protection of your father, who is your natural -guardian, and has every human and divine claim on you--you renounce his -affection?" - -"Yes," she murmured in a low voice. - -"Then it is now my turn;" and bowing to the general, he continued, -"Sir, whatever may be the hatred that sunders us--whatever may happen -at a later date--the honour of your daughter must remain pure and -unspotted." - -"In order to secure that result," the general said bitterly, "someone -must consent to marry her." - -"Yes. Well, I, the Count de Prebois Crance, have the honour of asking -you for her hand." - -The general fell back in amazement. - -"Do you really ask that seriously?" he said. - -"Yes." - -"Reflect that, while thanking you for your request, I consider it a -fresh aggrievance." - -"Be it so." - -"That this marriage will in nowise prevent the measures I intend taking -against you." - -"What do I care?" - -"And you still consent to give her your hand?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. You shall have my answer in four days." - -"At La Magdalena, then." - -"Be it so." The general turned to his daughter. "I do not curse you," -he said, "for God himself cannot free a child from its father's -malediction. Farewell! Be happy." - -And he rushed out, followed by the missionary. - -"My father," the count said, "I shall expect you at La Magdalena." - -"I shall be there, sir," Father Seraphin replied sadly, "for I foresee -that there will be tears to dry up." - -"Good-by, sir," the general said. - -"Good-by till we meet again," the count answered with a bow. - -The general and the missionary then mounted and set out, escorted by a -strong detachment of adventurers, who were to accompany them through the -outposts and pickets of the French company. The count looked after them -for a long time, and then walked back slowly to his room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LA MAGDALENA. - - -The village of La Magdalena occupies an important military position, for -it commands the three roads that lead to Ures, Hermosillo, and Sonora, -the chief cities of the State, and is nearly at an equal distance from -all three. This pueblo, in itself of but slight consideration, enjoys, -however, a certain reputation in the country, owing to the beauty of its -situation and the purity of the air breathed there. - -La Magdalena forms a species of parallelogram, one side of which -carelessly mirrors its white houses in the limpid waters of the Rio -San Pedro, a confluent of the Gila. Dense woods of palma Christi, -styrax, Peru trees, and mahogany form an insurmountable barrier against -the burning winds of the desert, while refreshing and perfuming the -atmosphere, and serve as a refuge for thousands of blue jays, cardinals, -and loros, which chatter gaily under the foliage, and enliven the -enchanting landscape--this ravishing oasis, placed there by the hand of -nature, as if to make the traveller returning from the prairie forget -the sufferings and fatigues of the desert. - -The festivities in honour of the patron saint at La Magdalena are the -most frequented and joyful of all Sonora. As they last several days, the -hacenderos and campesinos flock in for a hundred miles round. During -this _fete_, at which rivers of pulque and mezcal flow, there is one -succession of jaranas, montes, and bull baits; in a word, amusements of -every description, which no crime ever saddens, in spite of the great -concourse of strangers. The Mexicans are not wicked; they are only badly -educated, headstrong, and passionate children, but nothing more. - -Three days after the events we narrated in our previous chapter, the -Pueblo de la Magdalena, at the most animated period of its annual -festival, was in a state of more than ordinary agitation and excitement, -evidently not produced by the festival; for the people had suddenly -broken off their sports, and rushed, laughing and pressing, to one of -the ends of the pueblo, where, according to the few words whispered by -the gossips, something out of the way was taking place. - -In fact, bugles soon sounded a call, and a band of armed men debouched -on the pueblo, marching in good order, and to military tunes. First came -an advanced guard of a dozen well-mounted men; then came a company of -men formed in squads of about thirty each, bearing among them a large -banner, on which was inscribed, "Independencia de la Sonora." Behind -this band came two guns drawn by mules, then a squadron of cavalry, -immediately followed by a long file of wagons and carts. The march was -closed by a rearguard of twenty horsemen. - -This small _army_, about three hundred strong, marched through the -pueblo with heads raised and bold glances, passed the double row of -spectators, and stopped, at a signal from the chief, about one hundred -yards in front of the village, at a triangle formed by the meeting of -three roads. Here the troops were ordered to bivouac. - -It is almost needless to tell the reader that this _army_ was the -Atrevida Company. The good conduct of the band, and its martial air, -had gained the favour of the population of the pueblo through which -they marched so boldly. During the passage handkerchiefs and sombreros -were waved, and cries of "Bravo!" were heard. The count, on horseback -a few paces ahead of the main body, had not ceased for a moment bowing -gracefully to the right and left, and these salutes had been returned -with usury all along the village. - -So soon as the order to bivouac was given, each set to work, and in less -than two hours the adventurers, skilfully employing all within their -reach, had established the most graceful and picturesque encampment -that can be imagined. Still, as the count regarded himself as being -in an enemy's country, nothing was neglected not only to protect the -camp from a surprise, but also to place it in a respectable state of -defence. By the aid of the wagons and carts, reinforced by palisades, -the adventurers formed a barricade, still further defended by a ditch, -the earth from which was thrown up on the other side as a breastwork. In -the centre of the camp, on a small mound, rose the chiefs tent, before -which the guns were planted; and from its summit floated the flag to -which we have already alluded. - -The arrival of the French was a piece of good fortune for the Sonorians -whom the festival had attracted to La Magdalena. Indeed, for several -days they had been expected hourly; and the inhabitants, in spite of the -proclamations of the Mexican Government, which represented the French as -plunderers and bandits, had taken no further precautions against them -than to go and meet them, and receive them with shouts of welcome--a -characteristic fact which clearly proved that public opinion was not at -all deceived as to the meaning of the French pronunciamiento, and that -each knew perfectly well on which side were right and justice. - -When the camp was formed the authorities of the pueblo presented -themselves at the gate, asking, in the name of their fellow citizens, -permission to visit the Frenchmen. The count, delighted with this -measure, which was of good augury for the relations he hoped presently -to establish with the inhabitants, at once gave the requisite permission -with the best grace possible. - -De Laville had joined the count at about ten miles from the pueblo, at -the head of eighty horsemen, which supplied the army with a respectable -body of cavalry. Don Louis, having long been acquainted with the captain -of Guetzalli, appointed him Chief of the Staff, and intrusted to him -the annoying details of duty. De Laville eagerly accepted this mark of -confidence; and the count, thenceforward free to occupy himself with the -political portion of the expedition, retired to his tent, in order to -reflect on the means to be employed by which to bring over to his side -the population among which he now was. - -Since the day General Guerrero presented himself at the mission, -accompanied by Father Seraphin, the count, through a feeling of -propriety, had not seen Dona Angela again, over whom he watched, -however, with the utmost solicitude. The young lady appreciated this -delicacy, and, for her part, had not attempted to see him. She had -journeyed from the mission to La Magdalena in a closed palanquin, and a -tent had been erected for her at no great distance from the count's. - -The permission requested by the authorities had scarce been granted ere -the adventurers' camp was visited by all the inhabitants. The mob, eager -to see more nearly these bold men who, though in such small number, did -not fear to declare war openly against the Government of Mexico, rushed -in a body to the place occupied by them. The adventurers received their -guests with that gaiety which distinguishes Frenchmen, and in a few -hours gained the goodwill of the Sonorians, who, the more they saw of -them, the more they wished to see, and who never grew weary of admiring -their recklessness, and, above all, their imperturbable conviction of -the success of the expedition. Night was setting in, the sun was rapidly -sinking on the horizon, when Don Cornelio, who performed the duties of -aide-de-camp to the count, raised the curtain of his tent, and announced -to him that a field officer, who stated he had a message for him, asked -to speak with him. Don Louis gave the order for his introduction. The -envoy entered, and the count at once recognised in him Colonel Suarez. -On his side, the colonel made a gesture of surprise at seeing the man he -had met at Guetzalli, though he had not succeeded in finding out who he -was. Don Louis smiled at the colonel's astonishment, bowed politely, and -begged him to be seated. - -"I am requested, sir, by General Guerrero," the colonel said after the -usual compliments, "to deliver a letter to you." - -"I have already been told so, colonel," the count answered. "I presume -that you are acquainted with the contents of the letter?" - -"Nearly so, sir; for I have several words to add to it in the course of -conversation." - -"I am ready to hear you." - -"I will not waste your time, sir. In the first place here is the letter." - -"Very good," the count said, taking it and laying it on the table. - -"General Don Sebastian Guerrero," the colonel continued, "accepts the -offer you did him the honour of making him for the hand of his daughter: -still he desires that the nuptial ceremony should take place as soon as -possible." - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -"He desires also that this ceremony, at which he hopes to be present -with a large party of his relations and friends, should be celebrated at -La Magdalena by Father Seraphin." - -"I have a few observations to make on that subject, colonel." - -"I am listening to you, caballero." - -"I willingly consent that Father Seraphin should marry us; but the -ceremony will not take place at La Magdalena, but here in my camp, which -I cannot and will not leave." - -The colonel knit his brows. The count continued without seeming to -notice it:-- - -"The general can be present at the ceremony, with as many relations and -friends as he pleases; but as, unfortunately, we do not stand on such -good terms to each other as I should wish, and as I must take care of my -own safety, as much as he does of his, the general will be good enough -to send me ten hostages selected among the most influential persons -in the State. These hostages will be treated by me with the greatest -honour, and restored to the general one hour after the nuptial blessing -and the departure of the guests from the camp. But I must warn your -general that, if the slightest treachery is attempted against myself or -one of the men I have the honour of commanding, these hostages will be -immediately shot." - -"Oh!" the colonel exclaimed, "you distrust General Guerrero, sir, and -put no faith in his honour as a caballero." - -"Unfortunately, sir," the count replied dryly, "I have learned at my -own expense what the value is of the honour of certain Mexicans. I -will, therefore, enter into no discussion on that subject. Such are my -conditions. The general is at liberty to accept or refuse them; but I -pledge you my word of honour that I shall make no change." - -"Very well, sir," the colonel answered, intimidated in spite of himself -by the count's resolute accent, "I will have the honour of transmitting -these harsh conditions to the general." - -Don Louis bowed. - -"I doubt whether he will accept them," the colonel continued. - -"He can do as he pleases." - -"But is there no other way of settling the difference?" - -"I do not see any." - -"Well, in the event of the general accepting, how shall I let you know -it, so as to lose as little time as possible?" - -"In a very simple mode, sir--by the arrival of Father Seraphin and the -delivery of the hostages." - -"And, in that case, when will the ceremony take place?" - -"Two hours after the hostages have reached my camp." - -"I will retire, sir, and submit your reply to my superior officer." - -"Do so, sir." - -The colonel retired, and the count, who fancied himself sure of the -acceptance of his ultimatum, immediately gave the necessary orders for -the construction of the cabin intended to serve as a chapel. After this -he wrote a note, which was handed to Dona Angela through the medium of -Don Cornelio. This note, which was very laconic, contained the following -lines:-- - - "MADAM, - - "I have received your father's answer: it is favourable. - Tomorrow, in all probability, the ceremony of our marriage will - take place. I watch over you and myself. - - "The Count de PREBOIS CRANCE." - -After sending off this note the count wrapped himself in a cloak, and -went out to visit the posts, and assure himself that the sentries were -keeping good guard. The night was bright and clear; the sky studded with -an infinite number of brilliant stars; the atmosphere perfumed with a -thousand sweet odours; at intervals the strains of the guitars, borne on -the breeze, rose from the pueblo, and died out at the count's ear. The -camp was silent and gloomy; the adventurers, who had retired under their -leafy jacales, were enjoying that rest so necessary after a day's march; -the horses, hobbled pell-mell with the mules, were devouring their -alfalfa; the sentries, with shouldered muskets, were walking slowly -around the intrenchments with their eyes fixed on the plain. - -The count, after walking about for some time, and convincing himself -that everything was in the most perfect order, was induced by the -melancholy and mysterious softness of the night, to lean on the -breastwork; and, with his eye fixed on vacancy, not looking at or -probably seeing anything, he gradually gave way to his dreams, yielding -unconsciously to the mysterious influence of the objects that surrounded -him. From time to time, as the sentries called to each other, he -mechanically raised his head; then he would yield again to the flood of -thought that fell on him, and was so absorbed in himself that he seemed -to be asleep; but it was not so. - -For several hours he had been thus leaning over the breastwork, without -a thought of retiring, when he suddenly felt a hand lightly laid on -his shoulder. This touch, light as it was, sufficed to recall him -from the ideal worlds in which his imagination was galloping, and to -a consciousness of his present situation. The count stifled a cry of -surprise and turned round. A man was holding on to the outside of the -breastwork, his head scarce emerging over the top. It was Curumilla. - -The chief had a finger laid on his lips, as if to recommend prudence to -the count. The latter made a sign of pleasure on recognising the Indian, -and quickly bent down to him. - -"Well?" he said with his mouth to his ear. - -"You will be attacked tomorrow." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Indian smiled. - -"Yes," he said. - -"When?" - -"At night." - -"What hour?" - -"An hour before moonrise." - -"By whom?" - -"Palefaces." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Good-by." - -"Are you off again?" - -"Yes." - -"Shall I see you again?" - -"Perhaps." - -"When?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And Valentine?" - -"He will come." - -The Indian, doubtlessly fatigued with having talked so much, contrary to -his habits, although the sentences he uttered were of no extraordinary -length, slipped down the breastwork again, and said no more. Louis -looked after him, and saw him crawl away on his knees, and disappear -without producing the slightest sound. The scene had taken place so -rapidly, the Indian's flight had been so silent, that the count was on -the point of regarding it as an hallucination; but suddenly the hoot of -the owl, twice repeated, rose in the air. - -This signal had long been agreed on between Valentine and the count. He -understood that Curumilla, while warning him that he was safe, sent him -from a distance a last recommendation to silence. He tossed his head -sadly, and returned to his tent pensively, muttering in a low voice,-- - -"Another piece of treachery!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE COCK-FIGHT. - - -In marching on La Magdalena the count had a double object: in the first -place, that of meeting the rich hacenderos and alcaldes of the pueblos -dissatisfied with the Mexican Government, and try to draw them over to -his side by the brilliant prospects of independence he offered them; -secondly, by his strategic position at the village, to alarm General -Guerrero, and keep him constantly on the alert by a simultaneous feint -of aggressive movements on each of the three Sonorian capitals. - -The general, so soon as war was declared, had appealed to the population -with that pompous and verbose Mexican eloquence which only deceives -the foolish. The inhabitants, who were perfectly indifferent about the -Government, and cared but little to interfere in the general's private -quarrels, which he tried in vain to metamorphose into a national -question, had remained quietly at home, and had in no way responded to -their chiefs so-called patriotic appeal, the more so because, during the -four months since the French landed in Sonora, and had been traversing -the country, their conduct toward the population had been ever -exemplary, and not the smallest complaint had been made against them. - -The general, disappointed at the ill success of his machinations, then -changed his batteries. He proceeded to forced enlistments: next, not -satisfied with that, he treated with the Hiaquis and Opatas Indians, -in order to increase his army. He also wished, at the outset, to enrol -the Apaches; but the rude lesson the French had read the latter had -disgusted them with war, and they retired to their deserts without -listening to any new proposition. - -Still General Guerrero had succeeded in collecting an imposing force. -His army amounted to nearly 12,000 men--an enormous number, if we -think of the few combatants his enemy could draw up in time. The -general, we must do him the justice to say, in spite of his incessant -braggadocio, and the continual marches and countermarches he performed, -had an instinctive respect for his enemy, or, if you like it better, a -perfectly reasonable fear, which incited him to prudence, and prevented -him ever coming too close to the French outposts. He contented himself -with actively watching the count's movements, and holding the three -roads in such a way as to be able easily to concentrate his troops on -the point menaced by the adventurers. - -It is a singular fact that the Americans of the South have never been -able, after so many centuries, and though they are nearly descended -from the Spaniards, to dispel that superstitious terror with which the -European conquerors inspired them on their landing. The deeds of those -heroic adventurers are still in every mouth, and during the war of -independence it frequently happened that a handful of Spaniards put to -flight, merely by showing themselves, masses of Mexican insurgents. The -most convincing proof of our assertion we can produce is that, at this -very moment, three hundred French adventurers, isolated in the centre of -a country they did not know, and the majority of whom did not even speak -the language, held in check an army of 12,000 men, commanded by chiefs -who were esteemed good soldiers, and not only made Sonora tremble, but -even the Federal Government in Mexico itself. - -The boldness and temerity of the enterprise attempted by the count -increased, were that possible, the terror he inspired. This expedition -was so mad, that sensible men could not imagine that the count was -not backed up by secret, though powerful allies, who only awaited an -opportunity to declare themselves. This terror was carefully kept -up by the count's spies and scouts. The boldness of his movements, -the decision with which he acted, and finally, the occupation of La -Magdalena without a blow being struck, heightened the apprehensions of -the Government, and increased its indecision as to the intentions of the -chief, or, as they called him, the _Cabecilla_. - -It was about five in the morning when the curtain that closed the -count's tent was raised from the outside, and a man entered. Don Louis, -startled by this sudden apparition, rubbed his eyes and seized his -pistols, saying in a firm voice,-- - -"Who is there?" - -"I, of course," the new arriver said. "Who would dare enter in this way -except me?" - -"Valentine!" the count exclaimed with a shout of joy, and throwing -down his pistols. "You are welcome, brother: I have been expecting you -impatiently." - -"Thank you," the hunter said. "Did not Curumilla announce my return this -very night?" - -"Yes," the count said with a laugh; "but you know how easy it is to talk -with the chief." - -"That is true. Well, I have brought you the information he omitted to -give you, and perhaps it is all for the best." - -The count had dressed himself; that is to say, he put on his coat and -zarape, for he had thrown himself on his bed in his clothes. - -"Take a stool," he said, "and let us talk." - -"I prefer going out." - -"As you please," Don Louis answered, suspecting that his friend had -peculiar reasons for acting thus. They left the tent together. - -"Captain de Laville," the hunter said, addressing the young man, who was -walking up and down before the tent, "an escort of ten horsemen, a horse -for myself, and another for the chief, if you please." - -"At once?" - -"Yes, if it be possible." - -"Of course it is." - -"We are going to leave the camp, then?" Louis said when they were alone. - -"We are going to La Magdalena," the hunter made answer. - -"The moment is a most unfortunate one." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am expecting the general's answer." - -"In that case you can come," the hunter said with a malicious smile, -"for you will not receive that reply. The colonel's mission was only a -bait to lull your vigilance to sleep." - -"Oh, oh! are you certain of what you assert?" - -"By Jove!" - -At this moment the escort appeared. Louis and Valentine mounted. It was -hardly six in the morning; the country was deserted; at each puff of -wind the trees shook their branches, which were damp with the abundant -bright dew, and caused a gentle shower which rustled on the bushes; the -sun sucked up the dense vapour that rose from the ground; and the birds, -hidden in the foliage, woke up singing. The two friends, slightly in -advance of their escort, rode pensively side by side, with the bridle on -their horses' necks, and gazing vacantly at the magnificent landscape -which lay expanded before them. The first houses of the pueblo, gaily -enframed in clumps of floripondios and vines, were visible from a -turning in the road. Don Louis raised his head. - -"Well," he said, as if answering his own thoughts, "I swear this shall -be the last time that General Guerrero mocks me thus. It is plain that -Colonel Suarez only came to my camp to see for himself in what condition -we were." - -"For nothing else." - -"Where are we going now?" - -"To a cockfight." - -"A cockfight!" the count said in surprise. - -The hunter looked at him significantly. - -"Yes," he said to him, "you know, perhaps--or, if you do not, I will -tell you--that the finest cockfights take place annually at La Magdalena -at the period of the festival." - -"Ah!" Louis said indifferently. - -"I am certain that it will interest you," Valentine continued with a -cunning air. - -The count perfectly well understood that his friend only spoke to him -in this way in order to foil any eavesdroppers who might be about, and -was silent, for he felt certain that all would be cleared up ere long. -Besides, the little party were at this moment entering the pueblo, -the houses of which were beginning to open, in which the dwellers, -hardly awake, saluted them as they passed with joyous and friendly -smiles. After passing slowly through two or three streets, at a sign -from Valentine the detachment stopped before a house of rather mean -appearance, and which had nothing about it to recommend it to the -attention of strangers. - -"It is here," the hunter said. - -They stopped and dismounted. Valentine then gave the leader of the -escort strict orders to remain mounted with his men, and not stir till -the count's return; then he tapped discreetly at the door, which was -immediately opened. They entered, and the door was closed without their -seeing anybody. They were scarcely in the house ere the hunter led his -companion into a cuarto, the door of which he opened with a key he drew -from his pocket. - -"Follow my example," he said as he took off his vicuna hat and zarape, -which he exchanged for a cloak and a broad-brimmed straw hat. The count -imitated him. - -"Now come." - -They wrapped themselves carefully in their cloaks, pulled their hats -over their eyes, and left the house by a door cleverly hidden in the -wall, which communicated with the adjoining house, through which -they passed without meeting anybody, and found themselves once more -in the street. But during the few minutes they remained in the house -the appearance of the pueblo had completely changed. The streets were -now thronged with people coming and going: at each step children and -leperos were letting off fireworks with shouts of delight and bursts -of laughter. Through the whole of Spanish America, and especially in -Mexico, no at all respectable festival goes off without crackers and -fireworks: letting off squibs is the acme of joy. We will repeat on this -head a rather characteristic anecdote. - -Some time after the Spaniards had been definitively expelled from -Mexico, King Ferdinand one morning asked a rich Mexican who had sought -refuge at the court of Spain,-- - -"What do you imagine your countrymen are doing at this moment, Don Luis -de Cerda?" - -"Sire," the Mexican replied gravely, as he bowed to the king, "they are -letting off squibs." - -"Ah!" the king said, and passed on. - -A few hours later the king accosted the gentleman again: it was two in -the afternoon. - -"And now," he asked him gaily, "what are they engaged in?" - -"Sire," the Mexican said with no less gravity than on the first -occasion, "they continue to let off squibs." - -The king smiled, but made no reply. At nightfall, however, he again -addressed the same question to the gentleman, who answered with his -imperturbable coolness,-- - -"May it please your Majesty, they are letting off more squibs than ever." - -This time the king could not contain himself, but burst into a fit of -laughter--a very remarkable circumstance, for this prince was never -renowned for the jollity of his character. - -The Mexicans have three passions;--playing at monte, witnessing -cockfights, and letting off squibs. We believe that the third is the -most deeply rooted in them; and the quantity of powder consumed in -Mexico in the shape of squibs is incalculable. Hence squibs were being -let off in all the streets and on all the squares of La Magdalena. -At each step crackers exploded beneath the feet of our two friends, -who, however, long accustomed to Mexican habits, did not attach the -slightest importance to the fireworks, but continued their progress in -perfect coolness, clearing a way as well as they could through the dense -crowd of Indians, half-breeds, Negroes, Zambos, Spaniards, Mexicans, and -North Americans. At length they turned into a lane about half way down -the Calle San Pedro. - -"Halloh!" Louis said, "are we really going to see a cockfight?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a smile. "Let me alone. I told you it -would interest you." - -"Go on, then," the count said with a careless shrug of his shoulders. -"Deuce take you and your absurd ideas!" - -"Good, good!" Valentine replied with a laugh. "We shall see; but we have -arrived." - -And without any more words they entered the house. - -There is no amusement in Mexico, save perhaps monte or fireworks, which -excites interest to such a degree as a cockfight; and this interest is -not confined merely to a certain class of society. In this respect there -is no difference between the President of the Republic and the most -humble citizen, between the generalissimo and the lowest leper, between -the highest dignitary of the Church and the most obscure sacristan: -whites, blacks, half-castes, and Indians the whole population rushes -with unequalled frenzy to this bloody spectacle which is so full of -interest to them. - -The pit is arranged in the following way:--Behind a house a large yard -is selected, in the centre of which rises a circular amphitheatre, -from fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The wall of this amphitheatre is -never less than twenty feet high: it is built with brick, and carefully -covered with hard stucco inside and out. Five rows of seats rising above -each other complete the interior of the building. Until the opening -of the doors no one knows what birds are entered; but, so soon as the -public are admitted, the cocks are brought in. The bettors bring one -each, which are then intrusted to the care of the trainer who makes the -preliminary arrangements. These, however, are very simple. The cocks are -armed with artificial spurs made of polished steel, about four inches in -length, by half an inch wide at the base, slightly curved at the end, -and terminating in a sharp point, while the upper side of the spur is -sharpened. These spurs are firmly attached to the legs of the cocks by -straps. When thus prepared for the contest, the cocks are taken into the -pit by the trainers, who hold them up in the air, and submit them to -the inspection of the spectators, who then make their bets. The money -thus risked on the life of a bird is incredible, and men often ruin -themselves by betting. - -At the moment when the Frenchmen entered, the amusement had long before -begun, so that all the best places were taken, and the pit filled with -spectators pressing against each other. As, however, our friends had by -no means come to take an active part in the amusement, they modestly -seated themselves on the wall of the arena, where a band of ragged -leperos had taken refuge, too poor to bet, but who regarded with envious -eye and scarce-suppressed passion the happy favourites of fortune -who were moving about beneath them with shouts and exclamations. The -tumult was at its height, and all eyes were fixed on the pit, where--an -extraordinary circumstance--one cock had defeated nine others in -succession. - -The Frenchmen cleverly profited by the effervescence of the spectators -to pass on unnoticed, and reach the places they had selected. After -a minute Valentine lit a maize pajilla, and bent over to his foster -brother's ear. - -"Wait for me here," he said; "I shall return in a moment." - -Louis bowed in assent. Valentine rose with a nonchalant air, leaped -carelessly over the benches, and, with cigar in mouth, mingled among -the spectators who crowded the approaches to the pit. The count looked -after him for a few moments, but then lost him in the crowd. His eyes -then turned to the pit; and so great is the attraction offered by -this singular and cruel spectacle, that the count involuntarily grew -interested in what was going on before him, and even took a certain -pleasure in it. - -The combats followed in rapid succession, each offering different but -exciting incidents. The count began to find his foster brother's absence -protracted, for he had left him for nearly an hour, when all at once he -saw himself standing before him. - -"Well?" he asked him. - -"Well," Valentine answered in Castilian, "it appears that I was right, -and that Senor Rodrigo's cocks are achieving marvels. Come and see it -more closely. I assure you that it is curious." - -The count rose without replying, and followed him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Owing to their disguise, but, above all, the interest everybody took in -the cockfight, the Frenchmen succeeded in leaving the amphitheatre as -they had entered it; that is to say, without attracting any attention. -When they reached a sort of dark passage leading to the interior of the -house, Valentine stopped. - -"Listen, to me, Louis," he said, gluing his mouth, as it were, to his -friend's ear. "The moment has arrived for you to learn why I brought you -hither." - -"I am listening." - -"Since I left you at the mission, as you may suppose, I have not been -inactive. I have gone about the country, have entered into relations -with all the richest and most respected inhabitants, and have succeeded -in making them comprehend how important it was for them to join and -support you. The festival of La Magdalena offered us a favourable -opportunity for meeting without attracting the attention of the Mexican -Government, and arousing its apprehension. The only house in which a -large body of persons can meet without exciting notice is indubitably -that in which there is a cockpit. I therefore made an appointment here -for this moment with the malcontents, who are numerous. They are all men -who, by their fortunes or position, enjoy a high degree of consideration -in the State which we wish to revolutionise, and possess great -influence. I will introduce you to them: they are awaiting your arrival. -You will explain to them your intentions, and they will tell you on what -conditions they will consent to join you. Remember, however, brother, -that you are dealing with Mexicans. Set no more confidence in their -words or promises than they deserve. Be sure that success alone will -gain them; that if you fail they will abandon you remorselessly, and be -ready to deliver you up if they fancy they can derive any advantage from -such an act of infamy. Now, if what I tell you does not suit you, you -can retire, and I will undertake to dismiss them without compromising -you in any way." - -"No!" the count answered resolutely, "it is too late now: to hesitate or -recoil would be cowardly. I must go on at all risks. Announce me to our -new friends." - -"Come on, then." - -They walked to the end of the passage, where a closed door checked their -progress. Valentine tapped thrice at equal intervals with the hilt of -his machete. - -"Who is there?" a voice asked from inside. - -"The man expected a long time, though you did not dare hope that he -would come," Valentine answered. - -"He is welcome," the voice added. - -At this moment the door opened, the two men entered, and it closed -again on them immediately. They then found themselves in a large room -with whitewashed walls, and the floor of beaten earth. The furniture -consisted of benches, on which were seated some fifty men, some of whom -wore an ecclesiastical garb. Curtains of red serge placed before the -windows took off the glare, while at the same time preventing anyone -outside seeing what was going on. On the entrance of the count and -Valentine, all rose and uncovered themselves respectfully. - -"Caballeros," Valentine said, "according to my promise, I have the -honour to present to you the Count de Prebois Crance, who has consented -to accompany me in order to hear the propositions you have to make to -him." - -All bowed ceremoniously to the count, and he returned their bows with -that grace and amenity peculiar to him. A man of a certain age, with an -elegant and intelligent face, and dressed in the magnificent costume of -the rich hacenderos, advanced and addressed the hunter. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said with a slightly ironical accent, "I believe -you have made a small mistake." - -"Be good enough to explain, Senor Don Anastasio," the hunter replied. "I -do not understand the words you have done me the honour to address to -me." - -"You said, sir, that the count had done us the honour of coming to hear -the propositions we had to make to him." - -"Well, sir?" - -"That is just where the mistake lies, Don Valentine." - -"How so, Senor Anastasio?" - -"It appears to me that we have no propositions to make to the count, but -that we, on the contrary, should listen to his." - -A murmur of assent ran through the audience. Don Louis saw it was time -to interfere. - -"Gentlemen," he said, bowing gracefully to the hacenderos, "will you -allow me to have a frank explanation with you? I am convinced that -when I have done so any misunderstanding will be removed, and we shall -comprehend each other perfectly." - -"Speak, speak, senor!" they said. - -"Gentlemen," he went on, "will not here enter into any personal details. -I will not tell you how or why I arrived at Guaymas--in what way the -Government of Mexico, after breaking all the promises it made me, ended -by declaring me an enemy of the country, placed me without the pale of -society, and carried its impudence so far as to treat me as a pirate, -and set a price on my head, as if I were a bandit or wretched assassin; -for that would cause the loss of precious moments, and be a gratuitous -abuse of your patience, as you all know thoroughly what has occurred." - -"Yes, senor conde," the hacendero who had already spoken interrupted -him, "we know the facts to which you allude: we deplore them, and blush -for the honour of our country." - -"I thank you, gentlemen, for these marks, of sympathy: they are very -sweet to me, as they prove that you are not mistaken as to my character. -I will come to facts without further circumlocution." - -"Hear, hear!" the audience murmured. - -The count waited a few moments, and when silence was completely restored -he continued:-- - -"Gentlemen, Sonora is the most fertile and richest country not only of -Mexico, but of the whole universe. By its position at the extremity -of the centre of the Confederation, from which it is divided by lofty -mountains and vast despoblados, Sonora is a country apart, destined, -in a speedy future, to separate itself from the Mexican Confederation. -Sonora is sufficient for itself. The other provinces supply it with -nothing; on the contrary, Sonora supports and enriches them with the -surplus of its produce. But Sonora, owing to the system of oppression -under which it groans, is, properly speaking, only a vast desert. The -greater part of its territory is uncultivated, for the Government of -Mexico, which knows so well how to squeeze it, and seize the productions -of its soil, and the gold and silver of its mines, is impotent to -protect it against the enemies that surround it--the Indios Bravos, -whose incursions, annually becoming more insolent, threaten to grow -even more so, unless a speedy remedy is applied, and the evil uprooted. -I said, at the outset, that within a short period Sonora would be -separated from the Mexican Confederation. Let me explain myself. This -will happen inevitably, but in two different ways, according to the -advantage the inhabitants will derive from it. Sonora is menaced by -powerful enemies other than the Indians. These enemies are the North -Americans, those Wandering Jews of civilisation, whose axes you may hear -felling the trees of the last forests that separate you, and who will -soon invade and occupy your country, unless you take care; and it will -be impossible for you to offer the slightest resistance to this unjust -conquest, for you have no support to expect from your Government, which -consumes all its energies in the purposeless and universal contests of -the cabecillas, who seize on the power in turn." - -"Yes, yes," several persons exclaimed, "that is true; the count is -right." - -"This conquest with which you are menaced is imminent--it is inevitable; -and then what will happen, gentlemen? What has happened wherever the -Yankees have succeeded in planting themselves. You will be absorbed by -them: your language, customs, even your religion, all will be submerged -in this flood. See what has occurred in Texas, and shudder at the -thought of what awaits you soon!" - -A thrill of anger ran through the assembly at these words, of which each -recognised the justice in his heart. The count went on:-- - -"You have a means to escape this frightful evil; it is in your hands--it -depends on you alone." - -"Speak, speak!" was shouted on every side. - -"Declare your independence loudly, frankly, and energetically. Separate -yourselves boldly from Mexico, form the Sonorian Confederation, and call -to your aid the French emigrants in California. They will not remain -deaf to your appeal: they will come to help you not only in conquering, -but also in maintaining your independence against your enemies within -and without. The Frenchmen whom you adopt will become your brothers: -they have the same religion, almost the same habits as yourselves; in -a word, you belong to the same race. You will easily understand each -other. They will erect an impassable barrier against North American -invasion, make the Indians respect your frontiers, and compel the -Mexicans to recognise the right you have proclaimed of being free." - -"But," one of the company objected, "if we call the French to our aid, -what will they ask of us in return?" - -"The right of cultivating your lands which lie fallow," the count -answered energetically; "of bringing to you progress, the arts, and -industry; in one word, of peopling your deserts, enriching your towns, -and civilising your villages: that is what the French will ask. Is it -too much?" - -"No, certainly, it is not," Don Anastasio said amid a murmur of assent. - -"But," another objected, "who guarantees us that, when the moment -arrives to settle our accounts with the colonists we have summoned -to our aid, they will faithfully fulfil the promises they have made -us, and not insist, in their turn, on dictating laws to us, by taking -advantage of their number and strength?" - -"I, caballeros, I, who in their name will treat with you, and assume the -responsibility of everything." - -"Yes, the prospective of which you allow us a glimpse is seductive, -caballero," Don Anastasio answered in the name of all. "We recognise the -truth of the facts you tell us. We know only too well how precarious -our position is, and what great dangers menace us; but a scruple causes -us to refrain at this moment. Have we the right to plunge our unhappy -country, already half ruined, in the horrors of a civil war, when in -this unfortunate land nothing is prepared for an energetic resistance? -The Government of Mexico, so weak for good, is powerful for evil, -and it will manage to find troops to reduce us if we revolt. General -Guerrero is an experienced officer--a cold and cruel man, who will -recoil before no extremity, however terrible its nature, to stifle in -blood any attempt at insurrection. In a few days he has succeeded in -collecting a powerful army to conquer us: each of your soldiers, in the -coming contest, will have to fight against ten. However brave the French -may be, it is impossible for them to resist such an imposing force. A -battle lost, and all is over with you. Any armed opposition will become -impossible, and you will drag us down in your fall if we help you; and -we have the more to fear, because our position is not like yours. We are -sons of the country: we have in it our families and fortunes. We have, -therefore, everything to lose; while you, on the other hand, supposing -you are beaten, and your enterprise completely fails, have a means of -safety we cannot employ, in flight. These considerations are serious. -They oblige us to act with the greatest prudence, and reflect deeply, -before determining to shake off the detested yoke of Mexico. Do not -believe, caballero, that we speak thus through cowardice or weakness. -No, it is solely through the fear of failure, and the loss, in the -shipwreck, of the few shreds of liberty which, through policy, they -have not yet dared to tear from us, and which they possibly only need a -pretext to assail." - -"Gentlemen," the count answered, "I appreciate at their full value the -motives you have been good enough to lay before me. Still, permit me to -observe that, however serious the objections may be you do me the honour -of laying before me, we are not here to discuss them. The object of our -meeting is an offensive and defensive alliance between yourselves and -me, is it not?" - -"Certainly," most of the audience exclaimed, surprised by the count's -sudden change of position, and led to speak, perhaps involuntarily, more -hurriedly than they had intended. - -"Well," the count continued, "let us not waste our time, like those -tradesmen who boast to each other about the quality of their wares. Let -us go straight to our object, frankly, clearly, and like men of honour. -Tell me, without any concealment, on what conditions you consent to form -an alliance with me and give me your support, and the number of men I -can count on when the right moment arrives." - -"That is the right way to speak, senor conde," Don Anastasio replied. -"Well, to a question so clearly asked, we will answer no less clearly. -We do not doubt (Heaven forbid we should!) either the courage or -strategic skill of your soldiers: we know that the French are brave. -Still your band is not large: up to the present it has no support, and -only possesses the patch of ground on which it is encamped. Establish a -solid base of operations--seize, for instance, one of the three chief -cities of Sonora--then you will no longer be adventurers, but really -soldiers; and we shall no longer fear to treat with you, because your -expedition will have gained consistency--in one word, have become -earnest." - -"Very good, gentlemen; I understand you," the count answered coldly. -"And, in case I succeed in carrying one of the cities you mention, I can -count on you?" - -"Body and soul." - -"And how many men will you place at my disposal?" - -"Six thousand in four days--the whole of Sonora in a week." - -"You promise it?" - -"We all swear it!" they exclaimed enthusiastically. - -But this enthusiasm could not produce a flash or smile on the count's -face. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "within a fortnight I give you the meeting in -one of the three chief cities of Sonora; and then, as I shall have -accomplished my obligations, I shall call on you to keep yours." - -The Mexicans could not restrain a gesture of astonishment and admiration -at these noble words. The count, though no longer young, was still -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms. -Each of his phrases left a memory. All present came in turn to press -his hand, and renew individually their protestations of devotion, after -which they left the room. The count and Valentine remained alone. - -"Are you satisfied, brother?" the hunter asked him. - -"Who could be strong enough to galvanise this people?" the count -muttered with a mournful shrug of his shoulders, and rather answering -his own thoughts than the question his friend had addressed to him. The -two men went to fetch their zarapes. They found their escort where they -had left it, and retired slowly through the crowd, who saluted them as -they passed with shouts of "_Vivan los Franceses!_" - -"If I come to be shot some day," the count said bitterly, "they will -only have to alter one word." - -Valentine sighed, but made no reply. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -FATHER SERAPHIN. - - -Dona Angela had just awakened: a sportive sunbeam, passing indiscreetly -over her charming face, had made her open her eyes. She was lying half -extended in her hammock, with her head supported on her right arm, and -was pensively looking at the swan's-down slipper which she was idly -balancing on her dainty little foot. Violanta, seated at her foot on -a stool, was busily arranging the various articles of her mistress's -toilette. At length Dona Angela shook off her careless languor, and a -smile played on her coral lips. - -"Today," she said, as she raised her head coquettishly. - -This one word contained the maiden's thoughts, her joy, love, -happiness--her whole life, in fact. She fell back in a reverie, yielding -herself up unconsciously to the delicate and busy services of her -waiting-maid. The sound of a footstep was heard outside, and Dona Angela -raised her head quickly. - -"Someone is coming," she said. - -Violanta went out, but returned almost immediately. - -"Well?" - -"Don Cornelio requests permission to say two words to the senorita," the -camarista answered. - -The maiden frowned with an air of vexation. - -"What can he want again?" she said. - -"I do not know." - -"That man displeases me singularly." - -"I will tell him that you cannot receive him." - -"No," she said quickly, "let him enter." - -"Why, if he displeases you?" - -"I prefer seeing him. I do not know why, but that man almost terrifies -me." - -The waiting maid blushed and turned her head away, but recovered almost -immediately. - -"Still he is entirely devoted to Don Louis and yourself, senorita." - -"Do you think so?" she said, fixing a piercing glance on her. - -"Well, I suppose so; his conduct up to the present has been most -honourable." - -"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Still there is something at the bottom -of my heart which tells me that this man hates me. I experience, on -seeing him, an insurmountable feeling of repulsion. This is something -inexplicable to me; but, though everything seems to prove to me that I -am wrong, still, whether right or wrong, there is at times an expression -in his glance which makes me shudder. The only thing a man cannot -disguise is his look, for it is the reflex of his soul, and God has -decreed it so, in order that we may put ourselves on our guard, and -recognise our enemies. But he is doubtlessly tired of waiting. Let him -come in." - -Violanta hastened to execute her mistress's orders. Don Cornelio entered -with a smile on his lips. - -"Senorita," he said, after a graceful bow, which the maiden returned -without leaving her hammock, "pardon me for daring to trouble your -solitude; but a worthy priest, a French missionary, desires that you -will grant him the favour of a few minutes' interview." - -"What is the missionary's name, Senor Don Cornelio?" - -"Father Seraphin, I believe, senorita." - -"Why does he not address himself to Don Louis?" - -"He intended to do so in the first instance." - -"Well?" - -"But," Don Cornelio continued, "at sunrise Don Louis left the camp, -accompanied by Don Valentine; and though it is now near midday, he has -not yet returned." - -"Ah! Where did Don Louis go to at so early an hour?" - -"I cannot tell you, senorita. All that I know for certain is, that he -proceeded in the direction of La Magdalena." - -"Has anything new occurred?" - -"Nothing I am aware of, senorita." - -There were a few moments of silence, during which Dona Angela was -reflecting. At length she continued: - -"And do you not suspect what this missionary wishes to say to me, Don -Cornelio?" - -"In no way, senorita." - -"Beg him to come in. I shall be happy to see and converse with him." - -Violanta, without giving Don Cornelio time to reply, raised the curtain -that closed the entrance of the jacal. - -"Come in, my father," she said. - -The missionary appeared. Dona Angela greeted him respectfully, and -pointed to a chair. - -"You wish to speak with me, my father?" she said. - -"Yes, madam," he replied with a bow. - -"I am ready to listen to you." - -The missionary looked round in a way that Don Cornelio and the waiting -maid understood, for they went out at once. - -"Cannot what you have to say to me be heard by that girl, who is devoted -to me?" - -"Heaven forbid, madam, that I should try to lessen the confidence you -place in that person, but allow me to give you a little piece of advice." - -"Pray do so." - -"It is often dangerous to confide your secret thoughts to persons in a -lower station than yourself." - -"Yes, that may be true in theory, my father, but I will not discuss it. -Be kind enough to explain to me the reason of your visit." - -"I am grieved, madam, at having hurt your feelings without wishing it. -Pardon an observation which you considered indiscreet, and may Heaven -grant that I am deceived!" - -"No, my father, no; I did not consider your remark indiscreet. But I am -a spoiled child, and it is my place to ask your forgiveness." - -At this moment the sound of horses was heard in the camp. Violanta -raised the curtain. - -"Don Louis has arrived," she said. - -"Let him come hither at once," Dona Angela exclaimed. - -The missionary gazed on her with an expression of gentle pity. A few -minutes later Don Louis and Valentine entered the jacal. The hunter -walked up to the missionary, and pressed his hand affectionately. - -"Have you come from the general, my father?" the count asked him quickly. - -"Alas, no!" he answered. "The general is unaware of my coming; for had -he known of it, he would probably have tried to oppose it." - -"What do you mean? Speak, in Heaven's name!" - -"Alas! I am about to redouble your agony and your sorrow. General -Guerrero never intended to bestow on you this lady's hand. I cannot tell -you what I have seen or heard, for my office forbids it; but I am a -Frenchman, sir--that is to say, your fellow countryman--and I believe -my duty orders me to warn you that treachery surrounds you on all sides, -and that the general is trying to lull your vigilance by fallacious -promises, in order to surprise you and finish with you." - -Don Louis let his head sink on his chest. - -"In that case, sir," he said presently, "with what object have you come -here?" - -"I will tell you. The general wishes to get back his daughter, and, to -effect that, all means will be good. Permit me to draw your attention to -the fact that, under present circumstances, the lady's presence here is -not only a danger for you, but also an ineffaceable stain on her honour." - -"Sir!" the count exclaimed. - -"Deign to listen to me," the missionary continued coldly. "I do not -doubt either your honour or the lady's; but you have no power, to my -knowledge, to impose silence on your enemies, and stop the immense flood -of calumny they pour out on you and her. Unhappily your conduct seems to -justify them." - -"But what is to be done? What means shall I employ?" - -"There is one." - -"Speak, my father." - -"This is what I propose. You intend to marry this lady?" - -"Certainly; you know that is my dearest wish." - -"Let me finish. The marriage must not be celebrated here; for such a -ceremony, performed in the midst of a camp of adventurers, without -witnesses, would seem a mockery." - -"But----" - -"It must take place in a city, in the presence of the entire population, -in the broad sunshine, to the sound of the bells and cannon, which, -traversing the air, will tell all that the marriage has really taken -place." - -"Yes," Valentine remarked, "Father Seraphin is right; for then Dona -Angela will no longer marry a pirate, but a conqueror, with whom terms -must be made. She will not be the wife of an adventurer, but of the -liberator of Sonora, and those who blame her today will be the first to -sing her praises." - -"Yes, yes, that is true!" the maiden cried with fire. "I thank you, my -father, for coming. My duty is laid down: I will accomplish it. Who will -dare to attack the reputation of her who has married the saviour of her -country?" - -"Still," the count remarked, "this is only a palliative, after all. -The marriage cannot take place yet. A fortnight, perhaps a month, will -elapse ere I have rendered myself master of a city. Till then Dona -Angela must remain in the camp where she has hitherto been." - -All eyes were anxiously turned to the missionary. - -"No," he said, "if the young lady will allow me to offer her a shelter." - -"A shelter!" she said with an inquiring glance. - -"Very simple and most unworthy to receive her, doubtlessly," he -continued, "but where at least she will be in safety, in the midst of a -family of honourable and good persons, to whom it will be a delight to -receive her." - -"Is the shelter you offer me, my father, very far from here?" the maiden -asked quickly. - -"Twenty-five leagues at the most, in the direction in which the French -expedition must proceed on its march into Sonora." - -Dona Angela gave a cunning smile at having been so well understood by -the good priest. - -"Listen, my father," she said with that resolution which was one of the -principal features of her character. "Your reputation reached me long -ago, and I know that you are a holy man. Even if I did not know you, -the friendship and respect Don Valentine professes for you would be to -me a sufficient guarantee. I trust myself in your hands. I understand -how unsuitable my presence in the camp now, at any rate, is. Take me -wherever you please. I am ready to follow you." - -"My child," the missionary said with charming unction, "it is God who -inspires this determination. The grief you will feel at a separation of -a few days at the most will double the happiness of a reunion which no -one will dare any longer to oppose--which will not only raise you again -in the public opinion, which it is always precious to preserve, but -also give your reputation a lustre which it will be hopeless to try and -tarnish." - -"Go, then, as it must be so, Dona Angela," the count said. "I intrust -you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse -ere we are again together." - -"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater -courage the agony of absence." - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked. - -"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us -get over it at once." - -"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, -Dona Angela--you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by -heavens, I love you as a sister!" - -Dona Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. -The latter continued:-- - -"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort----" - -"For what?" the priest asked simply. - -"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the -enemy's marauders." - -"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us -than an escort, which is often compromising." - -"For you, I grants but, my father, you do not remember that you will -travel with two females who must be immediately recognised." - -"That is true," he said simply; "I did not think of it." - -"What is to be done, then?" - -Dona Angela began laughing. - -"Gentlemen, you are really troubled by a very trifling matter. The good -father said an instant back, that the gown is the best safeguard, for -friend and foe will respect it under all circumstances." - -"That is true," the missionary said in confirmation. - -"Well, it is extremely simple. If Father Seraphin has no objection, -my waiting maid and myself will put on novices' robes, under which it -will be easy for us to disguise ourselves so cleverly that no one can -recognise us." - -Father Seraphin seemed to be reflecting profoundly for a few moments. - -"I see no serious obstacles to this disguisement," he at length -observed: "under the circumstances it is permissible, as it will serve a -good object." - -"But where shall we find monks' robes?" the count objected, half -seriously, half laughing. "I must confess that my camp is completely out -of them." - -"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La -Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during -that time Dona Angela will complete her preparations for departure." - -No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an -hour after, Dona Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don -Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed -under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a -warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by -Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a -secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for -serious thought, could they have seen it. - -"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. -"A priest is a very weak escort in the present times." - -"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that." - -"Oh! you always think of everything, brother." - -"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will -soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be -surprised." - -"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through -Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair." - -"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for -we have hardly the requisite time for action." - -"Have you any plan?" - -"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be -awfully taken in." - -"On my word, I trust to you with the greater pleasure because we have -been a long time already at La Magdalena, and I wish to begin my forward -march seriously." - -"Very good. Can you spare me fifty adventurers?" - -"Take as many as you like." - -"I only want fifty resolute men accustomed to desert warfare. For that -purpose I shall take Captain de Laville, and recommend him to select -from among the men he brought with him from Guetzalli the boldest and -most clever." - -"Do so, my friend. As for myself, I will carefully watch over the camp, -and double the patrols." - -"That precaution can do no harm. So now good-by till tomorrow." - -"Farewell!" - -They separated, and Don Louis returned to his tent. - -At the moment Valentine reached Captain de Laville's jacal he saw Don -Cornelio quitting the camp with an indifferent air, and mechanically -looked after him. In a moment he lost him out of sight behind a clump -of trees, but all at once saw him reappear but mounted this time, and -setting off full gallop in the direction of the pueblo. - -"Eh, eh?" Valentine muttered with a thoughtful air. "What can Don -Cornelio have to do in such haste at La Magdalena? I will ask him." - -And he entered the jacal, where he found the captain, with whom he -immediately began discussing the plan he had formed to foil the intended -surprise on the part of the Mexicans. As we shall see this plan carried -out presently, we will say nothing about it here, but go and rejoin -Father Seraphin and Dona Angela. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE. - - -It is especially at night, about two hours after sunset, that American -scenery assumes grand proportions. Under the influence of the first -night shadows the trees seem to put on majestic forms; the animated -silence of the desert becomes more mysterious; and man experiences -involuntarily a feeling of undefinable respect, which contracts his -heart, and fills him with superstitious dread. At that hour the waters -of the rivers flow with hoarse murmurings; the heavy and sinister flight -of the birds of night agitates the air with a fluttering of evil augury; -and the wild beasts, aroused in their hidden dens, salute the darkness -with long howlings of joy, for at night they are incontestably the kings -of the desert, for man is deprived of his greatest strength--the power -of the eye. - -Father Seraphin was riding by the side of the two females along the foot -of a lofty mountain, whose wooded slopes were lost in the black depths -of the Barrancas. Since leaving the camp they had not stopped once. They -were following at this moment a narrow path traced by mules, which wound -with countless turnings along the sides of the mountain. This path was -so narrow that two horses could scarce go along side by side; but the -steeds on which our travellers were mounted were so sure-footed, that -the latter proceeded without any hesitation along a road on which no -other animal would have ventured in the darkness. - -The moon had not yet risen; not a star glistened in the cloud-laden sky; -the darkness was dense; and, under the circumstances, this was almost -fortunate; for had the travellers been able to see the spot where they -were, and the way in which they were suspended, as it were, in space at -a prodigious height, possibly their courage would have failed them, and -their heads grown dizzy. Father Seraphin and Dona Angela were riding -side by side: Violanta was a few paces behind. - -"My father," the young lady said, "we have now been travelling for -nearly six hours, and I am beginning to feel fatigued. Shall we not halt -soon?" - -"Yes, my child, in an hour at the most. In a few moments we shall leave -this path, and cross a defile called the Quebrada del Coyote: at the end -of that pass we shall spend the night in a poor house, which is now not -more than two miles off." - -"You say we are going to pass through the Coyote defile. We are, then, -on the road to Hermosillo?" - -"Quite true, my child." - -"Is it not imprudent for us to venture on this road, which my father's -troops command." - -"My child," the missionary said gently, "in good policy we must often -risk a great deal in order to secure greater tranquillity. We are not -only on the road to Hermosillo, but we are going to that very city." - -"What! to Hermosillo?" - -"Yes, my child. In my opinion it is the only spot where you will be -completely safe from your father's search, as he will never think of -looking for you there, and cannot imagine that you are so near him." - -"That is true," she said after a moment's reflection. - -"The plan is a bold one, and hence must succeed. I believe, in truth, -that Hermosillo is the only spot where I can be safe from the pursuit of -those who have an interest in finding me." - -"I will take care, besides, to recommend you to the persons to whom I -shall intrust you; and, for greater security, I will leave you as little -as possible." - -"I shall be greatly obliged to you, my father, for I shall feel very sad -and lonely." - -"Courage, my child! I have faith in Don Louis. Heaven must protect his -expedition, for the work he has undertaken is grand and noble, as it has -for its object the emancipation of an entire country." - -"Believe me, my father, I am happy to hear you speak thus. The count may -fail; but in that case he will fall like a hero, and his death will be -that of a martyr." - -"Yes, the count is a chosen vessel. I believe, like yourself, my child, -that if his contemporaries do not do him the justice which is his -due, posterity at least will not confound him with those filibusters -and shameless adventurers for whom gold alone is everything, and who, -whatever may be the title they assume, are in reality no more than -highway robbers. But the road is growing wider--we are about to enter -the pass. This spot does not enjoy a very good reputation, so keep by my -side. Although I believe that we have nothing to fear, it is always well -to be prudent." - -In fact, as the missionary stated, the path had suddenly widened out: -the two sides of the mountain, which had, for some distance, been -gradually drawing together, now formed two parallel walls, at the most -only forty yards apart. It was this narrow gorge which was known as -the Quebrada del Coyote. It was about half a mile in length; but then -it suddenly grew wider, and opened on a vast _chaparral_, covered with -thickets and fields of dahlias; while the mountains separated to the -right and left, not to meet again till eighty leagues further on. - -At the moment when the travellers entered the pass the moon broke out -from the clouds in which it floated, and lighted up this dangerous pass -with its mournful and sickly light. This gleam, weak as it was, could -not fail to be agreeable to the travellers, as it allowed them to look -around and see where they were. They pressed on their wearied steeds, -in order to arrive more speedily at the end of the gloomy gorge in -which they were. They had gone on for about ten minutes, and had nearly -reached the centre of the pass, when the neighing of a horse smote their -ears. - -"We have travellers behind us," the missionary said with a frown. - -"And in a hurry, as it seems," Dona Angela added. "Hark!" - -They stopped to listen. The noise of hurried galloping reached their -ears. - -"Who can these men be?" the missionary murmured, speaking to himself. - -"Travellers like ourselves, probably." - -"No," Father Seraphin remarked, "travellers would not go at such a pace: -they are doubtlessly persons in pursuit of us." - -"That is not probable, my father: no one is aware of our journey." - -"Treachery has the eye of the lynx and the ear of the opossum, my dear -child. It is incessantly on the watch: everything is known--a secret is -no longer one when two persons know it. But time presses: we must make -up our minds." - -"We are lost if they are enemies!" Dona Angela exclaimed with terror. -"We have no help to expect from any one." - -"Providence is on the watch, child. Place confidence in her: she will -not abandon us." - -The noise of horses rapidly approaching came nearer, and resembled -the grumbling of thunder. The missionary drew himself up: his face -suddenly assumed an expression of indomitable energy which would have -been thought impossible for such gentle features; his voice, usually so -pleasant and sonorous, became quick, and almost harsh. - -"Place yourselves behind me, and pray," he said; "for, if I am not -greatly mistaken, the meeting will be dangerous." - -The two females obeyed mechanically. Dona Angela believed herself lost: -alone with this poor priest, any resistance must be impossible. The -missionary collected the reins in his left hand, attached them to the -pommel of his saddle, and awaited the shock with his face turned to -the newcomers. He had not long to wait: within scarce five minutes ten -horsemen appeared at full gallop. When twenty paces from the travellers -they halted as firmly as if their horses' hoofs were suddenly fixed in -the ground. - -These men, as far as it was possible to distinguish in the doubtful and -tremorous light of the moon, were dressed in the Mexican garb, and their -faces were covered with black crape. Doubt was no longer possible: these -sinister horsemen were really in pursuit of our travellers. There was an -instant of supreme silence--a silence which the missionary at length -resolved to break. - -"What do you want, gentlemen?" he said in a loud and firm voice. "Why -are you pursuing us?" - -"Oh, oh!" a mocking voice said, "the dove assumes the accent of the -gamecock. Senor padre, we have no intention to injure you; we only wish -to do you a service by saving you the trouble of guarding the two pretty -girls you so cleverly have with you." - -"Go your way, sirs," the priest continued, "and do not trouble -yourselves about what does not concern you." - -"Come, come, senor padre," the first speaker went on, "surrender with -a good grace: we should not like to fail in the respect due to you. -Resistance is impossible--we are ten against you alone: besides, you are -a man of peace." - -"You are cowards!" the missionary shouted. "Retire! A truce to mockery, -and let me continue my journey in peace." - -"Not so, senor padre, unless you consent to leave us your two -companions." - -"Ah, ah! that is it? Well, then, we must fight, gentlemen. It seems to -me that you are strangely mistaken about me. Yes, I am a missionary, -a man of peace; but I am also a Frenchman, and you appear to have -forgotten that. You must understand that I will not suffer the slightest -insult to the persons, whoever they may be, whom Heaven has placed under -my protection." - -"And with what will you defend them, Mr. Frenchman?" the stranger asked -with a grin. - -"With these," the missionary coldly replied as he drew a brace of -pistols from his holsters, and set the hammers with a resolute air. - -The bandits hesitated involuntarily. The missionary's action was so -clear, his voice so firm, his presence so intrepid, that they felt -themselves tremble; for they understood that they had a brave-hearted -man before them, who would sooner die than yield an inch. The Mexicans -do not respect much; but we must do them the justice of saying that they -have an unbounded reverence for the priest's gown. The missionary was -not a man like some who may be unfortunately met with, especially among -the clergy of North and South America. His reputation for virtue and -goodness was immense along the whole Mexican frontier: it was a serious -matter to insult him, much more to threaten him with death. Still the -strangers had advanced too far to give way. - -"Come, padre," the man who had hitherto been spokesman said, "do not -attempt any useless resistance. At all risks we will carry off these -women." - -And he made a movement as if to advance. - -"Stop! One step further, and you are a dead man. I hold in my hands the -life of two." - -"And I of two others," a rough voice exclaimed; and a man, suddenly -emerging from a thicket, bounded forward like a jaguar, and placed -himself intrepidly by the missionary's side. - -"Curumilla!" the latter exclaimed. - -"Yes," the chief answered, "it is I. Courage! Our friends are coming up." - -In fact a dull and continued sound could be heard rapidly increasing. -The strangers had not yet paid attention to it, as they were so engaged -by their discussion with the missionary. Still the situation was -growing complicated. Father Seraphin saw that, so long as a pistol was -not fired, he should remain almost master of the situation, certain, -from Curumilla's words, as he was of seeing speedy help arrive. His -resolution was at once formed: all he wanted was to gain time, and he -attempted it. - -"Come, gentlemen," he said, "you see that I am no longer alone: God has -sent me a brave auxiliary; hence my position is no longer so desperate. -Will you parley?" - -"Parley!" - -"Yes." - -"Be quick." - -"I will try to be so, as I presume, from the way in which you stopped -me, you are salteadores. Well, look you. You have me almost in your -power, or at least you think so. Remember that I am only a poor -missionary, and that what I possess belongs to the unhappy. How much -do you want for my ransom? Answer. I am ready to make any sacrifice -compatible with my position." - -Father Seraphin might have spoken thus for a long time, for the -strangers were no longer listening: they had noticed the approaching -sound, and were beginning to grow nervous. - -"Maldicion!" the man who had hitherto spoken said, "that demon has -mocked us." - -He dug his spurs into his horses flanks; but the noble animal, instead -of bounding forward, reared up almost straight with a snort of pain, and -then fell in a heap. Curumilla had cut its back sinews with a blow of -his machete. After this exploit the Indian uttered a loud cry for help, -which was answered by a formidable hurrah. - -Still the impulse had been given, and the bandits rushed forward with a -ferocious yell. The missionary discharged his pistols, rather for the -purpose of hastening the advent of his unknown friends than of wounding -his enemies, which was easy to see; for no one fell, and the two parties -were so close that it was almost impossible to miss the mark. - -At the same instant five or six horsemen rushed on the strangers like -a whirlwind. A frightful medley began, and the bullets whistled in -every direction. The missionary had dismounted, and, compelling the two -females to do the same, he led them a few paces in the rear, in order to -protect them from the shots. But the struggle was not a long one: within -five minutes the bandits fled at full speed, pursued by nearly all the -newcomers, and leaving four of their men stretched on the ground. - -After a chase of a few minutes, however, the horsemen giving up a -pursuit which they saw was useless, returned and joined the missionary. -The latter, forgetting the unjust aggression he had just escaped, was -already seeking to succour the unhappy men who had fallen victims to -the trap they had laid for him: he went piously from one to the other, -in order to offer them assistance if there were still time. Three were -dead: the fourth was gasping and rolling on the ground in convulsions -of death. The missionary raised the veil that concealed his face, and -uttered a cry of surprise on recognising him. At this cry the dying man -opened his eyes, and fixed a haggard glance on Father Seraphin. - -"Yes, it is I," he said in an expiring voice. "I have only what I -deserve." - -"Unhappy man!" the missionary replied, "Is that what you swore to me?" - -"I tried to do it," he continued. "A few days back I saved the man you -recommended to me, father." - -"And I," the missionary said sorrowfully, "you owe your life to me, and -yet tried to kill me?" - -The dying man made a gesture of energetic denial. - -"No," he exclaimed, "never! Look you, my father: there are accursed -natures in the world. El Buitre was a wretched bandit. Well, he dies as -he lived: that is just. Good-by, father! Well, I saved your friend, the -hunter. Ah, ah!" - -While saying this the wretch had sat up. Suddenly he was seized with a -convulsion, and rolled on the ground: he was dead. The missionary knelt -down by his side and prayed. All present, moved involuntarily, took off -their hats piously, and remained silent by his side. All at once shouts -and firing were heard, and a numerous baud of horsemen galloped down the -pass. - -"To arms!" the men shouted, leaping into their saddles hurriedly. - -"Stay," Curumilla said; "they are friends." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -Employing our privilege as romancers, we will go back a little way, -and return to Don Cornelio, whom Valentine looked after with such -astonishment when he saw him leave the camp in such an unusual manner. - -In the first place we will say a few words about Don Cornelio, that -joyous and careless gentleman whom, in the first part of this history, -we saw so impassioned for music generally, and the romance del Rey -Rodrigo in particular. At the present time he was greatly changed: he no -longer sang--the chords of his jarana no longer vibrated under his agile -fingers; a deep wrinkle crossed his brow; his cheeks had grown pale; -and he frowned incessantly under the pressure of gloomy thoughts. What -could have happened? What powerful cause had thus changed the Spaniard's -character? - -This cause might be easily guessed. Don Cornelio loved Dona Angela. -He loved her with all his strength--we will not say with a true and -sincere love, for it was not love at all that he felt for her: another -sentiment, less noble, but perhaps more lively, had craftily entered the -gentleman's heart by the side of love. - -This sentiment was avarice. We previously stated that Don Cornelio was -under the influence of a fixed idea. This idea had led the Spaniard to -America. The hidalgo wished to make his fortune by a marriage with a -lady young, rich, and fair, but, before all, rich. A fixed idea is more -than a passion, more than a monomania: it is the first stage of madness. -Many times had Don Cornelio been deceived in his attempts on rich -American women, whom he sought to dazzle, not by his luxury (for he was -poor as Job, of lamentable memory), but by his personal advantages; that -is to say, his beauty and wit. His meeting with Dona Angela decided his -fate. Persuaded that the young lady loved him, he began to love her, for -his part, with the frenzy of the drowning man, for whom such a love was -the only chance of salvation. - -When he perceived his error it was too late. We will do him the justice -of conceding that the poor gentleman had struggled valiantly to tear -from his heart this insensate passion. Unfortunately all his efforts -were futile, and, as ever happens under such circumstances, forgetting -all he owed to Don Louis, who had saved him not only from misery, but -also from death, he felt for the count an intense hatred, the more -tenacious because it was dumb and concentrated; and, by a natural -feeling, he turned one half of that hatred on Dona Angela, although the -young lady and the count had only been the instruments, throughout the -affair, of that fatality which was so bitter against him. - -Thus, with extreme patience and unexampled hypocrisy, Don Cornelio -prepared his vengeance against these two beings, who had never done him -aught but kindness, and watched with the perfidy of a wild beast the -opportunity to destroy them. This opportunity would not be difficult to -find in a country where treachery is the order of the day, and forms the -basis of all combinations and transactions, of whatever nature they may -be. - -Don Cornelio had entered into relations with the enemies of the count, -and surrendered to them the secrets the latter allowed to let slip in -his presence. He had so arranged as to make his two foes fall into a -trap from which they could not escape, and in wreathing round them a -net from which extrication would be impossible. And now that we have -explained Don Cornelio's feelings to the reader we will proceed with our -narrative. - -The Spaniard had succeeded in drawing over to his side Dona Angela's -waiting maid. Thus Violanta betrayed her mistress to the profit of Don -Cornelio, by whom she believed herself beloved, and who, had led her -to fancy that he would marry her some day. From the camarista, who had -remained on the listen, the Spaniard learned all that was said in the -jacal between Father Seraphin, the count, and the young lady: the order -he afterwards received to go to La Magdalena and purchase the gowns -dissipated all his doubts, and he resolved to act without loss of time. - -It was by his advice that the Mexicans were to attempt to attack -the camp that very night: hence he knew where to find them. Taking -advantage, therefore, of a moment when everybody was too busy with his -own affairs to think about what others were doing, he glided silently -out of the camp, like a man taking a morning's walk, gained a clump of -trees behind which a horse was hidden, and rode off at full speed across -country, after taking a scrutinising glance around to assure himself -that he was not watched. - -He galloped thus for several hours, not seeming to follow any regular -road, dashing straight on, and paying no attention to obstacles, or not -checking the speed of his horse. Still, gradually his thoughts, at -first gloomy and sad, assumed a different direction: he attached the -bridle to his saddle-bow, and for the first time for many a day his -fingers began straying mechanically over the resonant strings of his -jarana, which he always wore in a sling, and brought with him; then, -yielding unconsciously to the influence of the surrounding scenery, he -began singing in a loud voice that couplet of the romance which bore a -certain degree of reference to his present position:-- - - "Amada enemiga mia, - De Espana segunda Elena, - O isi yo naciera ciego! - O itu sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto y hora - Que al mundo me dio mi estrella: - Pechos que me dieron leche - Mejor sepulcro me dieran - Pagara----"[1] - -"Deuce take the owl singing at this hour!" a rough voice said, harshly -interrupting the virtuoso. "Who ever heard such an infernal row?" - -Don Cornelio looked around. The darkness was profound. A tall man with -crafty air, and mustachios turned up, was examining him impudently while -tapping the hilt of a long rapier. - -"Eh, eh!" the Spaniard said with great composure, "Is that you, captain? -What are you doing here?" - -"Waiting for you, Cristo." - -"Well, here I am." - -"That is fortunate. When do we start?" - -"All is changed." - -"Eh?" - -"Lead me first to your encampment, where I will explain it all to you." - -"Come." - -Don Cornelio followed him. This captain, whom the reader has doubtless -recognised, was the old soldier of the war of independence whom we had -the honour of presenting to him under the name of Don Isidro Vargas, the -confidential tool of General Guerrero, to whom he was attached like the -blade to the hilt. - -The Spaniard, drawing his horse after him by the bridle, entered a -large clearing lighted up by a dozen fires, round which were crouched -a hundred men with sinister faces and irregular accoutrements, but all -armed to the teeth. These bandits, whose ferocious appearance would have -delighted a painter, illumined as they were by the fantastic flames of -the braseros, were gambling, drinking, and quarrelling, and did not -seem to notice Don Cornelio's arrival. The latter made a gesture of -disgust on seeing them, but hobbled his horse near theirs, and rejoined -the captain, who had already seated himself by a fire evidently made -specially for him, as not one of the worthy people he had the honour of -commanding came near it. - -"Now I will hear you," the captain said so soon as he saw his comrade -stretched out comfortably at his side. - -"What I have to say will not take long." - -"Let me hear it, at any rate." - -"In two words, this is the matter: our expedition of this evening is -useless--the bird has flown." - -The captain, according to his habit in any moment of nervous excitement, -rapped out a frightful oath. - -"Patience!" the Spaniard went on. "This is what has happened." - -And he described the way in which Father Seraphin had left the camp, -accompanied by the young lady. On hearing it the worthy captain's face -brightened. - -"Come," he said, "all is for the best. What will you do?" - -"Give me El Buitre and ten resolute men. The priest must pass through -the Quebrada del Coyote: on arriving there I promise to strip him." - -"And what shall I do during that time?" - -"Whatever you like." - -"_Mil rayos!_ since I am here, I will remain; but I shall quit this -encampment at daybreak, and after leaving a party to beat up the -country, I will join the general at Ures." - -"Then he is at Ures at this moment?" - -"Yes, temporarily." - -"Very good; then you will see me there with my prisoners." - -"Agreed." - -"And now make haste; I must start at once." - -The captain rose, and while Don Cornelio was drawing his horse's girths -tighter, he gave orders to ten of his men to prepare for an expedition. -Within five minutes the little party left the clearing under the orders -of the Spaniard, and took up the missionary's trail. The reader knows -already what took place in the pass, which was not more than two leagues -from the spot where the bandits lay in ambush. We will, therefore, leave -Don Cornelio, and confine our attention to Captain Vargas. - -"On my word," the captain said to himself when the Spaniard had left -him, "I prefer that matters should end thus. There are only blows to be -gained from those confounded Frenchmen, deuce take them! Now we shall be -quiet for the whole night, so we will go to sleep." - -The captain was not so safe as he imagined, though, and the night was -not destined to be so quiet as far as he was concerned. On leaving the -camp Valentine explained to his comrades the nature of the expedition -they were going on, and recommended them to play Indian; that is to say, -employ craft. On entering the forest in which Captain Vargas was hidden, -the Frenchmen had heard the sound of horses, and seen the bandits under -the Spaniard's command flash past in the darkness like a baud of black -shadows. Not wishing to defer the execution of his plans, and possibly -surrender the substance for the shadow, the hunter contented himself -with sending an intelligent man after the party, in order to know what -became of it; and the Frenchmen, after dismounting, crept into the -forests like reptiles. - -Nothing was more easy than to surprise the Mexicans. The latter believed -themselves so safe that they had not even taken the precaution to post -sentries round their bivouac, who might warn them in case of danger. -Huddled pell-mell round the fires, the greater part were asleep, or -already, plunged in that seeming lethargy which precedes sleep. As for -the captain, he was wrapped up carefully in his cloak, and, with his -feet to the fire and his head on a saddle, was fast asleep. - -The adventurers reached the centre of the clearing without the slightest -sound betraying their approach. Then, in accordance with the orders -they had received, they seized the firelocks and sabres placed near -each of the sleepers, formed a pile of them, and then cut the picket -ropes of the horses, which they drove off with blows of the chicote. -At the terrible noise produced by the headlong course of the horses, -which spread in every direction, snorting and neighing, the Mexicans -awoke. They remained for an instant as if petrified at the sight of the -adventurers, who surrounded them on all sides with levelled muskets. -By an instinctive movement they felt for their arms, but they had been -removed. - -"_Con mil rayos y mil demonios!_" the captain shouted, as he stamped his -foot furiously, "we are taken like rats in a trap." - -"Hilloh!" Valentine said with an ironical laugh, "you are no longer -majordomo, then, Senor Don Isidro Vargas?" - -"And you," he answered with a grin of rage, "as it seems, are no longer -a dealer in novillos, Senor Don Valentine?" - -"What would you?" he said cunningly. "Trade is so very bad." - -"Hum! not very bad with you, it seems." - -"Hang it! you know men do what they can;" and turning to de Laville, he -said, "My dear captain, all these caballeros have reatas: be good enough -to employ them in binding them tightly." - -"Eh, Senor Don Valentine?" the ex-majordomo shouted. "You are not -merciful to us." - -"I! What an error, Don Isidro! Still, as you know, war has certain -necessities. I am taking my precautions--that is all." - -"What do you intend to do with us?" - -"You shall see, for I do not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of a -surprise; and, by the way, how do you find what I have just done to you? -It is as good as what you were preparing for us, I think?" - -Captain Vargas could find no reply: he contented himself with gnawing -his fingernails, after assuring himself, by a glance all around, that -flight was as impossible as resistance. At this moment the man whom -Valentine sent off to watch the scouting party returned, and whispered a -few words in his ear. The hunter turned pale: he looked at the Mexican -captain in a way that made him shudder, and then addressed his party. - -"Tell off ten men to mount at once," he said sharply. "Captain de -Laville, you will answer to me on your head for these bandits, whom -I leave in your hands. Return to the camp quietly. I will join you, -probably, on the road. The first who attempts to escape, blow out his -brains pitilessly. You understand me?" - -"You may be at ease: it shall be done. But what has happened?" - -"The bandits we saw going off on our arrival intend to attack Father -Seraphin." - -"Death and the devil! you must make haste." - -"I intend to do so. Good-by! Woe to you scoundrels! If a hair falls from -the missionary's head you shall be all shot," he added, turning to his -terrified prisoners. - -And with this fearful promise he went off, followed by the few -adventurers chosen to accompany him. On entering the pass the hunter met -the fugitives, on whom he rushed. Unfortunately the latter had seen them -first; and they succeeded in escaping by abandoning their horses, and -clambering like cats up the almost perpendicular sides of the mountain. -Valentine, without losing time in a futile pursuit, hastened to join the -missionary. - -"Ah!" the latter exclaimed on seeing him, "my friend, my dear Valentine, -had it not been for Curumilla, we were lost." - -"And Dona Angela?" - -"Thanks be to Heaven, she is saved." - -"Yes," she said, "thanks to Heaven and to these caballeros, who arrived -just in time to protect us." - -One of the strangers approached. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said in excellent French, "but you are the French -hunter of whom so much is said--Valentine Guillois, I think?" - -"Yes, sir," Valentine answered with surprise. - -"My name, sir, is Belhumeur." - -"I know you, sir: my foster brother has often mentioned you as his best -friend." - -"I am delighted that he has kept me in such pleasant memory. Allow me to -present to you Don Rafael Garillas de Saavedra." - -The two men bowed and shook hands. - -"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked. - -"Is not that the best form of introduction?" - -"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed. - -"I will myself return with you, senor padre," Don Rafael said. "I -intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way -of seeing him and securing his friendship." - -"And what is that way?" - -"By offering a shelter to Dona Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which -belongs to me." - -"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafael, for not having -thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady." - -"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the -hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don -Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?" - -"One!" he said. "What is it?" - -"For ever!" - -"Come, I will not recall my word," he said with a good-humoured laugh. -"You are an angel: I shall end by loving you madly." - -"Let us go!" she exclaimed. - -"Will you not join our party, Belhumeur?" Valentine asked. - -"Certainly; for I wish to speak with Don Louis." - -"That is it," Don Rafael observed. "I will escort the padre with Black -Elk and Eagle-head. Senor Don Valentine, Belhumeur will serve as your -guide to the Hacienda del Milagro." - -"By Jove!" Valentine said with a laugh, "you will probably see me before -you expect." - -"Come whenever you please: you will ever be welcome." - -After exchanging affectionate farewells the two parties turned their -back on each other, and left the gorge by opposite roads. - - -[1] Enemy whom I adore, of Spain the second Helen, oh that I were born -blind, or you born without beauty! Accursed be the day and hour when my -star caused me to be born! Breasts that nourished me, better to have -given me death. You will pay---- - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE FORWARD MARCH. - - -The sun had risen nearly an hour when Valentine, and the band he -commanded, joined Captain de Laville and the prisoners again at about -two leagues from La Magdalena. The Mexicans were marching with bowed -heads, and hands fastened behind their backs, between two files of -French horsemen, with their rifles on the thigh, and finger on the -trigger. The captain was slightly in advance of his men, conversing with -the old Mexican officer, whose legs had been tied under his horse's -belly, owing to an attempt at escape he had made. - -In the rear came the prisoners' horses, easily recaught by the -adventurers, and loaded with the muskets, sabres, and lances of their -ex-masters. When the two bands united they went on more rapidly. -Valentine, had he wished it, could have reached the camp before sunrise; -but it was important for the success of the expedition, at the head of -which the count had placed himself, that the population of La Magdalena, -at this moment increased tenfold by the strangers who, owing to the -festival, had flocked in from all parts of Sonora, should understand -that the French had not undertaken an expedition so feather-brained as -was supposed, or at least as the Mexican Government wished it to be -supposed, and therefore the prisoners would march into camp in broad -daylight. - -The count, warned by Curumilla, whom the hunter sent on in advance, -determined to give great importance to this affair, and display a -certain degree of ostentation: consequently the whole army was under -arms; and the flag, planted in front of the count's tent to the sound -of bugles and drums, was saluted by the shouts of the adventurers. As -the count had foreseen, the inhabitants of La Magdalena rushed to the -camp to witness the sight the count prepared for them; and the road was -soon covered by curious persons on horse and on foot, hurrying to be the -first to arrive. When the head of the detachment reached the camp gates -it stopped at a signal from Valentine, and a bugler sounded a call. At -this summons an officer came out. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted. - -"France!" Captain de Laville, who had advanced a few paces, replied. - -"What corps?" the officer continued. - -"The liberating army of Sonora!" - -An immense shout, raised by the populace, drowned the words. - -"Enter," the officer said. - -The barrier was raised, the drums began beating, the bugles sounding, -and the marching past began. There was something really grand in this -scene, so simple in itself, but which made the heart beat more rapidly -when you examined the resolute air of this handful of men, left to -themselves without succour, six thousand leagues from their country, who -so proudly sustained the name of France, and who, at the beginning of -the campaign, without firing a shot, returned with a hundred prisoners -captured at the moment they were preparing to surprise the camp. - -The Sonorians, under an involuntary emotion, regarded the Frenchmen -with a respectful timidity, mingled with admiration, and, far from -pitying the fate of their compatriots, they overwhelmed them with -yells and jests. So great is the influence of courage and energy -on these primitive races! When the prisoners were collected in the -middle of the camp square the count approached them, surrounded by -his staff and some of the chief inhabitants of La Magdalena, who -followed him instinctively, carried away by their enthusiasm. It was -really a holiday. Floods of light inundated the landscape; a gentle -breeze refreshed the atmosphere; the bugles played merry tunes; the -drums rattled; and the assembled populace uttered shouts of joy, while -waving handkerchiefs and hats. The count smiled, for he was momentarily -happy. The future appeared to him less gloomy and sad. He examined the -prisoners for a moment with a pensive eye. - -"I have come to Sonora," he at length said in a piercing voice, "to give -liberty to the people of this country. I have been represented to you -as a cruel and faithless man. Begone! You are free! Go and tell your -countrymen how the chief of the pirates avenges the calumnies spread -abroad about him. I do not even ask of you the promise not to bear -arms against me again. I have on my side something which is stronger -than all the soldiers who can be opposed to me--the hand of God, which -guides me; for He wishes that this country should be at length free and -regenerated. Unfasten those men, and restore them their horses." - -The order was immediately obeyed, and the people greeted this generous -resolution with shouts and ebullitions of joy. The prisoners hastened -to quit the camp, though not before they had displayed by energetic -protestations, their gratitude for the count's generosity. Don Louis -then turned to Captain Isidro. - -"As for you, captain," he said gravely, "you are one of the few lions -left from that war of independence which overthrew the Spanish power. We -are brothers, for we both serve the same cause. Take back your sword: a -brave man like you must always wear it at his side." - -The captain looked at him gloomily. - -"Why can I no longer hate you?" he replied. "I should have preferred an -insult to your generosity. Now I am no longer free." - -"You are so, captain. I ask from you neither friendship nor gratitude. -I have acted as I thought it my duty to do. Let us each follow our own -road, but let us try not to meet again." - -"Your hand, caballero; and now a word." - -"Speak." - -"Take care of the persons in whom you place confidence." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I can say no more, or I should be a traitor myself." - -"Oh, ever, ever the same treachery!" the count muttered, growing -thoughtful. - -"And now farewell, caballero. If I am forbidden to wish the success of -your plans, at least I will do nothing against them; and if you do not -see me among the ranks of your friends, I shall not be in those of your -enemies." - -The old captain bounded into his seat, made his horse perform a few -graceful curvets, and after bowing to the company, started at a gallop. - -The remainder of the day was one continued festival. The count had -succeeded: his generous conduct to the prisoners bore its fruits. The -French adventurers had risen enormously in the opinion of the Sonorians. -The count had already acquired a great influence in the country, and -several persons began to prognosticate a successful issue for the -expedition. - -At nightfall Don Louis convoked all the chiefs of the army to a secret -council of war. By a providential accident, the count, who would -doubtlessly have permitted Don Cornelio to be present at the council, -owing to the confidence he placed in him, had sent that gentleman to -La Magdalena to buy several horses he required. This commission, by -preventing the Spaniard's presence at the council, insured its secrecy. - -Don Cornelio had succeeded by a miracle in escaping the hunter's -pursuit, and had re-entered the camp unnoticed about two hours before -the arrival of the prisoners. He had killed his horse, but was this time -at least safe himself, for no one dreamed of suspecting him; and even -had it been the case, nothing would have been easier for him than to -establish an _alibi_. - -At eight in the evening the roll call sounded, the camp gates were -closed, and the officers proceeded to head quarters; that is to say, the -jacal inhabited by the count. A row of sentries, set about ten paces -distant from the hut, so as to be themselves out of hearing distance, -had orders to fire on the first person who attempted to enter the place -of meeting without orders. - -The count was seated at a table, on which a road map of Sonora was laid -out. The assembly was composed of some fifteen persons, among whom were -Valentine, Curumilla, Captain de Laville, and Belhumeur, who was too -intimate a friend of the count to be excluded from a conference of such -an important nature. When all had arrived the door was shut, and the -count rose. - -"Comrades," he said in a firm voice, though suppressed, lest he should -be heard outside, "our expedition is about to commence in reality: -what we have done up to the present is nothing. I have several times -sounded, either myself or through my spies, the intentions of the -richest hacenderos or campesinos of this State. They seem very well -disposed toward us; but let us not be deceived by fallacious promises. -These people will do nothing as long as our expedition does not rest on -a solid base of operations; in other words, we must seize on a city. If -we succeed, our cause is gained, for the whole country will rise for us. -I have led you to this place because La Magdalena forms the extremity of -an angle at which three roads debouch, each leading to one of the chief -cities of Sonora; and it is one of those cities we must carry. But which -shall it be? That is the question. All three are crammed with troops: -in addition, General Guerrero holds the roads leading to them, and he -has sworn," the count added with a smile, "to make only one mouthful of -us, if we dare to take one step in advance. But that disquiets you but -very slightly, I suppose: let us, therefore, return to the important -question. Captain de Laville, be good enough to give us your opinion." - -The captain bowed. - -"I am inclined for Sonora," he said. "It is a new city, I grant, but -it bears the name of the country we propose to deliver, and that is an -important consideration." - -Several officers spoke in turn, and the majority ranged themselves on -the side of Captain de Laville. The count then turned to Valentine. - -"And what is your opinion, brother?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said, "I am no great hand at talking, as you know, -brother," he answered. "Still I have a certain knowledge of warfare, -which may perhaps inspire me rightly. You want a rich and manufacturing -city, in order to protect the opulent inhabitants of the country from -any sudden attack, and whence you can effect your retreat without -danger, if too numerous forces try to crush you. Is it not so?" - -"Indeed, the city we seize must combine these three conditions as far as -possible." - -"There is only one which combines them." - -"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said. - -"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. -It is the _entrepot_ of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very -rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen -leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming -from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if -we are compelled to fight our retreat." - -The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers. - -"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must -not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an -experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would -result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated -imposing forces there." - -"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans -will learn to know us at the first blow." - -All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the -_army_ should march on Hermosillo. - -"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the -three roads. We must put them off the scent." - -"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make -demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the -move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am -afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men." - -Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on -a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was -said around him. - -"Let the chief speak," Valentine said; "his words are worth their weight -in gold." - -Everyone was silent. - -"Curumilla," the chief said, "knows a crossroad which abridges the -distance, and of which the Mexican general is ignorant. Curumilla will -guide his friends." - -The chief then took up his calumet again, and sat down once more as -if it were nothing. From this moment the discussion was at an end. -Curumilla, according to his custom, had cut the knot by removing the -most dangerous obstacle. - -"Comrades," the count said, "the wagons and guns are horsed. Wake -up your men, and break up the camp silently. The inhabitants of La -Magdalena, on getting up tomorrow morning, must not know what has become -of us." - -Then taking Captain de Laville and Valentine one side,-- - -"While I am going along the crossroad under the chiefs guidance, you, -captain, will proceed in the direction of Ures; and you, brother, will -march on Sonora. Get near enough to be seen, but do not engage in any -skirmish; fall back, and join me again at once. We can only conquer our -enemies by the rapidity of our movements." - -"But in case we cannot join you on the road," Valentine objected, "what -place will you appoint for our meeting?" - -"The Hacienda del Milagro, four leagues from Hermosillo," Belhumeur -said. "Headquarters will be there." - -"Yes," the count said, furtively pressing the Canadian's hand. - -The meeting broke up, and each went to execute the orders he had -received. The camp was broken up in the utmost silence, and the most -minute precautions were taken to allow none of the movements to -transpire outside. The bivouac fires were left lighted; in short, -nothing was touched which could cause any suspicion of a hurried -departure. - -At about eleven in the night the two parties, under Valentine and -Captain de Laville, set out in different directions: the count soon -followed them with the main body and the baggage, so that by midnight -the camp was entirely deserted. Curumilla had not deceived the count. -After about two hours' march he made the troops wheel to the right, and -entered a narrow path, in which there was just room for the vehicles, -and the whole company disappeared in the infinite windings of a true -wild beast's track, in which it was impossible to suppose that an armed -body, accompanied by numerous and heavy wagons and field pieces, would -ever venture. - -Still, when the first obstacles were overcome, this road, which appeared -so difficult, offered no serious causes for delay, and the Frenchmen -pushed on rapidly. Two days after they were rejoined by the detachments -which had operated on their flank. Captain de Laville and Valentine had -been completely successful in deceiving the general, whose advanced post -still continued to guard the roads, little suspecting that they had been -turned. - -This march lasted nine days, through numberless difficulties, over -shifting sand which fled beneath the feet, under a parching heat with -no water, and, during the last two days, with no provisions or forage. -But nothing could lessen the courage of the men, or destroy their -inexhaustible gaiety: they went on bravely, keeping their eyes fixed on -their chief, who went on foot before them, consoling and encouraging -them. On the evening of the ninth day they saw in the distance, in -the centre of a well-wooded landscape, the outlines of a considerable -hacienda. It was the first house they had come across since leaving La -Magdalena. - -"What hacienda is that?" Don Louis asked Belhumeur, who walked by his -side. - -"The Hacienda del Milagro," the Canadian answered. - -The Frenchmen uttered a shout of joy: they had arrived. They had marched -sixty leagues in nine days, along almost impracticable roads. - -Curumilla had kept his promise. Thanks to him, the column had not been -molested. - - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -BEFORE THE ATTACK. - - -When within gunshot of the hacienda the count commanded a halt. - -"De Laville," he said to the captain, "push on ahead, and occupy the -hacienda in force: we shall have our headquarters there." - -"What is the use of that?" Belhumeur asked. "Did you not put faith in -my words, then? Don Rafael and his family will be delighted to receive -you and greet you with open arms." - -The count smiled, and bent down to the Canadian's ear. - -"My friend Belhumeur," he said to him in a low voice, "you are a -child who will understand nothing. I take these precautions which -grieve you so much, not for my own sake, but on behalf of our friends. -Supposing, as may be unfortunately the case, that we are beaten by the -Mexicans--what will happen then? That Don Rafael will inevitably fall -a victim to the sympathy he has evinced for us; while, by acting as I -do, he bows to force, and the Mexican authorities will be unable, in -spite of all their desire, to render him responsible for our stay at his -house." - -"That is true," the Canadian answered, struck by the logic of this -reasoning. - -"Still," Don Louis continued, "in order to avoid any misunderstanding, -you will accompany the captain, and while he is talking loudly you can -whisper to our friends what the reason is." - -Five minutes later the detachment started at a gallop, followed -presently by the rest of the column. All took place as the count had -arranged. Warned by Belhumeur, Don Rafael protested energetically -against the forced occupation of the hacienda, and feigned only to yield -to superior force. The estate was definitively occupied, and Don Rafael -mounted with some of his servants, in order to go and meet the column; -but, by the count's orders, it did not stop at the hacienda, but pushed -on and camped about two leagues from Hermosillo. - -The count and Rafael met, not like strangers to each other, but as old -friends delighted at meeting again, and entered the hacienda, conversing -in a low voice. Before dismounting, the count sent off couriers and -scouts in every direction, in order to have certain news about the -enemy; and only keeping with him an escort of eight men, he sent the -others to the bivouac, and entered the hacienda. - -Don Ramon, Don Rafael's father, and Dona Luz, that amiable woman -whose touching history we told in a previous story,[1] were waiting, -surrounded by their servants, the arrival of the Frenchmen at the door -of the hacienda. - -"You are welcome, valiant combatants for the independence of Sonora," -General Don Ramon said as he held out his hand to the count. - -The latter leaped from his horse. - -"May God grant that I may be as fortunate as you have been, general!" -he replied with a bow. Then, turning to Dona Luz, "Pardon me, madam," -he said to her, "for having come to trouble your peaceful retreat: your -husband is alone to blame for the indiscretion I am committing at this -moment." - -"Senor conde," she answered with a smile, "do not make such excuses: -this house and all it contains belong to you. We see your arrival with -joy--we shall witness your departure with sorrow." - -The count offered his arm to Dona Luz, and they entered the hacienda. -But the count was restless--his glance wandered incessantly. - -"Patience!" Don Rafael said to him with a meaning smile; "you will -see her. It would have been imprudent for her to appear sooner, so we -prevented her." - -"Thanks!" the count said; and the cloud which obscured his noble face -disappeared at once. - -The interview of the two lovers was as it should be; that is to say, -calm, affectionate, and deeply felt. The count warmly thanked Father -Seraphin for the protection he had accorded the maiden. - -"Ere long," Dona Luz said, "all your torments will be ended, and you -will be able to yield to the passionate emotions of your heart without -constraint." - -"Yes," the count answered pensively, "tomorrow will probably decide my -fate, and that of the woman I love." - -"What do you mean?" Don Rafael exclaimed. - -The count looked anxiously around him: he saw that he could speak, and -that those who pressed toward him were sincere friends. - -"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall attack Hermosillo and take it, or fall -dead in the breach." - -All present were in a state of stupor. Don Rafael made Black Elk a sign -to stand outside the door to keep off all comers, and then returned to -the count. - -"Have you really that idea?" he asked him. - -"Were it not so, should I be here?" he said simply. - -"But," Don Rafael continued urgently, "Hermosillo is an inclosed town -with strong walls." - -"I will force them." - -"It has a garrison of 1200 men." - -"Ah!" he said indifferently. - -"For two months the militia have been exercised daily." - -"Militia!" he replied with a disdainful air. "I suppose, at any rate, -they are numerous?" - -"About 3000 men." - -"All the better." - -"General Guerrero, who has at length discovered that his flank was -turned, has thrown himself into the city with 6000 Indians, and is -awaiting other reinforcements." - -"That is the reason, my friend, why I must attack at once. I have -already, according to your calculation, opposed to me 11,000 men, -intrenched behind good walls. The longer I wait, the more numerous they -will grow; and if I do not take care," he added with a laugh, "that army -will end by growing so considerable that it will be impossible for me to -destroy it." - -"You are perhaps unaware, my friend, that Hermosillo is surrounded by -market gardens, which render the approaches almost impracticable?" - -"Believe me, my good friend," the count replied carelessly, "I shall -enter by the gates." - -The company gazed on the count with an amazement akin to terror. They -looked at each other, and seemed to be asking whether they had not to -deal with a maniac. - -"Pardon me, my friend," Don Rafael continued, "but I think you said that -you intended to attack tomorrow?" - -"Certainly." - -"But supposing your troops have not arrived?" - -"What! my troops not arrived? Did not you see them march past the -hacienda an hour ago?" - -"Yes, I saw a small detachment pass--your vanguard, of course." - -"My vanguard!" the count exclaimed with a laugh. "No, my good friend, -that small detachment forms my entire _army_." - -Don Rafael, Don Ramon, and, the other persons present were men of -recognised courage. On several occasions they had sustained giant -combats against enemies tenfold in number; in short, they had furnished -proof of the most extravagant courage and most insane temerity. But -the count's eccentric proposition of going coolly with a handful of -adventurers to take a city defended by 10,000 men seemed to them so -extraordinary and so incredible, that they remained dumb for a moment, -hardly knowing whether they were awake or suffering from a frightful -nightmare. - -"Tell me, my friend," Don Rafael exclaimed, his arguments quite -exhausted, "how many men can you deploy in line?" - -"Hang it! not many," the count said with a smile, "I have invalids: -still I can dispose of about two hundred and fifty, and I hope they -will be sufficient." - -"Yes," Dona Angela said enthusiastically, "they will be sufficient, for -the cause these men defend is holy, and God will protect them." - -"Don Rafael," the count said simply, "have you ever heard of what is -called the _furia Francese?_" - -"Yes, but I confess to you that I do not exactly understand what it is." - -"Well," he added, "wait till tomorrow, and when you have seen this -formidable army crushed, destroyed, and dispersed like autumn leaves -by the wind; when you have been present at the capture of Hermosillo, -you will know what _furia Francese_ is, and understand the prodigies -of valour which history has recorded, and Frenchmen perform almost in -sport." - -The conversation ended here, and they proceeded to the dining room, -where the refreshments, of which the count stood in such need, had been -prepared. So soon as they rose from table the count asked leave to -retire to the apartment prepared for him, and begged Father Seraphin to -follow him. They remained for a long time shut up, talking ear to ear. -When the missionary came out his eyes were red, and traces of tears -furrowed his pale cheeks. The count pressed his hand. - -"So, then," he said, "in case of a mishap----" - -"I will be there, count, trust me;" and he retired slowly. - -During the evening, and, indeed, far into the night, the count listened -to the reports of his scouts and spies: the news they brought coincided -in every respect with the information imparted by Don Rafael. General -Guerrero had hurried to Hermosillo, where he was securely intrenched. - -Valentine and Curumilla were the last to arrive; but they were not the -bearers of bad news. Valentine, at the head of a party of foragers, had, -by Curumilla's advice, advanced along the Guaymas road, and surprised a -convoy of provisions and ammunition intended for the Mexicans. This had -been taken to the camp by the hunter's care, and was warmly welcomed -by the Frenchmen, whose stock of food, as we have seen, was entirely -exhausted. Captain de Laville, for his part, had surprised three or four -of the enemy's patrols, which had imprudently advanced too far. The -count sent Curumilla to the captain with orders to take advantage of -the darkness of the night to advance, and push on his advanced posts to -within a gun-shot and a half of the town. - -When alone with Valentine he spread out a plan of Hermosillo on the -table, and both bending over it, began studying it attentively. We have -already described Hermosillo several times: we will limit ourselves to -saying that the market gardens by which that city is surrounded are -inclosed with walls, behind which it is easy to place _tirailleurs_, -whom the nature of the ground enables to fall back from post to post, -constantly protected by the walls, which are about three feet in -thickness, and built of _adobas_. In addition, on the side on which -the count was marching, a wide and deep ditch, which could only be -traversed by means of a bridge, at the end of which a strong body of -troops was doubtless posted, formed an almost impregnable defence. - -As may be seen from our description, Hermosillo is far from being -an open town, which can be seized without striking a blow; and, in -attempting to carry it at the head of 250 men, the Count de Prebois -Crance, if he succeeded, might justly flatter himself on having -accomplished one of the greatest exploits of modern times. - -General Guerrero, according to the reports of the scouts, and the -Mexican officers under his command, affected a superb contempt for these -naked-footed Frenchmen, as they called them, and promised to give them -so rough a lesson that they would not feel disposed to begin again. -Curumilla, however, had brought back a piece of news which could not -fail to give the count hopes. In spite of the immense preparations he -had made, against the company, General Guerrero had been so surprised -by the news of its hurried march on Hermosillo, and the daring manner -in which it had turned its advanced posts, that, in his hurry to go to -the aid of the menaced city, he had been constrained to leave behind him -the greater part of his forces, and the city, in reality, only contained -twelve or fifteen hundred defenders, doubtlessly a very large number, -but much less than the count had expected to find. - -Curumilla had peacefully entered the city. His being an Indian served as -his safeguard, and he had seen, visited, and examined everything. This -news the Araucano brought back on reporting to the count the execution -of the orders sent through him to Captain de Laville. The count and the -hunter rubbed their hands, and hastened to make their final arrangements. - -Among the hacenderos present at the conference of La Magdalena was one -whose influence was immense upon the pueblos. It was the man who, in -the name of his countrymen, had assured the count that, so soon as an -important town had fallen into the hands of the French, the signal for -revolt should be given, and the country roused in a few days, in order -to effect a decisive diversion. Don Louis, not wishing to lose a moment, -and in the certainty of success, wrote him a letter in which, after -announcing to him the fall of Hermosillo, he urged him to be ready to -support him, and give the signal for insurrection. - -We mention this fact to prove not only that the count believed himself -sure of succeeding, but also foresaw everything with that sublime -intuition only possessed by men of genius. - -The letter written, and the last arrangements made, the count and -Valentine left the room. It was about two in the morning: the sky was -gloomy, and warm gusts coming from the desert bowed down the leafy -crowns of the trees. - -The two foster brothers went down into the patio, where all the -inhabitants of the hacienda had assembled to salute the count on his -departure. Dona Angela, wrapped up in a long white dressing gown, with -pallid face and eyes filled with tears, looked like a phantom in the -glare of the torches shaken by the peons. The escort had mounted and sat -motionless. Curumilla held the horses of the two Frenchmen. When they -appeared, all raised their hats and saluted with a deep and respectful -bow. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," Don Rafael said to him. "May Heaven grant you the -victory!" - -"May Heaven grant you the victory," Don Ramon repeated, "for you are -fighting for the independence of a people!" - -"Never were more fervent prayers offered up than we shall make for you, -Don Louis," Dona Luz then said. - -The count felt his heart contract. - -"I thank you all," he said with much emotion. "Your wishes do me good: -they prove to me that among the Sonorians there are some who comprehend -my noble object. Thanks once again." - -Dona Angela came up to the count. - -"Don Louis," she said to him, "I love you. Do your duty." - -The count bent down to her, and imprinted a kiss on her pale forehead. - -"Dona Angela, my affianced!" he said with a tenderness impossible to -render, "you will see me again either a conqueror or a corpse." - -And he made a move as if to depart. At this moment Father Seraphin came -to his side. - -"What!" he said with surprise, "do you accompany me, my father?" - -"I am going where duty calls me, sir," the missionary replied with that -angelic simplicity which was so characteristic of him--"where I shall -find pain to console, misfortunes to alleviate. Let me follow you." - -Louis pressed his hand silently, and after bowing once again to the -friends he was leaving, perhaps for ever, he gave the signal for -departure, and the cavalcade soon disappeared in the darkness. - -Dona Angela remained cold and motionless in the doorway so long as she -could hear the horses' hoofs echoing on the road. When every sound had -died away in the distance a long-restrained sob burst from her. - -"Heavens, heavens!" she exclaimed in despair, and stretching out her -hands to the sky. Then she fell back in a fainting fit. Dona Luz and Don -Rafael hastened to her aid, and carried her into the hacienda, where -they eagerly tried to restore her to consciousness. Belhumeur tossed his -head several times, and prepared to shut the gate of the hacienda. - -"Not yet," a voice said to him; "let us go out first." - -"Eh, what?" he said. "Where the deuce do you want to go at this hour, -Black Elk? - -"To tell you the truth," the hunter answered, "I am almost a Frenchman, -since I am a Canadian, and so I am going to help my countrymen." - -"Halloh!" Belhumeur exclaimed, struck by these words, "that's not a bad -idea. By Jove! you shall not go alone; I will accompany you." - -"All the better; then there will be three of us." - -"How three? Who else is coming with us?" - -"Eagle-head, by Jove! The chief says there are down there some Indians, -enemies of his nation, whom he should like to have a set-to with." - -"Let us be off, then. I believe that the count will be pleased to have -three fighting men more, like us, in his company." - -"By Jove! I should think so," Belhumeur said. - -"I do not care," Black Elk remarked, "whatever you may say, he is a fine -fellow. What do you think about him, you who know him, eh?" - -"Tough as hickory," the Canadian answered intrepidly. - -Without further commentary the three bold hunters mounted and proceeded -in the track of the count. - - -[1] See "The Trappers of Arkansas." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO. - - -Although the horses ridden by the count's escort were good, the hunters -were mounted on such fast mustangs that they caught up Don Louis within -twenty minutes of his leaving the hacienda. On hearing hurried footfalls -behind them, the Frenchmen, not knowing who could be coming like a -tornado after them, bravely wheeled round; but Belhumeur prevented any -misunderstanding by making himself known. - -"You are welcome, you and your companions, Belhumeur," the count said to -him. "But what urgent reason compels you to gallop so late along the -roads?" - -"A service I want to ask of you, Don Louis," the Canadian frankly -replied. - -"A service! Speak, my friend: whatever it may be, if it depends on me, -it is granted before asking." - -"What I want _does_ depend on you." - -"What is it?" - -"My comrades and myself wish to have the honour of fighting by your side -tomorrow." - -"Is that the service you had to ask of me, Belhumeur?" - -"Yes, and no other." - -"Then you are mistaken, my friend: you mean to say a service to render -me. I heartily accept your proposition, and thank you for it cordially." - -"Then that is arranged. You admit us into your ranks?" - -"By Jove! I should be mad not to do so." - -Belhumeur informed his friends of the success of his negotiation, and -they rejoiced at it as if they had received the handsomest possible -present. After this slight incident, the party, increased by the three -new recruits, went onwards. The Frenchmen trotted on in the darkness -like a troop of silent phantoms, bending over the necks of their horses, -eagerly questioning the sounds that rose from the desert, and sounding -the gloom in order to obtain some sign that they were approaching their -comrades. - -Captain Charles de Laville, though still very young, seemed predestined -for the part he was playing at this moment. His glance was infallible, -both as superior chief and as a subordinate leader: he not only -understood with extreme rapidity the orders he received, but seized -their meaning and carried them out with rare intelligence.[1] The -count had not been in error for a moment about de Laville's brilliant -qualities. Hence he had made him a favourite, and, whenever he had a -difficult duty to intrust to anyone, he gave it to him, certain that -he would perform it with honour. The success surpassed his hopes on -this occasion; for De Laville executed the advance movement with such -precision and in such profound silence that the count almost found -himself up with the rear before he suspected he was anywhere near it. - -In order to march more rapidly, and not be in any way detained, the -captain had left his wagons and baggage at a deserted rancho about a -league from the city, under the guard of the invalids, who, although -too weak to fight in the ranks of the company, could yet, behind -intrenchments, offer a sufficiently lengthened resistance to allow their -comrades to come to their assistance. - -The count passed through the ranks, saluted in an affectionate voice by -his men, and placed himself at the head of the column. For two months -past the fatigue Don Louis had endured, and the constant state of -excitement in which events kept him, had seriously injured his health; -and it was only by his energy and will that he succeeded in conquering -his illness and keeping upright. He understood that if he gave way all -was lost: hence he wrestled with his sufferings, and though a fever -devoured him, his face remained calm, and nothing revealed to his -comrades the sufferings he endured with the courage of a stoic. Still he -suddenly felt himself attacked by such a feeling of weakness, that had -not Valentine, who guessed his condition, and watched over him like a -mother, held him in his arms, he must have fallen from his horse. - -"What is the matter, brother?" the hunter asked him affectionately. - -"Nothing," he answered, as he passed his hand over his forehead, which -was dank with icy perspiration and fatigue; "but," he added, "it has -gone off now." - -"Take care, brother," he said to him with a sad shrug of his shoulders: -"you do not nurse yourself enough." - -"Eh? Can I do it? But be not alarmed. I know what I want: the smell of -powder will restore me. Look, look! we have reached our destination at -last." - -In fact, by the first rays of the sun, which rose majestically above the -horizon, Hermosillo, with its white houses glistening, now was visible -about a cannon shot off. An immense shout of joy from the whole company -greeted the so-ardently-desired appearance of the city. The order to -halt was given. The city was silent--it seemed deserted: not a sound was -heard within its walls. So calm, quiet, and dumb was it, that you might -have fancied that you had before you that city in the Arabian Nights -which a wicked enchanter struck with his wand and plunged into eternal -sleep. - -The country was deserted. Only here and there the fragments of arms, -uniforms, sandals, the footsteps of horses, and the furrows of carts -indicated the recent passage of General Guerrero's troops. The count -examined the city for a while with the utmost attention, in order to -make his final arrangements, when suddenly two horsemen appeared on -the bridge to which we have already alluded, and galloped toward the -company, waving a flag of truce. - -"Let us see what these persons want," the count said. - -And he galloped up to them. - -"What do you want, gentlemen, and who are you?" he said when he came up -to them. - -"We wish," one of them said, "to speak with the Count de Prebois Crance." - -"I am the count. Be good enough to tell me what brings you here." - -"Monsieur le comte, I am a Frenchman," the first speaker said. - -"I recognise you, sir. Your name is Thollus, I believe, and you are a -merchant at Hermosillo." - -"Quite correct, monsieur le comte. My companion is Senor ----" - -"Don Jacinto Jabali,[2] a _juez de letras_, I suppose, or something of -that sort, a great friend of General Guerrero. Well, gentlemen, I do not -exactly see what we can have in common." - -"Pardon me, sir, we are sent to you by Senor Don Flavio Agustado, -Prefect of Hermosillo, in order to make certain propositions to you." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said, champing his moustache. "Are you really?" - -"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in -an insinuating tone. - -"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I -hardly think so for me." - -"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these -conditions, it is possible----" - -"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit -yourself of your mission--that is only too proper; still, make haste, -for I am pressed for time." - -M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his -companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a -rock of granite before him. - -"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I -have the honour to represent----" - -"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him -impatiently. - -"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an -attempt on the city," the negotiator continued--"offers you, I say, the -sum of----" - -"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more -would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, -I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, -sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer -of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman--I -disown you as such." - -"Still, monsieur le comte----" the poor fellow stammered, completely -taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look. - -"Enough!" the count interrupted him; and drawing his watch from his -pocket, he said in a peremptory tone, which admitted of no reply, and -terrified the negotiators. "It is now eight o'clock. Go and tell your -prefect that in two hours I shall attack the city, and at eleven shall -be master of it. Begone!" - -And with a gesture of supreme contempt he ordered them to retire. The -unlucky envoys did not wait to hear the order repeated; they turned back -at once, and regained the city with hanging heads. The count galloped -up to the head of the column, where the officers were assembled -slightly in advance of the ranks, impatiently awaiting the result of the -conference. - -"Gentlemen," the count said to them on coming up, "get ready to fight." - -The news was greeted with a shout of joy, which had the effect of -increasing the speed of the negotiators, in whose ears it echoed -like a death knell. After this the count, with extreme simplicity -and clearness, pointed out to each officer the post he must occupy -during the action. He placed the whole of the cavalry under the orders -of Captain de Laville; selected Don Cornelio, who had only rejoined -the company on the previous evening, as his aide-de-camp; and, at -Valentine's request, he placed under the latter's orders the Canadian -hunters and the Indians, with authority to act as he thought proper, and -in whatever way he considered most advantageous to the common welfare. - -De Laville, sent forward with a dozen horsemen to reconnoitre, soon -returned, announcing that the city appeared to be in a complete state of -defence, that the roofs of the houses were covered with soldiers, that -the tocsin was pealing from all the churches, and the drums making a -frightful disturbance. At this moment a spy announced that a body of two -to three hundred Indians was apparently threatening the baggage, and the -count at once sent off ten men to reinforce the small garrison he had -left in the rear. This final duty accomplished, he ordered the company -to form a circle, and placed himself in the centre. Then he spoke in a -voice trembling with emotion. - -"Comrades," he said, "the hour to avenge ourselves for all the villainy -practised on us during the last four months, and the atrocious calumnies -spread about us, has at length struck. But let us not forget that we -are Frenchmen; and if we have been patient under insults, let us he -magnanimous after victory. We did not desire war; it was forced upon us, -and we accept it. But remember that we are fighting for the liberty of a -people, and that our enemies of today will be our brothers tomorrow. Let -us be terrible during the combat, merciful after the battle. One last -word, or rather a final prayer. Leave the Mexicans the responsibility -of firing the first shot, so that it may be evident that up to the last -moment we desired peace. Now, brothers, long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted as they brandished their -weapons. - -"Each to his post!" the count commanded. - -The order was executed with marvellous precision. Don Louis drew out -his watch: it was ten o'clock. Then he unsheathed his sabre, wielded it -round his head, and turning to the company, every man in which had his -eyes fixed on the leader, he shouted in a sonorous voice,-- - -"Forward!" - -"Forward!" the officers repeated. - -The column started in good order, marching at quick step, with trailed -arms. - -We have mentioned the bridge which alone gave admission to the city: -this bridge was barricaded, and at the other end was a house crowded -with soldiers from the cellars to the _azotea_. A silence of death -brooded over the plain. The Frenchmen marched on coolly, as if on -parade, with heads raised and flashing eyes. On arriving within musket -shot the walls were begirt with a line of fire, and a frightful -discharge scattered death among the Frenchmen. The company at once broke -into skirmishing order, and rushed onwards. - -At this moment an unheard-of, incredible thing was seen--a city of -10,000 souls, surrounded by walls, and defended by a numerous garrison, -attacked by 250 men fighting in the Indian way; that is, in skirmishing -order. The artillery, dragged by its gunners, advanced at the same -speed, and only stopped to load and fire. - -Even before the Mexicans had time to look round the Frenchmen were on -them like a whirlwind, attacked them at the bayonet's point, drove -back the defenders of the bridge, and entered without a check the -city, sweeping before them, in their irresistible attack, all that -opposed their passage. Then the real battle began. The Frenchmen found -themselves opposite four guns loaded with grape, which swept the whole -length of the street at the end of which they were; while to the right -and left, from windows and roofs, a shower of bullets pattered on them. -The position was becoming critical. The count dismounted, and turning to -his soldiers with the shout, "Who'll take the guns?" he rushed forward. - -"We, we!" the Frenchmen yelled, as they chased after him with unexampled -frenzy. - -The artillerymen were sabred at their guns, the muzzles of which were -immediately turned on the Mexicans. At this moment the count perceived, -as in a cloud, Valentine and his hunters, who were fighting like demons, -and massacring the Indians pitilessly, who tried in vain to resist them. - -"Good heavens!" Black Elk said with beatitude at every blow he dealt, -"it was a lucky idea of mine to come." - -"It really was," Belhumeur replied; and he redoubled his blows. - -Valentine had turned the city, and taking advantage of a forgotten -ladder, escaladed the wall, and, without striking a blow, made prisoners -the post stationed there, which was commanded by an officer. - -"Thanks for the ladder, comrade," he said to the latter with a grin; and -opening the gate of the city, he allowed the cavalry to enter. - -Still the Mexicans fought with the energy of despair. General Guerrero, -who flattered himself with the hope of giving the French a severe -lesson, surprised and terrified by their fury, no longer knew what -measures to take in order to resist these invincible demons, as he -called them, whom nothing could arrest, and who, without deigning to -reply to their enemies' fire, had only fought with the bayonet since -their first discharge. - -Driven in on all sides, the general concentrated his troops on the -Alameda, and protected the approaches by guns loaded with canister. In -spite of the enormous losses they had suffered, the Mexicans were still -more than six hundred combatants, resolved to defend themselves to the -death. The count sent Don Cornelio to Captain de Laville with orders to -charge and sabre the last defenders of the city, while he made a flank -movement with the infantry. The captain started immediately at a gallop, -overthrowing with his horse's chest all obstacles. His pace was so -hurried that he arrived alone in front of the enemy. - -The Mexicans, terrified at the extraordinary audacity of this man, -hesitated for a moment; but at the repeated orders of their chiefs they -opened their fire on de Laville, who seemed to mock them, and the balls -began whistling like hail past the ears of the intrepid Frenchman, -who remained calm and motionless in the midst of this shower of lead. -Valentine, frightened by the captain's boldness, doubled his speed, and -brought up all the cavalry. - -"Hang it, de Laville!" he exclaimed with admiration, "what are you doing -there?" - -"You see, my friend," the latter answered with charming simplicity, "I -am waiting for you."[3] - -Electrified by these noble words, the French dashed on the Alameda, and -charged to the other end with shouts of "Long live France!" a shout to -which the count's infantry responded from the other side of the Alameda, -while attacking the Mexicans at the bayonet's point. - -There were a few moments of deadly struggling and a horrible carnage. -The count, in the height of the medley, fought like the meanest of his -soldiers, exciting them incessantly, and urging them forward. At last, -in spite of their desperate resistance, the Mexicans, pitilessly sabred -by the French, no longer able to organise any effectual defence, and -frightened by the ardour and invincible courage of their adversaries, -whom they regarded as demons, began to break and fly in every direction. -In spite of the fatigue of the horses, de Laville started in pursuit -with his cavalry. - -Hermosillo was taken--the Count de Prebois Crance was victorious. -Stopping in the midst of the pile of corpses which surrounded him, he -drew his watch coldly, and consulted it. It was eleven o'clock, as the -count had told the envoys in the morning: he had become master of the -city at eleven o'clock exactly. The battle had lasted an hour. - -"Now, brothers," the count said, as he returned his sabre to the -scabbard, "the city is ours! Enough blood has been shed: let us think of -aiding the wounded. Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted with maddening delight. - - -[1] We must be pardoned for laying such stress on the character of the -young chieftain of Guetzalli, who has doubtless been already recognised, -and whose name we are now authorised, to our great delight, to reveal. -After the hapless end of the Marquis de Pindray the colony of Cocospera -unanimously chose as his successor Monsieur O. de la Chapelle, a young -man whom his eminent qualifications recommended for all suffrages. It is -he who figures in our story under the pseudonym of de Laville. Monsieur -O. de la Chapelle died at an early age. This premature end was deeply -felt by all his friends, among whom the author, though he knew him but -very slightly, is happy to call himself, and to testify it by showing -the heroic part he played in the glorious expedition which forms the -subject matter of this work.--G.A. - -[2] Wild boar. - -[3] Fact. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AFTER THE VICTORY. - - -Never before had a more brilliant victory been gained by troops -numerically so weak, and under conditions apparently so unfavourable. -The Mexican array evacuated Hermosillo in the utmost disorder, -abandoning three hundred dead and wounded, baggage of every description, -guns, ammunition, and flags. The rout was complete. - -General Guerrero, shame on his brow and rage in his heart, fled at full -speed along the Ures road, pursued closely by the French cavalry. The -count had made a large number of prisoners, among whom were several -Mexican officers. - -The joy of the adventurers bordered on madness. Still the brilliant -advantages had not been gained without a sensible loss, regard being had -to the numerical strength of the army. It had lost twenty-two men--an -enormous amount, which evidenced the obstinacy of the fight, and the -courage with which the Mexicans had fought. Among the dead the count had -to regret several of his best-beloved officers, brave young fellows, who -had fallen at the head of their sections while urging their men on. - -The count, although his clothes were riddled with bullets, had not -received a scratch: it seemed as if a charm protected him, for no one -had spared his life less than himself during the fight. He had ever been -in the thickest of the action, in advance of his comrades, encouraging -them by word and deed, and only employing his sabre to ward off blows -that came too near him. - -So soon as the battle was over the count proceeded to the Cabildo, -whither the Mexican authorities were convened, in order to settle with -him as to the safety of the city. Don Cornelio had not left him during -the fight: he had done his duty bravely by his side. - -"Don Cornelio," he said to him, "I am pleased with you; you behaved most -bravely. I wish to reward you by intrusting to you a mission of the -highest importance. Are you too tired to get on horseback?" - -"No, senor conde. Besides, you know that I am a thorough _jinete_." - -"That is true. Here are two letters, one for Don Rafael, which you will -deliver in passing the Hacienda del Milagro: when you get in sight of La -Magdalena you will tear the envelope off the other, and carry it to the -address you will read on it; but in the event of your being stopped or -taken prisoner on the road, that letter must not be found on you, and no -one must know its contents. You understand me?" - -"Perfectly, senor conde, and if necessary it shall be destroyed." - -"Very good. Now get a fresh horse and start without the loss of a -moment: it is a question of life and death." - -"I start, Don Louis; you will hear of me again." - -These words were accompanied by a sinister smile, which passed unnoticed -by the count. Don Cornelio left the room, and five minutes later his -horse's hoofs could be heard echoing on the pavement. - -At this moment Valentine entered. The hunter's features, usually so -calm, were convulsed, and he seemed suffering from extreme agitation. He -looked around him on entering. - -"What are you looking for?" the count asked him; "and what is the -meaning of the state in which I see you?" - -"It means----" Valentine answered. "But stay, better so. Take a glance -at these papers which I seized in the house of General Guerrero." - -He handed the count a bundle of letters and other papers, which the -other rapidly read through. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, stamping his foot passionately, "such great -ingratitude after so many acts of kindness! A thousand devils! this land -is, then, accursed, that treason should spring up under every blade of -grass." - -"Fortunately we have the proofs to hand. I will take on myself to arrest -the villain." - -"It is too late." - -"How too late?" the hunter exclaimed. "Where is he, then?" - -"He has set out on a mission of the highest importance, which I -intrusted to him for the leaders of the malcontents." - -"Confusion!" the hunter said; "what is to be done? It is plain that the -scoundrel will sell our secrets to the enemy." - -"Wait. I gave him a letter for Don Rafael, which he cannot fail to -deliver." - -"That is true: if only to lull suspicion to sleep, he will do so. I will -be off to the hacienda at once." - -"Go, my friend: unfortunately I cannot accompany you." - -"It is unnecessary. I swear that if this devil's own Don Cornelio falls -into my hands, I will crush him like the viper he is. Good-by." - -The hunter hurriedly left the Cabildo, and a few minutes later, followed -by Belhumeur, Black Elk, Curumilla, and Eagle-head, he was galloping at -full speed along the road to the hacienda. - -The count then occupied himself, before taking a moment's rest, in -organising the tranquillity and security of the city. As most of the -Mexican authorities had taken flight, he appointed others, had the dead -buried, and arranged an hospital for the sick, the direction of which he -gave to Father Seraphin, whose evangelic devotion was beyond all praise. - -Posts and main guards were established, and patrols received orders -to march about the city in order to maintain tranquillity--a useless -measure of precaution, for the inhabitants appeared as joyful as the -French. The streets were hung with flags, and on all sides could be -heard shouts of "Long live France! long live Sonora!" repeated with an -expression of indescribable satisfaction. - -When the count had discharged these imperious duties, his mind being no -longer over-excited by the necessity of the moment, nature, conquered -for an instant, gained the upper hand with an extreme of reaction, and -Don Louis fell back almost fainting into the chair where he had been -working without relaxation for nearly eight hours. He remained thus -without help until a late hour of the night, for he had not the strength -to call for assistance. - -At length Captain de Laville entered to make his chief a report about -the result of the pursuit of the Mexicans. He was terrified at the state -in which he found Don Louis; for the count was suffering from a violent -fever, attended by delirium. The captain immediately summoned the -company's surgeon, and the count was laid in a hastily-prepared bed. - -The surgeon could not be found, and a Mexican doctor came in his stead. -This man declared that the count was suffering from an attack of -dysentery, and made him drink a potion which he prepared at once. The -count fell into a species of lethargic sleep which lasted ten hours. -Fortunately the company's surgeon at length arrived. After a glance at -the count, and examining the few drops of the potion left in the glass, -the doctor immediately had eggs beaten in milk administered to the -count, and ordered all his limbs to be rubbed with hot napkins. - -"Why, doctor," the captain remarked to him, "what sort of treatment is -this? The physician assured me that the count had the dysentery." - -The doctor smiled sorrowfully. - -"Yes," he said, "he has a dysentery; but do you know what the physician -gave him?" - -"No." - -"Belladonna; that is to say, poison." - -"Oh!" the captain said in horror. - -"Silence!" the surgeon continued. "Let this remain a secret between us -two." - -At this moment the physician entered. He was a plump little man, with -the look of a frightened cat. The captain seized him by the collar, and -dragged him into a corner of the room. - -"Look here!" he said to him, pointing to the glass the surgeon still -held in his hand. "Of what was that potion composed you gave the count?" - -The Mexican turned pale. - -"Why?" he stammered. - -"Poison, you villain!" the captain shouted violently. - -"Poison!" he exclaimed, raising his eyes and arms to heaven. "Could it -be possible? Oh, let us see!" - -He examined the glass with feigned attention. - -"It is true," he said after a moment. "_Por Dios,_ what inadvertence!" - -The word appeared so precious to the Frenchmen that, in spite of their -anger and alarm, they could not prevent it, but burst into a loud laugh. -The little doctor took advantage of this attack of gaiety to escape very -quietly, and could never be found again, though carefully sought for: he -had probably left the city. - -Thanks to the intelligent and affectionate care of the surgeon, however, -the effects of the poison were neutralised. The count felt a little -better, and gave orders that the company should assemble at once in the -patio of the Cabildo. The command was rapidly obeyed, and within an hour -the company was drawn up under arms in the courtyard. The count came -down, leaning on the arm of Captain de Laville. - -"My comrades," he said, "I am ill, as you can see. Still I have called -you together to inform you of an engagement I have made in your name -with the inhabitants of Hermosillo. I declared that even if you walked -over piles of piastres and ounces, you would not stoop down to pick them -up. Was I wrong?" - -"No," they all exclaimed; "you were quite right." - -"We are no pirates, whatever they may say," the count continued, "and -the hour has arrived to prove it." - -"We will do so." - -"Thank you, comrades." - -The company was dismissed, and carefully kept its promise: not a -waist-buckle was stolen by these half-naked men, who for four months had -been suffering the most horrible privations. - -The count's condition, however, instead of becoming better, grew worse -daily, in spite of the anxious attentions of the doctor and Father -Seraphin, who had posted himself by his bed, and never left him. In Don -Louis the mind wore out the body. Since Don Cornelio's departure he had -received no news either of the Spaniard or Valentine. Two faithful men, -sent to the Hacienda del Milagro, had not returned, and neither Don -Rafael nor Dona Angela gave a sign of life. - -This silence became incomprehensible. On the other hand, the situation -of the company was growing daily more serious. The count, master of a -powerful city, found himself more isolated than before; the pueblos that -should have risen did not stir; the man to whom the count had written, -and who had pledged himself to give the signal for revolt, gave no -reply to the appeal, and remained indifferent to the repeated entreaties -Don Louis made him. - -Unfortunately dysentery is one of those frightful diseases which -completely annihilate a man's faculties, and for a very long period -the count was incapable of attending to anything. Senor Pavo had come -at full speed from Guaymas to Hermosillo, ostensibly to felicitate the -count on his gallant exploit, but in reality to be able to betray him -with greater facility. - -Don Louis was alone, without friends in whom he could trust, lying -on a bed of pain, internally devoured by a mortal restlessness, and -a prey to a profound despair at seeing himself reduced to a state of -powerlessness, and losing the fruits of his toil and fatigues. - -Captain de Laville, the only man in whom he could have trusted at the -moment, was attacked by the same illness as his chief, and, like him, -was incapable of acting. Senor Pavo skilfully profited by this state -of affairs to sow seeds of disaffection among the Frenchmen. The count -was the soul of the company--the only tie that rendered it compact and -united: in his absence from his duties all went wrong. - -A system was then organised in the shade by Don Pavo. This system -consisted in continual demonstrations on the part of the adventurers, -who at every hour of the day came one after the other to lay before -the count the most absurd grievances, and threaten to leave him. At -last matters reached such a pitch that it was necessary to come to some -decision. - -Two courses offered themselves: the first, to give up the results of the -victory of Hermosillo, and retreat on Guaymas. This was suggested to -the count by the French representative, Senor Don Antonio Mendez Pavo. -The second was to await at Hermosillo, while holding their ground by -force and risking a siege, the succours which must speedily arrive from -California, where they were being rapidly organised. So greatly had the -news of the brilliant victory gained by the count electrified the minds -of the adventurers, and inflamed their imagination. - -These two courses were equally repugnant to the count. The first seemed -to him shameful; the second impracticable. Still the situation was -growing every day more and more intolerable, when at this moment a -strange event occurred, which, had we been writing a romance instead of -a history, would have seemed to us too startling for credibility. - -The company, incessantly excited by the hypocritical pity of Senor -Pavo, and the dark intrigues he set at work, had fallen into a state -of perfect insubordination towards the count, and almost open revolt. -Seeing that Don Louis was too ill to act vigorously, and incapable of -opposing anything they pleased to do, the men let him know that, unless -he consented to give the order for retreat, they would leave Hermosillo -and abandon him. - -The count was forced to yield. General Guerrero had pledged his word -that the retreat should not be disquieted, Don Louis succeeded in -obtaining hostages who responded for the safety of the sick he was -compelled to leave behind, and with a breaking heart, no strength or -courage left, he was borne away in a litter. A reaction took place -among the volunteers at the sight of their well-beloved chief, reduced -to this miserable state, and almost dead of sorrow. They pressed round -him, swearing obedience and fidelity, and promising him to fall to the -last man for him. A melancholy smile played round the pallid lips of -the dying man, for these proofs of devotion came too late. The count, -crushed by a succession of insults, had drunk the cup to the dregs: he -no longer put faith in his comrades. - -The retreat commenced. In spite of the general's solemn pledge, it was -an uninterrupted succession of skirmishes; but a final ray of glory -was reflected on the French. The adventurers, aroused by the smell of -powder, found all their courage once more to victoriously repulse the -attacks of the Mexicans, whom they compelled to retreat pitiably, and -give up any further annoyances. - -The company camped about three leagues from Guaymas, resolved to force -a passage, and enter that port the next day in spite of any opposition. -The count, slightly revived by the prospect of an approaching combat, -had fallen asleep after making all his preparations, when toward -midnight he was aroused by the arrival of a flag of truce. - -The envoys were Senor Pavo and a merchant of Guaymas, who came on behalf -of General Guerrero. They were bearers of an armistice for forty-eight -hours; and a letter from the general, who earnestly begged the count to -come to him in order to arrange the terms of peace. - -"I consent to the armistice," the count replied. "Let the general send -me an escort, and I will go to him." - -His companions objected. - -"Why not take your cavalry?" one of them said to him. - -"For what use?" he said with discouragement. "I am the only person they -care for: if a trap is set for me, I will fall into it alone." - -The adventurers insisted, but he remained inflexible. - -"We no longer understand one another," he said to them. - -Then he turned to the negotiators. - -"Return to Guaymas, gentlemen, and be good enough to tell General -Guerrero that I thank him, and am awaiting his escort." - -The escort arrived at daybreak, and the count set out, after a last and -melancholy glance at his comrades, who witnessed his departure with -aching hearts and tears in their eyes. Henceforth the divorce between -the count and the adventurers was accomplished. - -General Guerrero, on the count's entrance to Guaymas, ordered the -honours due to a commander-in-chief to be paid him. Don Louis smiled -with disdain. What did he care for these empty ceremonies? - -The count and the general had a lengthened conversation together. The -general had not yet given up his projects of seduction; but this time, -like the first, the count answered with a positive refusal. - -The company was henceforth surrendered defencelessly to the machinations -of Senor Pavo. This man lost no time, and by his advice the adventurers -sent as a deputation to the count two ignorant sailors, with orders to -come to a settlement with him at any price. These two emissaries were -selected by Senor Pavo, for the worthy man knew perfectly well what he -was about. The two sailors presented themselves at the count's house, -who sent out a message to them that he was engaged at the moment, and -begged them to wait a little while. The ambassadors, ruffled in their -self-esteem, and puffed up with the importance of the mission intrusted -to them, left the count's house immediately, swearing at his insolence, -and went straight to the palace of General Guerrero. - -The latter, advised beforehand, knew what would happen, and was -impatiently awaiting them. He ordered them to be admitted at once so -soon as they sent in their names, and received them most graciously: -then, when he had sufficiently intoxicated them with flattery, he made -them sign--that is to say, make a cross at the foot of--a treaty, in -which they recognised that, having been _deceived and abandoned in -a cowardly manner_ by their chief, they pledged themselves to lay -down their arms and quit the country for a sum of _eleven thousand -piastres_.[1] We must confess that General Guerrero made a capital -bargain, for the arms came into his possession. Oh! the Mexicans are -famous negotiators, and, above all, most crafty diplomatists. - -Unable to vanquish the company, the Mexicans bought it of two -scoundrels, by the intervention of a third, whose duty it was to defend -it. - -Thus the Atrevida Company had committed suicide. It effected its own -dissolution without even attempting to see once again that chief who had -been its idol, and whom it abandoned writhing on a bed of suffering. - -We must mention, to the honour of the French plenipotentiaries that, in -the treaty they signed, the liberty of the count was formally guaranteed. - -Now let us see by what extraordinary concourse of circumstances the -count, when in such a critical position, was thus abandoned by all his -friends. How was it that General Guerrero, his obstinate foe, had shown -himself so kind and almost generous toward Don Louis during the last -events we have narrated? - -We will proceed to explain this; but, in order to do so, we must take up -events further back, and return to Valentine and his comrades, whom we -left galloping at full speed along the road to the hacienda. - - -[1] A little over L2000. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO. - - -The road from Hermosillo to the Hacienda del Milagro is perfectly well -traced, straight and wide along the entire distance. Although the night -was gloomy and unlit by the moon, as the five horsemen galloped on side -by side, it would have been impossible for them to pass Don Cornelio -without seeing him, had they caught him up; but they reached the -hacienda without receiving any tidings of him. - -The road had been so trampled in every direction during the last few -days, both by French and Mexicans, that it was impossible for these -experienced hunters to distinguish or take up any imprint which could -serve to guide them in their researches. The traces of horses, wagons, -and men were so interlaced in each other, that they were completely -illegible, even to the most practised eye. Several times Valentine -tried, though in vain, to read this book of the desert. Hence, the -nearer the hunters drew to their destination, the more alarmed and -anxious they became. - -It was about eight in the morning when they reached the hacienda: they -had travelled the whole night through without stopping, save to search -for traces of the man they were pursuing. The hacienda was tranquil; the -peons were engaged in their ordinary labours; the ganado was grazing -at liberty on the prairies. When the hunters entered, Don Rafael was -preparing to mount on horse, seemingly to take a ride round his farm. -A peon was holding a magnificent mustang, which champed its bit and -snorted impatiently at being held so long. When the hacendero perceived -the newcomers he ran toward them, playfully menacing them with his -chicote. - -"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good -morning, gentlemen." - -The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at -all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafael then noticed their gloomy and -embarrassed air. - -"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the -bearers of ill news?" - -"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am -mistaken!" - -"Speak--explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about -you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary." - -The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance. - -"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for." - -"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the -house, where we shall converse more at our ease." - -The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafael into a vast apartment which -served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine -opposed the closing of the door. - -"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners." - -"Why such precautions?" - -"I will tell you. Where are Dona Angela and Dona Luz at this moment?" - -"They are probably still asleep." - -"Very good. Tell me, Loyal Heart, have you received any visitor during -the last twenty-four hours?" - -"I have not seen a living soul since the departure of the Count de -Prebois Crance." - -"Ah!" the hunter said, "then a courier did not arrive last night?" - -"None." - -"So that you are ignorant of the deeds accomplished yesterday?" - -"Utterly." - -"You are not aware that the count fought a battle yesterday?" - -"No." - -"That he took Hermosillo by assault?" - -"No." - -"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?" - -"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?" - -"The most perfect truth." - -"In that case the count is victor?" - -"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo." - -"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all -your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness -to tell me why you asked them?" - -"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of -you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give -you a letter." - -"Me! That is strange. The courier was doubtlessly a native, an Indian?" - -"No, he was Don Cornelio Mendoza, a Spanish gentleman, whom you probably -remember." - -"Certainly--a jolly, excellent companion, who was continually strumming -the vihuela." - -"The same man," Valentine said ironically. "Well, this jolly, excellent -companion, who was continually strumming the vihuela, my dear Loyal -Heart, is simply a traitor who sold all our secrets to the enemy." - -"Oh, Valentine! you must be very sure ere you bring such an accusation -against a caballero." - -"Unfortunately," the hunter said sadly, "the slightest doubt on the -subject is impossible; the count holds in his hands all the fellow's -correspondence with General Guerrero." - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" Don Rafael exclaimed, "do you know, my friend, -this is very serious?" - -"I am so fully of your opinion that, in spite of the fatigue that -overpowered me, I begged these gentlemen to accompany me, and started -at full gallop, hoping to surprise him on the road and seize him; for, -beside the letter he had to deliver to you, he had others of a most -compromising nature, addressed to several influential persons in the -province." - -"That is an awkward affair," Loyal Heart said with a pensive air: "it is -evident that the scoundrel, instead of coming here, has gone straight to -hand the papers to the general." - -"There is not, unfortunately, the least doubt of that." - -"What is to be done?" Don Rafael muttered mechanically. - -There was a moment's silence: each reflected on the means to be employed -in order to neutralise the effects of this treachery. Curumilla and -Eagle-head rose, and prepared to leave the room. - -"Where are you going?" Valentine asked them. - -"While our brothers are consulting," the Araucano replied, "the Indian -chiefs will go on the discovery." - -"You are right, chief: go, go," the hunter said. "I do not know why," he -added mournfully, "but I have a foreboding of misfortune." - -The two Indians went out. - -"Do you know the contents of the letter the count wrote me?" Don Rafael -asked presently. - -"On my faith, no; but it is probable that he told you of the victory, -and begged you to conduct Dona Angela to Hermosillo. In any case the -letter was most compromising." - -"As for that, I am very slightly alarmed, for General Guerrero will -think twice before he attacks me. - -"What is the use of this long deliberation, and such a loss of precious -time? We have only one thing to do, and that is to go to Hermosillo as -escort to Dona Angela," Belhumeur said. - -"In truth, that is the most simple," Valentine said in confirmation. - -"Yes," Don Rafael remarked; "the count can only be pleased with that -course." - -"Come, let us carry out the plan without further delay," Belhumeur -continued. "While Black Elk and myself make all the preparations for -the journey, do you, Loyal Heart, go and inform Dona Angela of the -determination we have come to." - -"Do so, and, above all, make haste," Valentine said. "I do not know -why, but I should have liked to be off already." - -Without further words they separated, and the hunter remained alone. In -spite of himself Valentine was a prey to the most poignant uneasiness. -He walked in agitation up and down the room, stopping at times to listen -or look out of the windows, as if he expected to see an enemy rise. At -length, no longer able to endure the uncertainty, he went out. - -The two hunters were busily engaged in lassoing horses and saddling -them, while the peons were bringing in mules to carry the baggage. -Valentine felt his disquietude augmented with every moment. He helped -his comrades with feverish impatience, and urged each to make haste. An -hour passed away. All was then ready, and they only awaited Dona Angela, -who arrived, accompanied by Dona Luz and Don Rafael. - -"At last!" Valentine exclaimed. "To horse, to horse! Let us start at -once!" - -"Let us go," his friends repeated. - -Each mounted; but suddenly a great noise was heard outside, and -Curumilla appeared with agitated features, and panting violently. - -"Fly, fly!" he shouted; "they are coming." - -"Forward!" Valentine exclaimed. - -But an insurmountable obstacle rose before them. At the moment they were -passing through the gate of the hacienda it was suddenly blocked up by -the cattle the peons were driving back from the fields, probably to -prevent them being carried off by marauders. The poor beasts pressed -into the gateway, each anxious to be first, while uttering lamentable -moans, and goaded behind by the peons. It was useless to hope getting -out before the ganado had entered, and there was no chance of clearing -the gateway by driving it back. Hence the fugitives were compelled to -wait, whether they would or not. Valentine was half mad with anger. - -"I knew it, I knew it," he muttered in a hoarse voice, and clenching his -fists in rage. - -At length, after nearly an hour (for Don Rafael possessed numerous -herds), the gate was free. - -"Let us be off in Heaven's name!" Valentine shouted. - -"It is too late," Eagle-head said, appearing suddenly in the gateway. - -"Maldicion!" the hunter yelled as he rushed forward. - -Valentine looked around him, and uttered a cry of alarm. The hacienda -was completely surrounded by nearly five hundred Mexican cavalry, in the -midst of whom General Guerrero could be distinguished. - -"Ah, the wretched traitor!" the hunter exclaimed. - -"Come, let us not be discouraged," Loyal Heart said. "_Cuerpo de -Cristo!_ it is not so long since I gave up desert life that I should -have forgotten all its stratagems. We will not give these troops time to -look about them. Let us charge, and make a hole through them." - -"No," Valentine said authoritatively; "close and bar the gate, -Belhumeur." - -The Canadian hastened to obey. - -"Stay," Don Rafael said. - -"Loyal Heart," Valentine continued, "you are no longer the master to act -as you please, and throw yourself headlong into desperate enterprises. -You must live for your wife and your children; besides, can we expose -Dona Angela to the risk of being killed among us?" - -"That is true," he answered. "Pardon me; I was mad." - -"Oh!" Dona Angela exclaimed, "what do I care about death if I am not to -see again the man I love?" - -"Senorita," the hunter said sententiously, "allow events to follow their -course. Who knows if things are not better so? For the present return to -the house, and leave us to manage this affair." - -"Come, my child, come," Dona Luz said to her affectionately; "your -presence is useless here, and perhaps it may soon become injurious." - -"I obey you, senora," the maiden said sadly; and she retired slowly, -leaning on the arm of Dona Luz, who lavished on her all the consolations -her heart dictated. Don Rafael had given all his servants orders to arm, -and hold themselves in readiness to offer a vigorous resistance in case -the hacienda was attacked, an event which, from the orders given by the -general to his troops, might be expected at any moment. The peons of the -hacienda were numerous, and devoted to their master; hence the struggle -threatened to be serious. - -Suddenly repeated blows were struck on the gate. Valentine, who had -been thinking deeply for several moments, bent down to Don Rafael's ear, -and whispered a few words. - -"Oh!" the latter replied, "that is almost cowardice, Don Valentine." - -"You must," the hunter said obstinately. - -And while Loyal Heart proceeded very unwillingly to the gate, he quickly -entered the house. Don Rafael opened a trap door in the gate, and asked -who was there, and what was wanted; then, to the great surprise of all, -after negotiating for a few moments with the men who demanded entrance -in so peremptory a manner, he ordered the gate to be unbarred. In an -instant it was thrown open, and the general appeared, accompanied by -several officers, with whom he rode boldly in. - -"I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting, general, but I did not know -it was you," Don Rafael said to him. - -"Caramba! amigo," the general remarked with a smile as he looked round, -"you have a numerous garrison here, as far as I can judge." - -"After the late events that have taken place in Sonora the roads are -infested with marauders," Don Rafael replied: "it is wise to take -precautions." - -The general shrugged his shoulders. - -"Very good, caballero," he replied dryly; "but it does not please me -to see so many men armed without any legal motive. Lay down your arms, -gentlemen." - -The peons looked at their master; the latter bit his lips, but made -them a sign to obey. All the weapons were then thrown on the ground. - -"I am very vexed, Don Rafael, but I am about to leave a garrison in your -hacienda. You and all the persons present are my prisoners. Get ready to -follow me to Guaymas." - -"Is that the reward for allowing you to enter my house?" Don Rafael said -bitterly. - -"I should have entered in any case," the general replied sternly. "And -now send my daughter here at once." - -"Here I am, my father," the young lady said as she appeared at the head -of the steps. - -Dona Angela came down slowly into the courtyard, walked toward her -father, and stopped two paces from him. - -"What would you of me?" she said to him. - -"Give you the order to follow me," he answered dryly. - -"I can do no other than obey you. Still you know me, father: my -resolution is inflexible. I have in my hands the means to liberate -myself from your tyranny when it appears to me too heavy for endurance. -Your conduct will regulate mine. Now let us start." - -The only affection that remained warm and pure in the heart of the -ambitious man was his love for his daughter; but that love was immense -and unbounded. This man, who recoiled before no deed, however cruel it -might be, to attain the object he proposed to himself, trembled at a -frown from this child of sixteen, who, knowing the tyrannical power she -exercised over her father, abused it unscrupulously. On his side, Don -Sebastian knew the iron will and untamable character of his daughter. -Hence he trembled in his heart on listening to her cold declaration, -although he allowed nothing to be seen. He turned away with an air of -disdain, and gave orders for departure. - -A quarter of an hour later all the prisoners were _en route_ for -Guaymas, and no one was left at the hacienda but General Don Ramon and -Dona Luz, who were watched by a garrison of fifty men, commanded by an -officer, who had orders not to let them communicate with anybody. - -Valentine, on seeing the general so speedily recovered from his defeat, -judged the position of affairs at a glance. With his usual perspicuity -he understood that, owing to Don Cornelio's treachery, the pueblos would -not rise, that the hacenderos who had pledged their word would keep -aloof, that the revolt would prove abortive, and that the count, ill and -abandoned by everybody, would probably soon be reduced to treat with the -man he had conquered. This was the reason why he urged Don Rafael not -to attempt a useless resistance, which could only have compromised him; -and, at the same time, he persuaded Dona Angela to feign acceptance of -her father's conditions, and return with him. - -We see that the hunter had reasoned well, and that his previsions were -correct. Still he was mistaken in supposing that he would manage to -advise his foster-brother of all that had occurred. The orders given -by the general in reference to the prisoners were executed with such -extreme precision, that it was impossible even to tell the count of his -whereabouts. And now that we have recounted the events that took place -at the hacienda, we will approach the conclusion of this long drama. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE BOAR AT BAY. - - -We must beg the reader to follow us to Guaymas, about a year after the -events described in the last chapter. - -A man dressed in a military garb, bearing considerable resemblance -to the Mexican uniform, was walking, with his arms behind his back, -up and down the sumptuously furnished room. This man appeared to be -deep in thought; his brows were drawn together; and at times he turned -an impatient glance toward a clock placed on a bracket. This man was -evidently expecting somebody who did not arrive, for his impatience and -ill-temper increased with every moment. He took up his hat, which he had -thrown on a sofa, probably with the intention of withdrawing, when a -door opened, and a servant announced,-- - -"His Excellency Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"At last," the visitor growled between his teeth. - -The general appeared. He was in full uniform. - -"Pardon me, my dear count," he said in an affectionate tone, "pardon -me for having kept you waiting so long, I had infinite difficulty in -getting rid of the troublesome people who bored me. At length I am -quite at your service, and ready to listen with proper attention to the -communications it may please you to make to me. - -"General," the count answered, "two motives bring me here today: in -the first place, the desire to obtain from you a clear and categorical -answer on the subject of the propositions I had the honour of making -to you a few days back; and next the complaints I have to make to you -on the matter of certain very grave facts which have occurred to the -prejudice of the French battalion, and of which I have not the least -doubt," he added with a certain tinge of irony in his voice, "you were -ignorant." - -"This is the first I hear of them, sir. Believe me that I am resolved -to do good and ample justice to the French battalion, of which I have -had only to speak in terms of praise since its organisation, not only -through the good conduct of the men without distinction, but also for -the services it has not ceased to render." - -"Those are handsome words, general. Why must they be so barren?" - -"You are mistaken, count, and I hope soon to prove to you the contrary. -But let this be for the present, and come to the grievances of which you -have to complain. Explain yourself." - -The two persons who were talking in this friendly manner and lavishing -smiles were General Guerrero and Count Louis de Prebois Crance, the two -men we have seen in such bitter enmity. What had happened, then, since -the treaty of Guaymas? What reason was sufficiently powerful to make -them forget their hatred? What community of ideas could have existed -between them to produce a change so extraordinary and inexplicable? - -We will ask our readers' permission to explain this before going -further, the more so as the events we have to narrate throw a perfect -light on the Mexican character. - -The general, after the success of the treaty of Guaymas, and the way in -which, thanks to the treachery of Don Cornelio, the insurrection of the -pueblos was prevented, thought he had completely gained his cause, and -believed that he had got rid of the count for ever. The latter, sick -almost unto death, and incapable of connecting two ideas, had received -orders to leave Guaymas immediately. His friends, who were restored -to liberty after the signature of the treaty, hastened to join him. -Valentine had him carried to Mazatlan, where he gradually recovered; -then both set out for San Francisco, leaving Curumilla in Sonora, who -was ordered to keep them acquainted with the progress of events. - -The general had held up before his daughter as a merit the generosity -with which he had treated the count; then he had left her ostensibly -free to act as she pleased, hoping that with time she would forget her -love, and consent to second certain projects he did not as yet let her -see, but which consisted in marrying to one of the most influential -persons in Mexico. Still months had slipped away. The general, who built -on the count's absence, and, before all, the want of news about him, -to cure his daughter of what he called her mad passion, was greatly -astonished, when he one day began talking to her about his plans and the -marriage he had projected, to hear her answer,-- - -"My father, I have told you that I will marry the Count de Prebois -Crance: no other will obtain my hand. You yourself consented to that -union: hence I consider myself bound to him, and, so long as he lives, I -will remain faithful to him." - -The general was at first greatly taken aback by this answer; for, -although he was well aware of his daughter's firmness of character, -he was far from expecting such pertinacity. Still, after a moment, he -regained his presence of mind, and bending over to her, kissed her on -the forehead, saying, with pretended kindness,-- - -"Come, you naughty child, I see I must do what you please, though I -confess it is a heavy sacrifice. Well, I will try. It will not depend on -me whether you see the man you love again." - -"Oh, father! can it be possible?" she exclaimed with a joy she could not -restrain. "Are you speaking seriously?" - -"Most seriously, wicked one; so dry your tears--re-assume your gaiety -and your bright colour of former days." - -"Then I shall see him again?" - -"I swear it to you." - -"Here?" - -"Yes, here, at Guaymas." - -"Oh!" she exclaimed impetuously, as she threw her arms round his neck -and embraced him tenderly, at the same time melting into tears. "Oh, how -kind you are, my father, and how I will love you if you do that!" - -"I will do it, I tell you," he said, affected, in spite of himself, by -this love so true and so passionate. - -The general had already arranged his scheme in his head--the scheme -which we shall soon see unfolded in all its hideousness. Of the reply -his daughter had made him Don Sebastian only remembered one sentence: -"_So long as the count lives I will remain faithful to him._" - -Poor Dona Angela had, without suspecting it, germinated in her father's -brain the most horrible project that can be imagined. Two days later -Curumilla started for San Francisco, bearer of a letter from the young -lady for the count--a letter destined to have an immense influence on -Don Louis' ulterior determination. - -The Mexicans had been so magnificently beaten by the French at -Hermosillo that they had kept up a most touching and respectful -recollection of them. General Guerrero, who, as the reader has been in -a position to see, was a man of imagination, had made a reflection full -of logic and good sense on this subject. He said to himself that if the -French had so thoroughly thrashed the Mexicans, who are very terrible -soldiers as we know, _a fortiori_, they would defeat the Indians, and, -if necessary, the Yankees, those gringos, as the Americans of the -South call them, whom they hold in mortal terror, and expect at any -moment to see invade Mexico. In consequence of this reasoning, General -Guerrero had formed at Guaymas a battalion entirely composed of French -volunteers, commanded by their own officers, and whose services were for -the present limited to acting as police of the port, and maintaining -order in the town. - -Unfortunately the commandant of the battalion, though an upright officer -and good soldier, was not exactly the man to be placed at the head of -these volunteers. His ideas, rather narrow and paltry, were not up to -the position he occupied, and grave misunderstandings soon broke out -between the Mexicans and the foreigners--misunderstandings probably -encouraged in an underhand manner by certain influential persons, but -which placed the battalion, in spite of the conciliatory temper of its -chief, and the attempts he made to restore harmony, in a very difficult -position, which naturally became more aggravated with each day. - -Two parties were formed in the battalion: one, hostile to the -commandant, spoke affectionately of the count, the memory of whom was -still maintained in Sonora, regretted his absence, and formed vows -for his return; the other, though not devoted to the commandant, yet -remained attached to the honour of the flag. But the devotion was -lukewarm, and there was no doubt, if any unforeseen event occurred, that -these men would let themselves be led away by circumstances. - -In this state of affairs General Alvarez _pronounced_ against Santa -Anna, President of the Republic, and summoned the chiefs of all the -corps scattered through the provinces to revolt. General Guerrero -hesitated, or pretended to hesitate, ere declaring himself. Suddenly it -was heard with amazement, almost with stupor, that the Count de Prebois -Crance had landed at Guaymas. This is what had occurred. - -Immediately after that conversation with his daughter, of which we have -quoted a part, the general paid a visit to Senor Don Antonio Mendez -Pavo. This visit was a long one. The two gentlemen conversed secretly -together, after which the general returned to his house rubbing his -hands. - -In the meanwhile Don Louis was at San Francisco, sorrowful and gloomy, -ashamed of the result of an expedition so well begun, furious with the -traitors who had caused its failure, and burning--shall we confess -it?--in spite of Valentine's wise exhortations, to take his revenge. -From several quarters simultaneously influential persons invited the -count to undertake a second expedition. The money requisite for the -purchase of arms and enrolment of volunteers was offered him. Louis had -also had secret interviews with two bold adventurers, Colonel Walker and -Colonel Fremont, who at a later date was a candidate for the presidency -of the United States. These two men made him advantageous offers; but -the count declined them, owing to the omnipotent intervention of the -hunter. - -Still the count had fallen into a black melancholy. The man once so -gentle and benevolent had become harsh and sardonic. He doubted himself -and others. The treachery to which he had been a victim embittered his -character to such a degree that his best friends began to be seriously -apprehensive. - -He never spoke of Dona Angela--her name never rose from his heart to his -lips; but his hand frequently sought on his breast the relic she gave -him on their first meeting, and when he was alone he kissed it fondly -with many a tear. The arrival of Curumilla at San Francisco produced -a complete change; the count appeared to have suddenly recovered all -his hopes and all his illusions; the smile reappeared on his lips, and -fugitive rays of gaiety illumined his brow. - -Two men arrived soon after Curumilla, whose names we will not mention, -lest we should sully the pages of this book. In a few days these men, -doubtlessly following the instructions they had received, took complete -possession of the count's mind, and hurled him back into the torrent -from which his foster-brother had found such difficulty in drawing him. - -One evening the two were seated in a room of the house they occupied in -common, and smoking a pipe after dinner. - -"You will come with me, my brother, I trust?" the count said, turning to -Valentine. - -"Then you really mean to go?" the latter said with a sigh. - -"What are we doing here?" - -"Nothing, it is true. My life is a burden to me, as yours is to you; -but we have before us the boundless desert, the immense horizon of the -prairies. Why not recommence our happy life of hunting and liberty, -instead of trusting to the fallacious promises of these heartless -Mexicans, who have already made you suffer so deeply, and whose infamous -treachery brought you to your present condition?" - -"I must," the count said with resolution. - -"Listen," Valentine went on. "You no longer possess that ardent -enthusiasm which sustained you on your first expedition. You lack faith. -You do not yourself believe in success." - -"You are mistaken, brother. I am more certain of, success now than I -was then; for I have as my allies the men who were formerly my most -obstinate foes." - -Valentine burst into a mocking laugh. - -"Do you still believe in that?" he said to him. - -The count blushed. - -"Well, no," he said. "I will conceal nothing from you. My destiny drags -me on. I know that I am proceeding, not to conquest, but to death. But -no matter; I must, I will see her again. Here, read!" - -The count drew from his breast the letter Curumilla brought him, and -handed it to Valentine; the latter read it. - -"Well," he said, "I prefer your being frank with me. I will follow you." - -"Thanks! Good heavens!" he added sadly, "I do not deceive myself: I -know the old Latin proverb which says _Non bis in idem_: what is once -missed is so for ever. I do not allow myself to be deceived by the -hypocritical protestations of General Guerrero and his worthy acolyte, -Senor Pavo. I know perfectly well that both will betray me on the first -opportunity. Well, be it so. I shall have seen again the woman who -expects me, who summons me, who is all in all to me. If I fall I shall -have a tomb worthy of me. The road I have traced others happier than I -will follow, and bear civilisation to those countries which you and I -once dreamed of emancipating." - -Valentine could not restrain a sad smile at these words, which -completely revealed the count's character--a strange composite of the -most varying elements, and in which passion, pride, and enthusiasm waged -an unceasing contest. - -The next day Louis opened a recruiting office, and a week later embarked -on board a schooner with his volunteers. The voyage commenced with an -evil augury, for the adventurers were wrecked. Had it not been for -Curumilla, who saved him at the risk of his life, it would have been all -over with the count. The adventurers remained twelve days abandoned on a -rock. - -"The Romans would have seen a foreboding in our shipwreck," the -count said with a sigh, "and would have given up an expedition so -inauspiciously begun." - -"We should do wisely in following their example," Valentine said sadly: -"there is yet time." - -The count shrugged his shoulders in reply. A few days later they arrived -at Guaymas. Senor Pavo received the count most kindly, and proposed, -himself, to present him to the general. - -"I wish to make your peace," he said to him. - -Don Louis allowed him to do so. His heart beat at the thought that he -was possibly about to see Dona Angela again, but nothing of the sort -took place. The general was extremely gracious to the count, spoke to -him with feigned candour, and appeared ready to accept his propositions. -Don Louis brought with him two hundred men and arms, and placed his -sword at his disposal, if he intended to join the Governor-General -Alvarez. Don Sebastian, while not replying absolutely to these advances, -still allowed it to be seen that they were not displeasing to him; he -even went further, for he almost promised the count to give him the -command of the French battalion--a promise which, on his side, the count -feigned to hear with the greatest pleasure. - -This interview was followed by several others, in which, always -excepting the numberless protestations the general lavished on the -count, the latter could obtain nothing except a species of tacit -permission to take the command of the volunteers, in concert with the -chief of the battalion. This permission was more injurious than useful -to the count, however, as it rendered a great part of the Frenchmen -indisposed toward him, for they were angry at the general appointing -them a new leader. - -During the week the count had been at Guaymas the general had not -said a word to him about Dona Angela, and it had been impossible for -him to see her. On the day when we find him again at Don Sebastian's -house, matters had reached such a pitch between the inhabitants and -the French, that immediate repression was urgent in order to prevent -great calamities. Several Frenchmen had been insulted--two had even -been stabbed in the public streets; the _civicos_ and inhabitants made -growling threats against the volunteers; and there was in the air that -something which forebodes a great catastrophe, which no one, however, -can explain. - -The general pretended to feel deeply the insults offered the French. He -promised the count that prompt and full justice should be done, and the -assassins arrested. The truth was that the general, before striking the -great blow he was meditating, wished for the arrival of the powerful -reinforcements he expected from Hermosillo in order to crush the French, -and he only sought to gain time. - -The count withdrew. - -The next day the insults began again, and the French saw the assassins, -whom the general had promised to punish, walking impudently about the -streets. The battalion began to grow fearfully excited, and a fresh -deputation, at the head of which the count was placed, was sent to the -general. The count peremptorily demanded that justice should be done, -two cannon given to the battalion for its security, and that the civicos -should be at once disarmed; for these men, drawn from the dregs of the -populace, occasioned all the disorders. - -Once again the general protested his kindly feeling toward the French, -and promised to deliver to them two guns; but he would not hear a -word about disarming the civicos, alleging as his reason that such a -step might irritate the population and produce an ill effect. While -accompanying the Frenchmen to the very door of the saloon he told -them that, in order to prove the confidence he placed in them, he -would himself come without an escort to their barracks, and hear their -complaints. - -The step the general took was a bold one, and therefore sure to succeed, -especially with Frenchmen, who are good judges of bravery, and correct -appreciators of everything that is daring. The general kept his promise; -he really proceeded alone to the French quarters, in spite of the -recommendations of his officers; he even answered them in a way which -proves how thoroughly he was acquainted with the character of Frenchmen. - -A colonel, among others, demonstrated to him the imprudence of thus -placing himself defencelessly in the hands of men exasperated by the -vexations of every description from which they had suffered so long. - -"You do not know what you are saying, colonel. The Gauls in no way -resemble the Mexicans: with them the point of honour is everything. -I know very well that the question will be discussed of keeping me -prisoner; but there is one man who will never consent, and who will -defend me if necessary: that man is the Count de Prebois Crance." - -The general judged correctly: all happened as he said. It was the -count who energetically opposed his arrest, which was already almost -resolved. The general left the barracks in the same way as he entered -them. No one dared to utter a word of reproach in his presence. On the -contrary, thanks to the honeyed eloquence with which he was gifted, he -succeeded so well in turning opinions in his favour, that every one -overwhelmed him with protestations of devotion, and an ovation was -almost offered him. - -The result of this audacious visit was immense for the general; -for, through the effect he had contrived to produce on the mass of -volunteers, a division commenced among them almost immediately after -his departure, and they no longer agreed. One party wished for peace at -any price; the others demanded war with loud shouts, insisting that he -was deceiving them, and that they would be once again the dupes of the -Mexicans. - -The latter were right, for they saw clearly; but, as ever happens, they -were not listened to, and in conclusion they came to a compromise, which -is always bad in such circumstances; that is to say, a committee was -appointed to come to an understanding with the government, and regulate -the affairs of the battalion. - -As may be seen, the mine was charged: a spark would be sufficient to -enkindle an immense fire. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE BEGINNING OF THE END. - - -It was night. In a small house at Guaymas, Louis and Valentine were -conversing by the light of a meagre candle, which only spread a smoking -and trembling illumination. They were discussing the measures by which -to expedite the finale of the gloomy machinations in which General -Guerrero had managed to enfold them with diabolical cunning, while -Curumilla was peacefully sleeping in a corner of the room. - -"I foresaw it," Valentine said. "Now it is too late to draw back. We -must act energetically: if not, you are lost." - -"Eh, my friend? I am so in every way." - -"What! will you really break down when the hour of danger has pealed?" - -"I do not fear it: it will be welcome. I should wish to die, brother." - -"Come, be a man. Regain your courage, but make haste. Have you noticed -the arms and ammunition continually arriving? Believe me, we must make -an end of it, one way or other, as speedily as possible." - -"Yes, I know as well as you that the general is deceiving us; but these -volunteers are not the men I had at Hermosillo. These fellows hesitate -and are afraid. Their commandant is incapable of acting: he is a -vacillating, irresolute man. With such people we can achieve nothing." - -"I am afraid so: still it is better to know at once on what you have to -depend than to remain any longer in this state of uncertainty." - -"Tomorrow the delegates will go and see the general." - -"Let them go to the deuce: they will be at least certain of obtaining a -categorical answer from him," Valentine said impatiently. - -At this moment two light taps were heard at the street door. - -"Who can arrive so late?" the count said. "I expect nobody." - -"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the -people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors." - -And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into -the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,-- - -"Look, look! I am pursued!" - -Valentine rushed out. - -Although this woman was _tapada_--that is to say, her features were -completely hidden by a rebozo--the count recognised her at once. What -other woman but Dona Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, -in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting -into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all -those attentions which her condition demanded. - -"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. -"What has happened?" - -In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her -forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of -intense happiness. - -"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into -tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms. - -Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was -suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were -haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was -agitated by a convulsive tremor. - -"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, -explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me." - -"If I love you, poor cherished one of my heart!" she said with a sigh as -she laid her hand in his. "If I love you! Alas! I love you to death, Don -Louis; and this love will kill me." - -"Speak not so, my well-beloved angel! Dispel these gloomy thoughts: let -us only think of our love." - -"No, Don Louis, I have not come to you to speak of love: I have come to -save you." - -"To save me!" he said with feigned gaiety. "Do you believe me, then, to -be in great peril?" - -"Don Louis, you are running an immense risk. Take heed of my words. Do -not look at me so with a smile: tomorrow you will be a lost man. All the -measures are taken. I heard all: it is horrible! And that is the way I -learnt your return to Guaymas, of which I was ignorant. Then I ran off -madly, wildly to you, in order to say to you, 'Fly, fly, Don Louis!'" - -"Fly!" he repeated thoughtfully. "And you, Angela, must I lose you again -this time and for ever? No, I prefer death." - -"I will go with you; for am I not your affianced, your wife in the sight -of Heaven? Come, come, Don Louis, let us go--not lose a minute, a -second. Your black horse will carry us beyond pursuit in two hours. But -take your weapons, for I was followed by a man as I came here from my -father's house." - -She spoke with strange volubility, like a person talking in a fever. The -count knew not what resolution to follow, when suddenly a loud noise was -heard in the street, and the door, which was only leant to, flew wide -open. - -"Save me, save me!" the poor child exclaimed, a prey to indescribable -terror. - -Don Louis bounded on his pistols, and placed himself resolutely before -her. - -"Oh, you shall come, you villain!" Valentine's voice was heard outside. -"You shall not escape me this time. Come, walk in, or I'll quicken your -motions with my dagger." - -And with a vigorous effort the hunter entered the room, dragging after -him a man who made futile efforts to escape. - -"Shut the door, Louis," Valentine continued. "And now, my worthy spy, -show me your treacherous face, that I may be able to recognise you -again." - -Curumilla had left the corner in which he had hitherto been sleeping. -Without uttering a syllable he drew Dona Angela behind a mosquito net, -which completely concealed her, and then rejoined his friends, candle -in hand. All this while the prisoner offered an obstinate resistance to -prevent his features being seen; but he did not say a word, contenting -himself with uttering hoarse and indistinct exclamations of rage. At -length, after a long struggle, the stranger seemed to comprehend that -all his efforts would be in vain: he drew himself up, took off his -cloak, and crossed his arms on his chest. - -"Well, look at me, as you insist on doing so," he said with a sarcastic -accent. - -"Don Cornelio!" the Frenchmen exclaimed. - -"Myself, gentlemen. How have you been since I last had the pleasure of -seeing you?" he continued with serpent coolness. - -"Miserable traitor!" Valentine yelled as he rushed on him. - -But the count checked him. - -"Wait," he said. - -"I betrayed you, it is true," Don Cornelio replied. "What next? I had -probably a motive in doing so. I know you are going to say that you -did me many services. What does that prove, if you did me in a single -day more injury than all the good you did me during the course of our -relations?" - -"I did you an injury! You lie, you scoundrel!" - -"Senor conde," Don Cornelio said with a haughty air, "I would remind you -that I am a gentleman, and will not allow you to address me in the way -you are now doing." - -"This wretch is mad, on my soul!" the count said with a smile of pity. -"Let him go, brother; he is unworthy of our anger: he only merits our -contempt." - -"Not so," Valentine sharply objected. "This man is the general's tool: -we cannot let him go thus." - -"What shall we do with him? Sooner or later we must release him." - -"That is possible, but for the present we will hand him over to the care -of Curumilla." - -The Indian gave a nod of assent, and seizing Don Cornelio, led him -away. The latter allowed him to do so without offering the slightest -resistance. - -"We shall meet again, gentlemen," he said with a mocking smile. - -The Indian looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and drew him into -another room. Dona Angela then emerged from behind the curtain. - -"I am waiting for you, Don Louis," she said. - -The latter shook his head sadly. - -"Alas!" he said, "I cannot fly: my life is not my own. I have sworn to -my comrades not to abandon them. Were I to fly, I should be a traitor." - -Dona Angela went up to him and bent gracefully over him. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she said. "You are acting as a caballero. Follow -your destiny. Your honour is as dear to me as to yourself. I wish it -to be unspotted. I no longer insist. Farewell! Give me a kiss on the -forehead: we shall not meet again till the day of our death." - -All at once a cry was heard in the street, so horrible that the three -persons shuddered with terror. The door opened, and Curumilla stalked -in: his face was calm, and his step as measured as usual. - -"You went out by the door of the corral then, chief?" Valentine asked -him. - -"Yes." - -"But what have you done with Don Cornelio?" - -"Free," the Indian said. - -"What! free?" Don Louis exclaimed. - -"There must be something in the background," the hunter remarked. "Why -did you give him his liberty?" - -Curumilla drew his knife from his waist belt, and the blade was red with -blood. - -"You need no longer fear him," he said. - -"You have not killed him?" the three exclaimed simultaneously. - -"No," he said. "He is dumb and blind." - -"Oh!" they said with a gesture of horror. - -Curumilla had simply scooped out Don Cornelio's eyes with his scalping -knife, and torn out his tongue; then he led him to the other end of the -town, and abandoned him to his fate. Valentine and Don Louis considered -it useless to address any reproaches to the chief, which could not -repair the evil, and which, indeed, the Araucano would not have -understood; consequently they refrained from any observation. - -Dona Angela, in spite of the count's entreaties, would not consent to -him accompanying her on her return home. She withdrew, after whispering -in his ear the parting recommendation,-- - -"Take heed of tomorrow, Don Louis." - -The count smiled, and she flew away like a bird, leaving behind her very -sad and naked the little room which she had illumined for a short time -with her presence. - -"Come," the count said, as he fell hack in a butaca so soon as she was -gone, "it seems that tomorrow will bring the finale: all the better. -Still the man that takes me will have to pay dearly for it." - -The next day, as had been arranged, the delegates of the volunteers -waited on the general, who received them in his usual way, lavishing -protestations and promises on them. The delegates pressed for a -settlement, on which Don Sebastian, who was doubtlessly ready to deal -the blow he had so long meditated, changed his tone and dismissed -them, bidding them await his good pleasure. The delegates withdrew, -exasperated by the roguery of the man in whom they had been so weak -as to place confidence, and who now proved to them that he had been -deceiving them from the beginning. - -The volunteers were anxiously expecting the answer their delegates were -to bring them. When the latter described what had taken place their -exasperation reached its height: the cry "To arms!" was raised, and -everyone prepared for fighting. The chief of the battalion completely -lost his head. - -"Bid them form a square," the count said to him. The order was obeyed. -The count placed himself in the centre of the square, and raised his -hand to command silence. - -All were still: the moment was a solemn one, and all perceived it. In -spite of himself, a certain degree of hesitation was depicted on the -count's handsome face: not that he feared for himself personally, but he -felt that he was about to risk his last stake, and it would be decisive. -Everyone had his eyes fixed upon him. - -"You hesitate, count," an officer said to him. "Why did you join us, -then? Are you no longer the man of Hermosillo?" - -At this sharp remark a vivid blush suffused the count's cheek, and he -trembled with suppressed passion. - -"No," he exclaimed, "no, by heavens! I do not hesitate. My friends, -reflect: there is yet time. Remember that, the sword once drawn, we -become outlaws. What will you do?" - -"Fight--fight!" the volunteers shouted, waving their weapons -enthusiastically. - -The count drew himself up, unsheathed his sword, and brandished it over -his head. - -"You wish it?" he shouted. - -"Yes, yes!" - -"Well, then, forwards! Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the volunteers replied. - -The battalion, formed in four companies, resolutely left its -quarters, and proceeded at a quick step toward the Mexican barracks. -Unfortunately, as we have said, a dissension had sprung up among the -French. Many of them marched very unwillingly, being forced on by their -comrades. The chief of the battalion, too, though personally very brave, -was not the man suited to attempt a _coup de main_ like the present one; -and the count, through excess of delicacy, and in order to maintain -unity of action, committed the fault of declining the command when -offered to him by the officers and men. - -The battalion proceeded toward the Mexican barracks by three different -roads. But General Guerrero had made his arrangements long before. He -had shut himself up in these barracks with three hundred troops of the -line. The neighbouring houses were crammed with civicos, while four guns -commanded the only approaches. The Frenchmen only amounted to three -hundred men, one half of them discouraged, while the Mexicans were -nearly two thousand. - -Still the action began vigorously on all sides at once. The first charge -was admirable. The Mexican guns swept down the attacking party, and -effected a frightful carnage. Still the French held their ground, and -continued to advance, supported by the example of the count, who walked -fifteen paces in advance of the column, with a rifle in one hand and -a sword in the other, amid a hail-storm of bullets, shouting in his -powerful voice,-- - -"Forward! forward!" - -All at once, the chief of the battalion, who ought to have supported the -attack on the right, seeing his company decimated by canister, lost his -head completely, and fell back in disorder on the French quarters. The -count tried in vain to rally the volunteers; disorder was beginning to -spread among them, and all his efforts were powerless. - -It was at this moment the count understood the fault he had committed -by not accepting the chief command. Still the Mexican guns no longer -fired, for the artillerymen were dead. - -"Forward! Charge with the bayonet!" the count shouted; and he rushed -onward, followed by Valentine and Curumilla, who did not remain an inch -behind. Some twenty volunteers dashed after him. The count rushed up -to the wall of the barracks, which he succeeded in scaling, and stood -upright on the summit, exposed to the whole of the enemy's fire. - -"Forward! forward!" he repeated. - -His hat, pierced by balls, was blown off his head, and several -bayonet-thrusts tore his clothes. A terrible hand-to-hand contest -commenced. Unfortunately there were only fifteen Frenchmen altogether. -After a heroic attempt to hold their ground they were compelled to give -way; but they fell back like lions, pace by pace, with their faces -turned to the foe, and not ceasing to fight. The count howled with -rage: tears of passion poured down his cheeks at seeing himself thus -abandoned. He wished to die. But in vain did he throw himself into the -thickest of the fight: his friends protected him, in spite of himself, -against the blows dealt at him. At length the route commenced. The count -broke his sword, after a glance of powerless fury at his enemies, whom, -had he been bravely supported, he would have conquered, and who thus -escaped him. - -Valentine and Curumilla dragged him down to the port; but the vessel -which brought him had set sail during the combat. Flight was impossible. -In this extremity only one house could offer a refuge to the conquered: -it was that of the French agent, and the volunteers flocked to it. - -Senor Pavo promised that all those who delivered their arms up to him -should be placed under the protection of the French flag. The count had -entered the house and thrown himself into a chair, insensible to all -that was said and done around him; but Valentine was watching. - -"A moment," he said. "Senor Pavo, will the life of Count de Prebois -Crance be saved?" - -The Mexican looked craftily at the hunter, but made no answer. - -"No shuffling, sir," Valentine continued. "We want a distinct answer, or -we shall renew the engagement." - -As it was no longer possible to hesitate Senor Pavo spoke. - -"Gentlemen," he said in a clear and distinct voice, "on my honour I -swear to you that the life of Count Louis de Prebois Crance shall be -spared." - -"We shall remember your words, sir," Valentine said sternly. - -Don Antonio Pavo hoisted a white flag as a signal of peace. Nearly the -whole battalion of volunteers had sought refuge at his house. The battle -was over; it had lasted three hours. The French had thirty-eight men -killed, and sixty-three wounded, out of three hundred combatants. The -Mexicans lost thirty-five men during the action, and had one hundred and -forty-seven wounded, out of about two thousand soldiers. The battle -had been warmly contested, and the conquerors paid dearly for a victory -which was the result of treachery. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE CATASTROPHE. - - -Immediately after the combat a delicious comedy, began between Don -Antonio Pavo and General Guerrero. The latter would not listen to any -proposition tending to obtain for the French a written capitulation. He -confined himself to giving his word of honour as a general officer, that -if the arms were surrendered to him at once, _all_ the rebels should -have their lives granted them. Don Antonio was constrained to yield -to the general's orders. The arms were surrendered, the French made -prisoners of war, and locked up. - -So soon as night fell, Colonel Suarez, accompanied by four other -officers, presented himself at the house of Don Antonio Pavo, demanding, -in the name of General Guerrero, that the Count de Prebois Crance should -be immediately handed over to him. Don Antonio hastened to obey by -giving the count orders to quit his house. The latter, without replying, -contented himself with darting a glance of sovereign contempt at him, -and surrendered to the colonel. A quarter of an hour later he was in -solitary confinement. Of all the combatants only two had escaped, -Valentine and Curumilla, and that was only at the count's peremptory -order. - -We repeat it here, although the names are changed, and certain facts -have, been expressly altered, we are not writing a romance, but the -history of a man whose noble character must be dear to all his fellow -countrymen. There are, then, certain things which we cannot and ought -not to pass over in silence, though frequently in the course of this -long narrative we have softened down facts which we felt a repugnance to -display in all their horror. - -Despite the solemn promise made by Don Antonio Pavo in the presence of -all the volunteers, a few days after his illegal arrest the count was -told to prepare for trial. The Europeans were aroused by this disloyal -act, and several of them went to Don Antonio to remind him of his -promise, and incite him to keep it Then Don Antonio asserted that he -never made any promise, and that the affair in no way concerned him. - -In the meanwhile the preparations for the count's trial were actively -pushed on. All the officers of the battalion, including the commandant, -were interrogated, and all, with one exception, we are compelled to -confess, sought to throw the whole blame of their conduct on the count. -Not a single witness for the defence was examined; for what was the use -of it? The accused was condemned beforehand. - -When the count was arrested he still had in his waist belt the pistols -with which he marched into action. General Guerrero ordered that -they should be left him. He doubtless hoped that Louis, impelled by -despair, would, in a moment of terror, blow out his brains, and thus -spare himself the shame of signing the death warrant. But he was not -acquainted with the character of his enemy. The count possessed a mind -too strongly tried by that touchstone called misfortune to have recourse -to suicide, and tarnish the end of his career. - -In the meanwhile Valentine had not been inactive. If he had consented -to preserve his liberty, it was only in the hope of saving his -foster-brother. Two or three days before the count's secret imprisonment -was altered, toward evening, the door of his cell opened. He turned his -head mechanically to see who entered, uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him. The newcomer was Valentine. - -"You--you here!" he said to him. "Oh, thanks for coming!" - -"Did you not expect me, brother?" the hunter asked. - -"I expected your visit, though I did not dare count on it. You must be -exposed to a thousand annoyances, and compelled to conceal yourself?" - -"I! Not a bit of it." - -"All the better; you cannot imagine how happy I am at seeing you. But -who is the person accompanying you?" - -In truth, Valentine was not alone; another person had entered the cell -with him, and was standing motionless against the door, which the jailer -locked again, after introducing the visitors. - -"Do not trouble yourself about that person at present," Valentine said; -"let us talk about business." - -"Be it so: speak." - -"You know that you will be condemned to death. I suppose?" - -"I presume so." - -"Good! Now listen to me, and, above all, do not interrupt me; for time -is precious, and we must profit by it. You understand that if I obeyed -you when you ordered me to escape, I did so because I suspected in what -way affairs would turn. Now the moment for action has arrived. All is -prepared for your flight; the jailers are bought--they will not see you -quit the prison. I have freighted a vessel. Take your hat, and come. In -ten minutes we shall be aboard, in half an hour under sail, and we will -leave Mexican justice to deal with you in your absence. Come, I have -managed capitally, I think, brother. You see that I have lost no time, -and all this is very simple." - -"Extremely simple indeed," the count replied with the utmost calmness. -"I thank you for what you have done for me." - -"Indeed, brother, it is not worth thanking for." - -The count laid his hand on his arm to interrupt him. - -"But," he continued, "I cannot accept your offer." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed with a start of surprise. "What do you say, -brother? You must be jesting." - -"Not at all, brother. What I say is the truth. It is my inflexible will -to leave to the Mexican people the iniquity of my condemnation, the -indelible stain of my death. I will not fly: I cannot--I ought not; for -it would be an act of cowardice on my part. A soldier does not abandon -his post. A gentleman does not sully his escutcheon. A Frenchman has not -the right to dishonour his name. I die for a noble and grand idea--the -emancipation and regeneration of a people. That idea required a baptism -of blood to make it prosper and bear fruit at a later date. I give it -mine without regret--without a thought of self, gladly--I will say -almost with happiness. Brother, in a prison thoughts ripen quickly: it -is probably because a man is nearer the tomb there, and life appears to -him what it really is--a dream. I have thought much. I have reflected -deeply. I have weighed with the utmost impartiality the for and against -of the two questions, and I prefer death. I knew what you would attempt -for me. Your life has been one long devotion; but that devotion must -this night accomplish its greatest sacrifice in letting me die, and -not attempting to save me. A man like I am must not secure his life by -trickery. I pledged my head as the stake in the game I played. I lost, -and I pay my debt." - -"Brother, brother, do not speak so!" Valentine exclaimed with despair; -"you break my heart." - -"Reflect, my good Valentine, on the position in which I now stand. I am -tried contrary to the law of nations. Hence my position is a fine one; -my judges will endure all the disgrace of my condemnation. If I fly, -I shall be nothing more than any common adventurer--a pirate, as they -call me, prodigal of his companions' blood, and chary of his own. Must I -not acquit the debt I have contracted with all my friends, who died to -defend my cause? Come, brother, do not try to convince me, for it would -be useless. I repeat to you, my resolution cannot be shaken." - -"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed again, with an outburst of passion he could -not repress, "you are determined to die. But do you reflect that, in -dying, you drag down with you to the grave another person? Do you -believe that she will consent to live when----" - -"Silence!" the count interrupted him in great agitation. "Do not speak -to me of her. Poor Angela! Alas! why did she love me?" - -"Why!" the person who accompanied Valentine, and had hitherto remained -motionless, exclaimed. "Because you are great, Louis; because your heart -is immense." - -"Oh!" he said with grief, "Angela! Brother, brother, what have you done?" - -The hunter made no reply, for he was weeping. His iron nature was -broken; the strong man wept like a child. - -"Do not reproach him for having brought me, Don Louis. I wished to -come--I insisted on accompanying him." - -"Alas!" the count replied with an ineffable sadness, "you break my -heart, poor darling child. In your presence all my resolution and -courage abandon me. Oh! why have you come to revive, by your presence, -regrets which nothing will be able to calm again?" - -"You are mistaken, Don Louis," she said with febrile energy. "You -believe me to be a weak woman, without courage. My love for you is too -true and too pure for me ever to advise you to do anything against your -honour or your glory. Just now, concealed in that obscure corner, I -listened eagerly to your words. I was happy at hearing you speak as you -did. I love you, Don Louis, oh, as man never was loved in this world! -But I love you for yourself, and not for myself. Your glory is as dear -to me as you are. Your memory must remain without a stain, as your life -has been unsullied. Don Louis, I, to whom you are all in all, the man -for whom I would sacrifice my life if necessary, I have come to say to -you, 'Dear count, die nobly, with head erect: fall like a hero! Your -memory will be revered as that of a martyr.'" - -"Yes, thanks, thanks for saying that to me, Angela," the count said as -he pressed her in his arms with passionate energy; "you restore me all -my energy." - -"And now farewell, count, to meet again soon." - -The count went up to Valentine. - -"Your hand, brother," he said to him. "Forgive me for not desiring to -live." - -The hunter threw himself into his brother's arms, and the two remained -thus enfolded for several minutes. At length the count liberated himself -from this loving prison by a heroic effort. Valentine left the cell, not -having the strength to utter a word, and supporting Dona Angela, who, in -spite of the courage she had displayed, felt on the point of fainting. - -The door closed again, and the count remained alone. He fell back -in his chair, leaned his elbows on the table, buried his face in his -hands, and remained in this position the whole night through. The next -morning, at an early hour, Don Louis was fetched to go to the court. The -interrogatory was over, and the pleading was about to begin. - -The count had chosen as his defender a young captain of the name of -Borunda, who during the siege of Hermosillo had been taken prisoner by -the French at the attack on the bridge head. Borunda had remembered the -generous manner in which the count had treated him at that period. His -pleading was what might be expected from the young and noble officer, -simple, pathetic, and imprinted with that eloquence which comes from -the heart, and nothing can equal. Assuredly the count would have been -acquitted, had not his death been decided beforehand. - -Don Louis, who during the entire discussion remained calm and apathetic, -listening to the false statements and calumnious imputations of the -witnesses without quivering, or addressing a reproach to those ingrates -who sacrificed him in this cowardly way, felt affected by his defender's -glowing language. He rose and held out his hand to him with inimitable -grace. - -"Thank you, sir," he said to him. "I am happy at having found a man like -yourself among so many enemies. Your pleading was as it should be, and -money will not repay such words." - -Then, drawing from his finger the ring bearing his coat of arms, which -he had always worn since leaving France, he passed it on to the -captain's finger, adding,-- - -"Accept this ring, and keep it in remembrance of me." - -The captain pressed his hand, but could not reply.[1] - -The judges retired to deliberate. They returned at the expiration of -five minutes. Count Louis de Prebois Crance, unanimously found guilty, -was condemned to be shot. The sworn interpreter of the court was then -called on by the president to translate the sentence to the condemned; -but then a strange incident occurred. This interpreter rose and -addressed the court. - -"No, gentlemen," he said resolutely; "I will not translate this unjust -sentence, which you will soon regret having pronounced." - -This energetic protest abashed the judges for an instant. The -interpreter was discharged on the spot. He was a Spaniard. - -"Gentlemen," the count then said with the greatest coolness, "I -understand your language sufficiently well to know that you have -condemned me to death. May Heaven pardon you, as I do!" - -He bowed to the judges with a smile, and withdrew as calm as he entered. - -The count was immediately placed in _capilla_. It is the fashion in -Spain and all Southern America for men condemned to death to be placed -in a room, at one end of which is an altar. Near the bed stands the -coffin in which the body of the condemned will be laid after the -execution. The walls are hung with black cloth, on which silver tears -and mournful inscriptions are sewn. This custom, which is very cruel in -our opinion, and is evidently a relic of the barbarous medieval times, -is probably intended to imbue the condemned with religious ideas. - -The count was in no way influenced by these mournful trappings, but -employed himself with the utmost tranquillity in setting his affairs -in order. The very day he was put in _capilla_ Valentine entered his -cell, followed by Father Seraphin. He was the priest he would most -certainly have sent for to console him in his last moments, had he known -where to find him; but Valentine thought of everything. By his orders -Curumilla went on the search, and the worthy Indian soon discovered the -missionary, who, on learning the nature of the case, hastened to follow -him. - -Still the condemnation of the count had produced an extraordinary -emotion. While the civicos and other bandits of the town indulged in -indecent joy, parading the streets with bands of music at their head, -the upper classes and sound portion of the population displayed extreme -sorrow. They spoke of nothing less than preventing the execution of the -sentence, and for some hours General Guerrero trembled lest his victim -should escape him. - -The Vice-Consul of the United States, indignant at this unjust sentence, -but not having the power to act officially, proceeded to Don Antonio -Pavo with the hope of inducing him to act energetically, and save the -count. Don Antonio refused. While protesting the sorrow he felt, nothing -could make him recall his refusal. - -Still Don Antonio understood that he could not refrain from paying a -visit to the count. Valentine was with him, as well as Father Seraphin. -The hunter had obtained leave to remain with his foster brother till -the last moment. The count received Don Antonio with an icy face. -He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders in contempt when -the latter tried to exculpate himself, and alleviate all that was -reprehensible in his conduct. The count handed him several papers, and, -interrupting him roughly in the midst of a very involved sentence, in -which he was trying to prove how innocent he was of all imputed to him, -said dryly,-- - -"Listen to me, sir. I am willing, if it is of any use to you, to give -you a letter, in which I acknowledge that your conduct toward me was -always irreproachable; but on one condition----" - -"What is it, sir?" he asked eagerly. - -"I do not wish to be shot on my knees, and with my eyes bandaged. You -understand me, sir? I want to look death in the face. Go and arrange -that with the governor." - -"That favour shall be granted you, I can assure you, sir," he answered, -delighted at having been let off so easily. - -He went out and kept his word. What did the count's enemies care whether -he fell standing or on his knees, with eyes bandaged or not? Their great -object was that he should be dead. Still General Guerrero profited by -this opportunity to appear generous at a small cost. - -The next day but one Valentine brought Dona Angela with him: the maiden -had donned that monk's robe which she had already worn under critical -circumstances. - -"Is it for today?" the count asked. - -"Yes," Valentine answered. - -Louis took his foster-brother on one side. - -"Swear to me to protect that child when I am no longer here to do so." - -"I swear it!" Valentine said in a broken voice. - -Dona Angela heard the words. She smiled sadly as she wiped away a tear. - -"Now, brother, there is another oath I must obtain from you." - -"Speak, brother." - -"Swear to do what I ask you, whatever it may be." - -Valentine looked at his foster-brother: he saw such anxiety depicted on -his face that he let his eyes fall. - -"I swear it!" he said in a hollow voice. - -He had guessed what Don Louis was about to demand of him. - -"I do not wish you to avenge me. Believe me, brother, God will take that -vengeance on Himself, and sooner or later punish my enemies in a more -terrible manner than you can do. Do you promise to obey me?" - -"You have my word, brother," the hunter answered. - -"Thanks! Now let me say good-by to this poor girl." - -And he walked toward Dona Angela, who advanced to meet him. We will not -describe their conversation. They forgot everything during an hour to -live an age of joy by isolating themselves, and speaking heart to heart. -Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside, the door of the capilla opened, -and Colonel Suarez appeared. - -"I am at your orders, colonel," the count said, not giving the other -time to speak. - -He passed his fingers for the last time through his moustache, smoothed -his hair, took up his Panama straw hat, which he held in his hand, and -after taking a melancholy glance around, went out. - -Father Seraphin walked on his right; Dona Angela, with the hood over her -head, on his left. Valentine came next, tottering like a drunken man, in -spite of all the efforts he made, with haggard eyes, and face bathed in -tears. There was something heart-rending in the aspect of this man, with -the energetic features and bronzed face, a prey to such grief, which was -the more profound because it was silent. - -It was six in the morning, the sun had just risen, the dawn was -magnificent, the atmosphere was filled with perfume, nature seemed -rejoicing, and a man full of life, health, and intellect was about to -die--die brutally, struck by unworthy foemen. - -An immense crowd covered the place of execution, and the troops were -drawn up in battle array. General Guerrero, in full uniform, glistening -with precious stones, appeared at the head of the troops. - -The count walked slowly, talking with the missionary, and from time to -time addressing a word to the heroic girl, who refused to abandon him at -this supreme hour. He held his hat before his face to protect him from -the sunbeams, and fanned himself carelessly. On reaching the execution -ground he stopped, went in the direction of the firing party, threw his -hat on the ground, and waited. - -An officer read his sentence. When this was over, the count -affectionately embraced the missionary, did the same to Valentine, and -whispered in his ear,-- - -"Remember!" - -"Yes," the latter said in an inarticulate voice. - -Then came the turn of Dona Angela. They remained for a long time in a -close embrace, and then separated as if by mutual agreement. - -"Though separated on the earth, we shall soon be united in heaven. -Courage, my beloved!" she said with exaltation. - -He replied to her with a smile which had nothing earthly about it. - -Father Seraphin and Valentine fell back about fifteen paces, knelt down -on the ground, and folded their hands in prayer. Dona Angela, with the -cowl still over her face, placed herself only a few paces from the -general, who watched all the preparations for the execution with a -triumphant smile. - -The count looked around him to assure himself that his friends had -retired, took a step forward nearer the firing party, from which he was -only eight yards, and laying his hands behind his hack, with head erect, -a smile on his lips, and a resolute glance, he called out in a clear, -impressive voice,-- - -"Come, my brave fellows, do your duty! Aim at the heart!" - -Then a strange event occurred. The officer stammered as he gave the -order to fire; and the soldiers, firing one after the other, did not hit -the sufferer. - -"Enough of this, caray!" the general shouted. - -The soldiers reloaded their muskets, and the order to fire was given -once more. A discharge burst forth like thunder, and the count fell with -his face to the earth. - -He was dead: progress counted one martyr more! - -"Farewell, father," a voice cried in the general's ear. "I keep my -promise." - -Don Sebastian turned in terror, for he had recognised his daughter's -voice. - -Dona Angela had fallen to the ground. Her father rushed toward her. It -was too late; he only pressed a corpse in his arms. His punishment had -already commenced. - -The count had scarce fallen ere Valentine rushed toward him, followed by -the missionary. - -"Let no one approach the body!" he said in a voice which made the -bravest recoil, and kneeling on his right, while the missionary placed -himself on the left, he prayed. - -Curumilla had disappeared. - -Those who tell us that the Count de Prebois Crance was an adventurer, I -will merely ask what Hernando Cortez was on the day before the fall of -Mexico? - -In politics, as in everything else, the end justifies the means, and -success is only the consecration of genius. - - -[1] We are delighted to be able to state that Captain Borunda, in spite -of the brilliant offers afterwards made him, would not consent to part -with this ring.--G.A. - - - - -NOTE. - -Several of our friends have remarked to us with truth that the work -of justice we have attempted in this work would be incomplete if we -insisted on concealing our characters under their pseudonyms. We will, -therefore, obey our friends' wishes. Who does not remember the heroic -episode of Count Gaston de Raousset-Boulbon's life? The incident that -terminated it was, in spite of the political preoccupations of the -moment, considered a public calamity. - -It is the expedition of this great soldier, who only lacked a lever to -overturn a world, that we have attempted to describe. Don Louis is the -count. By the side of Consul Calvo, General Yanes, and the Commandant -Lebourgeois-Desmarets, a sinister trinity fatal to the count, the -first two through a mean hatred, the third through jealousy, also grin -the ignoble and gloomy faces of Colonel Campusano and Cubillas, those -subaltern agents, the buzzards who were less hideously ferocious than -the men who urged them to action. Now let us mention hap-hazard the -names of the few men who remained faithful to the count at all risks. -In the first rank we will name Monsieur A. de la Chapelle, editor -in chief of the _Messager de San Francisco,_ a private friend of -Raousset, who left him at his death the duty of avenging his memory, -and whom friendship inspired to write so fine a book; then Lenoir, -Gamier, Fayolle, and Lefranc, of whom the last three fell bravely -before Hermosillo; O. de la Chapelle, brother of the journalist, that -chivalrous chief of the Cocosperians; lastly, the Mexican captain, -Borunda, whose chivalrous pleading would have saved the count, had not -his death been resolved on. - -Twelve years have passed over the drama of Guaymas, and the hour has -arrived to do proper justice to the heroic victim of that unjustifiable -assassination. We, one of his obscurest friends, will be pleased if -our book, so incomplete as it may be, aids to any extent, however -slight, in effecting this rehabilitation so eagerly expected by all -honest hearts. We will add in conclusion, that the narrative has been -undertaken without any notes being prepared beforehand, and written -under the impression of ineffaceable memories, rather with the heart -than with the pen. - - -GUSTAVE AIMARD. - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 42742.txt or 42742.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/4/42742/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Indian Chief - The Story of a Revolution - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: May 20, 2013 [EBook #42742] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - - - - -THE INDIAN CHIEF - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - -PREFACE. - -With this volume terminates the series in which Gustave Aimard has -described the sad fate of the Count de Raousset-Boulbon, who fell a -victim to Mexican treachery. In the next volume to be published, under -the title of the "Trail Hunter," will be found the earlier history of -some of the characters whose acquaintance the reader has formed, I trust -with pleasure, in the present series. - - L.W. - - - - CONTENTS. - - - I. THE INTERVIEW - II. THE MISSION - III. THE SPY - IV. THE EXPLOSION - V. THE FIRST POWDER BURNT - VI. REPRISALS - VII. GUETZALLI - VIII. THE ENVOY - IX. DOÑA ANGELA - X. THE AMBASSADORS - XI. THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN - XII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER - XIII. LA MAGDALENA - XIV. THE COCK-FIGHT - XV. THE INTERVIEW - XVI. FATHER SERAPHIN - XVII. THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE - XVIII. THE SURPRISE - XIX. THE FORWARD MARCH - XX. BEFORE THE ATTACK - XXI. THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO - XXII. AFTER THE VICTORY - XXIII. THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO - XXIV. THE BOAR AT BAY - XXV. THE BEGINNING OF THE END - XXVI. THE CATASTROPHE - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -The Jesuits founded in Mexico missions round which, with the patience -that constantly distinguished them, an unbounded charity, and a -perseverance which nothing could discourage, they succeeded in -collecting a large number of Indians, whom they instructed in the -principal and most touching dogmas of their faith--whom they baptized, -instructed, and induced to till the soil. - -These missions, at first insignificant and a great distance apart, -insensibly increased. The Indians, attracted by the gentle amenity of -the good fathers, placed themselves under their protection; and there -is no doubt that if the Jesuits, victims to the jealousy of the Spanish -viceroys, had not been shamefully plundered and expelled from Mexico, -they would have brought around them the majority of the fiercest _Indios -Bravos_, have civilised them, and made them give up their nomadic life. - -It is to one of these missions we purpose conducting the reader, a month -after the events we have narrated in a preceding work.[1] - -The mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles was built on the right -bank of the Rio San Pedro, about sixty leagues from Pitic. Nothing can -equal the grandeur and originality of its position. Nothing can compare, -in wild grandeur and imposing severity, with the majestically terrible -landscape which presents itself to the vision, and fills the heart with -terror and a melancholy joy, at the sight of the frightful and gloomy -rocks which tower over the river like colossal walls and gigantic -parapets, apparently formed by some convulsion of nature; while in the -midst of this chaos, at the foot of these astounding precipices, past -which the river rushes in impetuous cascades, and in a delicious valley -covered with verdure, stands the house, commanded on three sides by -immense mountains, which raise their distant peaks almost to the heavens. - -Alas! this house, formerly so smiling, so animated, so gay and -happy--this remote corner of the world, which seemed a counterpart of -Eden, where, morning and night, hymns of gratitude, mingling with the -cascade, rose to the Omnipotent--this mission is now dead and desolate, -the houses are deserted and in ruins, the church roof has fallen in, -the grass has invaded the choir. The terrified members of this simple -and innocent community, scattered by persecution, sought refuge in the -desert, and returned to that savage life from which they were rescued -with so much difficulty. Wild beasts dwell in the house of God, and -nothing is heard save the voice of solitude murmuring unceasingly -through the deserted houses and crumbling walls, which parasitic plants -are rapidly invading, and will soon level with the ground, covering them -with a winding sheet of verdure. - -It was evening. The wind roared hoarsely through the trees. The sky, -like a dome of diamond, flashed with those millions of stars which are -also worlds; the moon spread around a vague and mysterious light; and -the atmosphere, refreshed by a gusty breeze, was embalmed with those -desert odours which it is so healthy to respire. - -Still the night was somewhat fresh, and three travellers, crouching -round a large _brasero_ kindled amid the ruins, seemed to appreciate its -kindly warmth. These travellers, on whose hard features the changing -flashes of light were reflected, would have supplied a splendid subject -for an artist, with their strange costumes, as they were encamped there -in the midst of the wild and startling landscape. - -A little distance behind the principal group four hobbled horses were -munching their provender, while their riders, for their part, were -concluding a scanty meal, composed of a slice of venison, a few pieces -of _tasajo_, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with water -slightly dashed with refino to take off its hardness. - -These three men were Count Louis, Valentine, and Don Cornelio. Although -they ate like true hunters--that is to say, with good appetite, and not -losing a mouthful--it was easy to guess that our friends were engaged -with serious matters for thought. Their eyes wandered incessantly -around, consulting the shadows, and striving to pierce the darkness. -At times the hand stopped half way to the mouth--the lump of tasajo -remained in suspense: with their left hand they instinctively sought -the rifle that lay on the ground near them. They stretched forth their -necks, and listened attentively, analysing those thousand nameless -noises of the great American deserts, which all have a cause, and are an -infallible warning to the man who knows how to understand them. - -Still the meal drew to an end. Don Cornelio had seized his _jarana_; but -at a sign from Don Louis he laid it again by his side, wrapped himself -in his _zarapé_, and stretched himself out on the ground. Valentine was -in deep reflection. Louis had risen, and, leaning against a wall, looked -cautiously out into the desert. A long period elapsed ere a word was -exchanged, until Louis seated himself again by the hunter's side. - -"'Tis strange," he said. - -"What?" Valentine replied abstractedly. - -"Curumilla's prolonged absence. He has left us for nearly three hours -without telling us the reason, and has not returned yet." - -"Have you any suspicion of him?" the hunter said with a certain degree -of bitterness. - -"Brother," Louis replied, "you are unjust at this moment. I do not -suspect; I am restless, that is all. Like yourself, I feel a too lively -and sincere friendship for the chief not to fear some accident." - -"Curumilla is prudent; no one is so well acquainted as he with Indian -tricks. If he has not returned, there are important reasons for it, be -assured." - -"I am convinced of it; but the delay his absence causes us may prove -injurious." - -"How do you know, brother? Perhaps our safety depends on this very -absence. Believe me, Louis, I know Curumilla much better than you do. -I have slept too long side by side with him not to place the utmost -confidence in him. Thus, you see, I patiently await his return." - -"But supposing he has fallen into a snare, or has been killed?" - -Valentine regarded his foster brother with a most peculiar look; then he -replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, and an air of supreme contempt,-- - -"He fallen into a snare! Curumilla dead! Nonsense, brother, you must be -jesting! You know perfectly well that is impossible." - -Louis had no objection to offer to this simple profession of faith. - -"At any rate," he continued presently, "you must allow that he has kept -us waiting a long time." - -"Why so? What do we want of him at this moment? You do not intend to -leave this bivouac, I fancy? Well, what consequence is it if he return -an hour sooner or later?" - -Louis made a sign of impatience, wrapped himself up in his zarapé, and -lay down by Don Cornelio's side, after growling,-- - -"Good night." - -"Good night, brother," Valentine answered with a smile. - -Ten minutes later, Don Louis, despite his ill temper, overcome by -fatigue, slept as if he were never to wake up again. Valentine allowed -a quarter of an hour to elapse ere he made a move; then he rose gently, -crept up to his foster brother, bent over him, and examined him -attentively for two or three minutes. - -"At length," he said, drawing himself up. "I was afraid he would insist -on sitting up and keeping me company." - -The hunter thrust into his girdle the pistols he had laid on the ground, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and stepping carefully across the -stones and rubbish that burdened the soil, rapidly but noiselessly -retired, and speedily disappeared in the darkness. He walked in this way -for about ten minutes, when he reached a dense thicket. Then he crouched -behind a shrub, and, after taking a cautious survey of the surrounding -country, whistled gently thrice, being careful to leave an equal space -of time between each signal. At the expiration of two or three minutes -the cry of the moorhen was heard twice from the midst of the trees that -bordered the river's bank only a few paces from the spot where the -hunter was standing. - -"Good!" the latter muttered. "Our friend is punctual; but, as the -wisdom of nations says somewhere that prudence is the mother of surety, -let us be prudent: that can do no harm when dealing with such scamps." - -And the worthy hunter set the hammer of his rifle. After taking this -precaution he left the thicket in which he had been concealed, and -advanced with apparent resolution, but still without neglecting any -precaution to avoid a surprise, toward the spot whence the reply to his -signal had come. When he had covered about half the distance four or -five persons came forward to meet him. - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with -me. Attention!" - -Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the -nearest man. - -"Halt," he said, "or I fire!" - -"_Capo de Dios!_ you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. -"You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your -rifle--you see that we are unarmed." - -"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms -concealed about your person?" - -"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you -venture to doubt it?" - -The hunter laughed. - -"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see -before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my -friends." - -"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please." - -"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are -bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours." - -"As you please, Don Valentine: you shall arrange matters as you will. -Still, the first time we had a conference together, I found you much -more facile." - -"I do not deny it. Come alone, and we will talk." - -The stranger gave his companions a sign to stop where they were, and -advanced alone. - -"That will do," the hunter said as he uncocked his rifle, and rested the -butt on the ground, crossing his hands over the muzzle. - -The man to whom Valentine displayed so little confidence, or, to speak -more clearly, whom he doubted so greatly, was no other than General Don -Sebastian Guerrero. - -"There, now you must be satisfied. I think I have given you a great -proof of my condescension," the general said as he joined him. - -"You have probably your reasons for it," the hunter replied, with a -cunning look. - -"Sir!" the general haughtily objected. - -"Let us be brief and clear, like men who appreciate one another -correctly," Valentine said dryly. "I am neither a fool nor a man -infatuated with his own merits; hence frankness, reciprocal frankness, -can alone bring us to any understanding, if that be possible, though I -doubt it." - -"What do you suppose, then, sir?" - -"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is -all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, -Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to -solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at -night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great -advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see -that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor -the other." - -"Suppose that things are as you state?" - -"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts." - -"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you." - -"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have -proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters." - -"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of -rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid----" - -"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk -to be incurred." - -"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the -affair, and feel annoyed." - -"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save -you the trouble of an explanation?" - -"How so?" - -"Listen to me." - -The two men were standing just two paces apart, looking in each other's -eyes. Still Valentine, ever on his guard, was carefully watching, -though not appearing to do so, the four men left behind. - -"Speak!" the general said. - -"General, you wish simply to propose to me that I should sell my friend." - -Don Sebastian, at these words, pronounced with a cutting accent, -involuntarily gave a sign of surprise, and fell back a pace. - -"Sir!" - -"Is it true--yes or no?" - -"You employ terms----" the general stammered. - -"Terms have nothing to do with the matter. Now that you have discovered -Don Louis is not the accomplice you hoped to find, who would raise you -to the president's chair, and as you despair of changing his views, you -wish to get rid of him--that is natural." - -"Sir!" - -"Let me continue. For that purpose you can hit on nothing better than -buying him. Indeed, you are used to such transactions. I have in my -hands the proofs of several which do you a great deal of honour." - -The general was livid with terror and rage. He clenched his fists and -stamped, while uttering unconnected words. The hunter seemed not to -notice this agitation, and continued imperturbably,-- - -"Still you are mistaken in applying to me. I am no Dog-face, a fellow -with whom you made a famous bargain some years ago. I have dealt in -cattle, but never in human flesh. Each man has his speciality, and I -leave that to you." - -"Stay, sir!" the general exclaimed in a paroxysm of fury. "What do -you want to come to? Did you accept this interview for the purpose of -insulting me?" - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"You do not believe it," he said: "that would be too childish. I want to -propose a business transaction." - -"What!" - -"Or a bargain, if you prefer that term." - -"What is its nature?" - -"I can tell you in two words. I have in my possession various papers, -which, if they saw light, and were, handed to certain persons, might -cost you not only your fortune, but possibly your life." - -"Papers!" Don Sebastian stammered. - -"Yes, general; your correspondence with a certain North American -diplomatist, to whom you offered to deliver Sonora and one or two other -provinces, if the United Sates supplied you with the means to seize the -presidency of the Mexican Republic." - -"And you have those papers?" the general said with ill-restrained -anxiety. - -"I have the letters, with your correspondent's answers." - -"Here?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a laugh. - -"Then you will die!" the general yelled, bounding like a panther on the -hunter. - -But the latter was on his guard. By a movement as quick as his -adversary's, he seized the general by the throat, threw himself upon -him, and laid his foot on his chest. - -"One step further," he said coldly to the general's companions, who were -running up at full speed to his aid, "one step, and he is a dead man." - -Certainly the general was a brave man. Many times he had supplied -unequivocal proofs of a courage carried almost to temerity: still he -saw such resolution flashing in the hunter's tawny eye, that he felt a -shudder pass through all his limbs--he was lost, he was afraid. - -"Stop, stop!" he cried in a choking voice to his friends. - -The latter obeyed. - -"I could kill you," Valentine said; "you are really in my power; but -what do I care for your life or death? I hold both in my hands. Rise! -Now, one word--take care that you do nothing against the count." - -The general had profited by the hunter's permission to rise; but so -soon as he felt himself free, and his feet were firmly attached to the -ground, a revolution was effected in him, and he felt his courage return. - -"Listen in your turn," he said. "I will be as frank and brutal with you -as you were with me. It is now a war to the death between us, without -pity and without mercy. If I have to carry my head to the scaffold, the -count shall die; for I hate him, and I require his death to satisfy my -vengeance." - -"Good!" Valentine coldly answered. - -"Yes," the general said sarcastically. "Come, I do not fear you! I do -not care if you employ the papers with which you threatened me, for I am -invulnerable." - -"You think so?" the hunter said slowly. - -"I despise you; you are only adventurers: You can never touch me." - -Valentine bent toward him. - -"Perhaps not," he said; "but your daughter?" - -And, taking advantage of the general's stupefaction, the hunter uttered -a hoarse laugh and rushed into the thicket, where it was impossible to -follow him. - -"Oh!" the general muttered, at the expiration of a moment, as he passed -his hand over his damp forehead, "the demon! My daughter!" he yelled, -"my daughter!" - -And he rejoined his companions, and went off with them, not responding -to one of the questions they asked him. - - -[1] See "Gold-Seekers." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MISSION. - - -Valentine, after suddenly parting from the general as we narrated, did -not appear at all alarmed about pursuit; and if he hurried on at first, -he soon relaxed his speed. On arriving about a hundred yards from the -spot where his interview with Don Sebastian had taken place, he stopped, -raised his eyes to the sky, and seemed to consult his position. Then he -went on; but, instead of proceeding toward the mission, he turned his -back completely on it, and returned to the bank of the river, whence he -had before been retrograding. - -Although the hunter was walking at a quick pace, he seemed greatly -preoccupied, and looked mechanically around him. At times he stopped, -not to listen to any strange sound, but through the thoughts which -oppressed him, and robbed him of all sense of external things. Evidently -Valentine was seeking the solution of a problem that troubled him. - -At length, after about a quarter of an hour, he saw a faint light a -few paces ahead of him. It glistened through the trees, and seemed to -indicate an encampment. Valentine stopped and whistled softly. At the -same moment the branches of a shrub, about five yards from him, parted, -and a man appeared. It was Curumilla. - -"Well," Valentine asked, "has she come?" The Araucano bowed his head in -reply. The hunter made an angry gesture. - -"Where is she?" he asked. - -The Indian pointed to the fire the hunter had noticed. - -"Deuce take the women!" the hunter growled; "they are the least logical -beings in existence. As they let themselves ever be guided by passion, -they overthrow unconsciously the surest combinations." - -Then he added in a louder voice,-- - -"Have you not executed my commission, then?" - -This time the Indian spoke. - -"She will listen to nothing," he said; "she will see." - -"I knew it!" the hunter exclaimed. "They are all alike--silly heads, -only fit for mule bells; and yet she is one of the better sort. Well, -lead me to her. I will try to convince her." - -The Indian smiled maliciously, but made no reply. He turned away and led -the hunter to the fire. In a few seconds Valentine found himself on the -skirt of a vast clearing, in the centre of which, by a good fire of dead -wood, Doña Angela and her camarista, Violanta, were seated on piles of -furze. Ten paces behind the females, several peons, armed to the teeth, -leant on their long lances, awaiting the pleasure of their mistress. -Doña Angela raised her head at the sound caused by the hunter's -approach, and uttered a slight cry of joy. - -"There you are at last!" she exclaimed. "I almost despaired of your -coming." - -"Perhaps it would have been better had I not done so," he answered with -a stifled sigh. - -The young lady overheard, or pretended not to hear, the hunter's reply. - -"Is your encampment far from here?" she continued. - -"Before proceeding there," the hunter said, "we must have a little -conversation together, señora." - -"What have you to say to me that is so interesting, or rather, so -urgent?" - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -The young lady made a gesture signifying her readiness to hear something -which she knew beforehand would be disagreeable. - -"Speak!" she said. - -The hunter did not allow the invitation to be repeated. - -"Where did Curumilla meet you?" - -"At the hacienda, just as I was mounting to start. I only awaited him to -begin my journey." - -"He tried to dissuade you from this step?" - -"He did; but I insisted on coming, and compelled him to guide me here." - -"You were wrong, niña." - -"For what reason?" - -"For a thousand." - -"That is no answer. Mention one." - -"Your father, in the first place." - -"He has not yet arrived at the hacienda. I shall have got back before he -comes. I have nothing to fear on that side." - -"You are mistaken. Your father has arrived: I have seen him--spoken with -him." - -"You! Where? When?" - -"Here, scarce half an hour ago." - -"That is impossible," she said. - -"It is the fact. I will add that he wanted to kill me." - -"He!" - -"Yes." - -The young lady remained thoughtful for a moment; then she raised her -head, and shook it several times. - -"All the worse," she said resolutely. "Whatever happens, I will carry it -out to the end." - -"What do you hope from this interview, niña? Do you not know that your -father is our most inveterate foe?" - -"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections -when I sent my request to you." - -"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer -entertain. Believe me, niña, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return -as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if -he does not see you on his arrival?" - -"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don -Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine." - -"Think of the consequences of such a step." - -"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform -your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde." - -The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. -He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed -affectionately. - -"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. -Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not -entail frightful disaster!" - -"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us -start. You will see all end better than you anticipate." - -"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here." - -"I ask nothing better. I will only take Violanta with me." - -"As you please." - -At a sign from her mistress the camarista went up to the peons, who -were still motionless, and gave them orders not to leave the clearing -under any pretext before her return. Then, guided by Valentine, the two -females proceeded toward the camp of the filibusters, Curumilla forming -the rear guard. On arriving about a hundred yards from it Valentine -stopped. - -"What is the matter?" Doña Angela asked him. - -"I hesitate about troubling my friend's repose. Perhaps he will be angry -with me for having brought you to him." - -"No," she said, "you are deceiving me: that is not your thought at this -moment." - -He regarded her with amazement. - -"Good heavens!" she continued with animation, "do you fancy I do not -know what is troubling you now? It is to see a girl of my age, rich -and well born, take what your countrymen would call an improper step, -and which, were it known, would inevitably destroy her reputation. But -we Americans are not like your cold and staid European women, who do -everything by weight and measure. We love as we hate. It is not blood, -but the lava of our volcanoes that circulates in our veins. My love is -my life! I care naught for anything else. Remain here a few moments, -and let me go on alone. Don Louis, I am convinced, will understand -and appreciate my conduct at its just value. He is no common man, I -tell you. I love him. In a love so true and ardent as mine there is a -certain magnetic attraction which will prevent it being spurned." - -The young Mexican was splendidly lovely as she uttered these words. With -her head thrown haughtily back, her flashing eye and quivering lip, she -was at once a virgin and a Bacchante. Subdued, in spite of himself, by -the maiden's accent, and dazzled by her glorious beauty, the hunter -bowed respectfully before her, and said, with considerable emotion in -his voice,-- - -"Go, then; and may Heaven grant that, by your aid, my brother may be -again led to take an interest in life!" - -She smiled with an undefinable expression of archness and serenity, and -flew, lightly as a bird, into the thicket. Valentine and Curumilla, who -were near enough to the camp to see what occurred, though the sound of -voices could not reach them, resolved to wait where they were till their -presence became absolutely necessary. - -The encampment was in the same state as when the hunter quitted it to -go and meet the general. Don Louis and Don Cornelio were fast asleep. -Doña Angela remained for a moment silent, fixing on Don Louis a glance -in which an unbending resolution flashed. Then she stooped down gently -over him. But at the moment when she was about to lay her hand on his -shoulder to arouse him, a sudden sound caused her to tremble. She sprang -back, threw a startled glance around, and disappeared once again in the -thicket. - -Hardly had she retired ere the sound which smote on her ears, and -interrupted the execution of her project, became louder; and it was soon -easy to distinguish the cadenced sound of a large body of men on the -march, and the harsh creaking of cartwheels. - -"Your companions are arriving," Doña Angela said hurriedly to Valentine -as she rejoined him; "they are only a short distance from the mission. -Can I still count on you?" - -"Always," he answered. - -"I have changed my mind: I will not explain my views to the count in -this way, but in the presence of all of you, by the light of the sun. -You shall soon see me again in your midst. Good-by! I am going back to -the hacienda. Prepare the count for my visit." - -After making a parting sign to the hunter, and smiling on him, the young -girl remounted her horse, and set off at a gallop, followed by her -escort. - -"Yes, I will prepare Louis to receive her," the hunter muttered, as -he followed her with his eyes for a moment. "That child has a noble -heart: she really loves my foster brother. Who knows what will be the -consequences of this love?" - -And, after shaking his head two or three times dubiously he re-entered -the encampment, accompanied by Curumilla, whose Indian stoicism was -unshaken, and who seemed perfectly a stranger to all that was taking -place around him. - -Valentine awoke Louis. The latter sprang up at once. - -"Have you any news?" he asked. - -"Yes, the company is coming up." - -"Already! Oh, oh! it has pushed on. That is a good omen." - -"Shall we stay here long?" - -"No, two days at the most, or long enough to rest the men and cattle." - -"Perhaps it would be better to push on at once--" - -"I should like it as much as yourself, but it is impossible, as the -40,000 rations we ought to have found here have not yet arrived, and we -are forced to await them." - -"That is true." - -"I am the more annoyed at this oversight, because our provisions -are rapidly diminishing. Still, do not let our comrades see our -disappointment, but let us put on a good face. They know we went ahead -of them to make the commissariat arrangements, so let them fancy we have -succeeded." - -Valentine bowed in affirmation. The night was almost at an end; already -the sky on the horizon was beginning to be shaded with large white -strips of cloud; the stars had all disappeared one after the other; and -the sun was just about to rise. Curumilla threw a handful of dried wood -on the fire in order to make a flame, and neutralise the effect of the -icy night air. - -"_Caramba!_" Don Cornelio exclaimed, as he woke up suddenly; "I am -frozen; the nights are so cold." - -"Are they not?" Valentine said to him. "Well, if you want to warm -yourself, nothing is easier. Come along with me." - -"I am quite willing. Where are you going?" - -"Listen." - -"I am doing so. Stay!" he said at the expiration of an instant. "Can -that be the company?" - -"It is. But it is unnecessary for us to put ourselves out of the way, -for here they come." - -In fact, at this moment, the French advanced guard entered the mission. -According to the treaty made with the Atrevida Company, 40,000 rations -should have been prepared at the mission for the troop. The count -gave the command to Colonel Florés, with orders to push on, and, -accompanied by Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Cornelio, had gone on -ahead. Unfortunately the company had not carried out its engagements -with that loyalty the count had a right to expect. Instead of 40,000 -rations he had found scarce half, ranged with a certain degree of -symmetry in a ruined cabin. This breach of faith was the more injurious -to the interests of the expedition, because the count, owing to this -perfidious manoeuvre, found himself almost unable to push on, as he was -about definitively to leave the inhabited and cultivated plains to bury -himself in the desert. - -Indeed, since the company had left Guaymas, the ill-will of the Mexicans -had been so evident under all circumstances, that Don Louis had required -a superhuman energy and will of iron not to give way to discouragement, -and withdraw in the face of these obstacles raised in his path with -unparalleled animosity. Still, up to the present, the Mexicans had never -dared to break their engagements so boldly as now: hence they must -feel themselves very strong, or at least their precautions were so well -taken, and they felt so sure of success, that they raised the mask. - -Besides, the count had found no one at the mission to hand him over -the stores in the name of the company; and the persons who treated him -so unworthily had not deigned to weaken by an excuse the treachery of -which they were guilty at this moment. Don Louis foresaw, then, that -after such behaviour, the _dénouement_ of the odious farce played by the -Mexicans was at hand, and he prepared to face the storm bravely. - -The mission was held in military fashion by the company; for they were -on the edge of the desert, and it was wise to begin a careful watch. -Cannon were planted at each angle of headquarters--sentinels placed at -regular distances; in short, this mission, sad and abandoned on the -previous day, seemed to have sprung magically into life again; the -rubbish was removed, and the old Jesuit church, more than half in ruins, -suddenly assumed the appearance of a fortress. - -When the count had given the necessary orders for the instalment of the -company, and was assured of their perfect execution, he inquired of -Colonel Florés how he had performed his duties as temporary chief. The -colonel, alone among the French, and feeling himself consequently in -the wolfs throat, was too crafty not to act ostensibly with the utmost -loyalty; hence on every occasion he offered proofs of goodwill, and -acted with a degree of circumspection by which Valentine, that eternal -doubter, was nearly duped, although he knew perfectly well the nature of -the Mexican character. - -Then the count withdrew with the hunter, and the two foster brothers -held a conversation, which, to judge by its length, and, above all, Don -Louis' thoughtful air when it was ended, must have been very important. -In fact, Valentine, accomplishing his pledge to Doña Angela, informed -the count of the events of the past night, not only telling him all that -had passed between him and the young lady, but also the details of his -interview with the general on the river bank. - -"You see, then," he said in conclusion, "that the situation is growing -more and more critical, and they mean war." - -"Yes, it is war; but so long as the least hope is left me, be assured, -brother, that I shall not give them the satisfaction of supplying a -pretext for a rupture." - -"You must play more cautiously than ever, brother. However, unless I am -greatly mistaken, we shall speedily know what we have to expect." - -"That is my opinion too." - -At this moment Don Cornelio appeared, accompanied by Curumilla. - -"I beg your pardon," he said to the hunter; "but I should feel obliged -by your putting matters right with the chief, who persists in telling me -that we are at this moment closely watched by an Indian war party." - -"What!" Valentine said, frowning. "What is that you say, Don Cornelio?" - -"Look here. While walking in the neighbourhood of the mission with the -chief, I picked up this----" - -"Let me see," Valentine said. - -Don Cornelio handed him a moccasin, which the hunter examined -attentively for several minutes. - -"Hum!" he then said, "this is serious. Where did you find it?" - -"On the river bank." - -"What do you think of it, chief?" Valentine said, turning to the -Araucano. - -"The moccasin is new--it has been lost. Curumilla has seen numerous -trails." - -"Listen," Don Louis said quickly. "Tell no one about this discovery: -we must distrust everything, for treachery is hovering around us, -and threatens us from all sides at once. While I strengthen our -intrenchments under pretext of a longer stay here, you, brother, will go -out to reconnoitre with the chief, and assure yourself of what we have -really to fear from the Indians." - -"Be quiet, brother: on your side, keep a good watch." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SPY. - - -It was about eight in the morning when Valentine and Curumilla left -Don Louis. The hunter had passed the whole night without closing an -eye. He felt fatigued: his eyelids, weighed down with sleep, closed -involuntarily. Still he prepared to make the researches his foster -brother had intrusted to him, when Curumilla, noticing his condition, -invited him to take a few hours' rest, remarking that he did not -absolutely want him in following up the trail he had noticed in the -morning, and that he would give him a good account of all he did. - -Valentine placed the most entire confidence in Curumilla. Many times, -during the course of their common existence, he had been in a position -to appreciate the sagacity, cleverness, and experience of the chief; -hence he needed but little pressing to consent to his proposition of -going out alone, and after giving him the warmest recommendations, he -wrapped himself up in his cloak, and fell off to sleep at once. - -He had enjoyed for about two hours a peaceful and refreshing nap when -he felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder. So light as the touch was, -it was sufficient to arouse the hunter, who, like all men habituated -to prairie life, maintained, if we may use the expression, a sense -of external things even during sleep. He opened his eyes, and looked -fixedly at the man who had come to disturb the rest he was enjoying, -while mentally consigning him to the deuce. - -"Well," he said, with the harsh accent of a man aroused at the -pleasantest moment of a dream, "what do you want of me, Don Cornelio? -Could you not select a more favourable moment to talk with me, for I -suppose what you have to say to me is not extremely important?" - -Don Cornelio (for it was really that gentleman who awoke Valentine) laid -his finger on his mouth, while looking suspiciously around, as if to -recommend caution to the hunter; then he leant over his ear. - -"Pardon me, Don Valentine," he said; "but I believe that the -communication I have to make to you is of the utmost importance." - -Valentine sprang up as if moved by a spring, and looked the Spaniard in -the face. - -"What is the matter, then?" he asked in a low and concentrated voice, -which, however, had something imperious about it. - -"I will tell you in two words. Colonel Florés (whose face, by the way, -does not at all please me) has been doing nothing but prowl round the -mission since the morning, inquiring what has been done and left undone, -gossiping with one or the other, and trying, above all, to discover -the opinion of our men as regards the chief. There was not much harm -in that, perhaps, but, so soon as he saw you were asleep, he learnt -that the count, who was engaged with his correspondence, had given -orders that he should not be disturbed for some hours. Upon this he -pretended, to retire to a half-ruined cabin situated at the outskirts -of the mission; but a few minutes after, when he supposed that no one -was thinking about him, instead of taking a siesta as he had given out, -he slipped away from the hut among the trees like a man afraid of being -surprised, and disappeared in the forest." - -"Ah, ah!" Valentine said thoughtfully, "what interest can that man have -in absenting himself so secretly?" Then he added, "Has he been gone -long?" - -"Hardly ten minutes." - -Valentine rose. - -"Remain here," he said. "In case the colonel returns during my absence, -watch him carefully; but do not let him suspect anything. I thank you -for not having hesitated to wake me. The matter is serious." - -Then, breaking off the conversation, the hunter quitted Don Cornelio, -and gliding along under the shadow of the ruins, so as to attract -no attention, entered the forest. In the meanwhile, Colonel Florés, -believing Valentine to be asleep, and knowing that the count was -writing, felt no apprehension about being followed. He walked rapidly -toward the river, not taking any trouble to hide his footsteps--an -imprudence by which the hunter profited, and which placed him at once on -the track of the man he was watching. - -The colonel soon arrived at the river. The most complete calm prevailed -around; the alligators were wallowing in the mud; the flamingoes were -fishing negligently: all, in a word, evidenced the absence of man. -Still, the colonel had scarce appeared on the bank ere an individual, -hanging by his arms from the branch of a tree, descended to the ground -scarce a couple of paces from him. At this unexpected apparition the -colonel recoiled, stifling a cry of surprise and alarm; but he had not -the time to recover from his emotion ere a second individual leaped in -the same fashion on the sand. Mechanically Don Francisco raised his eyes -to the tree. - -"Oh, oh!" the first arrival said with a coarse laugh, "you need not -take the trouble to look up there, Garrucholo; no one is left there." - -At the name of Garrucholo the colonel shuddered, and attentively -examined the two men who had presented themselves in so strange -a manner, as they stood motionless before him, and looked at him -derisively. The first of the two was a white man, as could be easily -recognised at the first glance, in spite of his bronzed complexion, -which was almost of the colour of brick. The clothes he wore were -exactly like those of the Indians. This interesting personage was armed -to the teeth, and held a long rifle in his hand. His comrade was a -redskin, painted and armed for war. - -"Eh?" the first speaker continued. "I fancy you do not recognise me, -boy. By God, you have a short memory!" - -This oath, and, above all, the strong accent with which the man -expressed himself in Spanish, although he spoke that language fluently, -were a ray of light for the colonel. - -"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead. - -"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not -forgotten me, compañero." - -This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; -still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen. - -"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked. - -"And you?" the other answered boldly. - -"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained." - -"And mine too." - -"Ah!" - -"Hang it! I am here because you are so." - -"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, -will you?" - -"I am quite ready to do so, but the spot is badly selected for talking -Come with me." - -"I beg your pardon, Buitre, my friend. We are, as you said yourself, old -acquaintances." - -"Which means?" - -"That I doubt you excessively." - -The bandit began laughing. - -"A confidence that honours me," he said, "and of which I am deserving. -Did you find in the mission church the hilt of a dagger with an S -engraved on the pommel?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. That hilt signified, I think, that you were to take a walk -in this quarter?" - -"It did." - -"Well, the persons with whom you must converse are before you. Do you -now understand?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then let us have a talk; but as what we have to say only concerns -ourselves, and it is unnecessary to mix up in our business people who -have no concern with it, we will proceed to a spot where we shall have -nothing to fear from indiscreet ears." - -"Who the deuce do you expect will surprise you here?" - -"No one, probably; but, my esteemed friend, as prudence is the mother of -safety, I have become, since our last parting, extraordinarily prudent." - -"I'll go wherever you please." - -"Come on." - -The three men re-entered the forest. - -Valentine followed them pace by pace. They did not go far. On arriving a -certain distance from the river they stopped at the entrance of a large -clearing, in the centre of which rose an enormous block of green rock. -The three men clambered up, and, on reaching the top, lay down at their -ease on a species of platform. - -"There!" El Buitre said, "I believe we can talk here in perfect surety." - -Valentine was for an instant rather disappointed at this precaution -on the part of the bandits. Still he did not give in. The hunter was -accustomed to see material impossibilities arise before him of the same -nature as in the present case. After a few seconds' reflection he looked -around him with a malicious glance. - -"Now to see who is the most cunning," he muttered. - -He lay down on the ground. The grass grew tall, green, and close in -the clearing; and Valentine began crawling, with a slow and almost -imperceptible motion, in the direction of the rocks, passing through the -grass without imparting the slightest oscillation to it. After about a -quarter of an hour of this manoeuvre the hunter saw his efforts crowned -with success; for he reached a spot where it was possible for him to -rise, and whence he was enabled to overhear perfectly all that was said -on the platform, while himself remaining invisible. - -Unfortunately the time he had employed in gaining his observatory -prevented him hearing what were probably very important matters. At the -moment he began listening El Buitre was the speaker. - -"Bah, bah!" he said with that mocking accent peculiar to him, "I answer -for success. Even if the French are devils, each of them is not equal to -two men. Hang it all, let me alone!" - -"_Canarios!_ may I be hanged if I interfere at all in this affair! I -have done too much already," the colonel made answer. - -"You are always a trembler. How do you expect that men half demoralised, -fatigued by a long journey, can resist the combined and well-directed -attack of my brother's, this Apache chief's, band, supported as they -will be by the eighty scoundrels the Mexican Government has placed at my -disposal for this expedition?" - -"I do not know what the French will do; but you will, perhaps, learn -that they are stout fellows." - -"All the better--we shall have the more fun." - -"Take care not to have too much," El Garrucholo said with a grin. - -"Go to the deuce with your observations! Besides, I have a grudge -against their chief, as you know." - -"Bah! how can a man like you have a grudge against anyone in particular? -He only has a grudge against riches. Who are your men?" - -"_Cívicos_--real bandits--regular game for the gallows. My dear fellow, -they will perform miracles." - -"What! cívicos? The idea is glorious--the men whom the hacenderos pay -and support for the purpose of fighting the redskins." - -"Good Lord, yes, that is the way of the world. This time they will fight -by the side of the redskins against the whites. The idea is original, -is it not, especially as, for this affair, they will be disguised as -Indians?" - -"Better still. And the chief, how many warriors has he with him?" - -"I do not know; he will tell you himself." - -The chief had remained gloomy and silent during this conversation, and -the colonel now turned toward him with an inquiring glance. - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," the redskin said in his guttural -voice: "two hundred Apache warriors follow his war plume." - -El Garrucholo gave a significant whistle. - -"Well," he continued, "I maintain what I said." - -"What?" - -"You will receive an awful thrashing." - -El Buitre repressed with difficulty a gesture of ill-temper. - -"Enough," he said; "you do not know the Indians. This chief is one of -the bravest sachems of his tribe. His reputation is immense in the -prairies. The warriors placed under his orders are all picked men." - -"Very good. Do what you please: I wash my hands of it." - -"Can we at least reckon on you?" - -"I will execute punctually the orders I received from the general." - -"I ask no more." - -"Then nothing is changed?" - -"Nothing. Always the same hour and the same signal." - -"In that case it is useless for us to remain longer together. I will -return to the mission, for I must try to avoid any suspicion." - -"Go, and may the demon continue his protection to you!" - -"Thanks." - -The colonel left the platform. Valentine hesitated a moment, thinking -whether he should follow him; but, after due reflection, he felt -persuaded that all was not finished yet, and that he should probably -still obtain some precious information. El Buitre shrugged his -shoulders, and turning to the Indian chief, who was still impassive, -said,-- - -"Pride has ruined that man. He was a jolly comrade a few years back." - -"What will my brother do now?" - -"Not much. I shall remain in hiding here until the sun has run -two-thirds of its course, and then go and rejoin my comrades." - -"The chief will retire. His warriors are still far off." - -"Very good. Then we shall not meet again till the appointed moment?" - -"No. The paleface will attack on the side of the forest, while the -Apaches advance by the river." - -"All right! But let us be prudent, for a misunderstanding might prove -fatal. I will draw as near as possible to the mission; but I warn you -that I shall not budge till I hear your signal." - -"Wah! my brother will open his ears, and the miawling of the tiger-cat -will warn him that the Apaches have arrived." - -"I understand perfectly. One parting remark, chief." - -"I listen to the paleface." - -"It is clearly understood that the booty will be shared equally between -us?" - -The Indian gave a wicked smile. - -"Yes," he said. - -"No treachery between us, redskin, or, by God! I warn you that I will -flay you alive like a mad dog." - -"The palefaces have too long a tongue." - -"That is possible; but if you do not wish misfortune to fall on you, -profit by my words." - -The Indian only replied by a gesture of contempt: he wrapped himself in -his buffalo robe, and retired slowly. - -The bandit looked after him for a moment. - -"Miserable dog!" he muttered, "so soon as I can do without you I will -settle your account, be assured." - -The Indian had disappeared. - -"Hum! what shall I be after now?" El Buitre continued. - -Suddenly a man bounded like a jaguar, and, before the bandit could even -understand what was happening, he was firmly garotted, and reduced to a -state of complete powerlessness. - -"You do not know what to be after? Well, I will tell you," Valentine -remarked, as he sat down quietly by his side. - -The first moment of surprise past, the bandit regained all his coolness -and audacity, and looked impudently at the hunter. - -"By God! I do not know you, comrade," he said; "but I must confess you -managed that cleverly." - -"You are a connoisseur." - -"Slightly so." - -"Yes, I am aware of it." - -"But you have tied me a little too tightly. Your confounded reata cuts -into my flesh." - -"Bah! you will grow used to it." - -"Hum!" the bandit remarked. "Did you hear all we said?" - -"Nearly all." - -"Deuce take me if people can now talk in the desert without having -listeners!" - -"What would you? It is a melancholy fact." - -"Well, I must put up with it, I suppose. You were saying----" - -"I! I did not say a word." - -"Ah! I beg your pardon in that case; but I fancied you were -cross-questioning me. You probably did not tie me up like a plug of -tobacco for the mere fun of the thing." - -"There is some truth in your observation. I had, I allow, another -object." - -"What is it?" - -"To enjoy your conversation for a moment." - -"You are a thousand times too kind." - -"Opportunities for conversing are so rare in the desert." - -"That is true." - -"So you are on an expedition?" - -"Yes, I am: a man must be doing something." - -"That is true also. Be good enough to give me a few details." - -"About what?" - -"Why, this expedition." - -"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible." - -"Only think of that! Why so?" - -"I know very little." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me -to do a thing for me to refuse." - -Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a -bluish flash. - -"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?" - -"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin. - -"Oh, oh!" Valentine remarked. "Still I hope I shall alter your opinion." - -"Try it. Stay!" he added, suddenly changing his tone. "Enough of that -sort of farce. I am in your power--nothing can save me. Kill me--no -matter, I shall not say a word." - -The two men exchanged glances of strange expressiveness. - -"You are an idiot," Valentine answered coldly; "you understand nothing." - -"I understand that you want to know the secrets of the expedition." - -"You are a fool, my dear friend. Did I not tell you that I knew all?" - -The bandit seemed to reflect for a minute. - -"What do you want, then?" he said. - -"Merely to buy you." - -"Hum! that will be dear." - -"You do not say no?" - -"I never say no to anything." - -"I see you are becoming reasonable." - -"Who knows?" - -"At how much do you estimate your share of this night's booty?" - -El Buitre looked at him as if wishful to read the thoughts in his heart. - -"Hang it! that will mount high." - -"Yes, especially if you are hung!" - -"Oh!" - -"Everything must be foreseen in such a business." - -"You are right." - -"The more so as, if you refuse the bargain I offer you, I will kill you -like a dog." - -"That's a chance." - -"It is very probable. So take my word, let us bargain. Give me your -figure." - -"Fifteen thousand piastres," the bandit exclaimed; "not an ochavo less." - -"Pooh!" Valentine said, "that is little." - -"Eh?" he remarked in amazement. - -"I will give you twenty thousand." - -In spite of the bonds that held him the bandit gave a start. - -"Done!" he exclaimed; but in a moment added, "Where is the sum?" - -"Do you fancy me such a fool as to pay you beforehand?" - -"Hang it! I fancy----" - -"Nonsense! You are mad, compadre. Now that we understand one another, -let me undo you--that will freshen up your ideas." - -He took off the reata. El Buitre rose at once, stamped his foot to -restore the circulation, and then turning to the hunter, who stood -watching him laughingly, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of his -rifle, said,-- - -"At least you have some security to give me?" - -"Yes, and an excellent one." - -"What?" - -"The word of an honest man." - -The bandit made a gesture; but Valentine continued, not seeming to -notice it,-- - -"I am the man whom the whites and Indians have surnamed the -'Trail-hunter.' My name is Valentine Guillois." - -"What!" El Buitre exclaimed with strange emotion, "are you really the -Trail-hunter?" - -"I am," Valentine answered simply. - -El Buitre walked up and down the platform hastily, muttering in a -low voice broken sentences, and evidently a prey to intense emotion. -Suddenly he stopped before the hunter. - -"I accept," he said hurriedly. - -"Tomorrow you shall receive your money." - -"I will none of it." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Valentine, allow me to remain master of my secret for a few days; I -will then explain my conduct to you. Though I am a bandit, every feeling -is not yet dead in my heart; there is one which has remained pure, and -that is gratitude. Trust to me. Henceforth you will not have a more -devoted slave, either for good or evil." - -"Your accent is not that of a man who has the intention of deceiving. I -trust to you, asking no explanation of your sudden change of feeling." - -"At a later date you shall know all, I tell you; and now that we are -alone, explain to me your plan in all its details, in order that I may -help you effectively." - -"Yes," Valentine said, "time presses." - -The two men remained alone for about two hours discussing the hunter's -plan, and when all was settled they separated--Valentine to return to -the mission, and El Buitre to rejoin his companions, who were concealed -a short distance off. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXPLOSION. - - -During Valentine's absence facts of extreme gravity had occurred at the -mission. The Count de Prébois Crancé had finished his correspondence, -and held in his hand the letters he had just written, while he gave -a peon, already mounted, his final instructions. At this moment -the advanced posts uttered the cry of "Who goes there?" which was -immediately taken up along the whole line. Louis felt his heart -contracted by this shout, to which he was, however, accustomed; a cold -perspiration beaded on his temples; a mortal pallor covered his face; -and he was forced to lean against a wall lest he should fall, so weak -did he feel. - -"Good heavens!" he stammered in a low voice, "what can be the matter -with me?" - -Let who can explain the cause of this strange emotion, this inner -presentiment which warned the count of a misfortune; for our part, we -confess our inability, and content ourselves with recording the fact. - -The count, however, wrestled with this extraordinary emotion, for which -there was no plausible reason. Owing to a supreme effort of the will, a -perfect reaction took place in him, and he became once more cold, calm, -and stoical, ready to sustain, without weakness as without bravado, the -blow by which he instinctively felt himself menaced. - -In the meanwhile an answer had been returned to the sentries' challenge, -and words exchanged. Don Cornelio came up to the count, his face quite -discomposed by astonishment, and himself a prey to the most lively -emotion. - -"Señor conde----" he said in a panting voice, and then stopped. - -"Well," the count asked, "what is the meaning of those challenges I -heard?" - -"Señor," Don Cornelio continued with an effort, "General Guerrero, -accompanied by his daughter, several other ladies, a dozen officers, and -a powerful escort, requests to be introduced to your presence." - -"He is welcome. At length, then, he consents to treat directly with me." - -Don Cornelio withdrew to carry out the orders he had received, and soon -a brilliant cavalcalde, at the head of which was General Guerrero, -entered the mission. The general was pale, and frowned: it was easy -to see that he with difficulty suppressed a dumb fury that filled his -heart. The adventurers, in scattered groups, and haughtily wrapped up -in their rags, regarded curiously these smart Mexican officers, so vain -and so glittering with gold, who scarce deigned to bestow a glance upon -them. The count walked a few paces toward the general, and uncovered -with a movement full of singular grace. - -"You are welcome, general," he said in his gentle voice; "I am happy to -receive your visit." - -The general did not even lift his finger to his embroidered hat, but, -suddenly stopping his horse when scarce two paces from the count,-- - -"What is the meaning of this, sir?" he exclaimed in an angry voice. "You -are guarded as if in a fortress! You have, Heaven pardon me! sentries -and patrols round your encampment, as if you were in command of a -regular army." - -The count bit his lips; but he restrained himself, and replied in a -calm, though grave voice,-- - -"We are on the edge of the _despoblados_ (deserts), general, and our -safety depends on our vigilance. Although I am not the commander of an -army, I answer for the safety of the men I have the honour of leading. -But will you not dismount, general, so that we may discuss more at our -ease the grave questions which doubtless bring you here?" - -"I will not dismount, sir, nor anyone of my suite, before you have -explained to me your strange conduct." - -Such a flash sparkled in the count's blue eye that, in spite of himself, -the general turned his head away. This conversation had taken place -under the vault of heaven, in the presence of the Frenchmen, who had -collected round the newcomers. The patience of the adventurers was -beginning to grow exhausted, and hoarse, mutterings were heard. With -a sign the count appeased the storm, and silence was immediately -re-established. - -"General," Don Louis continued with perfect calmness, "the words you -address to me are severe. I was far from expecting them, especially -after the way in which I have acted since my landing in Mexico, and the -moderation I have constantly displayed." - -"All that is trifling," the general said furiously. "You Frenchmen have -a honeyed tongue when you wish to deceive us. But, by heavens, I will -teach you differently! You are warned once for all." - -The count drew himself up, and a feverish flush suffused his cheeks. He -put on again the hat he had hitherto held in his hand, and looked the -general boldly in the face. - -"I would observe, Señor Don Sebastian Guerrero," he said, in a voice -broken by emotion, which he attempted in vain to check, "that you -have not returned me my salute, and that you employ strange language -in addressing a gentleman at least as noble as yourself. Is this the -boasted Mexican courtesy? Come to the facts, caballero, without holding -language unworthy of yourself or me; explain yourself frankly, that I -may know, once for all, what I have to hope or fear from these eternal -tergiversations, and the continued treachery of which I am the victim." - -The general remained for a moment thoughtful after this rude apostrophe. -At length he made up his mind, removed his hat, saluted the count -graciously, and suddenly changed his manner. - -"Pardon me, caballero," he said; "I was so far carried away by my temper -as to employ expressions which I deeply regret." - -The count smiled disdainfully. - -"Your apologies are sufficient, sir," he said. - -At the word "apologies" the general quivered, but soon regained command -of himself. - -"Where do you desire that I should communicate to you the orders of my -Government?" - -"At this spot, sir. I have, thanks to Heaven, nothing to hide from my -brave comrades." - -The general, though evidently annoyed, dismounted. The ladies and -officers who accompanied him did the same. The escort alone remained -on horseback, with their ranks closed up. At an order from Don Louis -several tables were produced, and instantaneously covered with -refreshments, of which the French officers began to do the honours with -the grace and gaiety that distinguish their nation. The general and the -count seated themselves on butacas, placed in the doorway of the mission -church, near a table, on which were pen, ink, and paper. - -There was a lengthened silence. It was evident that neither wished to be -the first to speak. The general at length opened the conversation. - -"Oh, oh!" he said, "you have guns with you?" - -"Did you not know it, general?" - -"My faith, no!" - -And he added, with a sarcastic smile,-- - -"Do you intend to pursue the Apaches with such weapons?" - -"At the present moment less than ever, general," Don Louis answered -dryly. "I do not know of what use this artillery will be to me. Still it -is good, and I am convinced that it will not betray me in the hour of -need." - -"Is that a menace, sir?" the general asked significantly. - -"What is the use of threatening when you can act?" the count said -concisely. "But that is not the question, for the present at least. I -am awaiting your pleasure, sir, to explain to me the intentions of your -Government with regard to me." - -"They are kind and paternal, sir." - -"I will wait till you have told me them ere I express any opinion." - -"This is the message I am charged to deliver to you." - -"Ah! have you a message for me?" - -"Yes." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"The message is quite paternal." - -"I am certain of it. Let us see what your Government's intentions are." - -"I should have wished them better, but I consider them acceptable in -their present form." - -"Be kind enough to communicate them to me, general." - -"I was anxious to come myself, señor conde, in order to lessen by my -presence any apparent bitterness these proposals might contain." - -"Ah!" the count remarked, "propositions are made to me; in other words, -and speaking by the card, conditions which it is desired to impose on -me. Very good." - -"Oh, conde, conde, how badly you take what I say to you!" - -"Pardon me, general, you know that I do not speak your magnificent -Spanish very well; still I thank you from my heart for your kindness in -accepting the harsh mission of communicating these propositions to me." - -This was said with an accent of fine raillery which completely -discountenanced the general. - -"I would observe, general, that we are now only a few leagues from the -mine, and the alternative offered me is most painful, especially after -the evasive answers constantly made to me and the persons I sent with -full powers to treat personally with the authorities of the country." - -"That is true; I can comprehend that. Colonel Florés, whom you sent -to me a few days back, will have told you how pained I felt at all -that is happening. I lose as much as yourself. Unfortunately, you will -understand me, my dearest count, I must obey, whether I like it or not." - -"I understand perfectly," Louis answered ironically, "how deeply pained -you must feel." - -"Alas!" the general said, more embarrassed than ever, and who began to -regret in his heart that he was not accompanied by a larger force. - -"Well, as it is useless to prolong this position indefinitely, as it is -so cruel for you, explain yourself without further circumlocution, I -beg." - -"Hum! Remember that I am in no way responsible." - -The fact is the general was afraid. - -"Go on--go on!" - -"The propositions are as follow:--You are enjoined----" - -"Oh! that is a harsh term," Louis observed. - -The general shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say that he had -nothing to do with drawing up the document. - -"Well, then," the count said, "we are enjoined----" - -"Yes, First. Either to consent to give up your nationality as -Frenchmen----" - -"Pardon me," the count interrupted, and laid his hand on the general's -arm, "an instant, if you please. As I see that what you are commissioned -to communicate to me interests all my comrades, it is my duty to invite -them to be present at the reading of these propositions; for you have -them in writing, I believe?" - -"Yes," the general stammered, turning livid. - -"Very good. Buglers!" the count shouted in a high and imperative voice, -"sound the assembly." - -Ten minutes later the whole company was ranged round the table, at -which the general and the count were seated. Don Louis looked carefully -around, and then noticed the Mexican officers and ladies, who, curious -to know what was going on, had also drawn nearer. - -"Chairs for these ladies and caballeros," he said. "Pray excuse me, -señoras, if I do not pay you all the attention you deserve; but I am -only a poor adventurer, and we are in the desert." - -Then, when all had taken their seats,-- - -"Give me a copy of these proposals," he said to the general; "I will -read them myself." - -The general obeyed mechanically. - -"Gentlemen and dear comrades," Don Louis then said in a sharp voice, -in which, however, a scarcely suppressed anger could be noticed, "when -I enrolled you at San Francisco, I showed you the authentic documents -conferring on me the ownership of the mines of the Plancha de Plata, did -I not?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers shouted with one voice. - -"You read at the foot of those documents the names of Don Antonio -Pavo, President of the Mexican Republic, and of General Don Sebastian -Guerrero, present here at this moment. You then knew on what conditions -you enlisted, and also the engagements the Mexican Government entered -into with you. Today, after three months' marching and counter-marching; -after suffering without a murmur all the annoyances it pleased the -Mexican Government to inflict on you; when you have proved, by your good -conduct and severe discipline, that you were in every way worthy to -fulfil honourably the mission that was intrusted to you; when, finally, -in spite of the incessant obstacles continually raised in your path, you -have arrived within less than ten leagues of the mines, do you know what -the Mexican Government demands of you? Listen: I will tell you, for you -are even more interested than myself in the question." - -A thrill of curiosity ran through the ranks of the adventurers. - -"Speak--speak!" they shouted. - -"You have three alternatives:--First. You are enjoined to resign your -French nationality, and become Mexicans, and will be permitted to -work the mines, without any pay, under the supreme command of General -Guerrero, whose aide-de-camp I shall become." - -An Homeric burst of laughter greeted this proposition. - -"The second--let us have the second!" some shouted. - -"_Sapristi!_" others remarked, "these Mexicans are not fools to wish to -have us for their countrymen." - -"Go on--go on!" the remainder howled. - -The count gave a sign, and silence was re-established. - -"Secondly. You are ordered to take out cards of surety if you wish to -remain Frenchmen. By means of such cards you can go anywhere: still, -as foreigners, you will be forbidden any possession--that is to say, -working--of the mines. You have quite understood me, I presume?" - -"Yes, yes! The last one--the last one!" - -"I did not fancy the Mexicans were such funny fellows," a soldier -remarked. - -"Thirdly. I personally am ordered to reduce the company to fifty men, to -hand over my command to a Mexican officer, and on that condition you can -at once take possession of the mines." - -When the captain had ended his reading there was such an explosion of -laughter, shouts, and yells, that for nearly a quarter of an hour it -was almost impossible to hear anything. At length the count succeeded -in restoring some degree of order and silence, though with considerable -difficulty. - -"Such are the paternal intentions of the Mexican Government as regards -us. What do you think of them, my friends? Still, I implore you, do -not allow yourselves to be carried away by your just indignation, -but reflect deeply on what you think it your duty to do for your own -interests. As for myself, my resolution is formed--it is immutable; and -even if it cost my life, I shall not alter it. But you, my friends, my -brethren, your private interests cannot be mine; hence do not sacrifice -yourselves through friendship and devotion to me. You know me well -enough to put faith in my words. Those among you who wish to leave me -will be free to do so: not only will I not oppose their departure, but I -shall bear them no ill will. The strange position in which we are placed -by the ill faith of the Mexicans imposes on me obligations and a line of -conduct to which you can refuse to submit without disgrace. From this -moment I release you from every engagement with me. I am no longer your -chief, but I will ever be your friend and brother." - -These words had scarce been uttered ere the adventurers, through an -irresistible impulse, overthrowing all in their way, rushed toward the -count, surrounded him with shouts and cries, lifted him in their arms, -and showered on him assurances of their complete devotion. - -"Long live the count! Long live Louis! Long live our chief! Death to the -Mexicans! Down with the traitors!" - -Their effervescence assumed proportions which threatened to become -dangerous to the Mexicans at the moment in the camp. The exasperation -was at its height. Still, owing to the influence the count exerted over -his comrades, and the energetic conduct of the officers, the tumult -gradually died out, and all returned nearly to the normal condition. - -General Guerrero, at first alarmed by the effect produced on the French -by the untoward propositions of which he had constituted himself the -bearer, soon reassured himself, however, especially on seeing with -what abnegation and loyalty the count protected him against the just -indignation of his companions. Nearly sure of running no risk, owing to -the noble character of the man he had so unjustly deceived, he resolved -to strike the final blow. - -"Caballeros," he said in that honeyed voice peculiar to the Mexicans, -"permit me to address a few words to you." - -At this request the tumult was on the point of recommencing: still the -count succeeded in producing a stormy silence, if we may be allowed to -employ the phrase. - -"General, you can speak," he said to him. - -"Gentlemen," Don Sebastian went on, "I have only a few words to add. -The Count de Prébois Crancé has read you the conditions the Mexican -Government imposes, but he was unable to read to you the consequences of -a refusal to obey those conditions." - -"That is true, sir. Be good enough, therefore, to make them known to us." - -"It is a terrible duty for me to fulfil; still I must do so for your -benefit, caballeros." - -"Come to the point!" the adventurers shouted. - -The general unfolded a paper, and after a moment of hesitation he read -as follows, with a voice which, spite of all his efforts, slightly -trembled:-- - -"Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé, and all the men who remain faithful -to him, will be regarded as pirates; placed without the pale of the law, -and arrested as such; tried by a military commission, and shot within -twenty-four hours." - -"Is that all, sir?" the count asked coldly. - -At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the -proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree. - -"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have -nothing further to add?" - -"I regret, señor conde----" - -"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call -me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons -that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the -satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor -the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here -as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your -departure." - -The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen -death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to -prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders -for immediate departure. At this moment Doña Angela, suddenly emerged -from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked -forward, majestically robed in her _rebozo_, her eye flashing with a -sombre fire. - -"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was -silent, and regarded her with astonishment. - -"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you----" - -"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, señor conde. -As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious -treachery of which you are a victim, I--a woman, the daughter of your -most implacable enemy--declare openly before all, that you, count, are -the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy -country. You are misunderstood--insulted; and the epithet of pirate is -attached to your name. Well, pirate--be it so. Don Louis, I love you! -Henceforth I am yours--yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. -As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will -pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you." - -The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, -and raised his eyes to heaven. - -"Doña Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and -whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love." - -"Now, my father, let us go," she said to the general, who was half -mad with rage, and who yet did not dare give way to his passion; and -turning for the last time to the count, she said, "Good-by, Don Louis! -My betrothed, we shall soon meet again." - -And she left the camp, accompanied by the enthusiastic shouts of the -adventurers. - -The Mexicans marched out with drooping heads and a blush on their -foreheads. In spite of themselves they were ashamed of the infamous -treachery they had dealt out to men whom they had earnestly summoned, -whom they had deluded during four months with false promises, and whom -they were now preparing to rush upon like wild beasts. - -Scarce two hours after these events occurred Valentine re-entered the -camp. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE FIRST POWDER BURNT. - - -The emotion caused by the general's visit gradually calmed down. The -Frenchmen, so long the sport of Mexican bad faith, experienced almost -joy at seeing themselves at length liberated from the inextricable web -of trickery which had encompassed them. With that carelessness which -forms the basis of the national character, they began laughing and -jibing at the Mexicans generally, and especially at the authorities of -the country, of whom they had to complain so greatly, though without -daring to offer the least observation, through respect for their chief. -Full of confidence in the count, without calculating that they were only -a handful of men abandoned to their own resources, without help or -possible protection, more than six thousand leagues from their country, -they indulged to the fullest extent of their imagination in the wildest -dreams, discussing among themselves the most extraordinary and daring -plans, without ever supposing, in their candid filibustering simplicity, -that even the least extravagant of their dreams was impossible to -realise. - -Louis would not allow the ardour of his volunteers to be chilled. After -consulting with his officers, to whom he submitted his plans, which they -accepted enthusiastically, by Valentine's advice he ordered a general -assembly of the company. The bugles at once sounded, and the adventurers -collected around headquarters. - -"Gentlemen," the count said, "you see in what a position the breach of -faith of the Mexican authorities has placed us; but this position, in my -opinion, is far from being desperate. Still I must not conceal from you -that it is extremely grave, and, from certain information I have from -a good source, it threatens to become still more so. We have two modes -in which to act. The first is to proceed by forced marches to Guaymas, -seize a vessel, and embark ere our enemies have thought about opposing -our departure." - -A long murmur of dissatisfaction greeted these words. - -"Gentlemen," the count continued, "it was my duty to submit this -proposition to you, and you will discuss it amongst yourselves. If -it does not suit you, no more need be said. And now for the second. -Mexico, since its emancipation, has languished in a state of the most -scandalous barbarism. It would be grand to regenerate this people, or -at least attempt it. The American emigration from the United States -is at this moment invading California, leaving other emigrants no -means, I will not say of prospering, but even of keeping on a footing -of equality with the Yankees. We are here in Sonora, 200 resolute -Frenchmen, well armed and disciplined. Let us seize a large town to have -a basis of operations; then we will summon to us the French emigrants -from California and all America. Let us emancipate Sonora, make it free -and strong, civilise it in spite of itself, and not only shall we have -created an outlet for French immigration, but have regenerated a people -and formed a colony which will advantageously balance American influence -on these shores, and oppose a dyke to its incessant encroachments. -We shall have acquired a claim to the gratitude of our country, and -have avenged ourselves on our enemies in the way Frenchmen revenge -themselves; that is to say, by responding to their insults by kindness. -Such, gentlemen, are the two sole methods we can select which would -be worthy of men like us. Weigh my words carefully; reflect on my -propositions; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you will inform me of your -intentions through the channel of your officers. Remember one thing -before all, comrades, and that is, you must maintain strict discipline -among yourselves. Obey me passively, and place unbounded faith in me. -If you fail in one of the duties I impose on you at this moment, we -are all lost; for the struggle will become impossible, and consequently -our enemies will gain an easy victory over us. In conclusion, brethren, -accept my word that whatever may be the circumstances in which we find -ourselves--however magnificent the offers that may be made me--I will -never abandon you. We will perish or succeed together." - -This speech was greeted as it deserved to be; that is to say, with -an enthusiasm impossible to describe. The count then withdrew with -Valentine. - -"Alas, brother!" he said to him, with an expression of heart-rending -sorrow, "the die is now cast. I, Count de Prébois Crancé, am a rebel, a -pirate: I am at open war with a recognised power, with a constitutional -Government. What can I do with the few men I command? I shall perish -in the first battle--the combat is senseless. I shall be ere long the -laughing stock of the world. Who could have predicted this when I left -San Francisco, full of hope, to work those mines which I shall never -see? What has become of my fair dreams, my seductive hopes?" - -"Do not allow yourself to be downcast, brother," Valentine answered. -"At present, above all, you need all your intellect and all your energy -to fulfil worthily the task accident imposes on you. Remember that from -this intellect and this energy depends the safety of two hundred of your -countrymen, whom you have sworn to lead back to the seashore; and you -must keep your oath." - -"I will die with them. What more can they demand?" - -"That you should save them," the hunter replied sternly. - -"That is my most anxious desire." - -"Your position is a fine one--you are not so alone as you fancy." - -"How so?" - -"Have you not the French colony of Guetzalli, founded by the Count de -Lhorailles?" - -"Yes," Louis answered sadly; "but the count is dead." - -"He is; but the colony exists, and is prosperous. You will find there -fifty to sixty resolute men, who ask no better than to join you, even if -merely through the spirit of adventure." - -"Fifty men are very few." - -"Nonsense! They are more than you need when dealing with Mexicans. -Do one thing more: prepare an insurrection among the half savage -population, whose alcaldes pine secretly at their secondary position, -and the species of vassaldom into which the Mexican Government forces -them." - -"Oh, oh!" Louis said, "that is a good idea. But where is the man who -will undertake to visit this people, and negotiate with the alcaldes of -the Pueblos?" - -"I will, if you like." - -"I did not dare ask it. Thank you. I, for my part, will prepare -everything in order to begin with a terrible blow, which will startle -the Mexican Government by giving it an idea of our strength." - -"Good! Before all, do not forget that, until fresh orders, the war you -undertake must be an uninterrupted succession of daring blows." - -"Oh! you may be at ease. Now that the Mexicans have lifted the mask, -and forced me to defend myself, they will learn to know the men they -have so long despised, and whom they fancied cowards because they were -good-hearted." - -"Has Colonel Florés left?" - -"No, not yet." - -"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext." - -"Why so?" - -"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from -the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more -important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican -colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched." - -"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to -be taken?" - -"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced." - -The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were -busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun -carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of -laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all -their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of -dealing and receiving blows. - -Colonel Florés wandered about rather sadly in the midst of the -confusion: his position was becoming difficult, and he felt it. Still -he did not know how to prolong his stay among the Frenchmen, now that -war was declared, and the interests of the company of which he was -the delegate were completely laid aside; and thus the only plausible -reason he could allege for remaining was cut away. Since the Frenchmen's -arrival in Mexico the double character played by the colonel brought him -handsome sums: his profession of spy, rendered easy by the confiding -frankness of the adventurers, had been to him a source of enormous -profit, and people do not give up without pain a lucrative engagement. - -Thus the colonel's brow was anxious, for he racked his brains in -vain for a plausible excuse to offer the count. In the height of his -diplomatic combinations Valentine came to him, and told him, with the -most innocent air possible, that Don Louis was seeking for him, and -wished to speak with him. The colonel shuddered at the news: he thanked -the hunter, and hastened to the count. Valentine looked after him with -an ironical smile; and, certain that Louis would detain him long enough -by his side, he commenced the execution of the plan he had prepared. - -While all this was occurring night had set in--a gloomy and sad night, -without a star in the sky. The clouds shot rapidly across the sickly -disc of the moon, and intercepted its rays. The wind lamented sadly as -it whistled through the branches of the trees, which dashed against each -other with a lugubrious sound. In the mysterious depths of the forest -could be heard growls and savage yells, mingled with the dashing of the -cascade and the monotonous clashing of the pebbles rolled on the bank by -the river. It was one of those nights in which nature seems to associate -herself with human sorrows, and lament at the crimes for which her -gloomy shadows serve as a veil. - -By Valentine's orders the trees had been cut down for a distance of -fifty yards round the camp, in order to clear the ground, and deprive -the enemy of the chance of creeping up to the intrenchments unseen. -On the space thus left free enormous fires were kindled at regular -intervals. These fires, whose tall flames illumined the prairie for a -considerable distance, formed a brilliant circle round the camp, which -was itself plunged in complete obscurity. Not the slightest light -flashed in the mission. The intrenchments appeared to be deserted--not -a sentry could be seen. The mission had fallen back into the silence of -solitude--all was calm and tranquil. - -But this calm concealed the tempest. In the shadow palpitated the -anxious hearts of the men who, with ear on the watch, and finger on the -trigger, awaited motionless the arrival of their enemies. The hours, -however, passed away slowly one after the other, and nothing justified -the apprehensions expressed by Valentine as to a speedy attack. - -The count was walking up and down the church which served as his -retreat, listening anxiously to the slightest sounds that interrupted -the silence at intervals. At times he turned an angry and impatient look -upon the desert country, but nothing stirred--the same calm continued -ever to oppress nature. Wearied by this long and enervating delay, -he quitted the church, and proceeded toward the intrenchments. The -adventurers were at their posts, stretched on the ground, each man with -his hand on the trigger. - -"Have you seen or heard nothing yet?" the count asked, though he knew -beforehand the answer he would receive, and rather for the purpose of -deceiving his impatience than with any other object. - -"Nothing," Don Cornelio answered coldly, who happened to be close to him. - -"Ah! it is you," the count said. "And Colonel Florés, what have you done -with him?" - -"I followed your instructions, commandant. He is asleep." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Spaniard smiled. - -"I guarantee that he will sleep at least till sunrise," he said. "I -managed matters well." - -"Very good; in that case we have nothing to fear from him." - -"Nothing at all." - -"Has anyone seen Don Valentine or the Indian chief?" - -"No; they both went out at sunset, and have not reappeared since." - -While speaking thus the two men were looking out, and their eyes -attentively examined the plain: hence they made a gesture of surprise, -almost of alarm, on suddenly perceiving a man who seemed to emerge from -the ground, and rose between them like a phantom. - -"_Válgame Dios!_" the superstitious Spaniard said as he crossed himself, -"what is this?" - -The count quickly drew a revolver from his girdle. - -"Do not fire," the newcomer said as he laid his hand on the count's arm. - -"Curumilla!" the count exclaimed in surprise. - -"Silence!" the Araucano commanded. - -"Where is Valentine?" - -"He sent me." - -"Then the redskins will not attack us this night?" - -Curumilla regarded the count with amazement. - -"Does not my brother see them?" he said. - -"Where?" the count asked in astonishment. - -"There!" Curumilla answered, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the plain. - -Don Louis and Don Cornelio looked out for several instants with the most -sustained attention; but, in spite of all their efforts, they perceived -nothing. The plain was still just as naked, lighted up by the ruddy -glare from the braseros: here and there alone lay the trunks of the -trees felled during the day to leave an open prospect. - -"No," they said at length, "we see nothing." - -"The eyes of the white men are closed at night," the chief muttered -sententiously. - -"But where are they?" the count asked impatiently. "Why did you not warn -us?" - -"My brother Koutonepi sends me for that purpose." - -The name of Koutonepi--that is to say, the Valiant--had been given to -Valentine by the Araucanos on his arrival in America, and Curumilla -never called him otherwise. - -"Then make haste to teach us, chief, that we may foil the accursed -stratagem which these demons have doubtlessly invented." - -"Let my brother warn his brothers to be ready to fight." - -The word ran immediately along the line from one to the other. Curumilla -then tranquilly shouldered his rifle, and aimed at a trunk of a tree -rather nearer the intrenchments than the rest. - -Never did a shot produce such an effect. A horrible yell rose from -the plain, and a swarm of redskins, rising, as if moved by a spring, -from behind the stems of trees that sheltered them, rushed toward the -intrenchments, bounding like coyotes, uttering fearful yells, and -brandishing their weapons furiously. - -But the Frenchmen were prepared for this attack: they received the -Indians at the bayonet point without recoiling an inch, and answering -their ferocious yells with the unanimous shout of "VIVE LA FRANCE!" - -From this moment war was, _de facto_, declared. The French had smelled -powder, and the Mexicans were about to learn, at their own expense, what -rude enemies they had so madly brought on themselves. - -Still the redskins, led and animated by their chief, fought with -extraordinary obstinacy. The majority of the Frenchmen who composed -the company were ignorant of the way of fighting with the Indians, and -it was the first time they had come into collision with them. While -valiantly resisting them, and inflicting on them terrible losses, they -could not refrain from admiring the audacious temerity of these men, -who, half naked and wielding wretched weapons, yet rushed upon them with -invincible courage, and only fell back when dead. - -Suddenly a second band, more numerous than the first, and composed -entirely of horsemen, burst on to the battlefield, and sustained the -efforts of the assailants. The latter, feeling themselves supported, -redoubled their yells and efforts. The medley became terrible: the -combatants fought hand to hand, lacerating each other like wild beasts. - -The French bugles and drums sounded the charge heartily. - -"A sortie--a sortie!" the adventurers shouted, ashamed at being thus -held in check by enemies apparently so insignificant. - -"Kill, kill!" - -The Indians responded with their war cry. - -An Indian chief, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and with his body -naked to the waist, curveted in the front rank of his men, dropping -with his club every man that came within reach of his arm. Twice he -had made his steed leap at the barricades, and twice he scaled them, -though unable to clear them completely. This chief was Mixcoatzin. His -black eye flashed with a sombre fire; his arm seemed indefatigable; -and everyone withdrew from this terrible enemy, who was apparently -invincible. - -The sachem redoubled his boldness, incessantly urging on his men, and -insulting the whites by his shouts and ironical gestures. - -Suddenly a third troop appeared on the battlefield, which, owing to -the braziers, was as light as day. But this troop, composed, like -the second, of horsemen, instead of joining the Indians, formed a -semicircle, and charged them furiously, shouting,-- - -"_A muerte_--_a muerte!_" - -Valentine's powerful voice at this moment rose above the tumult of -battle, and even reached those he wished to warn. - -"Now is the time!" he shouted. - -The count heard him. Turning then to fifty of the adventurers who -bad remained inactive since the beginning of the action, chafing and -trailing their arms,-- - -"It is our turn, comrades!" he shouted as he drew his long sword. Then, -opening the wicket, he bounded boldly into the _mêlée_, followed by his -party, who rushed after him with shouts of joy. The Indians were caught -between two fires--a thing which rarely happens--and compelled to -fight in the open. Still they were not discouraged, for Indian bravery -surpasses all belief. Finding themselves surrounded, they resolved to -die bravely sooner than surrender; and though not nearly so well armed -as their enemies, they received their attack with unlessened resolution. - -But the Indians, on this occasion, had not to do with Mexicans, and soon -discovered the difference. The charge of the Frenchmen was irresistible: -they passed like a tornado through the redskins, who, in spite of their -resolution, were compelled to give ground. But flight was impossible. -Recalled by the voices of their chiefs, who, while themselves fighting -bravely, did not cease to urge them to redouble their efforts, they -returned to the combat. The struggle then assumed the gigantic -proportions of a horrible carnage. It was no longer a battle, but a -butchery, in which each sought to kill, caring little about falling -himself, so long as he dragged down his foeman with him. - -Valentine, the greater part of whose life had been spent in the desert, -and who had frequently encountered the Indians, had never before seen -them display so great animosity, and, above all, such obstinacy; for -usually, when they suffer a check, far from obstinately continuing a -fight without any possible advantageous result for themselves, they -retire immediately, and seek safety in a hurried flight; but this time -their mode of fighting was completely changed, and it seemed that the -more they recognised the impossibility of victory, the more anxious they -felt to resist. - -The count, ever in front of his comrades, whom he encouraged by his -gestures and voice, tried to approach Mixcoatzin, who, still curveting -on his black horse, performed prodigies of valour, which electrified -his men, and threatened, if not to change the face of the combat, at -any rate to prolong it. But each time that chance brought him in front -of the chief, and he prepared to rush upon him, a crowd of combatants, -driven back by the changing incidents of the fight, came between them, -and neutralised his efforts. - -For his part, the sachem also strove to approach the count, with whom he -burned to measure himself, persuaded that, if he succeeded in killing -the chief of the palefaces, the latter would be struck with terror, and -abandon the battlefield. - -At length, as if by mutual agreement, the white men and Indians fell -back a few paces, doubtlessly to prepare for a final contest; and it -was then that, for the first time since the combat, the count and the -sachem found themselves face to face. The two men exchanged a flashing -glance, and rushed upon each other furiously. Neither of the chiefs had -firearms: the sachem brandished his terrible club, and the count waved -his long sword, which was reddened to the hilt. - -"At last!" the count shouted, as he raised his weapon over his head. - -"Begging dog of the palefaces," the Indian said with a grin, "you bring -me, then, your scalp, that I may attach it to the entrance of my cabin!" - -They were only two paces from each other, each awaiting the favourable -moment to rush on his enemy. On seeing their chiefs ready to engage, the -two parties rushed forward impetuously, in order to separate them and -recommence the combat; bat Don Louis, with a gesture of supreme command, -ordered his companions not to interfere. The adventurers remained -motionless. On his side, Mixcoatzin, seeing the noble and gallant -courtesy of the count, commanded his comrades to keep back. The redskins -obeyed, and the question was left to be decided between Don Louis and -the sachem. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -REPRISALS. - - -The two enemies hesitated for a moment; but suddenly the sachem bounded -forward. The count remained motionless; but at the moment the Indian -reached him, with a movement rapid as thought, he seized the nostrils of -the chief's horse with the left hand, so that it reared with a shriek of -pain, and thrust his sword into the Indian's throat: the latter's lifted -arm fell down, his eyes opened widely, a jet of blood poured from the -gaping wound, and he rolled on the ground, uttering a yell of agony, -and writhing like a serpent. The count placed his foot on the chief's -chest, and nailed him to the ground. Then he shouted to his comrades in -a powerful voice,-- - -"Forward--forward!" - -The adventurers responded by a shout of triumph, and rushed once -more on the redskins. But the latter no longer awaited their attack. -Terrified by the death of Mixcoatzin, one of their most revered sachems, -a panic seized upon them, and they fled in every direction. Then began -a real manhunt, with all its hideous and atrocious interludes. As we -have said, the Indians were surrounded: flight had become impossible. -The adventurers, exasperated by the long contest they had been obliged -to sustain, pitilessly massacred their conquered enemies, who would have -implored mercy in vain. The distracted Indians ran hither and thither, -sabred as they passed, transfixed by bayonets, and trampled underfoot -by the horses, which, as cruel as their masters, and intoxicated by the -sharp odour of blood, stamped on them frenziedly. The corpses were piled -up in the centre of the fatal circle which incessantly closed in around -them. - -Their courage and strength all exhausted, the wretched redskins had -thrown away their arms, and, with their hands crossed on their chests, -they gave up any further struggle for life, and awaited death with that -gloomy calmness of despair and stoicism which characterises their race. - -The count had wished for a long time to arrest this horrible carnage; -but, in the intoxication of victory, his orders were not so much -disobeyed as unheard. Still the Frenchmen stopped, struck with -admiration at the sight of the stoical resignation displayed by their -brave enemies, who disdained to ask mercy, and prepared to die worthily, -without any weakness or bravado. The Frenchmen hesitated, looked at -one another, and then raised their bayonets. The count profited by this -truce, and rushed before his men, brandishing in the air his sword, -reddened to the hilt. - -"Enough, comrades," he shouted, "enough! We are soldiers, not hangmen or -butchers. Leave to the Mexicans all cowardly acts, and remain what you -have ever been--brave and clement men. Mercy for these poor wretches!" - -"Mercy--mercy!" the Frenchmen shouted as they brandished their weapons -above their heads. - -At this moment the sun rose gloriously in a flood of vapour. It was a -scene at once imposing and full of sublime horror which the battlefield -offered--still smoking with the last explosions of the firearms, covered -with corpses, and in the midst of which thirty disarmed men appeared to -bid defiance to a circle of men stained with blood and powder, and whose -features were contracted by passion. - -The count then returned his sword to its scabbard, and walked -slowly toward the Indians, who watched his approach restlessly; for -they understood nothing of what had just occurred. The Indians are -implacable, and clemency is unknown to them. In the prairies the only -law is _va victis_. The redskins, being pitiless, never implore the -mercy of their foes, and endure unmurmuring the harsh law which it may -please their conquerors to mete out to them. - -The adventurers had piled their arms, and had already forgotten all -their rancour: they were laughing and talking gaily together. Valentine -and Curumilla had rejoined the count. - -"What is your intention?" the hunter asked. - -"Have you not guessed it?" Louis replied. "I pardon them." - -"All?" - -"Of course," he said with surprise. - -"Then you will restore them to liberty?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum!" the hunter said. - -"Do you see anything to prevent it?" - -"Possibly." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I see no harm in your forgiving the Indians, for that may produce -a good effect among the tribes, especially as the redskins have an -excellent memory, and will long remember the severe lesson they received -this night." - -"Well?" - -"But," the hunter went on, "all those men are not Indians." - -"What do you mean?" - -"That there are disguised Mexicans among them." - -"You are certain of that?" - -"Yes, the more so because I was warned by the man who commands the -horsemen that proved such useful auxiliaries to you." - -"But are not those horsemen Apaches?" - -"You are mistaken, my dear friend: they are white men, and what is more, -_cívicos_; that is to say, men paid and enrolled by the hacenderos to -chase the Indians. You see how honourably they carry out their duties; -but that must not astonish you, for you are sufficiently well acquainted -with the manners of this country to find that perfectly natural, I have -no doubt." - -Louis stopped thoughtfully. - -"What you tell me confounds me," he muttered. - -"Why so?" the hunter replied carelessly. "It is, on the contrary, most -simple. But we have not to trouble ourselves about the horsemen at -present--they are beside the question." - -"Certainly. Indeed, I owe them my thanks." - -"They will save you the trouble, and I too. Let us only deal with the -men down there." - -"Then you are sure there are white men among them?" - -"Quite sure." - -"But how to recognise them?" - -"Curumilla will undertake that." - -"What you tell me is strange. For what purpose are these men leagued -with our enemies?" - -"We shall soon know that." - -They then went on, and stood by the group. Valentine made a sign to -Curumilla: the chief then approached the Indians, and began examining -them attentively in turn, the count and Valentine watching him with -considerable interest. The Araucano was as cold and gloomy as usual--not -a muscle of his face quivered. On seeing him examine them thus, the -Indians could not refrain from shuddering: they trembled at the sight of -this dumb and unarmed man, whose piercing glance seemed to try and read -their hearts; Curumilla laid his finger on an Indian's chest. - -"One!" he said, and passed on. - -"Come out!" Valentine said to the redskin. - -The latter stood apart. - -Curumilla pointed out in this way nine in succession, and then rejoined -his comrades. - -"Is that all?" Valentine asked. - -"Yes," he answered. - -"Disarm those men, and bind them firmly," the count commanded. - -His orders being obeyed, Don Louis then walked up to the Apaches. - -"My brothers may take their arms and mount their horses again," he -said. "They are valiant warriors. The palefaces have appreciated their -courage, and esteem them. My brothers will return to their villages, and -tell the old men and sages of their nation that the palefaces who have -conquered them are not cruel men, like the ferocious Yoris, and that -they desire to bury the hatchet so deeply between themselves and the -Apaches, that it may never be found again for ten thousand years." - -An Indian advanced from the group, and saluted majestically. - -"Strong Heart is a terrible warrior: he is a jaguar during the combat, -but he becomes an antelope after the victory. The words his breast -breathes are inspired in him by the Great Spirit--the Wacondah loves -him. My nation was deceived by the Yoris. Strong Heart is generous--he -has pardoned. Henceforth there will be friendship between the Apaches -and the warriors of Strong Heart." - -The redskins, according to their custom, had, with that poesy which -distinguishes them, given Don Louis the name of Strong Heart. - -After this address on the part of the Indian, who was a celebrated -chief, and known as the White Buffalo, there was an interchange of good -offices between the adventurers and Apaches. Their horses and arms were -returned to them, and the ranks were opened to let them pass. When they -had disappeared in the forest, El Buitre ordered his men to wheel, and -retired in his turn. Don Louis for a moment had the idea of recalling -this auxiliary, who had been so useful to him during the action; but -Valentine opposed it. - -"Let those men go, brother," he said to him. "You must not have any -public relations with them." - -Don Louis did not insist. - -"Now," Valentine went on, "let us finish what we have so well begun." - -"That is right," the count answered. - -The order was at once given to bury the dead and attend to the wounded. -The Frenchmen had suffered a serious loss: they had ten men killed and -twenty odd wounded. It is true that the majority of these wounds were -not mortal; still the victory cost dearly: it was a warning for the -future. - -Two hours later the company, assembled by the bugle call, ranged -themselves silently in the mission square, in the centre of which Don -Louis, Valentine, and three officers were gravely seated at a table, on -which lay sundry papers. Don Cornelio was writing at a smaller table. -The count had summoned his comrades, and appointed a court martial, of -which he was president, in order to try the prisoners captured during -the fight. Don Louis rose amidst a solemn silence. - -"Bring forward the prisoners," he said. - -The men previously pointed out by Curumilla appeared, led by a -detachment of adventurers, and were freed from their bonds. Although -they still wore the costume of Apache warriors, they had been compelled -to wash themselves, and remove the paint that disguised them. These men -appeared not so much to repent of their detected roguery, but merely -ashamed of being made a public spectacle. - -"Bring in the last prisoner," Don Louis commanded. - -At this order the adventurers looked round in surprise, not -understanding what the count meant, for the nine Mexicans were all -present. But at the expiration of a moment their surprise was changed -into anger, and a dull murmur ran along their ranks like an electric -current. - -Colonel Florés had made his appearance. He was unarmed, and his head -bare; but his face, stamped with boldness and defiance, had a gloomily -malicious expression, which gave him a most unpleasant appearance. -Curumilla accompanied him. The count made a sign, and silence was -re-established. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the colonel asked in a haughty tone. - -Don Louis did not allow him to continue. - -"Silence!" he said in a firm voice, turning a flashing glance upon him. - -Subdued, in spite of himself, by the count's accent, the colonel blushed -and remained silent. Don Louis continued:-- - -"Brothers and comrades," he said, "unfortunately for us, circumstances -have placed us in an exceptional situation. On all sides treachery -surrounds us. By falsehood after falsehood, trick upon trick, they -have led us onto this desert, where we are abandoned to ourselves, far -from all help, and having our courage alone to count upon to save us. -Yesterday Don Sebastian Guerrero, believing himself at length sure of -the success of his infamous plans, which he has so long been forming -against us, decided on raising the mask. He declared us outlaws, and -branded us with the disgraceful epithet of pirates. Scarce two hours -after his departure we were attacked by Indians. Our enemies' measures -were well calculated, and were within an ace of success. But God was on -the watch, and saved us this time again. Now, do you know the man who -made himself the generals right arm, and carried into effect the odious -treachery of which we were so nearly the victims? - -"This man," he said, pointing with his finger with an expression of -crushing contempt, "is the villain who, since our departure from -Guaymas, has attached himself to us, and never left us. He pretended -to love and defend us, that he might surprise our secrets, and sell -them to our enemies. It is the wretch whom we treated as a brother--to -whom we offered the most delicate and enduring attention. It is the -man, lastly, who assumes the title of colonel, and name of Francisco -Florés, and who lied in doing so; for he is a nameless half-breed, -surnamed El Garrucholo, ex-lieutenant of El Buitre, that ferocious -brigand who commands a _cuadrilla_ of salteadores that has desolated -Upper Mexico for several years. Look at him! Now that he is detected, -he trembles--villain that he is; for he knows that the supreme hour of -justice has rung for him." - -In fact, at this terrible revelation, thus made in the presence of all, -the bandit's boldness suddenly gave way, and an expression of hideous -terror contracted his features. - -"See," the count continued, "the men whom our enemies are not ashamed -to employ against us; and yet they treat us as pirates! Well, we accept -this brand, brothers; and these bandits who have fallen into our hands -shall be judged according to the summary law of pirates." - -The adventurers warmly applauded their chief's address. Besides, all -recognised the truth and logic of his remarks. In the critical situation -in which they found themselves they could forgive nothing: clemency -would have been culpable weakness. They could only regain their position -by boldness and energy, by terrifying their foes, and compelling them -to treat with them. The count sat down again. - -"Don Cornelio," he said, "read to the accused the charges brought -against him." - -The Spaniard rose, and began a long charge against the colonel, -supported by numerous letters written by Don Francisco, or received by -him from various persons, principally General Guerrero, which clearly -and indubitably proved the colonel's guilt. Don Cornelio finished by -describing the interview on the previous day between Don Francisco, El -Buitre, and the Apache chief. The adventurers listened to this long -enumeration of crimes and felonies in the most profound silence. When -Don Cornelio had ended the count addressed the colonel. - -"Do you recognise the truth of the charge brought against you?" - -The bandit raised his head: his mind was made up, and he shrugged his -shoulders contemptuously. - -"Of what use to deny?" he said. "It is all true." - -"Then you confess that you have betrayed us since the first moment we -met?" - -"_Canarios!_" he said, with a mocking smile, "you are mistaken, señor -conde. I betrayed you even before I knew you." - -At this cynical declaration no one present could repress a start of -horror. - -"Does what I say astonish you?" the bandit continued boldly. "Why so? -I consider my conduct perfectly natural. What are you to us Mexicans -but strangers? You are leeches, who come to our country to suck the -brightest of our blood; that is to say, to gorge yourselves with our -riches, deride our ignorance, turn into ridicule our manners and -customs, and impose on us your tastes, and what you call your Western -civilisation. By what right do you seize on all that is dear to us? -You are only ferocious beasts, to destroy whom all measures are -justifiable. If we are not the stronger in the sunshine, well, we have -the night. Loyalty and frankness would ruin us, so we employ falsehood -and treachery. What next? Who is wrong--who is right? Who will dare to -be judge between us? No one. I have fallen into your hands: you are -going to kill me. Very good. I shall be assassinated, but not condemned -by you, for you have no authority by which to try me. What more do you -want? Act as you think proper: it does not trouble me. He who sows the -wind reaps the whirlwind. I have sown trickery--I have reaped treason. -It is but just. I am about to die. Well, you have no right to inflict on -me this death which I have deserved. Your verdict will be a murder, I -repeat." - -After pronouncing these words he folded his arms on his chest, and -boldly surveyed his auditors. In spite of themselves the adventurers -felt moved by a species of admiration for the savage resolution of -this man, with his feline and crafty manner, who had suddenly revealed -himself in so different a light from that in which they had hitherto -known him. In speaking with such brutal frankness the bandit had, as -it were, raised himself in the eyes of all. His roguery appeared less -vile; he inspired a sort of sympathy in these brave men, for whom -courage and virtue are the first two virtues. - -"Then you do not even try to defend yourself?" Don Louis said -sorrowfully. - -"Defend myself," he said in amazement, "for having acted as I thought -it my duty to do, and as I should act again if you were such fools as -to pardon me! Come, caballeros, that is not common sense. Besides, if I -defended myself, I should to a certain extent recognise the competency -of your tribunal, and I absolutely deny it; so, believe me, you had -better finish with me--the sooner the better, both for you and me." - -The count rose, took off his hat, and, addressing the adventurers, said -in a solemn voice,-- - -"Friends and comrades, on your soul and conscience, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered in a hollow voice. - -"What punishment has this man merited?" the count continued. - -"Death!" the adventurers replied simultaneously. - -The count then turned to the colonel. - -"Don Francisco Florés, otherwise called El Garrucholo, you are condemned -to the penalty of death." - -"Thanks!" he said, with a graceful bow. - -"But," the count continued, "as you are convicted of treason, and must -suffer the death of traitors--that is, be shot in the back--taking into -consideration the uniform you wear, which is that of the Mexican army, -which we do not wish to disgrace in your person, you will be first -degraded: the judgment will be executed immediately after." - -The bandit shrugged his shoulders. - -"What do I care?" he said. - -At a sign from the count a non-commissioned officer stepped from the -ranks, and the degradation commenced. El Garrucholo endured this -frightful humiliation without turning pale: the bandit had in him -completely gained the mastery over the caballero, and, as he said, he -cared little about being degraded--that is to say, dishonoured---because -honour to him was as nothing. When the subaltern had returned to the -ranks the count again addressed the condemned man. - -"You have five minutes to commend your soul to God," he said to him. -"May He be merciful to you! You have nothing more to expect in this -world from men." - -The bandit burst into a hoarse laugh. - -"You are all fools!" he shouted. "What have I in common with God, if -really He exist? I had better recommend myself to the demon, into whose -clutches I shall fall, if what the monks say is true." - -At this frightful blasphemy the adventurers gave a start of terror; but -El Garrucholo did not seem to notice it. - -"I have," he continued, "only one favour more to ask of you." - -"Speak!" the count replied, suppressing a gesture of disgust. - -"I wear round my neck, hanging by a steel chain, a little velvet bag, -containing a blessed relic, which my mother gave me, telling me it would -bring me good fortune. Since my birth this scapulary has never left me. -I desire it to be buried with me. Perhaps it will be of use to me down -there where I am bound." - -"What you desire shall be done," the count answered. - -"Thanks!" he said with evident satisfaction. - -Strange anomaly of the Mexican character! This people is credulous and -superstitious, without faith and without belief--a childish people, too -long enslaved, and too quickly liberated, which has not had the time -either to forget or to learn. - -"The picket!" the count commanded. - -Eight men, commanded by a corporal, stepped from the ranks. The bandit -knelt, with his back turned to the executioners. - -"Present--fire!" - -El Garrucholo fell, shot in the back, not uttering a sigh: he was stark -dead. His body was covered with a zarapé. - -"Now," the count said coldly, "for the rest." - -The nine prisoners were brought up to the table: they were trembling, -for the summary justice of the adventurers filled them with terror. -A great noise was at this moment heard a short distance off, mingled -with shouts and imprecations; and suddenly two females, mounted on -magnificent horses, galloped into the middle of the square, when they -stopped. They were Doña Angela and her waiting maid, Violanta. - -Doña Angela's hair was dishevelled; her features were animated, -probably by the speed at which she had come; and her eyes flashed -flames. She remained for a moment motionless amid the crowd surprised -at her sudden appearance. But, seeming suddenly to form a supreme -resolution, she raised her head haughtily, and addressed the attentive -adventurers, who were struck with admiration at so much boldness united -to such beauty. - -"Listen!" she said in a piercing voice. "I, Doña Angela, daughter of the -Governor of Sonora, have come here to protest boldly, in the sight of -all, against the treachery of which my father makes you the victims. Don -Louis, chief of the French pirates, I love you! Will you accept me as -your wife?" - -A thunder of applause greeted these strange words, which were uttered -with extraordinary animation. Don Louis slowly drew nearer the maiden, -as if fascinated and attracted by her glance. - -"Come," he said to her, "come, as you do not fear to ally yourself to -misfortune." - -The girl uttered a scream of joy that resembled a yell; and abandoning -her reins, she bounded like a panther, and fell into the arms of the -count, who pressed her frenziedly against his manly breast. Then, after -a moment, still holding her in his embrace, he proudly raised his head, -and looked commandingly around. - -"This lady is the wife of the chief of the pirates, my brothers. Love -her as a sister: she will be our palladium--our guardian angel." - -The intoxication of the adventurers cannot be described: it was -madness. This strange scene appeared to them a dream. The count then -turned to the prisoners, who awaited their sentence in tremor. - -"Begone!" he said to them. "Go and narrate what you have seen. Doña -Angela pardons you." - -The prisoners left the square, uttering benedictions innumerable. The -poor fellows, after all that had passed in their presence, regarded -themselves as dead men. Valentine drew near the maiden. - -"You are an angel," he said to her in a low voice. "Will you persevere?" - -"I am his to the tomb," she answered with a feverish energy. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -GUETZALLI. - - -Were we writing a romance there are many details we would leave in the -shade, many facts we should pass over in silence. Unfortunately we -are only historians, and, as such, compelled to the most scrupulous -exactitude. - -In the first episode of this history we related how the Count de -Lhorailles, at the head of 150 Frenchmen, selected from the colony of -Guetzalli, which he had founded, let himself be led in pursuit of the -Apache Indians into the great Del Norte desert; and how, after wandering -about with his party in the midst of this ocean of shifting sand, and -seeing his bravest comrades fall around him, he had blown out his -brains, while, in a few hours after his death, the few Frenchmen who -survived this great disaster succeeded in emerging from the desert and -regaining the road to the colony. - -The Frenchmen left at Guetzalli beheld the arrival of the relics of -the expedition with stupor, and the news of the Count de Lhorailles' -death completed their demoralisation. Abandoned without chiefs, so far -from their country, in the midst of an enemy's territory, exposed at -any moment to the attacks of the Apaches, they gave way to despair, and -seriously revolved the question of leaving the colony and returning to -the seacoast. The Count de Lhorailles, who founded the settlement, was, -in fact, the soul of it. He dead, his companions felt in themselves -neither the necessary energy nor strength to continue his work--a -work which, indeed, they knew but imperfectly, for the count had no -confidants among the men who had joined him. Jealous of his power, and -naturally of a reserved temper, he had never confided to anyone his -plans or his projects. - -The Frenchmen who had followed him--for the most part greedy -adventurers, devoured by that inextinguishable thirst for gold which had -made them give up everything to go to America--had been cruelly deceived -in their hopes, when, on disembarking in Mexico, that classic land of -riches, the count, instead of leading them to gold or silver mines, -which they would have worked and filled their pockets abundantly, took -them to the Mexican frontier, and forced them to, till the soil. - -Thus, when the first moment of stupor had passed, each colonist, -acting under the impression of his own will, began his preparations for -departure, in his heart well pleased at seeing an exile thus terminated -which was beset by dangers, while offering none of the advantages -of the situation. It was all over with the colony; but fortunately, -wherever a number of Frenchmen are assembled, when the indispensable -man disappears, another immediately arises, who, impelled by the -circumstances, reveals himself suddenly to the great amazement of his -comrades, and frequently of himself. - -Among the colonists at Guetzalli was a young man scarce thirty years -of age, but gifted with an ardent imagination and a far from common -intellect. This young man, whose name was Charles de Laville, had left -Europe, impelled rather by a certain restlessness of character and -secret curiosity than by a desire to acquire the boasted riches of -San Francisco. In that city, to which he proceeded with his brother, -an older and more earnest man than himself, chance had made him -acquainted with the Count de Lhorailles. The count exercised, perhaps -unconsciously, an irresistible influence even over those who knew him -superficially. When ho organised his expedition he had no difficulty in -taking with him Charles de Laville, who followed him in spite of his -brother's wise recommendations. - -The count, who was a connoisseur in his fellow-men, appreciated at its -full value the honourable and disinterested character of Charles de -Laville. Thus he was the only one of all his companions with whom he -at times spoke almost freely, and imparted to him some of his plans. -He knew that the young man would never turn this confidence against -him, but that, on the contrary, under all circumstances, he would aid -him to the utmost of his power. When the count was on the point of -starting on that disastrous expedition from which he was fated never to -return--an expedition which de Laville obstinately opposed--it was to -the latter gentleman that he intrusted the government and management of -the colony during his absence, persuaded that in his hands the affairs -of Guetzalli could not but prosper. De Laville accepted the confidential -situation against his will. It was a heavy burden for him, so young and -inexperienced, to maintain an active surveillance over men to whom any -restraint, however slight, was insupportable, and who only obeyed with a -secret murmur the will of the count, for whom they experienced a respect -mingled with fear. - -Still, against his expectations, and perhaps his hopes, Charles de -Laville succeeded, in a very short time, not only in securing the -unmurmuring obedience of his countrymen, but also in gaining their -love. It was owing to this influence which he contrived to gain over -the colonists that, when the remnants of the expedition arrived at -Guetzalli, he succeeded in restoring some degree of order in the colony, -arousing the courage of his comrades, and taking the proper defensive -measures in the probable event of an Apache attack. - -He gave the first outburst of grief time to calm; he waited the -subsidence of the exaggerated anger of one party, and the equally -exaggerated fears of another; and when he perceived that, excepting the -profound discouragement that had seized on all, and made them desire -a speedy retreat, their minds were beginning to regain their ordinary -lucidity, he summoned the colonists to a general meeting. The latter -eagerly obeyed, and assembled in the large courtyard in front of the -main building. When de Laville was assured that all the colonists were -assembled, and anxiously awaiting the communication he had to make to -them, he claimed a few moments' attention and took the word. - -"Gentlemen," he said, with that facility of speech he possessed in an -eminent degree, "I am the youngest, and certainly the most inexperienced -of all present; hence it would not become me to speak at this moment, -when such grave interests, and of such great importance, occupy us. -Still, perhaps, the confidence the Count de Lhorailles was kind -enough to place in me will authorise me in taking the present step of -addressing you." - -"Speak, speak--you are worthy of that confidence!" the colonists shouted -tumultuously. - -Thus encouraged, the young man smiled pleasantly and continued:-- - -"It is true that a great disaster has fallen on us: many of our -companions have perished miserably in the great Del Norte desert. The -count who brought us here, our chief, is dead too. I repeat it, it is an -immense loss for us generally, and for the welfare of the colony. But -is the misfortune, though so terrible, irreparable? Ought we, through -this death, to lose all our courage, and abandon a task which is scarce -commenced? I do not think so, nor do you." - -At these words a few slight murmurs were heard. The young man looked -calmly around his audience, and silence was re-established as if by -enchantment. - -"No," he continued forcibly, "you do not think so yourselves. You are -undergoing at this moment the influence of the catastrophe that has -overwhelmed us: discouragement has seized upon you. It must be so; but -you will soon reflect on the consequences of the act you are meditating, -and the chance that will result from it for yourselves. What! two -hundred Frenchmen--that is to say, the bravest men in existence--would -fly through fear of the lances and arrows of those Apaches whom it is -their mission to hold in check? What would the Mexicans think, in whose -opinion you have stood so high up to the present day? What would your -brethren in California say? In the sight of all you would have lost -honour and reputation; for you would have betrayed your duties, and not -forced that name and title of Frenchmen, of which you are so proud, to -be respected in these savage countries." - -At these rude words, uttered with that accent which comes from the -heart, so suited to move the masses, the colonists began, in spite of -themselves to regard the question under a different light, and feel -inwardly ashamed of the flight they meditated. Still they were not yet -convinced, the more so as the position remained the same; that is to -say, excessively critical. Thus the shouts, murmurs, and objections -crossed each other with extreme rapidity, each wishing to offer his -advice, and have his opinion accepted, as generally happens in popular -meetings. One of the colonists succeeded with great difficulty in -gaining the word, and addressed the young man. - -"There is truth in what you say to us, M. Charles: still we cannot -remain in our present situation--a situation which becomes daily more -aggravated, and threatens soon to grow insupportable. What is the remedy -for the evil?" - -"The remedy is easy to find," the young man answered quickly. "Is it my -place to point it out to you?" - -"Yes, yes!" all exclaimed. - -"Well, then, I consent. Listen to me." - -There was immediately profound silence. - -"We are two hundred strong--resolute and intelligent men. Can we not -find among us, then, a chief worthy of commanding us? We have lost the -man who has hitherto guided us; but must we say that, since he is dead, -no one can take his place? That supposition would be absurd. The Count -de Lhorailles was not immortal. We must have expected to lose him sooner -or later, and unfortunately that foreseen catastrophe has occurred -ere it was expected. Is that a reason to let ourselves be demoralised -and downcast? No; let us raise our heads again, regain our courage, -and elect as our chief the man who offers us the best guarantees of -intelligence and loyalty. Such a man may be easily found among you. -Come, comrades, let us have no delay, but vote on the spot. When our -chief is nominated and recognised by all, we shall no longer fear perils -or sufferings, for we shall have a head to guide us, and an arm to -support us." - -These words raised the joy and enthusiasm of the colonists to the -highest pitch. They broke up into groups of three or four, and agitated -the question eagerly of the chief they should select. - -During this period, de Laville, apparently indifferent to what was -passing, re-entered the house, leaving his companions full and entire -liberty to act as they pleased. We will observe that the advice given -by the young man was disinterested on his part: he had no intention of -taking upon himself the heavy responsibility of a command which he did -not at all desire. His object in urging the Frenchmen to elect a chief -had been to prevent the ruin of the colony, which had been founded -scarce a year, which, owing to their combined efforts and toil, was -beginning to give good results, and which, if the colonists did not -disperse, would soon enter on a career of prosperity, and repay them a -hundredfold for their troubles and fatigue. - -The discussion among the colonists was lengthy: in all the groups -orators were speaking warmly; in short, there seemed no chance of an -agreement. Still, by degrees, the effervescence calmed down; the parties -drew nearer; and under the influence of a few men more intelligent or -better disposed than the rest, the discussion went on more regularly and -seriously. At length, after many disputes, the colonists were unanimous, -and selected one among them to tell Charles de Laville the result of -their deliberations. The man selected entered the house, while the -colonists arranged themselves with some degree of order before the gate. - -Charles, as we have said, did not trouble himself at all about what -was going on outside. The death of the count, to whom, in spite of -the latter's eccentric character, he was really attached, had not -only saddened him, but broken the last ties that attached him to this -forgotten nook of earth, where he believed that there was nothing left -for him to do. He therefore only awaited the election of the new chief -to bid good-by to the members of the company, and then separate from -them. When the man delegated by the colonists entered the room where he -was, he raised his head, and looked earnestly at him. - -"Well," he asked him, "have we a new chief at last?" - -"Yes," the other answered laconically. - -"Who is he?" the young man asked with some curiosity. - -"Our comrades will tell you, M. Charles," he replied. "They have -authorised me to ask you to have the kindness to be present at the -election, and thus sanction it." - -"That is only right," he said with a smile. "I forgot that, up to the -present, I have been your chief, and that I must hand over to the leader -you have selected the power the count delegated to me. I follow you." - -The other bowed without a word, and both left the house. When they -appeared in the gateway, the colonists, hitherto silent, uttered a -formidable shout, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs in signs -of joy. The young man turned quite surprised to his companion, but the -latter merely smiled. After this explosion of shouts of welcome, silence -was at once restored. Then the delegate removed his hat, and after -bowing respectfully to the young man, who was all confused, and hardly -knew which way to look, said in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"Charles de Laville, we, the colonists of Guetzalli, after assembling, -in accordance with your advice, to proceed to the election of a new -chief, have recognised that you alone combine all the conditions -necessary worthily to fill that post to which the confidence of the -chief we have lost called you. In consequence, wishing to honour in you -the memory of our deceased chief, at the same time as we desire to prove -to you our gratitude for the way in which you have governed us since you -have been at our head, we unanimously appoint you captain of Guetzalli, -persuaded that you will continue to command us with as much nobility, -intelligence, and justice as you have hitherto displayed." - -Then, taking from one of the colonists the charter which united all the -members of the colony, and which the count had made them all sign when -he enlisted them, he unfolded it. - -"Captain," he said, "this charter-party, read in a loud voice by me, -will be immediately sworn to by all. Will you swear on your side to -protect us, to defend us, and give us good and loyal justice toward and -against all?" - -The young man took off his hat, extended his arm toward the crowd, and -said in a firm voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -"Long live the captain!" the colonists shouted enthusiastically. "The -charter--the charter!" - -The reading commenced. After each article the colonists answered in one -voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -There was something imposing in the aspect of this scene. These men, -with their energetic features and bronzed faces, thus assembled in -the heart of the desert, surrounded by the grand scenery, swearing in -the face of heaven unbounded devotion and obedience, bore a striking -likeness to the famous filibusters of the sixteenth century preparing to -attempt one of their bold expeditions, and swearing on the charter in -the hands of Montbars the exterminator, or any other renowned chief of -Tortoise Island. - -When the reading was completed a fresh outbreak of shouts closed this -simple ceremony of the election of a chief of adventurers in the deserts -of the New World. This time--accidentally, perchance--the choice of -all had fallen on the most worthy. Charles de Laville was really the -only man capable of repairing the disasters of the late expedition, -and leading the colony back to that prosperous path on which it was -progressing previously to the death of Lhorailles. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE ENVOY. - - -The election over, all, in appearance, returned to the old routine, or -at least seemed to re-assume its normal condition. Still it was not so. -The Count de Lhorailles, in dying, had borne with him the hopes of the -adventurers, whom he had only kept together through his resolute and -enterprising character. With his fall, matters began to change, and -difficulties spring up. - -The Mexican authorities, in whom the indomitable will of the count had -alone inspired an apparent kindness toward the colonists, whom they -had never liked to see establish themselves on the territory of the -Republic, no longer apprehending the vengeance of the man they had -learned to fear while learning to know him, very gently and craftily -inaugurated a system of minor annoyances, which was already beginning to -render the position of the French difficult, and would soon cause it to -be intolerable, unless the latter employed an energetic remedy for this -state of things, which grew hourly worse. On the other hand, though the -colony was so remote from the seaboard, rumours of what was going on -in the rest of the world reached it at intervals. Emigrants in troops -passed through Guetzalli: all were proceeding to California, for that -was the promised land at the moment. - -All these emigrants--gambusinos, or Mexican adventurers--only dreamed -of inexhaustible placers and mines of immense wealth. The gold -fever--that horrible malady which the English so well stigmatised by -energetically calling it the "metallic gold fever"--was at its height. -From all corners of the world, Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, Americans, -Polynesians, adventurers of every description, settled like swarms of -ill-omened locusts on this country, which was destined to prove fatal to -them, and swallow them up after unheard-of sufferings. - -In this impious crusade of the vilest appetites the watchword was -"Gold--gold!" These men, who abandoned country, family, everything, in -a word, had only one desire--to amass gold. It was a hideous sight. -And these bands succeeded each other at the colony, with their eyes -obstinately fixed on the horizon, and only replying two words to the -questions asked them: "California--placers." In order to conquer this -metal king all means would be good to them: nothing would check them. -They were ready for anything--to commit the most odious crimes, the most -infamous treachery, the most ignoble acts of cowardice. - -Unfortunately for the colonists, the adventurers who passed near their -abode all belonged to the most ignorant, corrupted, and ferocious -classes of Mexico. In spite of themselves, the Frenchmen, whose object -had been, at the outset, to work the mines, felt the desire aroused in -them to return to the Eldorado they had left, and demand their share -of the spoil. A man, however strong he may be, cannot with impunity -hear the word "gold" constantly buzzing in his ears. In the strange -connection of these four letters there is an immense attractive power, -which sharpens up avarice, and arouses all the evil instincts. - -The colonists of Guetzalli were honest and frank adventurers. The -majority had quitted Europe with the desire of enriching themselves -rapidly in that mysterious country about which they heard such marvels. -Subdued by the ascendency the count had managed to acquire over them, -they had tacitly accepted the position made for them, and, by the aid -of habit, had gradually come, not to forget their past desires, but to -consider them as mocking chimeras and unrealisable dreams. The events -which afterwards happened in the colony, and the golden halo suddenly -spread abroad by California, gave a body to these dreams, and enkindled -their covetousness to the highest pitch. - -Charles de Laville followed with a shudder the progress of this moral -disorganisation of the colony. He understood in his heart that the enemy -he must conquer, in order to become once more master of his companions, -was that old adventurous leaven which still fomented in their hearts, -and caused them to hate the calm and peaceful life they led, instead -of that agitated existence, with its strange interludes, to which they -secretly aspired, perhaps without suspecting it themselves. For it is a -singular anomaly in the human heart that these men, who wished for gold -at any price, who coveted it with unequalled frenzy, and who, to possess -it, braved the most terrible perils, and suffered the most horrible -misery, did not care for it when they possessed it, but regarded it with -disdain, and threw it uncounted on the tables of the gambling houses, -or of places still more infamous. It might be said that the gold so -painfully amassed burned their fingers, and they were anxious to get rid -of it. And that was true, especially in the case of the French. Gold -with them had no value except in proportion to the difficulties they met -with in acquiring it. True adventurers in the fullest sense of the term, -what they loved was not the gold for itself, but the struggles it cost -them, and the energy and courage they must expend in its research. - -Charles was thoroughly acquainted with the character of the men he -commanded He knew that, in order to keep them with him, it would be -sufficient to supply an outlet for this superabundance of sap, this -vivacity of imagination, which filled the hearts and heads of these -extraordinary men. But how to obtain this result? What means should -he employ? Charles racked his brains in vain: the spark did not -strike--there was no light he could throw on the matter. - -About this time two Frenchmen, who had formed part of the count's -last expedition, and who were believed long ago dead, reappeared at -Guetzalli. Great was the amazement of all on seeing them, although so -haggard, half naked, and scarce able to stand; but still greater grew -that amazement when, two days after their return, on finding themselves -slightly recovered, owing to the kind attentions shown them, and able to -speak, they commenced the incredible narrative of their adventures. - -What had happened to them may be told in fewer words than the men -employed. The frightful hurricane that assailed the count's band had -surprised them some distance from the spot where their companions had -taken refuge, and rendered it impossible to rejoin them. They sheltered -themselves as well as they could during the tempest; but when it was -over, they perceived, to their horror, that every trace, every footmark, -had disappeared. - -Before them, behind them, and around them extended the desert, gloomy, -naked, and desolate. As far as their eye could reach they perceived -on all sides sand---sand everywhere and always. Then they believed -themselves lost; despair took possession of them; and they fell back on -the ground, resolved to await death, which would doubtless soon arrive -to put an end to their misery. They remained thus side by side, with -drooping heads and lacklustre eyes, in that state of complete apathy -which seizes on the strongest men after great catastrophes, suspends in -them the inward feeling of self, and interrupts their thoughts. - -How long did they remain in this condition? They were unable to tell. -They no longer lived, they no longer felt--they vegetated. They were -suddenly aroused from this extraordinary listlessness by the appearance -of a band of Apache Indians, who galloped round them, uttering ferocious -yells, and brandishing their long lances with an air of defiance and -menace. The Indians seized them, as they were incapable of offering the -slightest resistance, and led them to one of their villages, where they -kept them in a state of the most disgraceful and humiliating slavery. - -But the energy of the two adventurers, for an instant crushed, soon -gained the mastery again over their hearts. With extreme patience, -skill, and dissimulation they made the preparations for their flight. We -will not enter into any details as to the manner in which they succeeded -in escaping from the watchfulness of their guardians, and managed at -length to reach the colony by a roundabout road, crushed with fatigue, -and half dead with hunger, but arrive at once at the most important -point in their narrative. - -These men declared to the colonists that the village to which the -Apaches led them was built within gunshot of a placer of incalculable -value--that this placer was extremely easy to work, as the gold was on -the surface. As a proof of their veracity they showed several nuggets -of the finest gold, which they had managed to secure, and pledged -themselves to lead to this placer, which was not more than ten days' -journey from the colony, any of the adventurers who would consent to -take them as guides, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for -their toil and fatigue by the rich harvest they would obtain. - -This recital greatly interested the colonists. Charles de Laville, in -particular, lent a lively attention to it. He made the men repeat their -story several times, and they did not once vary from their original -statement. The captain had at length found the means he had been vainly -searching so long. Now he was certain not only that his comrades would -not abandon him, but that they would obey him blindly in all that he -thought proper to order them. The same day he informed the colonists -that he was preparing an expedition to go in search of the placer, -dislodge the Indians, and work it for the profit of all the paction. - -The news was received with transports of joy, and de Laville immediately -began carrying out his plan. Although the number of colonists had -greatly diminished (for frequent desertions had taken place), still -Guetzalli counted nearly two hundred colonists. It was of the utmost -importance to the gold-seekers to keep up the colony, as the only place -whence they could obtain provisions when at the mine; for, as we have -said, Guetzalli, as the advanced post of civilisation, had been founded -on the extreme limit of the desert. This position, chosen originally in -order to oppose the Indians more effectually, and stop their periodical -incursions upon the Mexican territory, became precious in the present -instance, through the facility it afforded the adventurers for supplying -themselves with all they needed without having recourse to strangers; -and this enabled them also to keep the discovery of the placer secret, -at any rate long enough, owing to the distance of the _pueblos_ from -the frontier, to render it impossible for the Mexican Government to -interpose and demand the lion's share, according to its usual custom. - -The captain did not wish to strip the colony thoroughly, for he must -leave it in a respectable position, and safe from a sudden attack on -the part of the Apaches and Comanches, those implacable foes of the -white men, ever on the watch, and ready to profit by their slightest -oversight. De Laville therefore decided that the expedition should -be composed of eighty well-mounted and well-armed men, and that the -others should remain behind to protect the colony. Still, to avoid any -dissension or jealousy among his comrades, the captain declared that -lots should decide who were to go in search of the placer. - -This expedient, which rendered everybody equal, was warmly approved, -and they proceeded to draw lots. The process was extremely simple: the -name of each adventurer was written on a roll of paper and thrown into -a vessel, whence a boy drew them one by one. Of course the eighty names -that came out first would be the members of the expedition. Thus, as the -arrangement was most simple, and at the same time perfectly fair, no one -had a right to complain. - -All was done as was agreed. Chance, as so frequently happens, favoured -the captain by selecting the most energetic and enterprising men. -Then all eagerly prepared for the departure; that is to say, they -collected provisions of every description, got together mules, and made -the tools required for working the mine. Still, in spite of all the -activity displayed by the captain, nearly a month elapsed ere all was in -readiness. - -The frightful catastrophe to which the Count de Lhorailles had fallen -a victim in the great Del Norte desert, which the adventurers would -have to cross in going to the placer, was a serious warning to de -Laville to act with the utmost prudence, and leave nothing to chance. -Hence, without listening in the slightest degree to the impatient -insinuations of his comrades, who urged him to press on the departure -of the expedition, he watched with the most scrupulous attention the -construction of the carts intended to convey the provisions, and allowed -no detail, however trifling, to escape his careful eye; for he knew that -the loss of an hour in the desert, produced by the breaking of a screw, -a tire, or a trace, might cause the death of the men placed under his -orders. - -At last all was ready, and the day for starting settled. Within -forty-eight hours the expedition would leave Guetzalli, when, at about -five in the evening, just as the captain, after giving a final glance at -the wagons already loaded and arranged in the courtyard, was about to -re-enter his house, the sentry on the isthmus announced the arrival of a -stranger. As soon as the captain felt assured that it was a white man, -and that he wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer, he ordered his -admission to the colony. The barrier was at once raised, and the colonel -(for he wore the insignia of that rank) entered Guetzalli, followed by -two lanceros, who served as his escort, and a mule bearing his baggage. - -The captain advanced to meet him. The colonel dismounted, threw the -reins to a lancero, and bowed politely to the captain, who returned the -salute with equal courtesy. - -"With whom have I the honour of speaking?" he asked the stranger. - -"I am," the latter answered, "Colonel Vicente Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, Governor-General of the province of -Sonora." - -"I am delighted, Señor Don Vicente, at the chance afforded me of making -jour acquaintance. You must be fatigued with the long journey you have -had to this place, so I trust you will not refuse to accept some modest -refreshment." - -"I accept most gladly, caballero," the colonel answered with a bow; "the -more so because I have ridden so fast that I have scarce rested a minute -since leaving Pitic." - -"Ah! you come from Pitic?" - -"As the bird flies. I have been only four days covering the ground." - -"Hum! you must be terribly fatigued in that case, for it is a long -distance, and, as you did me the honour to inform me, you have travelled -very rapidly. Be kind enough to follow me." - -The colonel bowed in reply, and the captain introduced him into a room -where refreshments of every description had been prepared. - -"Sit down, Don Vicente," the captain said as he drew forward a chair. - -The colonel fell back into the butaca offered him with a sigh of -satisfaction, whose meaning only those who have ridden thirty leagues -at a stretch can understand. For some minutes the conversation between -the captain and his guest was interrupted, for the colonel ate and -drank with an avidity which, judging from the well-known sobriety of the -Mexicans, proved that he had fasted a long time. De Laville examined him -thoughtfully, asking himself mentally what reason was so important as to -induce Don Guerrero to send a colonel to Guetzalli, and spite of himself -he felt a vague uneasiness weighing on his heart. At length Don Vicente -drank a glass of water, wiped his mouth, and turned to the captain. - -"A thousand pardons," he said, "for having behaved so unceremoniously to -you; but now I will confess to you that I was almost dead of inanition, -having eaten nothing since eight o'clock last evening." - -The captain bowed. - -"You do not, of course, intend to return this evening?" he asked him. - -"Pardon me, caballero, if it be possible, I shall start again in an -hour." - -"So soon?" - -"The general ordered me to make the greatest speed." - -"But your horses are half dead." - -"I count on your kindness to supply me with fresh ones." - -Horses were plentiful at the colony: there were more than the colonists -could use, and hence de Laville would have found no difficulty in -granting the colonel's request. Still his guest's manner seemed so -little natural, and he fancied he detected something so mysterious -about him, that he felt his alarm increased, and said,-- - -"I do not know, colonel, whether, in spite of my lively desire to be -agreeable to you, it will be possible for me to fulfil your request; for -horses are extremely scarce here at this moment." - -The colonel made a sign of annoyance. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, "that would vex me greatly." - -At this moment a peon discreetly opened the door, and handed the captain -a paper, on which a few words were written in pencil. The young man, -after apologising, opened the paper and quickly read it. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he crumpled the paper in his hands with -considerable agitation, "he here! What can be the matter?" - -"Eh?" the colonel said curiously, who had not understood the meaning of -this sentence spoken in French. - -"Nothing," the other answered; "a mere personal matter." Then turning to -the peon, he said, "I am coming." - -The peon bowed and left the room. - -"Colonel," de Laville continued, addressing his guest, "permit me to -leave you for an instant." - -And without waiting for a reply he left the room hurriedly, closing the -door carefully after him. This brusque departure totally discountenanced -the colonel. - -"Oh!" he muttered, repeating in Spanish, though unconsciously, what the -captain had said in French. "What can be the matter?" - -As he was a true Mexican, fond of knowing everything, and, above all, -of discovering anything people wished to keep secret from him, he rose -gently, walked to the window, pulled the mosquito curtain aside, and -looked out curiously into the yard. But it was labour in vain: the -courtyard was deserted. He then returned on tiptoe to his seat, and -began carelessly rolling a papelito, while muttering half aloud,-- - -"Patience! The man who knows how to wait always gains his end. I shall -obtain the clue to this mystery sooner or later." - -This aside having doubtlessly consoled him for the disappointment he had -experienced, he philosophically lit his cigarette, and soon disappeared -in the midst of a dense cloud of smoke which issued from his mouth and -nostrils simultaneously. We will leave the worthy colonel enjoying this -amusement at his ease, and follow de Laville, in order to explain to the -reader the meaning of the exclamation that escaped from him on reading -the paper which the peon so unexpectedly handed to him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -DOÑA ANGELA. - - -Before relating, however, what took place at Guetzalli between de -Laville and the colonel, we must return to the adventurers' encampment. - -Louis, still holding the maiden pressed to his breast, carried her to -the interior of the hut of branches which his comrades had built for -him at the entrance of the church. On arriving there he laid her in a -chair, and seated himself on a stool. There was a long silence, during -which both reflected deeply. A strange phenomenon took place in Louis' -heart. In spite of himself he felt hope returning to his soul: he -inhaled life through every pore--a desire to live came back to him. He -thought of the future--that future he had wished to destroy in himself, -by choosing as his mode of suicide the mad and rash expedition at the -head of which he had placed himself. - -The heart of man is made up of strange contrasts. The count had wrapped -himself up in his grief; he had, as it were, settled it in his mind, -living with it and through it, making it in his own eyes an excuse for -justifying the line of conduct he had traced for himself, or rather -which his foster brother had made him adopt, only desiring and accepting -the bitterness of life, and disdainfully rejecting the joy and happiness -it contains. Now, though unable to account for the extraordinary -revolution that had taken place in him, he instinctively felt that grief -he had so nurtured and petted growing: less, and ready to disappear, to -make room for a gentle and dreamy melancholy, which, before he thought -of wrestling with it and tearing it from his heart, had put forth such -powerful roots that he felt it had seized on his whole being. - -This new feeling was love. All passions are in the extreme, and, above -all, illogical. Were they not so, they would no longer be passions. Don -Louis loved Doña Angela. He loved her with the love of a man who has -reached the confines which separate youth from age; that is, furiously -and frenziedly. He loved her and hated her at the same time; for he -was angry with this new love, which caused him to forget the old, and -revealed to him that the heart of man may at times slumber, but never -die. The empire the maiden held over him was the stronger and more -powerful, because physically and morally she afforded the most striking -contrast to Doña Rosaria, the gentle creature with angel's wings, the -count's first love. Doña Angela's majestic and severe beauty, her -impetuous and ardent character--all in her had seduced and subjugated -the count. Hence he was angry at the power he had unconsciously allowed -her to gain over his will, and blamed as a weakness unworthy of his -character the reaction which this love had effected in his heart, by -obliging him to recognise that it was still possible for him to be happy. - -Louis was far from forming an exception in the great human family. -All men are alike. When they have arranged their existence under the -influence of any feeling, either of joy or grief, they take pleasure in -the continual development of that feeling, convert it into a portion -of their being, and intrench themselves behind it as in an impregnable -fortress; and when, by some sudden blow, the edifice they have taken -such pains to construct falls in ruins, they feel angry with themselves -for not having known how to defend it, and, as a natural consequence, -blame the innocent cause of this great overthrow. - -While reflecting, the count had let his head sink on his breast, -isolating himself in his thoughts, and plunging deeper and deeper -into his sombre reverie, following instinctively the incline on which -his mind was at the moment gliding. He raised his eyes, and fixed on -Doña Angela a glance in which all the feelings that agitated him were -reflected. The maiden was lying back, with her face buried in her hands: -the tears were slowly dropping between her fingers, and resembled a dew -of pearls. She was weeping gently and noiselessly: her breast heaved -convulsively, and she seemed a prey to intense grief. The count turned -pale. He rose hurriedly, and walked toward her. - -At this sudden movement Doña Angela let her hands sink, and regarded -Don Louis with such a gentle expression of resigned grief and true -love, that the count felt a thrill of happiness flush through his body. -Exhausted, overcome, he fell on his knees, murmuring in a panting and -broken voice,-- - -"Oh! I love you--I love you!" - -The maiden half rose from her seat, bent over him, and regarded him for -a long time pensively. Suddenly she fell into his arms, laid her head -on his shoulder, and began sobbing. The count, alarmed by this grief, -the cause of which it was impossible for him to discover, gently put her -back on her chair, sat down by her side, and took her hand, which he -held between his own. - -"Why these tears?" he asked her tenderly. "Whence comes this grief that -oppresses you?" - -"No, I am not weeping. Look!" she replied, trying to smile through her -tears. - -"Child, you conceal something from me--you have a secret!" - -"A secret! That of my love. Did I not tell you that I love you, Louis?" - -"Alas! and I, too, love you," he replied sorrowfully. "And yet I cannot -think of that love without alarm." - -"Why so if you love me?" - -"If I love you, child! For you and your love I would sacrifice -everything." - -"Well?" she said. - -"Alas, child! I am an accursed man. My love is deadly, and I tremble." - -"What greater joy than to die for the man I love?" - -"I am proscribed--a pirate, an outlaw." - -She drew herself up proudly and haughtily, with frowning brow, dilated -nostrils, and flashing eye. - -"You are truly noble, Don Louis!" she almost shrieked in her excitement. -"You have dreamed of the regeneration of an enslaved people. What do -I care for the names given you, my friend? The day will come when -brilliant justice will be done you." Then growing gradually calmer, she -smiled tenderly. "You are proscribed, my poor darling," she said gently; -"and is it not woman's mission in this world to support and console? The -struggle you are about to undertake will be terrible. Your project is -almost a madman's for grandeur and boldness: perhaps you will succumb -in this struggle. You need, not a counsellor or a brother, but a woman -friend whose soul understands yours; from whose heart your heart keeps -no secrets; who consoles you, and cries 'Courage!' when you allow -despair to master you, and when, like a vanquished Titan, you feel ready -to retire. That faithful, devoted friend, ever watchful over you and for -you, I will be, Don Louis--I who will never leave you, and who, if you -fall, will fall by your side, struck by the same blow that crushed you." - -"Thanks, child; but I am not worthy of such sublime devotion. Think of -the painful existence you create for yourself--think of the pleasant -calm and peaceful life you leave behind you, to affiance yourself to -grief, perchance to death." - -"What do I care for that? Death will be welcome if it come by your side. -I love you!" - -Don Louis hesitated. - -"Think," he said presently, "of the immense grief of your father, whom -you abandon--your father who loves you so dearly, and has only you----" - -She laid her hand quickly on his lips. - -"Be silent--be silent!" she screamed in a heart-rending accent. "Do not -speak of my father. Why do you say that to me? Why augment my despair? -I love you, Don Louis--I love you! Henceforth you are everything to -me--fortune, parents, friends--all, I tell you. From the day when I -first saw you, powerful and terrible as the exterminating angel, my -heart fled toward yours. Something, a presentiment perhaps, revealed -to me that our two destinies were for ever enchained to each other. -When I saw you again my heart had divined you, but I remained in the -shadow, for you did not need me; but now times are changed. You are -betrayed, tracked, abandoned, by those whose interest it would have -been to support you. The country you have come to deliver renounces -you. My father, whose life you saved, has become your most implacable -foe, because you spurned his offers, and would not serve his paltry -and shameful ambition. Well, I, intrenching myself in my heart as in a -fortress, have in my turn renounced my country, abandoned my father, -and, like a true daughter of the Mexican volcanoes, feeling lava -instead of blood coursing in my veins, bounding with indignation at -the numberless acts of treachery which have begirt you on all sides--I -have forgotten everything, even that modesty innate in maidens, and -defying that world which I abhor and despise, because it rejects you, I -have come to you to love you--to render sweeter the few days which are -perhaps still left you to live; for I do not deceive myself as to the -future any more than you do, Don Louis. And when the fatal hour arrives, -when the hurricane bursts above your head, I shall be there to support -you by my presence, to encourage you by my boundless love, and to die in -your arms!" - -There is in the woman who really loves, and whom passion masters, so -grand a magnetic attraction, a poesy so powerful, that the man with -the greatest self-restraint feels, in spite of himself, a species of -voluptuous dizziness, and suddenly finds his reason desert him, only to -see that love he inspires, and of which he is proud. - -"But you wept, Angela," the count said. "Your tears are still flowing." - -"Yes," she continued energetically, "I wept--I still weep. Well, cannot -you guess why, Don Louis? It is because I am a woman, after all; because -I am weak, and, in spite of all my will and all my love, my rebellious -nature is struggling with my heart; and because, in order to follow you, -and give myself up to you, I despise all that a woman ought to remember -under such circumstances, confined as she is by the miserable claims -of a puny civilisation, a slave to stupid proprieties, and compelled -constantly to hide her feelings in order to play an infamous comedy. -That is why I wept--why I still weep. But what matter these tears, my -well-beloved? There is as much joy as shame in them, and they prove to -you the triumph you have gained over me." - -"Angela," the count answered nobly, "I will deceive neither your love -nor your confidence. Your happiness will not depend on me." - -She gave him a glance of sublime abnegation. - -"Nothing but your love!" she said gently. "I want nothing but that. What -do I care for aught else?" - -"But I care that the woman who has given up all for me should not sink -in public opinion, and be scandalised." - -"What will you do?" - -"Give you my name, my child--the only property left me. At any rate, if -you are the companion of a pirate," he said bitterly, "no one shall -reproach you with being his mistress. In the eyes of the world, I swear -it to you, you shall be his wedded wife." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in mad delight. - -"Good, brother!" Valentine said as he entered the hut. "I will take on -myself to have your union blessed by a simple-hearted priest, to whom -the Gospel is not a dead letter, and who understands Christianity in all -its gentle and touching grandeur." - -"Thanks, Don Valentine." - -"Call me brother, madam; for I am so to you, as I am his brother. You -are a noble creature, and I thank you for the love you bear Don Louis. -And now," he added, with a smile, "there will be a struggle between us: -there are two of us to love him." - -The count, his eyes filled with tears, but not finding words to express -all he felt, held out his hands to these two beings, who were so good -and so devoted, with an emotion that came from the heart. - -"Now," Valentine said gaily, to change the conversation, "let us talk -about business." - -"Business!" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said with a laugh, "it seems to me that, for the -moment, what we have on hand is sufficiently important for us to trouble -ourselves about it." - -"That is true," Louis answered; "but can we, in the presence of this -lady----" - -"That is true: I did not think of that. I am so little accustomed to -society, I trust the lady will pardon me." - -"Permit me, gentlemen," she said with a smile: "a woman is often a good -counsellor, and under present circumstances I believe I can be of some -use to you." - -"I do not doubt it," the hunter said politely; "but----" - -"But you do not believe a word of it," she laughingly interrupted, her -petulant character gaining the upper hand again. "However, you shall -judge for yourselves." - -"We are listening," the count said. - -"My father is at this moment making great preparations: his object -is to crush you before you are prepared to undertake a campaign. All -the Indios Mansos capable of bearing arms are called out, and an -extraordinary levy of troops is ordered through the whole of Sonora." - -"Ah, indeed!" Louis observed. "Those are tremendous preparations." - -"That is not all. Is there not somewhere near here a French colony?" - -"Yes, there is," the count said, suddenly becoming serious; "the colony -of Guetzalli." - -"My father intends to send there, if he has not done so already, his -aide-de-camp, Colonel Suarez." - -"For what purpose?" - -"I suppose to neutralise, by the brilliant promises made to the -colonists, the assistance you might expect from them." - -Louis became pensive. - -"We must make up our minds," Valentine said sharply, "while the -company is preparing, to open the campaign speedily. We must send some -safe person to Guetzalli. As the colonists are French it is impossible -for them not to make common cause with us in a quarrel like that -which compels us to take up arms, and which concerns them as much as -ourselves." - -"You are right, brother. No more delay; but let us act vigorously. You -will accompany me to Guetzalli." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It is only two days' journey at the most from here. It is always best -to manage one's own business; and besides, nobody can obtain from the -colonists so much as I can." - -"How so?" - -"That is too long a story to tell you now. It is enough for you to know -that, on a recent occasion, I rendered rather a great service to the -colony, which I hope they have not yet had time to forget."[1] - -"Oh, oh! if that be the case, I no longer object. In truth, no one can -have a better hope of succeeding in the negotiation than yourself. Let -us go, then; and may Heaven aid us!" - -"Let us go," Louis answered. - -"Well," Doña Angela said with a smile, "did I not say I should be a good -counsellor?" - -"I never doubted it, madam," the hunter replied gallantly. "Besides, it -could not be otherwise, as my brother assured us that you would be our -guardian angel." - -Don Louis, after handing the command over to the first lieutenant, and -recommending the greatest activity and vigilance, announced to his -comrades his temporary absence, though he did not reveal to them the -object of his journey, in order not to discourage them in case his -negotiation failed; and at sunset, followed only by Valentine, and after -saying farewell to Doña Angela once more, he left the mission, and -started at a gallop on the road to Guetzalli. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE AMBASSADORS. - - -The paper which the peon handed to Captain de Laville, and which caused -him to feel such emotion, only contained one name; but it was a name -well known at Guetzalli--that of the Count de Prébois Crancé. The -Guetzallians had heard vague rumours of the French expedition formed at -San Francisco for the purpose of working the inexhaustible mines of the -Plancha de Plata. They knew, too, of the company's arrival at Guaymas; -but since then they had received no news, and were completely ignorant -of the events that had occurred. - -The captain had not the remotest idea that the Count de Prébois was the -leader of that expedition; but, from several words Louis had let fall -during his stay at the hacienda, he suspected him of fostering certain -projects against the Mexican Government. This was the reason why, on -receiving the paper, his first impulse was to exclaim, "He here! What -can be the matter?" - -He proceeded at once to the count, persuaded that the latter, outlawed -for some reason by the Mexican Government, had come to demand an asylum -from him. Colonel Suarez' unexpected visit coincided strangely with the -count's arrival, and confirmed him in his notion; for he supposed, with -some appearance of truth, that the colonel was ordered to enforce on him -not to receive the exile, or, if he received him into the colony, to -hand him over at once to the Mexican authorities. Fearing lest he might -commit some error prejudicial to the count, he had hurriedly left the -colonel alone, in order to come to an understanding with his compatriot, -as from the first moment he had resolved not only not to surrender him, -but not to abandon him if he claimed his aid. - -The reader sees that, although the captain's hypothesis was false, it -bordered on the truth in several points. - -Don Louis and Valentine, seated on butacas, were smoking and talking -together, while drinking, to refresh themselves, a decoction of -tamarinds, when the door opened, and the captain appeared. The three men -shook hands affectionately, and then de Laville, making the others a -sign to sit down again, began the conversation at once. - -"What good wind brings you to Guetzalli, my dear count?" he said. - -"Hum!" the latter said. "If you asked what _cordonazo_, you would be -nearer the truth, my dear De Laville; for never has a more terrible -hurricane assailed me than threatens at this moment." - -"Oh, oh! do tell me about it I need hardly say, I suppose, I am quite at -your service." - -"Thank you; but, before all, one word. Who has taken the Count de -Lhorailles' place in the government of the colony?" - -"Myself," the young man modestly replied. - -"By Jove! I am delighted to hear that," the count said frankly, "for no -one was more worthy than you to succeed him." - -"My dear sir!" he said in confusion. - -"On my word, captain, I tell you honestly what I think: all the worse if -it wounds you." - -"Far from that," the young man remarked with a smile. - -"Then all is for the best. I see that my interests will not be -imperilled in your hands." - -"You may feel assured of it." - -"Permit me to introduce to you my most intimate friend, my foster -brother, whose name you must often have heard, and with whom I should -be glad for you to be better acquainted: in one word, he is the French -scout whom the Indians and Mexicans have surnamed the 'Trail-hunter.'" - -The captain rose hurriedly, and held out his hand to the hunter. - -"What!" he said with considerable emotion, "Are you Valentine Guillois?" - -"Yes, sir," the hunter replied with a modest bow. - -"Oh, sir!" the young man exclaimed warmly, "I am delighted to form -your personal acquaintance. Everybody respects and cherishes you here, -because you maintain that title of Frenchman, of which we are all so -proud. Thanks, count, thanks; and now, by heavens, ask of me anything -you please, and I shall not know how to repay the pleasure you have -caused me. - -"Good heavens!" the count replied; "for the present I will only ask you -a very simple matter. You will soon be visited, if he has not already -arrived, by an aide-de-camp of General Guerrero." - -"Colonel Suarez?" - -"Yes." - -"He is here." - -"Already?" - -"He has only been here an hour." - -"He has told you nothing?" - -"Not yet: we have not spoken together." - -"All the better. Would you mind placing us where it would be possible -for us to overhear your conversation, and not be seen?" - -"That is very simple. Adjoining the room where he is waiting for me is a -recess, only covered by a curtain; but we can manage it better still." - -"How?" - -"Does he know you?" - -"Me?" - -"Yes. Does he know you by sight?" - -"No." - -"You are sure of that?" - -"Quite." - -"Nor this gentleman either?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Very good: let me manage it. I will arrange it all; and now to talk of -yourself." - -"It is unnecessary." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is probable the colonel will tell you more than I could." - -"Ah, ah! then you fancy he has come on your account?" - -"I am certain of it." - -"Very good. Now, do not trouble yourself about anything, but let me -arrange it all." - -"Agreed." - -"I will be with you again directly." - -And he left the room. - -The colonel was still in the same position as when we left him. He had -lighted a considerable number of husk cigarettes, and the nicotine was -beginning to act gently on his brain; his eyelids were drooping; in -short, he was just on the point of going to sleep. The sudden entrance -of the captain aroused him from this state of torpor, and he raised his -head. - -"Pray pardon my having left you alone so long," the young man said; "but -an unforeseen event----" - -"You are quite excused," the colonel answered politely. "Still I should -have been charmed had you thought of advising the Count de Lhorailles -of my arrival, for the affair that brought me here admits of no delay." - -The captain regarded the Mexican with surprise. - -"How!" he said, "the Count de Lhorailles?" - -"Certainly: it is to him alone that I must communicate the dispatches of -which I am bearer." - -"But the Count de Lhorailles has been dead for nearly a year. Were you -not aware of the fact?" - -"My word, no, sir, I confess." - -"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to -the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him -at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to -take his place." - -"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, -or was assassinated on the road." - -"I fear it." - -"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post." - -"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do -not measure men by age or height." - -"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With -whom have I the honour of speaking?" - -"With Don Carlos de Laville." - -The colonel bowed. - -"I will, then, with your permission, caballero, communicate my -dispatches to you." - -"A moment, sir," the captain said quickly. "I cannot listen to you -unless I have by my side two of the principal men in the colony." - -"For what object?" - -"That is the law." - -"Do so, then." - -The captain struck a bell, and a peon entered. - -"Ask the two gentlemen waiting in the green room to come here," he said. - -The peon went out. - -"What! the two persons who are waiting?" the colonel said suspiciously. - -"Yes. As I presumed, colonel, that you were the bearer of dispatches, -I warned these two persons in order to detain you as short a time as -possible." - -"In that case permit me to return you my thanks, for I am really -terribly pressed for time." - -At this moment the door opened, and the count and Valentine came in. -The colonel bent a piercing glance upon them, to try to discover with -what sort of men he would have to deal; but it was impossible to read -anything in their cold and rigid countenances, which seemed hewn out of -marble. - -"Gentlemen," the captain said, "Colonel Don Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, military governor of the State of -Sonora. Colonel Suarez, two of my countrymen." - -The three men bowed stiffly. - -"Now, gentlemen," the captain continued, "pray be seated. The colonel is -the bearer of dispatches he wishes to communicate to us, and they are -probably important, as the colonel has not stopped even between Pitic -and this place. We are ready to listen to you, colonel." - -Like all men accustomed to double dealing and underhand schemes, the -colonel possessed an infallible instinct for scenting treachery. In the -present case, although all was being done ostensibly with the greatest -frankness, and he was a thousand leagues from suspecting the truth, -he guessed that he was being cheated, although it was impossible to -perceive the secret object they had in view. Still he had no subterfuges -he could employ: he must obey his instructions, and he decided on doing -so, much against the grain, after bending on the two strangers a second -glance, by which he sought to read their very hearts' thoughts, but -which had no better result than the first. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "you have doubtlessly not forgotten the numberless -acts of kindness with which the Mexican Government has overwhelmed you." - -"Overwhelmed is the word," de Laville interrupted him with a smile. "Go -on, colonel." - -"The Government is ready to make still greater sacrifices for you, if -necessary." - -"_Caspita!_" the young man again interrupted him, "we will spare it the -trouble. The kindnesses of the Mexican Government generally cost us very -dearly." - -A discussion commenced in this tone of raillery had not the slightest -chance of resulting in an amicable arrangement. Still the colonel did -not break down, his mind was made up. He cared little for the result, -for he knew perfectly well that those who sent him would not hesitate to -disavow him according to circumstances. - -"Hum!" he said, "the following proposal is made you." - -"I beg your pardon, colonel, but before telling us the proposals, -perhaps it would be better to explain to us the reasons that induce the -Government to offer them," de Laville observed. - -"Good heavens, sir! you must know the reasons as well as I do." - -"Pardon me, but we are completely ignorant of them, and would feel -greatly obliged by your telling them to us." - -The count and Valentine were as motionless as statues, and these two -gloomy faces disturbed the colonel in an extraordinary manner. - -"The reasons are very simple," he stammered. - -"I do not doubt it, but be good enough to mention them." - -"This letter," he said, handing a sealed paper to the captain, "will -explain the matter fully." - -De Laville took the paper, read it through hurriedly, and then crumpled -it up passionately in his hand. - -"Colonel," he then said in a firm voice, "the Government of Sonora -forgets that the colony of Guetzalli only contains Frenchmen; that is to -say, no traitors. We have retained our nationality, although established -in this country; and if the Mexican laws will not protect us we will -appeal to our minister at Mexico, and, if necessary, contrive to protect -ourselves." - -"These threats, sir----" the colonel interrupted. - -"They are not threats," the young man continued energetically. "General -Guerrero insults us by inviting us not merely to abandon one of our -countrymen, who is in every respect worthy of our support, through his -loyalty, courage, and nobility of character, but also by proposing to us -to hunt him down like a wild beast, and deliver him over. The general -menaces us with outlawry if we assist the count, whom he brands as a -pirate and a rebel. Let him do so if he please. This letter you have -handed me will be carried by a sure man to Mexico, and handed to our -minister, with a detail of all the annoyances we have suffered from the -Mexican authorities ever since our settlement here." - -"You are wrong, sir," the colonel answered, "to take the proposal made -you in this way. The general is very well disposed toward you. I doubt -not that he will consent to grant you great advantages if you will -only obey him. What do you peaceful colonists care for this rebellious -count, whom I dare say you never heard of? Your own interests demand -that you should turn against him. This man is a villain, to whom nothing -is sacred. Since his arrival in our country he has committed the most -odious crimes. Take my advice, sir; do not obstinately choose a wrong -path, but prove to the Government all your gratitude for the favours you -have received by abandoning this villain." - -The captain had listened calmly and coldly to the Mexican's long -diatribe, holding in check by a glance the count and his companion, who -found it very difficult not to burst out and treat this man in the way -he deserved. When the colonel at length ceased, the captain looked at -him with sovereign contempt. - -"Have you finished?" he said dryly. - -"Yes," the other answered in confusion. - -"Very good. Now, thanks to Heaven, we have nothing more in common. Be -good enough to mount your horse and leave the colony immediately. As for -General Guerrero, tell him that I will give him an answer myself." - -"I will retire, sir. Do you intend to give this answer soon?" - -"Within twenty-four hours. Begone!" - -"I will report our conversation word for word to the general." - -"I shall be glad of it. Good-by till we meet again, sir." - -"What! do you intend to take your answer personally?" - -"Perhaps so," de Laville answered mockingly. - -The colonel went out all abashed by his reception, and followed by the -three men, who did not let him out of sight, and walked by his side, -so as to prevent him communicating with anyone. His horse was waiting -in the courtyard, held by one of the orderlies. The colonel mounted and -rode off rapidly, for he was anxious to leave the colony. On reaching -the isthmus gate he, however, turned round, and looked back for some -time. - -"Who can those two men be?" he muttered. - -And he dug his spurs in his horse's sides. When he had disappeared in -the windings of the road the captain seized Don Louis' hand, and pressed -it affectionately. - -"And now, my dear count," he said to him, "speak. What can I do for you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN. - - -The count returned the young man's affectionate pressure, but shook his -head sorrowfully and remained silent. - -"Why do you not answer me?" the captain asked him. "Do you doubt my -willingness to be of service to you?" - -"It is not that," the count said sadly. "I know that your heart is noble -and generous, and that you will not hesitate to come to my aid." - -"Whence arises this hesitation, then?" - -"Friend," the count answered with a melancholy smile, "I reproach myself -at this moment for having come to find you." - -"For what reason?" - -"Need I tell you? This land you cultivate, only a few years back, was -a virgin forest, serving as a lurking place for wild beasts: now, -thanks to your labour and intelligence, it has been metamorphosed into -a fertile and cultivated plain; numerous flocks feed in your prairies; -the desolation and neglect of this frontier have disappeared to make -room for the incessant toil of civilisation. This colony of Guetzalli, -founded with so much trouble, bedewed with so much blood, prospers, and -is beginning to repay amply the toil and perspiration it cost you. The -day is at hand when, stimulated by your example, other colonists will -come to join you, and, by aiding you to repulse the Indios Bravos into -their impenetrable deserts, will for ever protect the Mexican frontiers -from the depredations of the savages, and restore to this magnificent -country its pristine splendour. - -"Well?" the captain remarked. - -"Well," the count continued, "is it fitting for me, a stranger, a man to -whom you owe nothing, to drag you into a contest without any probable -issue--to mix you up in a quarrel which does not concern you, and in -which you have everything to lose, so that tomorrow the land you have, -after so many efforts, torn from desolation, should fall back into its -primitive barbarism? In a word, my friend, I ask myself by what title -and by what right I should drag you down in my fall." - -"By what title and right? I will tell you," the young captain said -nobly. "We are here six thousand leagues from our country, on the -extreme limits of the desert, having no protection to hope, or help to -seek, other than from ourselves. At such a distance from their country -all Frenchmen must consider each other as brothers, and be responsible -for each other. All must resent an insult offered to a Frenchman. It is -because we are few in number, and consequently exposed to the insults -of our enemies, that we ought to defend one another, and demand that -justice should be done us. By acting thus we not only protect our own -honour, but defend our country, and guard from any insult that title of -Frenchmen of which we are justly proud." - -"You speak well, captain," Valentine interrupted him. "Your words are -those of a man of heart. It is abroad that patriotism must be strong and -inflexible. We have no right to allow wretched enemies to lower that -national honour which our brothers in France have intrusted to us; for -each of us here represents our beloved country, and must at his risk and -peril make it be respected by all, no matter under what circumstances." - -"Yes," the captain answered quickly, "the Mexican Government, by -insulting the Count de Prébois Crancé, by breaking all its engagements -with him, and betraying him in so cowardly a fashion, has not insulted -a Frenchman, an individual, or nameless adventurer, but the whole of -France. Well, France must reply to it, and, by heavens! we will pick -up the glove thrown to us. We will fight to avenge our honour; and if -we succumb, we shall have fallen nobly in the arena, and believe me, -gentlemen, our blood will not have been shed in vain: our country will -pity while admiring us, and our fall will create us avengers. Besides, -my dear count," he added, "you are in no way a stranger to the colony -of Guetzalli; for did you not lend us the support of your arm and your -counsels under critical circumstances? It is our turn now, and we shall -only pay our debts after all." - -The count could not refrain from smiling. - -"Well," he said with emotion, "be it so: I accept your generous -devotion. Any further resistance would not only be ridiculous, but might -appear in your eyes ungrateful." - -"Very good," the captain said gaily; "we are now beginning to understand -each other. I was certain that I should end by convincing you." - -"You are a charming companion," the count retorted; "it is impossible to -resist you." - -"By Jove! you arrive at the very moment to obtain speedy help." - -"How so?" - -"Just imagine that two days later you would not have found me at home." - -"Impossible!" - -"Did you not notice, on your arrival, the wagons and carts arranged in -one of the courts you crossed?" - -"I did." - -"I was on the point of starting, at the head of eighty picked men, to go -and work certain mines we have heard about." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"Yes; but for the present the expedition will remain _in statu quo_, for -the band I intended to lead into the desert will join you, or at least I -presume so." - -"What! you presume so?" - -"Yes, because I cannot dispose of the band, or change the object of the -expedition, without the general assent." - -"That is true," said the count; and his features grew solemn. - -"But do not feel alarmed," the captain continued; "we shall easily -obtain that assent when the colonists know what interests I propose to -serve." - -"May Heaven grant it!" - -"I guarantee success. You have, I suppose, all the stores necessary for -entering on a campaign?" - -"Nearly so; but I regret to say that all my arrieros have deserted me, -and left my camp furtively." - -"The deuce! and naturally they took their mules with them?" - -"All, without exception; and this renders it very embarrassing to move -my baggage and draw my guns." - -"Good, good! We will provide for all that. I have here, as you saw, -excellent wagons; I am also well supplied with mules; and there are in -the colony men perfectly capable of leading them." - -"You will render me no slight service." - -"I hope to render you others far greater than that." - -The three men had returned to the room in which the conference with -Colonel Suarez had taken place. The captain struck the bell, and a peon -entered. - -"This evening, after _oración_, at the end of the day's labour, the -colonists will assemble in the patio to hear an important communication -I have to make to them," he said. - -The domestic bowed. - -"Bring the dinner," the captain added. Then, turning to his guests, -he said, "I presume you will dine with me, for you cannot start again -before tomorrow?" - -"That is true. Still we expect to be off before sunrise." - -"Where is your camp?" - -"At the mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles." - -"That is close by." - -"Oh! some thirty leagues at the most." - -"Yes, and the position is very strong. You do not intend, though, to -stay there long?" - -"No; I mean to strike a heavy blow." - -"You are right: you must cause the terror of your name to precede you." - -At this moment the peons brought in the dinner. - -"To table, gentlemen," the captain said. - -The meal was, as might be expected in this extreme frontier, excessively -frugal. It was only composed of venison, maize tortillas, red beans, -and pimiento, the whole washed down with pulque, mezcal, and Catalonian -refino, the strongest spirit in the known world. The guests had a true -hunter's appetite; that is to say, they were nearly dead of hunger, for -the count and Valentine had eaten nothing for thirty hours. Hence they -vigorously attacked the provisions placed before them. - -The peons had retired immediately after bringing in the dinner, so as -to leave the party full liberty for conversation. Hence, so soon as the -rough edge was taken off their appetite, the discussion was begun again -exactly where it left off, which always occurs with men whose minds are -preoccupied by any difficult project. - -"So," the captain asked, "war is decidedly declared between you and the -Mexican Government?" - -"Without remedy." - -"Although the cause you sustain is just, as you are fighting for the -maintenance of a right, still you will inscribe something on the banner -you display?" - -"Of course. I inscribe the only thing which can guarantee me the -protection of the people through whom I pass, and make the oppressed and -the malcontents flock to me." - -"Hum! what is it?" - -"Only four words." - -"And they are?" - -"_Independencia de la Sonora._" - -"Yes, the idea is a happy one. If a particle of nobility and generosity -is left in the hearts of the inhabitants of this unhappy country (which, -however, I confess to you I greatly doubt), those four words will -suffice to produce a revolution." - -"I hope so, without daring to count on it. You know, like myself, the -Mexican character--a strange composite of all good and bad instincts, -about which it is impossible to form a decided opinion." - -"Why, my dear count, the Mexicans are like every people that has been -for a long time enslaved. After remaining children for ages, they grew -too fast, and had the pretension of being men, when they scarcely began -to comprehend their emancipation, or were in a position to derive any -benefit from it." - -"Still we will attempt to galvanise them. The revolutionary race is, -perhaps, not completely extinct in this country, and what remains will -be sufficient to enkindle the sacred flame in the hearts of all." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"Hasten onwards, so as not to let myself be attacked, which always -implies inferiority, if not timidity." - -"That is true." - -"How many men do you expect to be able to give me?" - -"Eighty horsemen, commanded by myself, as I told you." - -"Thanks! But when will these horsemen (who, by the way, will be very -useful to me, as I possess so few at the moment) be able to join me?" - -"This evening they will be granted you, and in two days they will reach -the mission." - -"Could you send off the mules, wagons, and muleteers tomorrow with me?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. I will set out at once for Magdalena: it is a large pueblo, -commanding the two roads from Ures and Hermosillo." - -"I know it." - -"Proceed there direct, for that will save a loss of time." - -"Agreed. I shall arrive there at the same time as yourself, which will -be the more easy as I shall send off my baggage to your head quarters." - -"Very good." - -"You intend, then, to act energetically?" - -"Yes; I mean to try a grand stroke. If I succeed in taking one of the -three capitals of Sonora I shall have gained the campaign." - -"Such an enterprise is surely rash." - -"I know it; but in my position I dare not calculate -consequences--boldness alone can and must save me. - -"You are right, and I will not add a word. But now let us proceed to the -meeting, for our men are assembled. In their present temper I am certain -that the request I am about to make of them will be granted without -difficulty." - -They went out. As the captain had announced, all the colonists were -assembled in the courtyard, broken up into scattered groups, eagerly -discussing the reasons which caused their assemblage. When the captain -appeared, accompanied by his two friends, silence was immediately -established, curiosity closing the mouths of the most talkative. - -The Count de Prébois Crancé was known to most of the colonists: his -appearance was consequently hailed with sympathetic greetings, for -each retained in his memory the recollection of the services he had -rendered when Guetzalli was so rudely assailed by the Apaches. The -captain cleverly availed himself of this goodwill, on which he had, -indeed, built, in order to explain his request clearly to the colonists, -while accounting for the causes which obliged the count to come and seek -allies at Guetzalli. - -The men would not have been the hearty adventurers they really were, -had they received such a request coldly. Seduced, as was natural, by -the strangeness and even the temerity of the enterprise proposed to -them, they consented to range themselves under the count's banner with -enthusiastic shouts and delight. The first expedition projected, and for -which all the preparations had been made, was completely forgotten, and -the only question was the enfranchisement of Sonora. Had the count asked -for two hundred men, he would certainly have obtained them on the spot -without the slightest difficulty. - -Captain de Laville, delighted at the prodigious success he had achieved, -warmly thanked his comrades, both in the count's name and his own, and -immediately began getting ready to start. The wagons were carefully -inspected to see that they were all in order, and were then laden with -all the articles requisite for the coming campaign. At about an hour -before sunrise all was ready for starting; the wagons were loaded, and -horses attached; the mules, carefully selected, were intrusted to steady -men. - -Louis and Valentine mounted; the captain accompanied them about a league -from the company; and then they parted, agreeing to meet again three -days later at La Magdalena. - -Mules and wagons progress very slowly in Mexico, where there are in -reality no roads, and where you are generally forced to cut a path with -the axe. Louis and his foster brother, whose presence was imperatively -demanded at the mission, felt in despair at this slowness. In this -extremity the count resolved to leave the caravan, and push on ahead. -In consequence they left the arrieros, after recommending the greatest -diligence to them, and burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, set -out at full speed for the mission. - -The American horses, descended from the old Arabs of the conquerors -of New Spain, have several incontestable advantages over ours. In the -first place they are temperate: a little alfalfa in the morning, after -washing their mouths out, enables them to go a whole day without food, -drink, or rest. These horses seem indefatigable, and, indeed, they have -only one pace--the gallop; and at the end of the day, after going twenty -leagues at that pace, they have not turned a hair, and do not display -the slightest fatigue. - -As our two horsemen were mounted on crack steeds, they reached the -mission in a comparatively very short period. At the first barricade a -man was waiting for them: it was Curumilla. - -"Someone is waiting for you," he said. "Come." - -They followed him, asking each other with a glance what reason could be -so important as to draw such a long sentence from Curumilla. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FATHER AND DAUGHTER. - - -The adventurers' camp had completely changed its character: it had lost -the peaceful appearance of the early days, and assumed a warlike air, -perfectly in accordance with the present aspect of affairs. At each -issue from the mission, a gun, guarded by a detachment, was pointed at -the open country, while piled muskets formed a long row, in front of -which a guard walked up and down. Sentries posted at regular distances -watched the approaches, while advanced posts, established in sure -positions, prevented any attempt at a surprise. - -In the interior of the camp the greatest activity prevailed; the camp -forges smoked, and re-echoed the hasty blows of the smiths; further -on, carpenters were cutting into shape whole trees; the armorers were -inspecting and repairing arms; in short, everybody was working eagerly, -in order to get everything prepared with the least possible delay. - -The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the -camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the -adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached -headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the -melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance _del Rey Rodrigo_, smote -their ears. - -"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to -ask some information from Don Cornelio." - -"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to -obtain it from Curumilla." - -"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words -exchanged by the friends. - -"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile. - -Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a -_jacal_ of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before -which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming -his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his -eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a -shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them. - -"_Capa de Dios!_" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, -caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you." - -"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously. - -"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on -horseback?" - -"No, no, we will join you." - -And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the -count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs -ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding -his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at -the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses. - -"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools -scattered about. - -"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the -count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?" - -"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have -brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, -however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not -wish to talk with you about those matters." - -"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?" - -"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered -me to watch over Doña Angela--a singular commission enough for me." - -"How so?" - -"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I -dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero." - -"I thank you for it." - -"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the -commandant." - -"Ah, ah! And you know the contents of the letter?" - -"It was simply a request for a safe-conduct to remain in the camp." - -"Ah! and who was it signed by?" - -"Father Seraphin." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed quickly, "Father Seraphin, the French -missionary, the sainted man whom the Indians themselves have christened -the 'Apostle of the Prairies?'" - -"Himself." - -"That is strange," the hunter muttered. - -"Is it not?" - -"But," said the count, "Father Seraphin does not need a safe-conduct to -stay with us as long as he pleases." - -"Of course," Valentine confirmed him, "we shall always be happy, myself -in particular, to profit by his advice." - -"The worthy father did not request the safe-conduct for himself: he is -very well aware that his visit could only be agreeable to us." - -"Ah! For whom, then?" - -"For a person for whom he would be bail during the period of his stay -among us, but whose name he kept secret." - -"Hum! that is not clear." - -"That is what I thought, so I urged the commandant to refuse." - -"Well?" - -"He granted the safe-conduct, alleging a reason which, by the way, is -not so illogical--that the man for whom the safe-conduct is requested is -evidently a friend or an enemy, and in either case it is good to know -him, so as eventually to treat him as he deserves." - -The two Frenchmen could not refrain from laughing at this singular -logic. - -"Well, and what is the result of all this?" the count continued. - -"The result is that Father Seraphin arrived this morning at the mission, -accompanied by a person carefully wrapped up in a large cloak." - -"Ah, ah! And this person?" - -"You can guess a thousand times before finding out." - -"I think it would be better for you to tell me at once." - -"I believe so too. Well, prepare yourself to hear something incredible. -This person is no one less than Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"The general!" the count exclaimed as he bounded in his chair. - -"Do not confound persons. I did not say General, but Don Sebastian -Guerrero." - -"A truce with nonsense, Don Cornelio! Let us talk seriously, for what -you say deserves it." - -"I am serious, Don Louis. The general has come here in his private -capacity. In a word, it is the father of Doña Angela who is at this -moment in our camp, and not the Governor of Sonora." - -"I am beginning to understand," the count said in a hollow voice, as he -walked in agitation up and down the jacal. "And what took place between -father and daughter? Do not be afraid to tell me everything. I will keep -the mastery over myself." - -"Nothing at all has passed, Don Louis, thanks to Heaven!" - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, for the simple reason that Doña Angela, by my advice, refused to -receive her father's visit during your absence." - -"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and -fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard. - -"By my advice, yes." - -"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general----" - -"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, -though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance -that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge." - -"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these -difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above -all, great perspicacity." - -Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let -his eyes fall modestly. - -"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count. - -"Leave Doña Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, -dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the -missionary to her. Go: I follow you." - -The Spaniard went out at once to fulfil his orders. - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine said, so soon as he found -himself alone with the count. - -"In two days." - -"And you march?" - -"On La Magdalena." - -"Good! I will now ask your leave to go away, accompanied by Curumilla." - -"What! you wish to leave me?" the count exclaimed with regret. - -The hunter smiled. - -"You do not understand me, brother," he answered. "The Indian chief -and myself are almost useless here. How could we serve you? In no way; -while I am convinced we can make excellent scouts. Leave us to explore -the road, at the same time as we try to destroy, or at least lessen, -the prejudices which the calumnies so sedulously spread about you have -produced against everybody who bears the name of Frenchman." - -"I did not dare ask you to render me that service; but now, as you offer -it so frankly, I will not be so foolish as to refuse it. Go, brother. -Act as you please: all you do will be right." - -"Then farewell! I shall start immediately." - -"Without taking a moment's rest?" - -"You know that I never feel fatigue. Come, courage! We shall meet again -at La Magdalena." - -The two friends embraced, and then quitted the jacal. On the threshold -they separated, after a last pressure of the hand, Valentine going to -the right, the count to the left. - -A guard of ten men defended the approaches to headquarters, and a -sentinel was pacing, with shouldered musket, before the door of the -mission church, the count's temporary residence. On arriving at his -house Don Louis saw Don Cornelio, accompanied by two persons, one -of whom wore a clerical garb. They had stopped, and were apparently -waiting. The count hurried on. Although he had never, till this moment, -seen Father Seraphin, he recognised him by the portraits Valentine had -drawn. - -He was still the man with the angelic glance, the delicate and marked -features, the intelligently gentle countenance, whom we have presented -to our readers in another work; but the apostolate is severe in America. -Years count there as triple for missionaries really worthy of the title; -and Father Seraphin, though hardly thirty years of age, already bore on -his body and face traces of that precocious decrepitude to which those -men fall victims who sacrifice themselves, without any thought of self, -to the welfare of humanity. His back was beginning to bend, his hair was -turning white on his temples, and two deep wrinkles furrowed his brow. -Still the vivacity of his glance seemed to contradict this apparent -weakness, and prove that if his body had grown enfeebled in the contest, -the soul had ever remained equally young and powerful. - -The three men bowed politely. The count and the missionary, after -exchanging an earnest glance, shook hands with a smile. They had -understood each other. - -"You are welcome, sir," the count said, addressing the general, -"although I am surprised that you place such confidence in _pirates_, as -you call us, as to confide yourself so entirely to our honour." - -"The law of nations, sir," the general replied, "has certain recognised -rules which are respected by all men." - -"Excepting by those who are placed without the pale of society and the -common law of humanity," Don Louis remarked dryly. - -The missionary interposed. - -"Gentlemen," he said in his sympathetic voice, "between you there is no -enmity at this moment: there is only a father who claims his daughter -from a gentleman who, I feel convinced, will not refuse to restore her -to him." - -"Heaven forbid, my father," the count said quickly, "that I should -attempt to retain this man's daughter against her will, even were he a -thousandfold a greater enemy than he is." - -"You see, general," the missionary observed, "that I was not mistaken as -to the count's character." - -"Doña Angela came alone, impelled by her own will, into my camp: she is -respected and treated with all the attention she merits. Doña Angela -is free to act as she pleases, and I recognise no right to influence -her. As I did not carry her off from her father, as I did nothing to -attract her hither, I cannot restore her, as this gentleman appears to -demand. If Doña Angela is willing to return to her friends, nobody will -oppose it; but if, on the contrary, she prefers to remain here under the -protection of my brave comrades and myself, no human power will succeed -in tearing her from me." - -These words were pronounced in a peremptory tone, which produced a -marked impression on the two hearers. - -"However, gentlemen," the count continued, "what we say between -ourselves has no value so long as Doña Angela has not pronounced herself -in one way or the other. I will have the honour of leading you to -her. You will have an explanation with her, and she will tell you her -determination. Still, permit me to warn you that, whatever that decision -may be, both yourselves and myself are bound to submit to it." - -"Be it so, sir," the general said dryly: "perhaps it is as well that way -as any other." - -"Come, then," the count continued. - -And he preceded them to the hut which served as the maiden's private -residence. - -Doña Angela, seated on a butaca, and having Violanta at her feet, was -engaged with her needlework. On seeing her father and the persons who -accompanied him enter, a vivid blush purpled her cheeks, but almost -immediately she turned pale as death. Still she contrived to subdue the -emotion she felt, rose, bowed silently, and sat down again. The general -regarded her for a moment with a mingled expression of tenderness and -anger; then turning suddenly to the missionary, he said in a stifled -voice,-- - -"Speak to her, my father; I do not feel the strength to do so." - -The maiden smiled sadly. - -"My good padre," she said to the missionary, "I thank you for the -useless attempt you are making on me today. My resolution is formed: -nothing will alter it--it is impossible. I will never return to my -family." - -"Unhappy child!" the general exclaimed with sorrow, "what reason urged -you to abandon me thus?" - -"I do all justice to your kindness and tenderness toward me, father," -she answered with a melancholy air. "Alas! that unbounded tenderness -and the liberty you ever allowed me to enjoy are perhaps the cause of -what happens today. I do not wish to reproach you. My destiny has taken -possession of me: I will endure the consequences of the fault I have -committed." - -The general frowned and stamped his foot on the ground passionately. - -"Angela, my well-beloved child!" he continued bitterly, "reflect that -the scandal occasioned by your flight will dishonour you for ever." - -A contemptuous smile played round the maidens pallid lips. - -"What do I care?" she said. "The world in which you live is no longer -mine. All my joy and sorrow will be henceforth concentrated here." - -"But I, your father--you forget me, then, and I am no longer anything to -you?" - -The girl hesitated: she remained silent, with downcast eyes. - -"Doña," the missionary said gently, "God curses children who abandon -their father: return to yours. There is still time: he holds out his -arms to you---he calls you. Return, my child. A parent's heart is an -inexhaustible well of indulgence. Your father will forgive you: he has -already done so." - -Doña Angela shook her head, but made no further reply. The general and -the missionary regarded each other with disappointment, while Don Louis -stood a little in the rear, his arms folded on his breast, with sunken -head and thoughtful air. - -"Oh!" the general muttered with concentrated passion, "ours is an -accursed race!" - -At this moment Don Louis drew himself up, and walked a few paces forward. - -"Doña Angela," he said with marked significance, "was it really your own -will that brought you here?" - -"Yes," she answered resolutely. - -"And you have really decided on obeying neither the orders nor -entreaties of your father?" - -"Yes," she said again. - -"Then you renounce for ever your position in society, and your fortune?" - -"Yes." - -"You also renounce the protection of your father, who is your natural -guardian, and has every human and divine claim on you--you renounce his -affection?" - -"Yes," she murmured in a low voice. - -"Then it is now my turn;" and bowing to the general, he continued, -"Sir, whatever may be the hatred that sunders us--whatever may happen -at a later date--the honour of your daughter must remain pure and -unspotted." - -"In order to secure that result," the general said bitterly, "someone -must consent to marry her." - -"Yes. Well, I, the Count de Prébois Crancé, have the honour of asking -you for her hand." - -The general fell back in amazement. - -"Do you really ask that seriously?" he said. - -"Yes." - -"Reflect that, while thanking you for your request, I consider it a -fresh aggrievance." - -"Be it so." - -"That this marriage will in nowise prevent the measures I intend taking -against you." - -"What do I care?" - -"And you still consent to give her your hand?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. You shall have my answer in four days." - -"At La Magdalena, then." - -"Be it so." The general turned to his daughter. "I do not curse you," -he said, "for God himself cannot free a child from its father's -malediction. Farewell! Be happy." - -And he rushed out, followed by the missionary. - -"My father," the count said, "I shall expect you at La Magdalena." - -"I shall be there, sir," Father Seraphin replied sadly, "for I foresee -that there will be tears to dry up." - -"Good-by, sir," the general said. - -"Good-by till we meet again," the count answered with a bow. - -The general and the missionary then mounted and set out, escorted by a -strong detachment of adventurers, who were to accompany them through the -outposts and pickets of the French company. The count looked after them -for a long time, and then walked back slowly to his room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LA MAGDALENA. - - -The village of La Magdalena occupies an important military position, for -it commands the three roads that lead to Ures, Hermosillo, and Sonora, -the chief cities of the State, and is nearly at an equal distance from -all three. This pueblo, in itself of but slight consideration, enjoys, -however, a certain reputation in the country, owing to the beauty of its -situation and the purity of the air breathed there. - -La Magdalena forms a species of parallelogram, one side of which -carelessly mirrors its white houses in the limpid waters of the Rio -San Pedro, a confluent of the Gila. Dense woods of palma Christi, -styrax, Peru trees, and mahogany form an insurmountable barrier against -the burning winds of the desert, while refreshing and perfuming the -atmosphere, and serve as a refuge for thousands of blue jays, cardinals, -and loros, which chatter gaily under the foliage, and enliven the -enchanting landscape--this ravishing oasis, placed there by the hand of -nature, as if to make the traveller returning from the prairie forget -the sufferings and fatigues of the desert. - -The festivities in honour of the patron saint at La Magdalena are the -most frequented and joyful of all Sonora. As they last several days, the -hacenderos and campesinos flock in for a hundred miles round. During -this _fête_, at which rivers of pulque and mezcal flow, there is one -succession of jaranas, montes, and bull baits; in a word, amusements of -every description, which no crime ever saddens, in spite of the great -concourse of strangers. The Mexicans are not wicked; they are only badly -educated, headstrong, and passionate children, but nothing more. - -Three days after the events we narrated in our previous chapter, the -Pueblo de la Magdalena, at the most animated period of its annual -festival, was in a state of more than ordinary agitation and excitement, -evidently not produced by the festival; for the people had suddenly -broken off their sports, and rushed, laughing and pressing, to one of -the ends of the pueblo, where, according to the few words whispered by -the gossips, something out of the way was taking place. - -In fact, bugles soon sounded a call, and a band of armed men debouched -on the pueblo, marching in good order, and to military tunes. First came -an advanced guard of a dozen well-mounted men; then came a company of -men formed in squads of about thirty each, bearing among them a large -banner, on which was inscribed, "Independencia de la Sonora." Behind -this band came two guns drawn by mules, then a squadron of cavalry, -immediately followed by a long file of wagons and carts. The march was -closed by a rearguard of twenty horsemen. - -This small _army_, about three hundred strong, marched through the -pueblo with heads raised and bold glances, passed the double row of -spectators, and stopped, at a signal from the chief, about one hundred -yards in front of the village, at a triangle formed by the meeting of -three roads. Here the troops were ordered to bivouac. - -It is almost needless to tell the reader that this _army_ was the -Atrevida Company. The good conduct of the band, and its martial air, -had gained the favour of the population of the pueblo through which -they marched so boldly. During the passage handkerchiefs and sombreros -were waved, and cries of "Bravo!" were heard. The count, on horseback -a few paces ahead of the main body, had not ceased for a moment bowing -gracefully to the right and left, and these salutes had been returned -with usury all along the village. - -So soon as the order to bivouac was given, each set to work, and in less -than two hours the adventurers, skilfully employing all within their -reach, had established the most graceful and picturesque encampment -that can be imagined. Still, as the count regarded himself as being -in an enemy's country, nothing was neglected not only to protect the -camp from a surprise, but also to place it in a respectable state of -defence. By the aid of the wagons and carts, reinforced by palisades, -the adventurers formed a barricade, still further defended by a ditch, -the earth from which was thrown up on the other side as a breastwork. In -the centre of the camp, on a small mound, rose the chiefs tent, before -which the guns were planted; and from its summit floated the flag to -which we have already alluded. - -The arrival of the French was a piece of good fortune for the Sonorians -whom the festival had attracted to La Magdalena. Indeed, for several -days they had been expected hourly; and the inhabitants, in spite of the -proclamations of the Mexican Government, which represented the French as -plunderers and bandits, had taken no further precautions against them -than to go and meet them, and receive them with shouts of welcome--a -characteristic fact which clearly proved that public opinion was not at -all deceived as to the meaning of the French pronunciamiento, and that -each knew perfectly well on which side were right and justice. - -When the camp was formed the authorities of the pueblo presented -themselves at the gate, asking, in the name of their fellow citizens, -permission to visit the Frenchmen. The count, delighted with this -measure, which was of good augury for the relations he hoped presently -to establish with the inhabitants, at once gave the requisite permission -with the best grace possible. - -De Laville had joined the count at about ten miles from the pueblo, at -the head of eighty horsemen, which supplied the army with a respectable -body of cavalry. Don Louis, having long been acquainted with the captain -of Guetzalli, appointed him Chief of the Staff, and intrusted to him -the annoying details of duty. De Laville eagerly accepted this mark of -confidence; and the count, thenceforward free to occupy himself with the -political portion of the expedition, retired to his tent, in order to -reflect on the means to be employed by which to bring over to his side -the population among which he now was. - -Since the day General Guerrero presented himself at the mission, -accompanied by Father Seraphin, the count, through a feeling of -propriety, had not seen Doña Angela again, over whom he watched, -however, with the utmost solicitude. The young lady appreciated this -delicacy, and, for her part, had not attempted to see him. She had -journeyed from the mission to La Magdalena in a closed palanquin, and a -tent had been erected for her at no great distance from the count's. - -The permission requested by the authorities had scarce been granted ere -the adventurers' camp was visited by all the inhabitants. The mob, eager -to see more nearly these bold men who, though in such small number, did -not fear to declare war openly against the Government of Mexico, rushed -in a body to the place occupied by them. The adventurers received their -guests with that gaiety which distinguishes Frenchmen, and in a few -hours gained the goodwill of the Sonorians, who, the more they saw of -them, the more they wished to see, and who never grew weary of admiring -their recklessness, and, above all, their imperturbable conviction of -the success of the expedition. Night was setting in, the sun was rapidly -sinking on the horizon, when Don Cornelio, who performed the duties of -aide-de-camp to the count, raised the curtain of his tent, and announced -to him that a field officer, who stated he had a message for him, asked -to speak with him. Don Louis gave the order for his introduction. The -envoy entered, and the count at once recognised in him Colonel Suarez. -On his side, the colonel made a gesture of surprise at seeing the man he -had met at Guetzalli, though he had not succeeded in finding out who he -was. Don Louis smiled at the colonel's astonishment, bowed politely, and -begged him to be seated. - -"I am requested, sir, by General Guerrero," the colonel said after the -usual compliments, "to deliver a letter to you." - -"I have already been told so, colonel," the count answered. "I presume -that you are acquainted with the contents of the letter?" - -"Nearly so, sir; for I have several words to add to it in the course of -conversation." - -"I am ready to hear you." - -"I will not waste your time, sir. In the first place here is the letter." - -"Very good," the count said, taking it and laying it on the table. - -"General Don Sebastian Guerrero," the colonel continued, "accepts the -offer you did him the honour of making him for the hand of his daughter: -still he desires that the nuptial ceremony should take place as soon as -possible." - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -"He desires also that this ceremony, at which he hopes to be present -with a large party of his relations and friends, should be celebrated at -La Magdalena by Father Seraphin." - -"I have a few observations to make on that subject, colonel." - -"I am listening to you, caballero." - -"I willingly consent that Father Seraphin should marry us; but the -ceremony will not take place at La Magdalena, but here in my camp, which -I cannot and will not leave." - -The colonel knit his brows. The count continued without seeming to -notice it:-- - -"The general can be present at the ceremony, with as many relations and -friends as he pleases; but as, unfortunately, we do not stand on such -good terms to each other as I should wish, and as I must take care of my -own safety, as much as he does of his, the general will be good enough -to send me ten hostages selected among the most influential persons -in the State. These hostages will be treated by me with the greatest -honour, and restored to the general one hour after the nuptial blessing -and the departure of the guests from the camp. But I must warn your -general that, if the slightest treachery is attempted against myself or -one of the men I have the honour of commanding, these hostages will be -immediately shot." - -"Oh!" the colonel exclaimed, "you distrust General Guerrero, sir, and -put no faith in his honour as a caballero." - -"Unfortunately, sir," the count replied dryly, "I have learned at my -own expense what the value is of the honour of certain Mexicans. I -will, therefore, enter into no discussion on that subject. Such are my -conditions. The general is at liberty to accept or refuse them; but I -pledge you my word of honour that I shall make no change." - -"Very well, sir," the colonel answered, intimidated in spite of himself -by the count's resolute accent, "I will have the honour of transmitting -these harsh conditions to the general." - -Don Louis bowed. - -"I doubt whether he will accept them," the colonel continued. - -"He can do as he pleases." - -"But is there no other way of settling the difference?" - -"I do not see any." - -"Well, in the event of the general accepting, how shall I let you know -it, so as to lose as little time as possible?" - -"In a very simple mode, sir--by the arrival of Father Seraphin and the -delivery of the hostages." - -"And, in that case, when will the ceremony take place?" - -"Two hours after the hostages have reached my camp." - -"I will retire, sir, and submit your reply to my superior officer." - -"Do so, sir." - -The colonel retired, and the count, who fancied himself sure of the -acceptance of his ultimatum, immediately gave the necessary orders for -the construction of the cabin intended to serve as a chapel. After this -he wrote a note, which was handed to Doña Angela through the medium of -Don Cornelio. This note, which was very laconic, contained the following -lines:-- - - "MADAM, - - "I have received your father's answer: it is favourable. - Tomorrow, in all probability, the ceremony of our marriage will - take place. I watch over you and myself. - - "The Count de PRÉBOIS CRANCÉ." - -After sending off this note the count wrapped himself in a cloak, and -went out to visit the posts, and assure himself that the sentries were -keeping good guard. The night was bright and clear; the sky studded with -an infinite number of brilliant stars; the atmosphere perfumed with a -thousand sweet odours; at intervals the strains of the guitars, borne on -the breeze, rose from the pueblo, and died out at the count's ear. The -camp was silent and gloomy; the adventurers, who had retired under their -leafy jacales, were enjoying that rest so necessary after a day's march; -the horses, hobbled pell-mell with the mules, were devouring their -alfalfa; the sentries, with shouldered muskets, were walking slowly -around the intrenchments with their eyes fixed on the plain. - -The count, after walking about for some time, and convincing himself -that everything was in the most perfect order, was induced by the -melancholy and mysterious softness of the night, to lean on the -breastwork; and, with his eye fixed on vacancy, not looking at or -probably seeing anything, he gradually gave way to his dreams, yielding -unconsciously to the mysterious influence of the objects that surrounded -him. From time to time, as the sentries called to each other, he -mechanically raised his head; then he would yield again to the flood of -thought that fell on him, and was so absorbed in himself that he seemed -to be asleep; but it was not so. - -For several hours he had been thus leaning over the breastwork, without -a thought of retiring, when he suddenly felt a hand lightly laid on -his shoulder. This touch, light as it was, sufficed to recall him -from the ideal worlds in which his imagination was galloping, and to -a consciousness of his present situation. The count stifled a cry of -surprise and turned round. A man was holding on to the outside of the -breastwork, his head scarce emerging over the top. It was Curumilla. - -The chief had a finger laid on his lips, as if to recommend prudence to -the count. The latter made a sign of pleasure on recognising the Indian, -and quickly bent down to him. - -"Well?" he said with his mouth to his ear. - -"You will be attacked tomorrow." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Indian smiled. - -"Yes," he said. - -"When?" - -"At night." - -"What hour?" - -"An hour before moonrise." - -"By whom?" - -"Palefaces." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Good-by." - -"Are you off again?" - -"Yes." - -"Shall I see you again?" - -"Perhaps." - -"When?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And Valentine?" - -"He will come." - -The Indian, doubtlessly fatigued with having talked so much, contrary to -his habits, although the sentences he uttered were of no extraordinary -length, slipped down the breastwork again, and said no more. Louis -looked after him, and saw him crawl away on his knees, and disappear -without producing the slightest sound. The scene had taken place so -rapidly, the Indian's flight had been so silent, that the count was on -the point of regarding it as an hallucination; but suddenly the hoot of -the owl, twice repeated, rose in the air. - -This signal had long been agreed on between Valentine and the count. He -understood that Curumilla, while warning him that he was safe, sent him -from a distance a last recommendation to silence. He tossed his head -sadly, and returned to his tent pensively, muttering in a low voice,-- - -"Another piece of treachery!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE COCK-FIGHT. - - -In marching on La Magdalena the count had a double object: in the first -place, that of meeting the rich hacenderos and alcaldes of the pueblos -dissatisfied with the Mexican Government, and try to draw them over to -his side by the brilliant prospects of independence he offered them; -secondly, by his strategic position at the village, to alarm General -Guerrero, and keep him constantly on the alert by a simultaneous feint -of aggressive movements on each of the three Sonorian capitals. - -The general, so soon as war was declared, had appealed to the population -with that pompous and verbose Mexican eloquence which only deceives -the foolish. The inhabitants, who were perfectly indifferent about the -Government, and cared but little to interfere in the general's private -quarrels, which he tried in vain to metamorphose into a national -question, had remained quietly at home, and had in no way responded to -their chiefs so-called patriotic appeal, the more so because, during the -four months since the French landed in Sonora, and had been traversing -the country, their conduct toward the population had been ever -exemplary, and not the smallest complaint had been made against them. - -The general, disappointed at the ill success of his machinations, then -changed his batteries. He proceeded to forced enlistments: next, not -satisfied with that, he treated with the Hiaquis and Opatas Indians, -in order to increase his army. He also wished, at the outset, to enrol -the Apaches; but the rude lesson the French had read the latter had -disgusted them with war, and they retired to their deserts without -listening to any new proposition. - -Still General Guerrero had succeeded in collecting an imposing force. -His army amounted to nearly 12,000 men--an enormous number, if we -think of the few combatants his enemy could draw up in time. The -general, we must do him the justice to say, in spite of his incessant -braggadocio, and the continual marches and countermarches he performed, -had an instinctive respect for his enemy, or, if you like it better, a -perfectly reasonable fear, which incited him to prudence, and prevented -him ever coming too close to the French outposts. He contented himself -with actively watching the count's movements, and holding the three -roads in such a way as to be able easily to concentrate his troops on -the point menaced by the adventurers. - -It is a singular fact that the Americans of the South have never been -able, after so many centuries, and though they are nearly descended -from the Spaniards, to dispel that superstitious terror with which the -European conquerors inspired them on their landing. The deeds of those -heroic adventurers are still in every mouth, and during the war of -independence it frequently happened that a handful of Spaniards put to -flight, merely by showing themselves, masses of Mexican insurgents. The -most convincing proof of our assertion we can produce is that, at this -very moment, three hundred French adventurers, isolated in the centre of -a country they did not know, and the majority of whom did not even speak -the language, held in check an army of 12,000 men, commanded by chiefs -who were esteemed good soldiers, and not only made Sonora tremble, but -even the Federal Government in Mexico itself. - -The boldness and temerity of the enterprise attempted by the count -increased, were that possible, the terror he inspired. This expedition -was so mad, that sensible men could not imagine that the count was -not backed up by secret, though powerful allies, who only awaited an -opportunity to declare themselves. This terror was carefully kept -up by the count's spies and scouts. The boldness of his movements, -the decision with which he acted, and finally, the occupation of La -Magdalena without a blow being struck, heightened the apprehensions of -the Government, and increased its indecision as to the intentions of the -chief, or, as they called him, the _Cabecilla_. - -It was about five in the morning when the curtain that closed the -count's tent was raised from the outside, and a man entered. Don Louis, -startled by this sudden apparition, rubbed his eyes and seized his -pistols, saying in a firm voice,-- - -"Who is there?" - -"I, of course," the new arriver said. "Who would dare enter in this way -except me?" - -"Valentine!" the count exclaimed with a shout of joy, and throwing -down his pistols. "You are welcome, brother: I have been expecting you -impatiently." - -"Thank you," the hunter said. "Did not Curumilla announce my return this -very night?" - -"Yes," the count said with a laugh; "but you know how easy it is to talk -with the chief." - -"That is true. Well, I have brought you the information he omitted to -give you, and perhaps it is all for the best." - -The count had dressed himself; that is to say, he put on his coat and -zarapé, for he had thrown himself on his bed in his clothes. - -"Take a stool," he said, "and let us talk." - -"I prefer going out." - -"As you please," Don Louis answered, suspecting that his friend had -peculiar reasons for acting thus. They left the tent together. - -"Captain de Laville," the hunter said, addressing the young man, who was -walking up and down before the tent, "an escort of ten horsemen, a horse -for myself, and another for the chief, if you please." - -"At once?" - -"Yes, if it be possible." - -"Of course it is." - -"We are going to leave the camp, then?" Louis said when they were alone. - -"We are going to La Magdalena," the hunter made answer. - -"The moment is a most unfortunate one." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am expecting the general's answer." - -"In that case you can come," the hunter said with a malicious smile, -"for you will not receive that reply. The colonel's mission was only a -bait to lull your vigilance to sleep." - -"Oh, oh! are you certain of what you assert?" - -"By Jove!" - -At this moment the escort appeared. Louis and Valentine mounted. It was -hardly six in the morning; the country was deserted; at each puff of -wind the trees shook their branches, which were damp with the abundant -bright dew, and caused a gentle shower which rustled on the bushes; the -sun sucked up the dense vapour that rose from the ground; and the birds, -hidden in the foliage, woke up singing. The two friends, slightly in -advance of their escort, rode pensively side by side, with the bridle on -their horses' necks, and gazing vacantly at the magnificent landscape -which lay expanded before them. The first houses of the pueblo, gaily -enframed in clumps of floripondios and vines, were visible from a -turning in the road. Don Louis raised his head. - -"Well," he said, as if answering his own thoughts, "I swear this shall -be the last time that General Guerrero mocks me thus. It is plain that -Colonel Suarez only came to my camp to see for himself in what condition -we were." - -"For nothing else." - -"Where are we going now?" - -"To a cockfight." - -"A cockfight!" the count said in surprise. - -The hunter looked at him significantly. - -"Yes," he said to him, "you know, perhaps--or, if you do not, I will -tell you--that the finest cockfights take place annually at La Magdalena -at the period of the festival." - -"Ah!" Louis said indifferently. - -"I am certain that it will interest you," Valentine continued with a -cunning air. - -The count perfectly well understood that his friend only spoke to him -in this way in order to foil any eavesdroppers who might be about, and -was silent, for he felt certain that all would be cleared up ere long. -Besides, the little party were at this moment entering the pueblo, -the houses of which were beginning to open, in which the dwellers, -hardly awake, saluted them as they passed with joyous and friendly -smiles. After passing slowly through two or three streets, at a sign -from Valentine the detachment stopped before a house of rather mean -appearance, and which had nothing about it to recommend it to the -attention of strangers. - -"It is here," the hunter said. - -They stopped and dismounted. Valentine then gave the leader of the -escort strict orders to remain mounted with his men, and not stir till -the count's return; then he tapped discreetly at the door, which was -immediately opened. They entered, and the door was closed without their -seeing anybody. They were scarcely in the house ere the hunter led his -companion into a cuarto, the door of which he opened with a key he drew -from his pocket. - -"Follow my example," he said as he took off his vicuna hat and zarapé, -which he exchanged for a cloak and a broad-brimmed straw hat. The count -imitated him. - -"Now come." - -They wrapped themselves carefully in their cloaks, pulled their hats -over their eyes, and left the house by a door cleverly hidden in the -wall, which communicated with the adjoining house, through which -they passed without meeting anybody, and found themselves once more -in the street. But during the few minutes they remained in the house -the appearance of the pueblo had completely changed. The streets were -now thronged with people coming and going: at each step children and -leperos were letting off fireworks with shouts of delight and bursts -of laughter. Through the whole of Spanish America, and especially in -Mexico, no at all respectable festival goes off without crackers and -fireworks: letting off squibs is the acme of joy. We will repeat on this -head a rather characteristic anecdote. - -Some time after the Spaniards had been definitively expelled from -Mexico, King Ferdinand one morning asked a rich Mexican who had sought -refuge at the court of Spain,-- - -"What do you imagine your countrymen are doing at this moment, Don Luis -de Cerda?" - -"Sire," the Mexican replied gravely, as he bowed to the king, "they are -letting off squibs." - -"Ah!" the king said, and passed on. - -A few hours later the king accosted the gentleman again: it was two in -the afternoon. - -"And now," he asked him gaily, "what are they engaged in?" - -"Sire," the Mexican said with no less gravity than on the first -occasion, "they continue to let off squibs." - -The king smiled, but made no reply. At nightfall, however, he again -addressed the same question to the gentleman, who answered with his -imperturbable coolness,-- - -"May it please your Majesty, they are letting off more squibs than ever." - -This time the king could not contain himself, but burst into a fit of -laughter--a very remarkable circumstance, for this prince was never -renowned for the jollity of his character. - -The Mexicans have three passions;--playing at monte, witnessing -cockfights, and letting off squibs. We believe that the third is the -most deeply rooted in them; and the quantity of powder consumed in -Mexico in the shape of squibs is incalculable. Hence squibs were being -let off in all the streets and on all the squares of La Magdalena. -At each step crackers exploded beneath the feet of our two friends, -who, however, long accustomed to Mexican habits, did not attach the -slightest importance to the fireworks, but continued their progress in -perfect coolness, clearing a way as well as they could through the dense -crowd of Indians, half-breeds, Negroes, Zambos, Spaniards, Mexicans, and -North Americans. At length they turned into a lane about half way down -the Calle San Pedro. - -"Halloh!" Louis said, "are we really going to see a cockfight?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a smile. "Let me alone. I told you it -would interest you." - -"Go on, then," the count said with a careless shrug of his shoulders. -"Deuce take you and your absurd ideas!" - -"Good, good!" Valentine replied with a laugh. "We shall see; but we have -arrived." - -And without any more words they entered the house. - -There is no amusement in Mexico, save perhaps monte or fireworks, which -excites interest to such a degree as a cockfight; and this interest is -not confined merely to a certain class of society. In this respect there -is no difference between the President of the Republic and the most -humble citizen, between the generalissimo and the lowest leper, between -the highest dignitary of the Church and the most obscure sacristan: -whites, blacks, half-castes, and Indians the whole population rushes -with unequalled frenzy to this bloody spectacle which is so full of -interest to them. - -The pit is arranged in the following way:--Behind a house a large yard -is selected, in the centre of which rises a circular amphitheatre, -from fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The wall of this amphitheatre is -never less than twenty feet high: it is built with brick, and carefully -covered with hard stucco inside and out. Five rows of seats rising above -each other complete the interior of the building. Until the opening -of the doors no one knows what birds are entered; but, so soon as the -public are admitted, the cocks are brought in. The bettors bring one -each, which are then intrusted to the care of the trainer who makes the -preliminary arrangements. These, however, are very simple. The cocks are -armed with artificial spurs made of polished steel, about four inches in -length, by half an inch wide at the base, slightly curved at the end, -and terminating in a sharp point, while the upper side of the spur is -sharpened. These spurs are firmly attached to the legs of the cocks by -straps. When thus prepared for the contest, the cocks are taken into the -pit by the trainers, who hold them up in the air, and submit them to -the inspection of the spectators, who then make their bets. The money -thus risked on the life of a bird is incredible, and men often ruin -themselves by betting. - -At the moment when the Frenchmen entered, the amusement had long before -begun, so that all the best places were taken, and the pit filled with -spectators pressing against each other. As, however, our friends had by -no means come to take an active part in the amusement, they modestly -seated themselves on the wall of the arena, where a band of ragged -leperos had taken refuge, too poor to bet, but who regarded with envious -eye and scarce-suppressed passion the happy favourites of fortune -who were moving about beneath them with shouts and exclamations. The -tumult was at its height, and all eyes were fixed on the pit, where--an -extraordinary circumstance--one cock had defeated nine others in -succession. - -The Frenchmen cleverly profited by the effervescence of the spectators -to pass on unnoticed, and reach the places they had selected. After -a minute Valentine lit a maize pajilla, and bent over to his foster -brother's ear. - -"Wait for me here," he said; "I shall return in a moment." - -Louis bowed in assent. Valentine rose with a nonchalant air, leaped -carelessly over the benches, and, with cigar in mouth, mingled among -the spectators who crowded the approaches to the pit. The count looked -after him for a few moments, but then lost him in the crowd. His eyes -then turned to the pit; and so great is the attraction offered by -this singular and cruel spectacle, that the count involuntarily grew -interested in what was going on before him, and even took a certain -pleasure in it. - -The combats followed in rapid succession, each offering different but -exciting incidents. The count began to find his foster brother's absence -protracted, for he had left him for nearly an hour, when all at once he -saw himself standing before him. - -"Well?" he asked him. - -"Well," Valentine answered in Castilian, "it appears that I was right, -and that Señor Rodrigo's cocks are achieving marvels. Come and see it -more closely. I assure you that it is curious." - -The count rose without replying, and followed him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Owing to their disguise, but, above all, the interest everybody took in -the cockfight, the Frenchmen succeeded in leaving the amphitheatre as -they had entered it; that is to say, without attracting any attention. -When they reached a sort of dark passage leading to the interior of the -house, Valentine stopped. - -"Listen, to me, Louis," he said, gluing his mouth, as it were, to his -friend's ear. "The moment has arrived for you to learn why I brought you -hither." - -"I am listening." - -"Since I left you at the mission, as you may suppose, I have not been -inactive. I have gone about the country, have entered into relations -with all the richest and most respected inhabitants, and have succeeded -in making them comprehend how important it was for them to join and -support you. The festival of La Magdalena offered us a favourable -opportunity for meeting without attracting the attention of the Mexican -Government, and arousing its apprehension. The only house in which a -large body of persons can meet without exciting notice is indubitably -that in which there is a cockpit. I therefore made an appointment here -for this moment with the malcontents, who are numerous. They are all men -who, by their fortunes or position, enjoy a high degree of consideration -in the State which we wish to revolutionise, and possess great -influence. I will introduce you to them: they are awaiting your arrival. -You will explain to them your intentions, and they will tell you on what -conditions they will consent to join you. Remember, however, brother, -that you are dealing with Mexicans. Set no more confidence in their -words or promises than they deserve. Be sure that success alone will -gain them; that if you fail they will abandon you remorselessly, and be -ready to deliver you up if they fancy they can derive any advantage from -such an act of infamy. Now, if what I tell you does not suit you, you -can retire, and I will undertake to dismiss them without compromising -you in any way." - -"No!" the count answered resolutely, "it is too late now: to hesitate or -recoil would be cowardly. I must go on at all risks. Announce me to our -new friends." - -"Come on, then." - -They walked to the end of the passage, where a closed door checked their -progress. Valentine tapped thrice at equal intervals with the hilt of -his machete. - -"Who is there?" a voice asked from inside. - -"The man expected a long time, though you did not dare hope that he -would come," Valentine answered. - -"He is welcome," the voice added. - -At this moment the door opened, the two men entered, and it closed -again on them immediately. They then found themselves in a large room -with whitewashed walls, and the floor of beaten earth. The furniture -consisted of benches, on which were seated some fifty men, some of whom -wore an ecclesiastical garb. Curtains of red serge placed before the -windows took off the glare, while at the same time preventing anyone -outside seeing what was going on. On the entrance of the count and -Valentine, all rose and uncovered themselves respectfully. - -"Caballeros," Valentine said, "according to my promise, I have the -honour to present to you the Count de Prébois Crancé, who has consented -to accompany me in order to hear the propositions you have to make to -him." - -All bowed ceremoniously to the count, and he returned their bows with -that grace and amenity peculiar to him. A man of a certain age, with an -elegant and intelligent face, and dressed in the magnificent costume of -the rich hacenderos, advanced and addressed the hunter. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said with a slightly ironical accent, "I believe -you have made a small mistake." - -"Be good enough to explain, Señor Don Anastasio," the hunter replied. "I -do not understand the words you have done me the honour to address to -me." - -"You said, sir, that the count had done us the honour of coming to hear -the propositions we had to make to him." - -"Well, sir?" - -"That is just where the mistake lies, Don Valentine." - -"How so, Señor Anastasio?" - -"It appears to me that we have no propositions to make to the count, but -that we, on the contrary, should listen to his." - -A murmur of assent ran through the audience. Don Louis saw it was time -to interfere. - -"Gentlemen," he said, bowing gracefully to the hacenderos, "will you -allow me to have a frank explanation with you? I am convinced that -when I have done so any misunderstanding will be removed, and we shall -comprehend each other perfectly." - -"Speak, speak, señor!" they said. - -"Gentlemen," he went on, "will not here enter into any personal details. -I will not tell you how or why I arrived at Guaymas--in what way the -Government of Mexico, after breaking all the promises it made me, ended -by declaring me an enemy of the country, placed me without the pale of -society, and carried its impudence so far as to treat me as a pirate, -and set a price on my head, as if I were a bandit or wretched assassin; -for that would cause the loss of precious moments, and be a gratuitous -abuse of your patience, as you all know thoroughly what has occurred." - -"Yes, señor conde," the hacendero who had already spoken interrupted -him, "we know the facts to which you allude: we deplore them, and blush -for the honour of our country." - -"I thank you, gentlemen, for these marks, of sympathy: they are very -sweet to me, as they prove that you are not mistaken as to my character. -I will come to facts without further circumlocution." - -"Hear, hear!" the audience murmured. - -The count waited a few moments, and when silence was completely restored -he continued:-- - -"Gentlemen, Sonora is the most fertile and richest country not only of -Mexico, but of the whole universe. By its position at the extremity -of the centre of the Confederation, from which it is divided by lofty -mountains and vast despoblados, Sonora is a country apart, destined, -in a speedy future, to separate itself from the Mexican Confederation. -Sonora is sufficient for itself. The other provinces supply it with -nothing; on the contrary, Sonora supports and enriches them with the -surplus of its produce. But Sonora, owing to the system of oppression -under which it groans, is, properly speaking, only a vast desert. The -greater part of its territory is uncultivated, for the Government of -Mexico, which knows so well how to squeeze it, and seize the productions -of its soil, and the gold and silver of its mines, is impotent to -protect it against the enemies that surround it--the Indios Bravos, -whose incursions, annually becoming more insolent, threaten to grow -even more so, unless a speedy remedy is applied, and the evil uprooted. -I said, at the outset, that within a short period Sonora would be -separated from the Mexican Confederation. Let me explain myself. This -will happen inevitably, but in two different ways, according to the -advantage the inhabitants will derive from it. Sonora is menaced by -powerful enemies other than the Indians. These enemies are the North -Americans, those Wandering Jews of civilisation, whose axes you may hear -felling the trees of the last forests that separate you, and who will -soon invade and occupy your country, unless you take care; and it will -be impossible for you to offer the slightest resistance to this unjust -conquest, for you have no support to expect from your Government, which -consumes all its energies in the purposeless and universal contests of -the cabecillas, who seize on the power in turn." - -"Yes, yes," several persons exclaimed, "that is true; the count is -right." - -"This conquest with which you are menaced is imminent--it is inevitable; -and then what will happen, gentlemen? What has happened wherever the -Yankees have succeeded in planting themselves. You will be absorbed by -them: your language, customs, even your religion, all will be submerged -in this flood. See what has occurred in Texas, and shudder at the -thought of what awaits you soon!" - -A thrill of anger ran through the assembly at these words, of which each -recognised the justice in his heart. The count went on:-- - -"You have a means to escape this frightful evil; it is in your hands--it -depends on you alone." - -"Speak, speak!" was shouted on every side. - -"Declare your independence loudly, frankly, and energetically. Separate -yourselves boldly from Mexico, form the Sonorian Confederation, and call -to your aid the French emigrants in California. They will not remain -deaf to your appeal: they will come to help you not only in conquering, -but also in maintaining your independence against your enemies within -and without. The Frenchmen whom you adopt will become your brothers: -they have the same religion, almost the same habits as yourselves; in -a word, you belong to the same race. You will easily understand each -other. They will erect an impassable barrier against North American -invasion, make the Indians respect your frontiers, and compel the -Mexicans to recognise the right you have proclaimed of being free." - -"But," one of the company objected, "if we call the French to our aid, -what will they ask of us in return?" - -"The right of cultivating your lands which lie fallow," the count -answered energetically; "of bringing to you progress, the arts, and -industry; in one word, of peopling your deserts, enriching your towns, -and civilising your villages: that is what the French will ask. Is it -too much?" - -"No, certainly, it is not," Don Anastasio said amid a murmur of assent. - -"But," another objected, "who guarantees us that, when the moment -arrives to settle our accounts with the colonists we have summoned -to our aid, they will faithfully fulfil the promises they have made -us, and not insist, in their turn, on dictating laws to us, by taking -advantage of their number and strength?" - -"I, caballeros, I, who in their name will treat with you, and assume the -responsibility of everything." - -"Yes, the prospective of which you allow us a glimpse is seductive, -caballero," Don Anastasio answered in the name of all. "We recognise the -truth of the facts you tell us. We know only too well how precarious -our position is, and what great dangers menace us; but a scruple causes -us to refrain at this moment. Have we the right to plunge our unhappy -country, already half ruined, in the horrors of a civil war, when in -this unfortunate land nothing is prepared for an energetic resistance? -The Government of Mexico, so weak for good, is powerful for evil, -and it will manage to find troops to reduce us if we revolt. General -Guerrero is an experienced officer--a cold and cruel man, who will -recoil before no extremity, however terrible its nature, to stifle in -blood any attempt at insurrection. In a few days he has succeeded in -collecting a powerful army to conquer us: each of your soldiers, in the -coming contest, will have to fight against ten. However brave the French -may be, it is impossible for them to resist such an imposing force. A -battle lost, and all is over with you. Any armed opposition will become -impossible, and you will drag us down in your fall if we help you; and -we have the more to fear, because our position is not like yours. We are -sons of the country: we have in it our families and fortunes. We have, -therefore, everything to lose; while you, on the other hand, supposing -you are beaten, and your enterprise completely fails, have a means of -safety we cannot employ, in flight. These considerations are serious. -They oblige us to act with the greatest prudence, and reflect deeply, -before determining to shake off the detested yoke of Mexico. Do not -believe, caballero, that we speak thus through cowardice or weakness. -No, it is solely through the fear of failure, and the loss, in the -shipwreck, of the few shreds of liberty which, through policy, they -have not yet dared to tear from us, and which they possibly only need a -pretext to assail." - -"Gentlemen," the count answered, "I appreciate at their full value the -motives you have been good enough to lay before me. Still, permit me to -observe that, however serious the objections may be you do me the honour -of laying before me, we are not here to discuss them. The object of our -meeting is an offensive and defensive alliance between yourselves and -me, is it not?" - -"Certainly," most of the audience exclaimed, surprised by the count's -sudden change of position, and led to speak, perhaps involuntarily, more -hurriedly than they had intended. - -"Well," the count continued, "let us not waste our time, like those -tradesmen who boast to each other about the quality of their wares. Let -us go straight to our object, frankly, clearly, and like men of honour. -Tell me, without any concealment, on what conditions you consent to form -an alliance with me and give me your support, and the number of men I -can count on when the right moment arrives." - -"That is the right way to speak, señor conde," Don Anastasio replied. -"Well, to a question so clearly asked, we will answer no less clearly. -We do not doubt (Heaven forbid we should!) either the courage or -strategic skill of your soldiers: we know that the French are brave. -Still your band is not large: up to the present it has no support, and -only possesses the patch of ground on which it is encamped. Establish a -solid base of operations--seize, for instance, one of the three chief -cities of Sonora--then you will no longer be adventurers, but really -soldiers; and we shall no longer fear to treat with you, because your -expedition will have gained consistency--in one word, have become -earnest." - -"Very good, gentlemen; I understand you," the count answered coldly. -"And, in case I succeed in carrying one of the cities you mention, I can -count on you?" - -"Body and soul." - -"And how many men will you place at my disposal?" - -"Six thousand in four days--the whole of Sonora in a week." - -"You promise it?" - -"We all swear it!" they exclaimed enthusiastically. - -But this enthusiasm could not produce a flash or smile on the count's -face. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "within a fortnight I give you the meeting in -one of the three chief cities of Sonora; and then, as I shall have -accomplished my obligations, I shall call on you to keep yours." - -The Mexicans could not restrain a gesture of astonishment and admiration -at these noble words. The count, though no longer young, was still -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms. -Each of his phrases left a memory. All present came in turn to press -his hand, and renew individually their protestations of devotion, after -which they left the room. The count and Valentine remained alone. - -"Are you satisfied, brother?" the hunter asked him. - -"Who could be strong enough to galvanise this people?" the count -muttered with a mournful shrug of his shoulders, and rather answering -his own thoughts than the question his friend had addressed to him. The -two men went to fetch their zarapés. They found their escort where they -had left it, and retired slowly through the crowd, who saluted them as -they passed with shouts of "_Vivan los Franceses!_" - -"If I come to be shot some day," the count said bitterly, "they will -only have to alter one word." - -Valentine sighed, but made no reply. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -FATHER SERAPHIN. - - -Doña Angela had just awakened: a sportive sunbeam, passing indiscreetly -over her charming face, had made her open her eyes. She was lying half -extended in her hammock, with her head supported on her right arm, and -was pensively looking at the swan's-down slipper which she was idly -balancing on her dainty little foot. Violanta, seated at her foot on -a stool, was busily arranging the various articles of her mistress's -toilette. At length Doña Angela shook off her careless languor, and a -smile played on her coral lips. - -"Today," she said, as she raised her head coquettishly. - -This one word contained the maiden's thoughts, her joy, love, -happiness--her whole life, in fact. She fell back in a reverie, yielding -herself up unconsciously to the delicate and busy services of her -waiting-maid. The sound of a footstep was heard outside, and Doña Angela -raised her head quickly. - -"Someone is coming," she said. - -Violanta went out, but returned almost immediately. - -"Well?" - -"Don Cornelio requests permission to say two words to the señorita," the -camarista answered. - -The maiden frowned with an air of vexation. - -"What can he want again?" she said. - -"I do not know." - -"That man displeases me singularly." - -"I will tell him that you cannot receive him." - -"No," she said quickly, "let him enter." - -"Why, if he displeases you?" - -"I prefer seeing him. I do not know why, but that man almost terrifies -me." - -The waiting maid blushed and turned her head away, but recovered almost -immediately. - -"Still he is entirely devoted to Don Louis and yourself, señorita." - -"Do you think so?" she said, fixing a piercing glance on her. - -"Well, I suppose so; his conduct up to the present has been most -honourable." - -"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Still there is something at the bottom -of my heart which tells me that this man hates me. I experience, on -seeing him, an insurmountable feeling of repulsion. This is something -inexplicable to me; but, though everything seems to prove to me that I -am wrong, still, whether right or wrong, there is at times an expression -in his glance which makes me shudder. The only thing a man cannot -disguise is his look, for it is the reflex of his soul, and God has -decreed it so, in order that we may put ourselves on our guard, and -recognise our enemies. But he is doubtlessly tired of waiting. Let him -come in." - -Violanta hastened to execute her mistress's orders. Don Cornelio entered -with a smile on his lips. - -"Señorita," he said, after a graceful bow, which the maiden returned -without leaving her hammock, "pardon me for daring to trouble your -solitude; but a worthy priest, a French missionary, desires that you -will grant him the favour of a few minutes' interview." - -"What is the missionary's name, Señor Don Cornelio?" - -"Father Seraphin, I believe, señorita." - -"Why does he not address himself to Don Louis?" - -"He intended to do so in the first instance." - -"Well?" - -"But," Don Cornelio continued, "at sunrise Don Louis left the camp, -accompanied by Don Valentine; and though it is now near midday, he has -not yet returned." - -"Ah! Where did Don Louis go to at so early an hour?" - -"I cannot tell you, señorita. All that I know for certain is, that he -proceeded in the direction of La Magdalena." - -"Has anything new occurred?" - -"Nothing I am aware of, señorita." - -There were a few moments of silence, during which Doña Angela was -reflecting. At length she continued: - -"And do you not suspect what this missionary wishes to say to me, Don -Cornelio?" - -"In no way, señorita." - -"Beg him to come in. I shall be happy to see and converse with him." - -Violanta, without giving Don Cornelio time to reply, raised the curtain -that closed the entrance of the jacal. - -"Come in, my father," she said. - -The missionary appeared. Doña Angela greeted him respectfully, and -pointed to a chair. - -"You wish to speak with me, my father?" she said. - -"Yes, madam," he replied with a bow. - -"I am ready to listen to you." - -The missionary looked round in a way that Don Cornelio and the waiting -maid understood, for they went out at once. - -"Cannot what you have to say to me be heard by that girl, who is devoted -to me?" - -"Heaven forbid, madam, that I should try to lessen the confidence you -place in that person, but allow me to give you a little piece of advice." - -"Pray do so." - -"It is often dangerous to confide your secret thoughts to persons in a -lower station than yourself." - -"Yes, that may be true in theory, my father, but I will not discuss it. -Be kind enough to explain to me the reason of your visit." - -"I am grieved, madam, at having hurt your feelings without wishing it. -Pardon an observation which you considered indiscreet, and may Heaven -grant that I am deceived!" - -"No, my father, no; I did not consider your remark indiscreet. But I am -a spoiled child, and it is my place to ask your forgiveness." - -At this moment the sound of horses was heard in the camp. Violanta -raised the curtain. - -"Don Louis has arrived," she said. - -"Let him come hither at once," Doña Angela exclaimed. - -The missionary gazed on her with an expression of gentle pity. A few -minutes later Don Louis and Valentine entered the jacal. The hunter -walked up to the missionary, and pressed his hand affectionately. - -"Have you come from the general, my father?" the count asked him quickly. - -"Alas, no!" he answered. "The general is unaware of my coming; for had -he known of it, he would probably have tried to oppose it." - -"What do you mean? Speak, in Heaven's name!" - -"Alas! I am about to redouble your agony and your sorrow. General -Guerrero never intended to bestow on you this lady's hand. I cannot tell -you what I have seen or heard, for my office forbids it; but I am a -Frenchman, sir--that is to say, your fellow countryman--and I believe -my duty orders me to warn you that treachery surrounds you on all sides, -and that the general is trying to lull your vigilance by fallacious -promises, in order to surprise you and finish with you." - -Don Louis let his head sink on his chest. - -"In that case, sir," he said presently, "with what object have you come -here?" - -"I will tell you. The general wishes to get back his daughter, and, to -effect that, all means will be good. Permit me to draw your attention to -the fact that, under present circumstances, the lady's presence here is -not only a danger for you, but also an ineffaceable stain on her honour." - -"Sir!" the count exclaimed. - -"Deign to listen to me," the missionary continued coldly. "I do not -doubt either your honour or the lady's; but you have no power, to my -knowledge, to impose silence on your enemies, and stop the immense flood -of calumny they pour out on you and her. Unhappily your conduct seems to -justify them." - -"But what is to be done? What means shall I employ?" - -"There is one." - -"Speak, my father." - -"This is what I propose. You intend to marry this lady?" - -"Certainly; you know that is my dearest wish." - -"Let me finish. The marriage must not be celebrated here; for such a -ceremony, performed in the midst of a camp of adventurers, without -witnesses, would seem a mockery." - -"But----" - -"It must take place in a city, in the presence of the entire population, -in the broad sunshine, to the sound of the bells and cannon, which, -traversing the air, will tell all that the marriage has really taken -place." - -"Yes," Valentine remarked, "Father Seraphin is right; for then Doña -Angela will no longer marry a pirate, but a conqueror, with whom terms -must be made. She will not be the wife of an adventurer, but of the -liberator of Sonora, and those who blame her today will be the first to -sing her praises." - -"Yes, yes, that is true!" the maiden cried with fire. "I thank you, my -father, for coming. My duty is laid down: I will accomplish it. Who will -dare to attack the reputation of her who has married the saviour of her -country?" - -"Still," the count remarked, "this is only a palliative, after all. -The marriage cannot take place yet. A fortnight, perhaps a month, will -elapse ere I have rendered myself master of a city. Till then Doña -Angela must remain in the camp where she has hitherto been." - -All eyes were anxiously turned to the missionary. - -"No," he said, "if the young lady will allow me to offer her a shelter." - -"A shelter!" she said with an inquiring glance. - -"Very simple and most unworthy to receive her, doubtlessly," he -continued, "but where at least she will be in safety, in the midst of a -family of honourable and good persons, to whom it will be a delight to -receive her." - -"Is the shelter you offer me, my father, very far from here?" the maiden -asked quickly. - -"Twenty-five leagues at the most, in the direction in which the French -expedition must proceed on its march into Sonora." - -Doña Angela gave a cunning smile at having been so well understood by -the good priest. - -"Listen, my father," she said with that resolution which was one of the -principal features of her character. "Your reputation reached me long -ago, and I know that you are a holy man. Even if I did not know you, -the friendship and respect Don Valentine professes for you would be to -me a sufficient guarantee. I trust myself in your hands. I understand -how unsuitable my presence in the camp now, at any rate, is. Take me -wherever you please. I am ready to follow you." - -"My child," the missionary said with charming unction, "it is God who -inspires this determination. The grief you will feel at a separation of -a few days at the most will double the happiness of a reunion which no -one will dare any longer to oppose--which will not only raise you again -in the public opinion, which it is always precious to preserve, but -also give your reputation a lustre which it will be hopeless to try and -tarnish." - -"Go, then, as it must be so, Doña Angela," the count said. "I intrust -you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse -ere we are again together." - -"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater -courage the agony of absence." - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked. - -"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us -get over it at once." - -"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, -Doña Angela--you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by -heavens, I love you as a sister!" - -Doña Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. -The latter continued:-- - -"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort----" - -"For what?" the priest asked simply. - -"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the -enemy's marauders." - -"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us -than an escort, which is often compromising." - -"For you, I grants but, my father, you do not remember that you will -travel with two females who must be immediately recognised." - -"That is true," he said simply; "I did not think of it." - -"What is to be done, then?" - -Doña Angela began laughing. - -"Gentlemen, you are really troubled by a very trifling matter. The good -father said an instant back, that the gown is the best safeguard, for -friend and foe will respect it under all circumstances." - -"That is true," the missionary said in confirmation. - -"Well, it is extremely simple. If Father Seraphin has no objection, -my waiting maid and myself will put on novices' robes, under which it -will be easy for us to disguise ourselves so cleverly that no one can -recognise us." - -Father Seraphin seemed to be reflecting profoundly for a few moments. - -"I see no serious obstacles to this disguisement," he at length -observed: "under the circumstances it is permissible, as it will serve a -good object." - -"But where shall we find monks' robes?" the count objected, half -seriously, half laughing. "I must confess that my camp is completely out -of them." - -"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La -Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during -that time Doña Angela will complete her preparations for departure." - -No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an -hour after, Doña Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don -Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed -under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a -warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by -Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a -secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for -serious thought, could they have seen it. - -"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. -"A priest is a very weak escort in the present times." - -"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that." - -"Oh! you always think of everything, brother." - -"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will -soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be -surprised." - -"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through -Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair." - -"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for -we have hardly the requisite time for action." - -"Have you any plan?" - -"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be -awfully taken in." - -"On my word, I trust to you with the greater pleasure because we have -been a long time already at La Magdalena, and I wish to begin my forward -march seriously." - -"Very good. Can you spare me fifty adventurers?" - -"Take as many as you like." - -"I only want fifty resolute men accustomed to desert warfare. For that -purpose I shall take Captain de Laville, and recommend him to select -from among the men he brought with him from Guetzalli the boldest and -most clever." - -"Do so, my friend. As for myself, I will carefully watch over the camp, -and double the patrols." - -"That precaution can do no harm. So now good-by till tomorrow." - -"Farewell!" - -They separated, and Don Louis returned to his tent. - -At the moment Valentine reached Captain de Laville's jacal he saw Don -Cornelio quitting the camp with an indifferent air, and mechanically -looked after him. In a moment he lost him out of sight behind a clump -of trees, but all at once saw him reappear but mounted this time, and -setting off full gallop in the direction of the pueblo. - -"Eh, eh?" Valentine muttered with a thoughtful air. "What can Don -Cornelio have to do in such haste at La Magdalena? I will ask him." - -And he entered the jacal, where he found the captain, with whom he -immediately began discussing the plan he had formed to foil the intended -surprise on the part of the Mexicans. As we shall see this plan carried -out presently, we will say nothing about it here, but go and rejoin -Father Seraphin and Doña Angela. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE. - - -It is especially at night, about two hours after sunset, that American -scenery assumes grand proportions. Under the influence of the first -night shadows the trees seem to put on majestic forms; the animated -silence of the desert becomes more mysterious; and man experiences -involuntarily a feeling of undefinable respect, which contracts his -heart, and fills him with superstitious dread. At that hour the waters -of the rivers flow with hoarse murmurings; the heavy and sinister flight -of the birds of night agitates the air with a fluttering of evil augury; -and the wild beasts, aroused in their hidden dens, salute the darkness -with long howlings of joy, for at night they are incontestably the kings -of the desert, for man is deprived of his greatest strength--the power -of the eye. - -Father Seraphin was riding by the side of the two females along the foot -of a lofty mountain, whose wooded slopes were lost in the black depths -of the Barrancas. Since leaving the camp they had not stopped once. They -were following at this moment a narrow path traced by mules, which wound -with countless turnings along the sides of the mountain. This path was -so narrow that two horses could scarce go along side by side; but the -steeds on which our travellers were mounted were so sure-footed, that -the latter proceeded without any hesitation along a road on which no -other animal would have ventured in the darkness. - -The moon had not yet risen; not a star glistened in the cloud-laden sky; -the darkness was dense; and, under the circumstances, this was almost -fortunate; for had the travellers been able to see the spot where they -were, and the way in which they were suspended, as it were, in space at -a prodigious height, possibly their courage would have failed them, and -their heads grown dizzy. Father Seraphin and Doña Angela were riding -side by side: Violanta was a few paces behind. - -"My father," the young lady said, "we have now been travelling for -nearly six hours, and I am beginning to feel fatigued. Shall we not halt -soon?" - -"Yes, my child, in an hour at the most. In a few moments we shall leave -this path, and cross a defile called the Quebrada del Coyote: at the end -of that pass we shall spend the night in a poor house, which is now not -more than two miles off." - -"You say we are going to pass through the Coyote defile. We are, then, -on the road to Hermosillo?" - -"Quite true, my child." - -"Is it not imprudent for us to venture on this road, which my father's -troops command." - -"My child," the missionary said gently, "in good policy we must often -risk a great deal in order to secure greater tranquillity. We are not -only on the road to Hermosillo, but we are going to that very city." - -"What! to Hermosillo?" - -"Yes, my child. In my opinion it is the only spot where you will be -completely safe from your father's search, as he will never think of -looking for you there, and cannot imagine that you are so near him." - -"That is true," she said after a moment's reflection. - -"The plan is a bold one, and hence must succeed. I believe, in truth, -that Hermosillo is the only spot where I can be safe from the pursuit of -those who have an interest in finding me." - -"I will take care, besides, to recommend you to the persons to whom I -shall intrust you; and, for greater security, I will leave you as little -as possible." - -"I shall be greatly obliged to you, my father, for I shall feel very sad -and lonely." - -"Courage, my child! I have faith in Don Louis. Heaven must protect his -expedition, for the work he has undertaken is grand and noble, as it has -for its object the emancipation of an entire country." - -"Believe me, my father, I am happy to hear you speak thus. The count may -fail; but in that case he will fall like a hero, and his death will be -that of a martyr." - -"Yes, the count is a chosen vessel. I believe, like yourself, my child, -that if his contemporaries do not do him the justice which is his -due, posterity at least will not confound him with those filibusters -and shameless adventurers for whom gold alone is everything, and who, -whatever may be the title they assume, are in reality no more than -highway robbers. But the road is growing wider--we are about to enter -the pass. This spot does not enjoy a very good reputation, so keep by my -side. Although I believe that we have nothing to fear, it is always well -to be prudent." - -In fact, as the missionary stated, the path had suddenly widened out: -the two sides of the mountain, which had, for some distance, been -gradually drawing together, now formed two parallel walls, at the most -only forty yards apart. It was this narrow gorge which was known as -the Quebrada del Coyote. It was about half a mile in length; but then -it suddenly grew wider, and opened on a vast _chaparral_, covered with -thickets and fields of dahlias; while the mountains separated to the -right and left, not to meet again till eighty leagues further on. - -At the moment when the travellers entered the pass the moon broke out -from the clouds in which it floated, and lighted up this dangerous pass -with its mournful and sickly light. This gleam, weak as it was, could -not fail to be agreeable to the travellers, as it allowed them to look -around and see where they were. They pressed on their wearied steeds, -in order to arrive more speedily at the end of the gloomy gorge in -which they were. They had gone on for about ten minutes, and had nearly -reached the centre of the pass, when the neighing of a horse smote their -ears. - -"We have travellers behind us," the missionary said with a frown. - -"And in a hurry, as it seems," Doña Angela added. "Hark!" - -They stopped to listen. The noise of hurried galloping reached their -ears. - -"Who can these men be?" the missionary murmured, speaking to himself. - -"Travellers like ourselves, probably." - -"No," Father Seraphin remarked, "travellers would not go at such a pace: -they are doubtlessly persons in pursuit of us." - -"That is not probable, my father: no one is aware of our journey." - -"Treachery has the eye of the lynx and the ear of the opossum, my dear -child. It is incessantly on the watch: everything is known--a secret is -no longer one when two persons know it. But time presses: we must make -up our minds." - -"We are lost if they are enemies!" Doña Angela exclaimed with terror. -"We have no help to expect from any one." - -"Providence is on the watch, child. Place confidence in her: she will -not abandon us." - -The noise of horses rapidly approaching came nearer, and resembled -the grumbling of thunder. The missionary drew himself up: his face -suddenly assumed an expression of indomitable energy which would have -been thought impossible for such gentle features; his voice, usually so -pleasant and sonorous, became quick, and almost harsh. - -"Place yourselves behind me, and pray," he said; "for, if I am not -greatly mistaken, the meeting will be dangerous." - -The two females obeyed mechanically. Doña Angela believed herself lost: -alone with this poor priest, any resistance must be impossible. The -missionary collected the reins in his left hand, attached them to the -pommel of his saddle, and awaited the shock with his face turned to -the newcomers. He had not long to wait: within scarce five minutes ten -horsemen appeared at full gallop. When twenty paces from the travellers -they halted as firmly as if their horses' hoofs were suddenly fixed in -the ground. - -These men, as far as it was possible to distinguish in the doubtful and -tremorous light of the moon, were dressed in the Mexican garb, and their -faces were covered with black crape. Doubt was no longer possible: these -sinister horsemen were really in pursuit of our travellers. There was an -instant of supreme silence--a silence which the missionary at length -resolved to break. - -"What do you want, gentlemen?" he said in a loud and firm voice. "Why -are you pursuing us?" - -"Oh, oh!" a mocking voice said, "the dove assumes the accent of the -gamecock. Señor padre, we have no intention to injure you; we only wish -to do you a service by saving you the trouble of guarding the two pretty -girls you so cleverly have with you." - -"Go your way, sirs," the priest continued, "and do not trouble -yourselves about what does not concern you." - -"Come, come, señor padre," the first speaker went on, "surrender with -a good grace: we should not like to fail in the respect due to you. -Resistance is impossible--we are ten against you alone: besides, you are -a man of peace." - -"You are cowards!" the missionary shouted. "Retire! A truce to mockery, -and let me continue my journey in peace." - -"Not so, señor padre, unless you consent to leave us your two -companions." - -"Ah, ah! that is it? Well, then, we must fight, gentlemen. It seems to -me that you are strangely mistaken about me. Yes, I am a missionary, -a man of peace; but I am also a Frenchman, and you appear to have -forgotten that. You must understand that I will not suffer the slightest -insult to the persons, whoever they may be, whom Heaven has placed under -my protection." - -"And with what will you defend them, Mr. Frenchman?" the stranger asked -with a grin. - -"With these," the missionary coldly replied as he drew a brace of -pistols from his holsters, and set the hammers with a resolute air. - -The bandits hesitated involuntarily. The missionary's action was so -clear, his voice so firm, his presence so intrepid, that they felt -themselves tremble; for they understood that they had a brave-hearted -man before them, who would sooner die than yield an inch. The Mexicans -do not respect much; but we must do them the justice of saying that they -have an unbounded reverence for the priest's gown. The missionary was -not a man like some who may be unfortunately met with, especially among -the clergy of North and South America. His reputation for virtue and -goodness was immense along the whole Mexican frontier: it was a serious -matter to insult him, much more to threaten him with death. Still the -strangers had advanced too far to give way. - -"Come, padre," the man who had hitherto been spokesman said, "do not -attempt any useless resistance. At all risks we will carry off these -women." - -And he made a movement as if to advance. - -"Stop! One step further, and you are a dead man. I hold in my hands the -life of two." - -"And I of two others," a rough voice exclaimed; and a man, suddenly -emerging from a thicket, bounded forward like a jaguar, and placed -himself intrepidly by the missionary's side. - -"Curumilla!" the latter exclaimed. - -"Yes," the chief answered, "it is I. Courage! Our friends are coming up." - -In fact a dull and continued sound could be heard rapidly increasing. -The strangers had not yet paid attention to it, as they were so engaged -by their discussion with the missionary. Still the situation was -growing complicated. Father Seraphin saw that, so long as a pistol was -not fired, he should remain almost master of the situation, certain, -from Curumilla's words, as he was of seeing speedy help arrive. His -resolution was at once formed: all he wanted was to gain time, and he -attempted it. - -"Come, gentlemen," he said, "you see that I am no longer alone: God has -sent me a brave auxiliary; hence my position is no longer so desperate. -Will you parley?" - -"Parley!" - -"Yes." - -"Be quick." - -"I will try to be so, as I presume, from the way in which you stopped -me, you are salteadores. Well, look you. You have me almost in your -power, or at least you think so. Remember that I am only a poor -missionary, and that what I possess belongs to the unhappy. How much -do you want for my ransom? Answer. I am ready to make any sacrifice -compatible with my position." - -Father Seraphin might have spoken thus for a long time, for the -strangers were no longer listening: they had noticed the approaching -sound, and were beginning to grow nervous. - -"Maldición!" the man who had hitherto spoken said, "that demon has -mocked us." - -He dug his spurs into his horses flanks; but the noble animal, instead -of bounding forward, reared up almost straight with a snort of pain, and -then fell in a heap. Curumilla had cut its back sinews with a blow of -his machete. After this exploit the Indian uttered a loud cry for help, -which was answered by a formidable hurrah. - -Still the impulse had been given, and the bandits rushed forward with a -ferocious yell. The missionary discharged his pistols, rather for the -purpose of hastening the advent of his unknown friends than of wounding -his enemies, which was easy to see; for no one fell, and the two parties -were so close that it was almost impossible to miss the mark. - -At the same instant five or six horsemen rushed on the strangers like -a whirlwind. A frightful medley began, and the bullets whistled in -every direction. The missionary had dismounted, and, compelling the two -females to do the same, he led them a few paces in the rear, in order to -protect them from the shots. But the struggle was not a long one: within -five minutes the bandits fled at full speed, pursued by nearly all the -newcomers, and leaving four of their men stretched on the ground. - -After a chase of a few minutes, however, the horsemen giving up a -pursuit which they saw was useless, returned and joined the missionary. -The latter, forgetting the unjust aggression he had just escaped, was -already seeking to succour the unhappy men who had fallen victims to -the trap they had laid for him: he went piously from one to the other, -in order to offer them assistance if there were still time. Three were -dead: the fourth was gasping and rolling on the ground in convulsions -of death. The missionary raised the veil that concealed his face, and -uttered a cry of surprise on recognising him. At this cry the dying man -opened his eyes, and fixed a haggard glance on Father Seraphin. - -"Yes, it is I," he said in an expiring voice. "I have only what I -deserve." - -"Unhappy man!" the missionary replied, "Is that what you swore to me?" - -"I tried to do it," he continued. "A few days back I saved the man you -recommended to me, father." - -"And I," the missionary said sorrowfully, "you owe your life to me, and -yet tried to kill me?" - -The dying man made a gesture of energetic denial. - -"No," he exclaimed, "never! Look you, my father: there are accursed -natures in the world. El Buitre was a wretched bandit. Well, he dies as -he lived: that is just. Good-by, father! Well, I saved your friend, the -hunter. Ah, ah!" - -While saying this the wretch had sat up. Suddenly he was seized with a -convulsion, and rolled on the ground: he was dead. The missionary knelt -down by his side and prayed. All present, moved involuntarily, took off -their hats piously, and remained silent by his side. All at once shouts -and firing were heard, and a numerous baud of horsemen galloped down the -pass. - -"To arms!" the men shouted, leaping into their saddles hurriedly. - -"Stay," Curumilla said; "they are friends." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -Employing our privilege as romancers, we will go back a little way, -and return to Don Cornelio, whom Valentine looked after with such -astonishment when he saw him leave the camp in such an unusual manner. - -In the first place we will say a few words about Don Cornelio, that -joyous and careless gentleman whom, in the first part of this history, -we saw so impassioned for music generally, and the romance del Rey -Rodrigo in particular. At the present time he was greatly changed: he no -longer sang--the chords of his jarana no longer vibrated under his agile -fingers; a deep wrinkle crossed his brow; his cheeks had grown pale; -and he frowned incessantly under the pressure of gloomy thoughts. What -could have happened? What powerful cause had thus changed the Spaniard's -character? - -This cause might be easily guessed. Don Cornelio loved Doña Angela. -He loved her with all his strength--we will not say with a true and -sincere love, for it was not love at all that he felt for her: another -sentiment, less noble, but perhaps more lively, had craftily entered the -gentleman's heart by the side of love. - -This sentiment was avarice. We previously stated that Don Cornelio was -under the influence of a fixed idea. This idea had led the Spaniard to -America. The hidalgo wished to make his fortune by a marriage with a -lady young, rich, and fair, but, before all, rich. A fixed idea is more -than a passion, more than a monomania: it is the first stage of madness. -Many times had Don Cornelio been deceived in his attempts on rich -American women, whom he sought to dazzle, not by his luxury (for he was -poor as Job, of lamentable memory), but by his personal advantages; that -is to say, his beauty and wit. His meeting with Doña Angela decided his -fate. Persuaded that the young lady loved him, he began to love her, for -his part, with the frenzy of the drowning man, for whom such a love was -the only chance of salvation. - -When he perceived his error it was too late. We will do him the justice -of conceding that the poor gentleman had struggled valiantly to tear -from his heart this insensate passion. Unfortunately all his efforts -were futile, and, as ever happens under such circumstances, forgetting -all he owed to Don Louis, who had saved him not only from misery, but -also from death, he felt for the count an intense hatred, the more -tenacious because it was dumb and concentrated; and, by a natural -feeling, he turned one half of that hatred on Doña Angela, although the -young lady and the count had only been the instruments, throughout the -affair, of that fatality which was so bitter against him. - -Thus, with extreme patience and unexampled hypocrisy, Don Cornelio -prepared his vengeance against these two beings, who had never done him -aught but kindness, and watched with the perfidy of a wild beast the -opportunity to destroy them. This opportunity would not be difficult to -find in a country where treachery is the order of the day, and forms the -basis of all combinations and transactions, of whatever nature they may -be. - -Don Cornelio had entered into relations with the enemies of the count, -and surrendered to them the secrets the latter allowed to let slip in -his presence. He had so arranged as to make his two foes fall into a -trap from which they could not escape, and in wreathing round them a -net from which extrication would be impossible. And now that we have -explained Don Cornelio's feelings to the reader we will proceed with our -narrative. - -The Spaniard had succeeded in drawing over to his side Doña Angela's -waiting maid. Thus Violanta betrayed her mistress to the profit of Don -Cornelio, by whom she believed herself beloved, and who, had led her -to fancy that he would marry her some day. From the camarista, who had -remained on the listen, the Spaniard learned all that was said in the -jacal between Father Seraphin, the count, and the young lady: the order -he afterwards received to go to La Magdalena and purchase the gowns -dissipated all his doubts, and he resolved to act without loss of time. - -It was by his advice that the Mexicans were to attempt to attack -the camp that very night: hence he knew where to find them. Taking -advantage, therefore, of a moment when everybody was too busy with his -own affairs to think about what others were doing, he glided silently -out of the camp, like a man taking a morning's walk, gained a clump of -trees behind which a horse was hidden, and rode off at full speed across -country, after taking a scrutinising glance around to assure himself -that he was not watched. - -He galloped thus for several hours, not seeming to follow any regular -road, dashing straight on, and paying no attention to obstacles, or not -checking the speed of his horse. Still, gradually his thoughts, at -first gloomy and sad, assumed a different direction: he attached the -bridle to his saddle-bow, and for the first time for many a day his -fingers began straying mechanically over the resonant strings of his -jarana, which he always wore in a sling, and brought with him; then, -yielding unconsciously to the influence of the surrounding scenery, he -began singing in a loud voice that couplet of the romance which bore a -certain degree of reference to his present position:-- - - "Amada enemiga mia, - De España segunda Elena, - O ¡si yo naciera ciego! - O ¡tú sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto y hora - Que al mundo me dio mi estrella: - Pechos que me dieron leche - Mejor sepulcro me dieran - Pagará----"[1] - -"Deuce take the owl singing at this hour!" a rough voice said, harshly -interrupting the virtuoso. "Who ever heard such an infernal row?" - -Don Cornelio looked around. The darkness was profound. A tall man with -crafty air, and mustachios turned up, was examining him impudently while -tapping the hilt of a long rapier. - -"Eh, eh!" the Spaniard said with great composure, "Is that you, captain? -What are you doing here?" - -"Waiting for you, Cristo." - -"Well, here I am." - -"That is fortunate. When do we start?" - -"All is changed." - -"Eh?" - -"Lead me first to your encampment, where I will explain it all to you." - -"Come." - -Don Cornelio followed him. This captain, whom the reader has doubtless -recognised, was the old soldier of the war of independence whom we had -the honour of presenting to him under the name of Don Isidro Vargas, the -confidential tool of General Guerrero, to whom he was attached like the -blade to the hilt. - -The Spaniard, drawing his horse after him by the bridle, entered a -large clearing lighted up by a dozen fires, round which were crouched -a hundred men with sinister faces and irregular accoutrements, but all -armed to the teeth. These bandits, whose ferocious appearance would have -delighted a painter, illumined as they were by the fantastic flames of -the braseros, were gambling, drinking, and quarrelling, and did not -seem to notice Don Cornelio's arrival. The latter made a gesture of -disgust on seeing them, but hobbled his horse near theirs, and rejoined -the captain, who had already seated himself by a fire evidently made -specially for him, as not one of the worthy people he had the honour of -commanding came near it. - -"Now I will hear you," the captain said so soon as he saw his comrade -stretched out comfortably at his side. - -"What I have to say will not take long." - -"Let me hear it, at any rate." - -"In two words, this is the matter: our expedition of this evening is -useless--the bird has flown." - -The captain, according to his habit in any moment of nervous excitement, -rapped out a frightful oath. - -"Patience!" the Spaniard went on. "This is what has happened." - -And he described the way in which Father Seraphin had left the camp, -accompanied by the young lady. On hearing it the worthy captain's face -brightened. - -"Come," he said, "all is for the best. What will you do?" - -"Give me El Buitre and ten resolute men. The priest must pass through -the Quebrada del Coyote: on arriving there I promise to strip him." - -"And what shall I do during that time?" - -"Whatever you like." - -"_Mil rayos!_ since I am here, I will remain; but I shall quit this -encampment at daybreak, and after leaving a party to beat up the -country, I will join the general at Ures." - -"Then he is at Ures at this moment?" - -"Yes, temporarily." - -"Very good; then you will see me there with my prisoners." - -"Agreed." - -"And now make haste; I must start at once." - -The captain rose, and while Don Cornelio was drawing his horse's girths -tighter, he gave orders to ten of his men to prepare for an expedition. -Within five minutes the little party left the clearing under the orders -of the Spaniard, and took up the missionary's trail. The reader knows -already what took place in the pass, which was not more than two leagues -from the spot where the bandits lay in ambush. We will, therefore, leave -Don Cornelio, and confine our attention to Captain Vargas. - -"On my word," the captain said to himself when the Spaniard had left -him, "I prefer that matters should end thus. There are only blows to be -gained from those confounded Frenchmen, deuce take them! Now we shall be -quiet for the whole night, so we will go to sleep." - -The captain was not so safe as he imagined, though, and the night was -not destined to be so quiet as far as he was concerned. On leaving the -camp Valentine explained to his comrades the nature of the expedition -they were going on, and recommended them to play Indian; that is to say, -employ craft. On entering the forest in which Captain Vargas was hidden, -the Frenchmen had heard the sound of horses, and seen the bandits under -the Spaniard's command flash past in the darkness like a baud of black -shadows. Not wishing to defer the execution of his plans, and possibly -surrender the substance for the shadow, the hunter contented himself -with sending an intelligent man after the party, in order to know what -became of it; and the Frenchmen, after dismounting, crept into the -forests like reptiles. - -Nothing was more easy than to surprise the Mexicans. The latter believed -themselves so safe that they had not even taken the precaution to post -sentries round their bivouac, who might warn them in case of danger. -Huddled pell-mell round the fires, the greater part were asleep, or -already, plunged in that seeming lethargy which precedes sleep. As for -the captain, he was wrapped up carefully in his cloak, and, with his -feet to the fire and his head on a saddle, was fast asleep. - -The adventurers reached the centre of the clearing without the slightest -sound betraying their approach. Then, in accordance with the orders -they had received, they seized the firelocks and sabres placed near -each of the sleepers, formed a pile of them, and then cut the picket -ropes of the horses, which they drove off with blows of the chicote. -At the terrible noise produced by the headlong course of the horses, -which spread in every direction, snorting and neighing, the Mexicans -awoke. They remained for an instant as if petrified at the sight of the -adventurers, who surrounded them on all sides with levelled muskets. -By an instinctive movement they felt for their arms, but they had been -removed. - -"_Con mil rayos y mil demonios!_" the captain shouted, as he stamped his -foot furiously, "we are taken like rats in a trap." - -"Hilloh!" Valentine said with an ironical laugh, "you are no longer -majordomo, then, Señor Don Isidro Vargas?" - -"And you," he answered with a grin of rage, "as it seems, are no longer -a dealer in novillos, Señor Don Valentine?" - -"What would you?" he said cunningly. "Trade is so very bad." - -"Hum! not very bad with you, it seems." - -"Hang it! you know men do what they can;" and turning to de Laville, he -said, "My dear captain, all these caballeros have reatas: be good enough -to employ them in binding them tightly." - -"Eh, Señor Don Valentine?" the ex-majordomo shouted. "You are not -merciful to us." - -"I! What an error, Don Isidro! Still, as you know, war has certain -necessities. I am taking my precautions--that is all." - -"What do you intend to do with us?" - -"You shall see, for I do not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of a -surprise; and, by the way, how do you find what I have just done to you? -It is as good as what you were preparing for us, I think?" - -Captain Vargas could find no reply: he contented himself with gnawing -his fingernails, after assuring himself, by a glance all around, that -flight was as impossible as resistance. At this moment the man whom -Valentine sent off to watch the scouting party returned, and whispered a -few words in his ear. The hunter turned pale: he looked at the Mexican -captain in a way that made him shudder, and then addressed his party. - -"Tell off ten men to mount at once," he said sharply. "Captain de -Laville, you will answer to me on your head for these bandits, whom -I leave in your hands. Return to the camp quietly. I will join you, -probably, on the road. The first who attempts to escape, blow out his -brains pitilessly. You understand me?" - -"You may be at ease: it shall be done. But what has happened?" - -"The bandits we saw going off on our arrival intend to attack Father -Seraphin." - -"Death and the devil! you must make haste." - -"I intend to do so. Good-by! Woe to you scoundrels! If a hair falls from -the missionary's head you shall be all shot," he added, turning to his -terrified prisoners. - -And with this fearful promise he went off, followed by the few -adventurers chosen to accompany him. On entering the pass the hunter met -the fugitives, on whom he rushed. Unfortunately the latter had seen them -first; and they succeeded in escaping by abandoning their horses, and -clambering like cats up the almost perpendicular sides of the mountain. -Valentine, without losing time in a futile pursuit, hastened to join the -missionary. - -"Ah!" the latter exclaimed on seeing him, "my friend, my dear Valentine, -had it not been for Curumilla, we were lost." - -"And Doña Angela?" - -"Thanks be to Heaven, she is saved." - -"Yes," she said, "thanks to Heaven and to these caballeros, who arrived -just in time to protect us." - -One of the strangers approached. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said in excellent French, "but you are the French -hunter of whom so much is said--Valentine Guillois, I think?" - -"Yes, sir," Valentine answered with surprise. - -"My name, sir, is Belhumeur." - -"I know you, sir: my foster brother has often mentioned you as his best -friend." - -"I am delighted that he has kept me in such pleasant memory. Allow me to -present to you Don Rafaël Garillas de Saavedra." - -The two men bowed and shook hands. - -"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked. - -"Is not that the best form of introduction?" - -"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed. - -"I will myself return with you, señor padre," Don Rafaël said. "I -intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way -of seeing him and securing his friendship." - -"And what is that way?" - -"By offering a shelter to Doña Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which -belongs to me." - -"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafaël, for not having -thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady." - -"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the -hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don -Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?" - -"One!" he said. "What is it?" - -"For ever!" - -"Come, I will not recall my word," he said with a good-humoured laugh. -"You are an angel: I shall end by loving you madly." - -"Let us go!" she exclaimed. - -"Will you not join our party, Belhumeur?" Valentine asked. - -"Certainly; for I wish to speak with Don Louis." - -"That is it," Don Rafaël observed. "I will escort the padre with Black -Elk and Eagle-head. Señor Don Valentine, Belhumeur will serve as your -guide to the Hacienda del Milagro." - -"By Jove!" Valentine said with a laugh, "you will probably see me before -you expect." - -"Come whenever you please: you will ever be welcome." - -After exchanging affectionate farewells the two parties turned their -back on each other, and left the gorge by opposite roads. - - -[1] Enemy whom I adore, of Spain the second Helen, oh that I were born -blind, or you born without beauty! Accursed be the day and hour when my -star caused me to be born! Breasts that nourished me, better to have -given me death. You will pay---- - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE FORWARD MARCH. - - -The sun had risen nearly an hour when Valentine, and the band he -commanded, joined Captain de Laville and the prisoners again at about -two leagues from La Magdalena. The Mexicans were marching with bowed -heads, and hands fastened behind their backs, between two files of -French horsemen, with their rifles on the thigh, and finger on the -trigger. The captain was slightly in advance of his men, conversing with -the old Mexican officer, whose legs had been tied under his horse's -belly, owing to an attempt at escape he had made. - -In the rear came the prisoners' horses, easily recaught by the -adventurers, and loaded with the muskets, sabres, and lances of their -ex-masters. When the two bands united they went on more rapidly. -Valentine, had he wished it, could have reached the camp before sunrise; -but it was important for the success of the expedition, at the head of -which the count had placed himself, that the population of La Magdalena, -at this moment increased tenfold by the strangers who, owing to the -festival, had flocked in from all parts of Sonora, should understand -that the French had not undertaken an expedition so feather-brained as -was supposed, or at least as the Mexican Government wished it to be -supposed, and therefore the prisoners would march into camp in broad -daylight. - -The count, warned by Curumilla, whom the hunter sent on in advance, -determined to give great importance to this affair, and display a -certain degree of ostentation: consequently the whole army was under -arms; and the flag, planted in front of the count's tent to the sound -of bugles and drums, was saluted by the shouts of the adventurers. As -the count had foreseen, the inhabitants of La Magdalena rushed to the -camp to witness the sight the count prepared for them; and the road was -soon covered by curious persons on horse and on foot, hurrying to be the -first to arrive. When the head of the detachment reached the camp gates -it stopped at a signal from Valentine, and a bugler sounded a call. At -this summons an officer came out. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted. - -"France!" Captain de Laville, who had advanced a few paces, replied. - -"What corps?" the officer continued. - -"The liberating army of Sonora!" - -An immense shout, raised by the populace, drowned the words. - -"Enter," the officer said. - -The barrier was raised, the drums began beating, the bugles sounding, -and the marching past began. There was something really grand in this -scene, so simple in itself, but which made the heart beat more rapidly -when you examined the resolute air of this handful of men, left to -themselves without succour, six thousand leagues from their country, who -so proudly sustained the name of France, and who, at the beginning of -the campaign, without firing a shot, returned with a hundred prisoners -captured at the moment they were preparing to surprise the camp. - -The Sonorians, under an involuntary emotion, regarded the Frenchmen -with a respectful timidity, mingled with admiration, and, far from -pitying the fate of their compatriots, they overwhelmed them with -yells and jests. So great is the influence of courage and energy -on these primitive races! When the prisoners were collected in the -middle of the camp square the count approached them, surrounded by -his staff and some of the chief inhabitants of La Magdalena, who -followed him instinctively, carried away by their enthusiasm. It was -really a holiday. Floods of light inundated the landscape; a gentle -breeze refreshed the atmosphere; the bugles played merry tunes; the -drums rattled; and the assembled populace uttered shouts of joy, while -waving handkerchiefs and hats. The count smiled, for he was momentarily -happy. The future appeared to him less gloomy and sad. He examined the -prisoners for a moment with a pensive eye. - -"I have come to Sonora," he at length said in a piercing voice, "to give -liberty to the people of this country. I have been represented to you -as a cruel and faithless man. Begone! You are free! Go and tell your -countrymen how the chief of the pirates avenges the calumnies spread -abroad about him. I do not even ask of you the promise not to bear -arms against me again. I have on my side something which is stronger -than all the soldiers who can be opposed to me--the hand of God, which -guides me; for He wishes that this country should be at length free and -regenerated. Unfasten those men, and restore them their horses." - -The order was immediately obeyed, and the people greeted this generous -resolution with shouts and ebullitions of joy. The prisoners hastened -to quit the camp, though not before they had displayed by energetic -protestations, their gratitude for the count's generosity. Don Louis -then turned to Captain Isidro. - -"As for you, captain," he said gravely, "you are one of the few lions -left from that war of independence which overthrew the Spanish power. We -are brothers, for we both serve the same cause. Take back your sword: a -brave man like you must always wear it at his side." - -The captain looked at him gloomily. - -"Why can I no longer hate you?" he replied. "I should have preferred an -insult to your generosity. Now I am no longer free." - -"You are so, captain. I ask from you neither friendship nor gratitude. -I have acted as I thought it my duty to do. Let us each follow our own -road, but let us try not to meet again." - -"Your hand, caballero; and now a word." - -"Speak." - -"Take care of the persons in whom you place confidence." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I can say no more, or I should be a traitor myself." - -"Oh, ever, ever the same treachery!" the count muttered, growing -thoughtful. - -"And now farewell, caballero. If I am forbidden to wish the success of -your plans, at least I will do nothing against them; and if you do not -see me among the ranks of your friends, I shall not be in those of your -enemies." - -The old captain bounded into his seat, made his horse perform a few -graceful curvets, and after bowing to the company, started at a gallop. - -The remainder of the day was one continued festival. The count had -succeeded: his generous conduct to the prisoners bore its fruits. The -French adventurers had risen enormously in the opinion of the Sonorians. -The count had already acquired a great influence in the country, and -several persons began to prognosticate a successful issue for the -expedition. - -At nightfall Don Louis convoked all the chiefs of the army to a secret -council of war. By a providential accident, the count, who would -doubtlessly have permitted Don Cornelio to be present at the council, -owing to the confidence he placed in him, had sent that gentleman to -La Magdalena to buy several horses he required. This commission, by -preventing the Spaniard's presence at the council, insured its secrecy. - -Don Cornelio had succeeded by a miracle in escaping the hunter's -pursuit, and had re-entered the camp unnoticed about two hours before -the arrival of the prisoners. He had killed his horse, but was this time -at least safe himself, for no one dreamed of suspecting him; and even -had it been the case, nothing would have been easier for him than to -establish an _alibi_. - -At eight in the evening the roll call sounded, the camp gates were -closed, and the officers proceeded to head quarters; that is to say, the -jacal inhabited by the count. A row of sentries, set about ten paces -distant from the hut, so as to be themselves out of hearing distance, -had orders to fire on the first person who attempted to enter the place -of meeting without orders. - -The count was seated at a table, on which a road map of Sonora was laid -out. The assembly was composed of some fifteen persons, among whom were -Valentine, Curumilla, Captain de Laville, and Belhumeur, who was too -intimate a friend of the count to be excluded from a conference of such -an important nature. When all had arrived the door was shut, and the -count rose. - -"Comrades," he said in a firm voice, though suppressed, lest he should -be heard outside, "our expedition is about to commence in reality: -what we have done up to the present is nothing. I have several times -sounded, either myself or through my spies, the intentions of the -richest hacenderos or campesinos of this State. They seem very well -disposed toward us; but let us not be deceived by fallacious promises. -These people will do nothing as long as our expedition does not rest on -a solid base of operations; in other words, we must seize on a city. If -we succeed, our cause is gained, for the whole country will rise for us. -I have led you to this place because La Magdalena forms the extremity of -an angle at which three roads debouch, each leading to one of the chief -cities of Sonora; and it is one of those cities we must carry. But which -shall it be? That is the question. All three are crammed with troops: -in addition, General Guerrero holds the roads leading to them, and he -has sworn," the count added with a smile, "to make only one mouthful of -us, if we dare to take one step in advance. But that disquiets you but -very slightly, I suppose: let us, therefore, return to the important -question. Captain de Laville, be good enough to give us your opinion." - -The captain bowed. - -"I am inclined for Sonora," he said. "It is a new city, I grant, but -it bears the name of the country we propose to deliver, and that is an -important consideration." - -Several officers spoke in turn, and the majority ranged themselves on -the side of Captain de Laville. The count then turned to Valentine. - -"And what is your opinion, brother?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said, "I am no great hand at talking, as you know, -brother," he answered. "Still I have a certain knowledge of warfare, -which may perhaps inspire me rightly. You want a rich and manufacturing -city, in order to protect the opulent inhabitants of the country from -any sudden attack, and whence you can effect your retreat without -danger, if too numerous forces try to crush you. Is it not so?" - -"Indeed, the city we seize must combine these three conditions as far as -possible." - -"There is only one which combines them." - -"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said. - -"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. -It is the _entrepôt_ of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very -rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen -leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming -from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if -we are compelled to fight our retreat." - -The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers. - -"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must -not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an -experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would -result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated -imposing forces there." - -"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans -will learn to know us at the first blow." - -All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the -_army_ should march on Hermosillo. - -"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the -three roads. We must put them off the scent." - -"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make -demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the -move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am -afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men." - -Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on -a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was -said around him. - -"Let the chief speak," Valentine said; "his words are worth their weight -in gold." - -Everyone was silent. - -"Curumilla," the chief said, "knows a crossroad which abridges the -distance, and of which the Mexican general is ignorant. Curumilla will -guide his friends." - -The chief then took up his calumet again, and sat down once more as -if it were nothing. From this moment the discussion was at an end. -Curumilla, according to his custom, had cut the knot by removing the -most dangerous obstacle. - -"Comrades," the count said, "the wagons and guns are horsed. Wake -up your men, and break up the camp silently. The inhabitants of La -Magdalena, on getting up tomorrow morning, must not know what has become -of us." - -Then taking Captain de Laville and Valentine one side,-- - -"While I am going along the crossroad under the chiefs guidance, you, -captain, will proceed in the direction of Ures; and you, brother, will -march on Sonora. Get near enough to be seen, but do not engage in any -skirmish; fall back, and join me again at once. We can only conquer our -enemies by the rapidity of our movements." - -"But in case we cannot join you on the road," Valentine objected, "what -place will you appoint for our meeting?" - -"The Hacienda del Milagro, four leagues from Hermosillo," Belhumeur -said. "Headquarters will be there." - -"Yes," the count said, furtively pressing the Canadian's hand. - -The meeting broke up, and each went to execute the orders he had -received. The camp was broken up in the utmost silence, and the most -minute precautions were taken to allow none of the movements to -transpire outside. The bivouac fires were left lighted; in short, -nothing was touched which could cause any suspicion of a hurried -departure. - -At about eleven in the night the two parties, under Valentine and -Captain de Laville, set out in different directions: the count soon -followed them with the main body and the baggage, so that by midnight -the camp was entirely deserted. Curumilla had not deceived the count. -After about two hours' march he made the troops wheel to the right, and -entered a narrow path, in which there was just room for the vehicles, -and the whole company disappeared in the infinite windings of a true -wild beast's track, in which it was impossible to suppose that an armed -body, accompanied by numerous and heavy wagons and field pieces, would -ever venture. - -Still, when the first obstacles were overcome, this road, which appeared -so difficult, offered no serious causes for delay, and the Frenchmen -pushed on rapidly. Two days after they were rejoined by the detachments -which had operated on their flank. Captain de Laville and Valentine had -been completely successful in deceiving the general, whose advanced post -still continued to guard the roads, little suspecting that they had been -turned. - -This march lasted nine days, through numberless difficulties, over -shifting sand which fled beneath the feet, under a parching heat with -no water, and, during the last two days, with no provisions or forage. -But nothing could lessen the courage of the men, or destroy their -inexhaustible gaiety: they went on bravely, keeping their eyes fixed on -their chief, who went on foot before them, consoling and encouraging -them. On the evening of the ninth day they saw in the distance, in -the centre of a well-wooded landscape, the outlines of a considerable -hacienda. It was the first house they had come across since leaving La -Magdalena. - -"What hacienda is that?" Don Louis asked Belhumeur, who walked by his -side. - -"The Hacienda del Milagro," the Canadian answered. - -The Frenchmen uttered a shout of joy: they had arrived. They had marched -sixty leagues in nine days, along almost impracticable roads. - -Curumilla had kept his promise. Thanks to him, the column had not been -molested. - - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -BEFORE THE ATTACK. - - -When within gunshot of the hacienda the count commanded a halt. - -"De Laville," he said to the captain, "push on ahead, and occupy the -hacienda in force: we shall have our headquarters there." - -"What is the use of that?" Belhumeur asked. "Did you not put faith in -my words, then? Don Rafaël and his family will be delighted to receive -you and greet you with open arms." - -The count smiled, and bent down to the Canadian's ear. - -"My friend Belhumeur," he said to him in a low voice, "you are a -child who will understand nothing. I take these precautions which -grieve you so much, not for my own sake, but on behalf of our friends. -Supposing, as may be unfortunately the case, that we are beaten by the -Mexicans--what will happen then? That Don Rafaël will inevitably fall -a victim to the sympathy he has evinced for us; while, by acting as I -do, he bows to force, and the Mexican authorities will be unable, in -spite of all their desire, to render him responsible for our stay at his -house." - -"That is true," the Canadian answered, struck by the logic of this -reasoning. - -"Still," Don Louis continued, "in order to avoid any misunderstanding, -you will accompany the captain, and while he is talking loudly you can -whisper to our friends what the reason is." - -Five minutes later the detachment started at a gallop, followed -presently by the rest of the column. All took place as the count had -arranged. Warned by Belhumeur, Don Rafaël protested energetically -against the forced occupation of the hacienda, and feigned only to yield -to superior force. The estate was definitively occupied, and Don Rafaël -mounted with some of his servants, in order to go and meet the column; -but, by the count's orders, it did not stop at the hacienda, but pushed -on and camped about two leagues from Hermosillo. - -The count and Rafaël met, not like strangers to each other, but as old -friends delighted at meeting again, and entered the hacienda, conversing -in a low voice. Before dismounting, the count sent off couriers and -scouts in every direction, in order to have certain news about the -enemy; and only keeping with him an escort of eight men, he sent the -others to the bivouac, and entered the hacienda. - -Don Ramon, Don Rafaël's father, and Doña Luz, that amiable woman -whose touching history we told in a previous story,[1] were waiting, -surrounded by their servants, the arrival of the Frenchmen at the door -of the hacienda. - -"You are welcome, valiant combatants for the independence of Sonora," -General Don Ramon said as he held out his hand to the count. - -The latter leaped from his horse. - -"May God grant that I may be as fortunate as you have been, general!" -he replied with a bow. Then, turning to Doña Luz, "Pardon me, madam," -he said to her, "for having come to trouble your peaceful retreat: your -husband is alone to blame for the indiscretion I am committing at this -moment." - -"Señor conde," she answered with a smile, "do not make such excuses: -this house and all it contains belong to you. We see your arrival with -joy--we shall witness your departure with sorrow." - -The count offered his arm to Doña Luz, and they entered the hacienda. -But the count was restless--his glance wandered incessantly. - -"Patience!" Don Rafaël said to him with a meaning smile; "you will -see her. It would have been imprudent for her to appear sooner, so we -prevented her." - -"Thanks!" the count said; and the cloud which obscured his noble face -disappeared at once. - -The interview of the two lovers was as it should be; that is to say, -calm, affectionate, and deeply felt. The count warmly thanked Father -Seraphin for the protection he had accorded the maiden. - -"Ere long," Doña Luz said, "all your torments will be ended, and you -will be able to yield to the passionate emotions of your heart without -constraint." - -"Yes," the count answered pensively, "tomorrow will probably decide my -fate, and that of the woman I love." - -"What do you mean?" Don Rafaël exclaimed. - -The count looked anxiously around him: he saw that he could speak, and -that those who pressed toward him were sincere friends. - -"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall attack Hermosillo and take it, or fall -dead in the breach." - -All present were in a state of stupor. Don Rafaël made Black Elk a sign -to stand outside the door to keep off all comers, and then returned to -the count. - -"Have you really that idea?" he asked him. - -"Were it not so, should I be here?" he said simply. - -"But," Don Rafaël continued urgently, "Hermosillo is an inclosed town -with strong walls." - -"I will force them." - -"It has a garrison of 1200 men." - -"Ah!" he said indifferently. - -"For two months the militia have been exercised daily." - -"Militia!" he replied with a disdainful air. "I suppose, at any rate, -they are numerous?" - -"About 3000 men." - -"All the better." - -"General Guerrero, who has at length discovered that his flank was -turned, has thrown himself into the city with 6000 Indians, and is -awaiting other reinforcements." - -"That is the reason, my friend, why I must attack at once. I have -already, according to your calculation, opposed to me 11,000 men, -intrenched behind good walls. The longer I wait, the more numerous they -will grow; and if I do not take care," he added with a laugh, "that army -will end by growing so considerable that it will be impossible for me to -destroy it." - -"You are perhaps unaware, my friend, that Hermosillo is surrounded by -market gardens, which render the approaches almost impracticable?" - -"Believe me, my good friend," the count replied carelessly, "I shall -enter by the gates." - -The company gazed on the count with an amazement akin to terror. They -looked at each other, and seemed to be asking whether they had not to -deal with a maniac. - -"Pardon me, my friend," Don Rafaël continued, "but I think you said that -you intended to attack tomorrow?" - -"Certainly." - -"But supposing your troops have not arrived?" - -"What! my troops not arrived? Did not you see them march past the -hacienda an hour ago?" - -"Yes, I saw a small detachment pass--your vanguard, of course." - -"My vanguard!" the count exclaimed with a laugh. "No, my good friend, -that small detachment forms my entire _army_." - -Don Rafaël, Don Ramon, and, the other persons present were men of -recognised courage. On several occasions they had sustained giant -combats against enemies tenfold in number; in short, they had furnished -proof of the most extravagant courage and most insane temerity. But -the count's eccentric proposition of going coolly with a handful of -adventurers to take a city defended by 10,000 men seemed to them so -extraordinary and so incredible, that they remained dumb for a moment, -hardly knowing whether they were awake or suffering from a frightful -nightmare. - -"Tell me, my friend," Don Rafaël exclaimed, his arguments quite -exhausted, "how many men can you deploy in line?" - -"Hang it! not many," the count said with a smile, "I have invalids: -still I can dispose of about two hundred and fifty, and I hope they -will be sufficient." - -"Yes," Doña Angela said enthusiastically, "they will be sufficient, for -the cause these men defend is holy, and God will protect them." - -"Don Rafaël," the count said simply, "have you ever heard of what is -called the _furia Francese?_" - -"Yes, but I confess to you that I do not exactly understand what it is." - -"Well," he added, "wait till tomorrow, and when you have seen this -formidable army crushed, destroyed, and dispersed like autumn leaves -by the wind; when you have been present at the capture of Hermosillo, -you will know what _furia Francese_ is, and understand the prodigies -of valour which history has recorded, and Frenchmen perform almost in -sport." - -The conversation ended here, and they proceeded to the dining room, -where the refreshments, of which the count stood in such need, had been -prepared. So soon as they rose from table the count asked leave to -retire to the apartment prepared for him, and begged Father Seraphin to -follow him. They remained for a long time shut up, talking ear to ear. -When the missionary came out his eyes were red, and traces of tears -furrowed his pale cheeks. The count pressed his hand. - -"So, then," he said, "in case of a mishap----" - -"I will be there, count, trust me;" and he retired slowly. - -During the evening, and, indeed, far into the night, the count listened -to the reports of his scouts and spies: the news they brought coincided -in every respect with the information imparted by Don Rafaël. General -Guerrero had hurried to Hermosillo, where he was securely intrenched. - -Valentine and Curumilla were the last to arrive; but they were not the -bearers of bad news. Valentine, at the head of a party of foragers, had, -by Curumilla's advice, advanced along the Guaymas road, and surprised a -convoy of provisions and ammunition intended for the Mexicans. This had -been taken to the camp by the hunter's care, and was warmly welcomed -by the Frenchmen, whose stock of food, as we have seen, was entirely -exhausted. Captain de Laville, for his part, had surprised three or four -of the enemy's patrols, which had imprudently advanced too far. The -count sent Curumilla to the captain with orders to take advantage of -the darkness of the night to advance, and push on his advanced posts to -within a gun-shot and a half of the town. - -When alone with Valentine he spread out a plan of Hermosillo on the -table, and both bending over it, began studying it attentively. We have -already described Hermosillo several times: we will limit ourselves to -saying that the market gardens by which that city is surrounded are -inclosed with walls, behind which it is easy to place _tirailleurs_, -whom the nature of the ground enables to fall back from post to post, -constantly protected by the walls, which are about three feet in -thickness, and built of _adobas_. In addition, on the side on which -the count was marching, a wide and deep ditch, which could only be -traversed by means of a bridge, at the end of which a strong body of -troops was doubtless posted, formed an almost impregnable defence. - -As may be seen from our description, Hermosillo is far from being -an open town, which can be seized without striking a blow; and, in -attempting to carry it at the head of 250 men, the Count de Prébois -Crancé, if he succeeded, might justly flatter himself on having -accomplished one of the greatest exploits of modern times. - -General Guerrero, according to the reports of the scouts, and the -Mexican officers under his command, affected a superb contempt for these -naked-footed Frenchmen, as they called them, and promised to give them -so rough a lesson that they would not feel disposed to begin again. -Curumilla, however, had brought back a piece of news which could not -fail to give the count hopes. In spite of the immense preparations he -had made, against the company, General Guerrero had been so surprised -by the news of its hurried march on Hermosillo, and the daring manner -in which it had turned its advanced posts, that, in his hurry to go to -the aid of the menaced city, he had been constrained to leave behind him -the greater part of his forces, and the city, in reality, only contained -twelve or fifteen hundred defenders, doubtlessly a very large number, -but much less than the count had expected to find. - -Curumilla had peacefully entered the city. His being an Indian served as -his safeguard, and he had seen, visited, and examined everything. This -news the Araucano brought back on reporting to the count the execution -of the orders sent through him to Captain de Laville. The count and the -hunter rubbed their hands, and hastened to make their final arrangements. - -Among the hacenderos present at the conference of La Magdalena was one -whose influence was immense upon the pueblos. It was the man who, in -the name of his countrymen, had assured the count that, so soon as an -important town had fallen into the hands of the French, the signal for -revolt should be given, and the country roused in a few days, in order -to effect a decisive diversion. Don Louis, not wishing to lose a moment, -and in the certainty of success, wrote him a letter in which, after -announcing to him the fall of Hermosillo, he urged him to be ready to -support him, and give the signal for insurrection. - -We mention this fact to prove not only that the count believed himself -sure of succeeding, but also foresaw everything with that sublime -intuition only possessed by men of genius. - -The letter written, and the last arrangements made, the count and -Valentine left the room. It was about two in the morning: the sky was -gloomy, and warm gusts coming from the desert bowed down the leafy -crowns of the trees. - -The two foster brothers went down into the patio, where all the -inhabitants of the hacienda had assembled to salute the count on his -departure. Doña Angela, wrapped up in a long white dressing gown, with -pallid face and eyes filled with tears, looked like a phantom in the -glare of the torches shaken by the peons. The escort had mounted and sat -motionless. Curumilla held the horses of the two Frenchmen. When they -appeared, all raised their hats and saluted with a deep and respectful -bow. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," Don Rafaël said to him. "May Heaven grant you the -victory!" - -"May Heaven grant you the victory," Don Ramon repeated, "for you are -fighting for the independence of a people!" - -"Never were more fervent prayers offered up than we shall make for you, -Don Louis," Doña Luz then said. - -The count felt his heart contract. - -"I thank you all," he said with much emotion. "Your wishes do me good: -they prove to me that among the Sonorians there are some who comprehend -my noble object. Thanks once again." - -Doña Angela came up to the count. - -"Don Louis," she said to him, "I love you. Do your duty." - -The count bent down to her, and imprinted a kiss on her pale forehead. - -"Doña Angela, my affianced!" he said with a tenderness impossible to -render, "you will see me again either a conqueror or a corpse." - -And he made a move as if to depart. At this moment Father Seraphin came -to his side. - -"What!" he said with surprise, "do you accompany me, my father?" - -"I am going where duty calls me, sir," the missionary replied with that -angelic simplicity which was so characteristic of him--"where I shall -find pain to console, misfortunes to alleviate. Let me follow you." - -Louis pressed his hand silently, and after bowing once again to the -friends he was leaving, perhaps for ever, he gave the signal for -departure, and the cavalcade soon disappeared in the darkness. - -Doña Angela remained cold and motionless in the doorway so long as she -could hear the horses' hoofs echoing on the road. When every sound had -died away in the distance a long-restrained sob burst from her. - -"Heavens, heavens!" she exclaimed in despair, and stretching out her -hands to the sky. Then she fell back in a fainting fit. Doña Luz and Don -Rafaël hastened to her aid, and carried her into the hacienda, where -they eagerly tried to restore her to consciousness. Belhumeur tossed his -head several times, and prepared to shut the gate of the hacienda. - -"Not yet," a voice said to him; "let us go out first." - -"Eh, what?" he said. "Where the deuce do you want to go at this hour, -Black Elk? - -"To tell you the truth," the hunter answered, "I am almost a Frenchman, -since I am a Canadian, and so I am going to help my countrymen." - -"Halloh!" Belhumeur exclaimed, struck by these words, "that's not a bad -idea. By Jove! you shall not go alone; I will accompany you." - -"All the better; then there will be three of us." - -"How three? Who else is coming with us?" - -"Eagle-head, by Jove! The chief says there are down there some Indians, -enemies of his nation, whom he should like to have a set-to with." - -"Let us be off, then. I believe that the count will be pleased to have -three fighting men more, like us, in his company." - -"By Jove! I should think so," Belhumeur said. - -"I do not care," Black Elk remarked, "whatever you may say, he is a fine -fellow. What do you think about him, you who know him, eh?" - -"Tough as hickory," the Canadian answered intrepidly. - -Without further commentary the three bold hunters mounted and proceeded -in the track of the count. - - -[1] See "The Trappers of Arkansas." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO. - - -Although the horses ridden by the count's escort were good, the hunters -were mounted on such fast mustangs that they caught up Don Louis within -twenty minutes of his leaving the hacienda. On hearing hurried footfalls -behind them, the Frenchmen, not knowing who could be coming like a -tornado after them, bravely wheeled round; but Belhumeur prevented any -misunderstanding by making himself known. - -"You are welcome, you and your companions, Belhumeur," the count said to -him. "But what urgent reason compels you to gallop so late along the -roads?" - -"A service I want to ask of you, Don Louis," the Canadian frankly -replied. - -"A service! Speak, my friend: whatever it may be, if it depends on me, -it is granted before asking." - -"What I want _does_ depend on you." - -"What is it?" - -"My comrades and myself wish to have the honour of fighting by your side -tomorrow." - -"Is that the service you had to ask of me, Belhumeur?" - -"Yes, and no other." - -"Then you are mistaken, my friend: you mean to say a service to render -me. I heartily accept your proposition, and thank you for it cordially." - -"Then that is arranged. You admit us into your ranks?" - -"By Jove! I should be mad not to do so." - -Belhumeur informed his friends of the success of his negotiation, and -they rejoiced at it as if they had received the handsomest possible -present. After this slight incident, the party, increased by the three -new recruits, went onwards. The Frenchmen trotted on in the darkness -like a troop of silent phantoms, bending over the necks of their horses, -eagerly questioning the sounds that rose from the desert, and sounding -the gloom in order to obtain some sign that they were approaching their -comrades. - -Captain Charles de Laville, though still very young, seemed predestined -for the part he was playing at this moment. His glance was infallible, -both as superior chief and as a subordinate leader: he not only -understood with extreme rapidity the orders he received, but seized -their meaning and carried them out with rare intelligence.[1] The -count had not been in error for a moment about de Laville's brilliant -qualities. Hence he had made him a favourite, and, whenever he had a -difficult duty to intrust to anyone, he gave it to him, certain that -he would perform it with honour. The success surpassed his hopes on -this occasion; for De Laville executed the advance movement with such -precision and in such profound silence that the count almost found -himself up with the rear before he suspected he was anywhere near it. - -In order to march more rapidly, and not be in any way detained, the -captain had left his wagons and baggage at a deserted rancho about a -league from the city, under the guard of the invalids, who, although -too weak to fight in the ranks of the company, could yet, behind -intrenchments, offer a sufficiently lengthened resistance to allow their -comrades to come to their assistance. - -The count passed through the ranks, saluted in an affectionate voice by -his men, and placed himself at the head of the column. For two months -past the fatigue Don Louis had endured, and the constant state of -excitement in which events kept him, had seriously injured his health; -and it was only by his energy and will that he succeeded in conquering -his illness and keeping upright. He understood that if he gave way all -was lost: hence he wrestled with his sufferings, and though a fever -devoured him, his face remained calm, and nothing revealed to his -comrades the sufferings he endured with the courage of a stoic. Still he -suddenly felt himself attacked by such a feeling of weakness, that had -not Valentine, who guessed his condition, and watched over him like a -mother, held him in his arms, he must have fallen from his horse. - -"What is the matter, brother?" the hunter asked him affectionately. - -"Nothing," he answered, as he passed his hand over his forehead, which -was dank with icy perspiration and fatigue; "but," he added, "it has -gone off now." - -"Take care, brother," he said to him with a sad shrug of his shoulders: -"you do not nurse yourself enough." - -"Eh? Can I do it? But be not alarmed. I know what I want: the smell of -powder will restore me. Look, look! we have reached our destination at -last." - -In fact, by the first rays of the sun, which rose majestically above the -horizon, Hermosillo, with its white houses glistening, now was visible -about a cannon shot off. An immense shout of joy from the whole company -greeted the so-ardently-desired appearance of the city. The order to -halt was given. The city was silent--it seemed deserted: not a sound was -heard within its walls. So calm, quiet, and dumb was it, that you might -have fancied that you had before you that city in the Arabian Nights -which a wicked enchanter struck with his wand and plunged into eternal -sleep. - -The country was deserted. Only here and there the fragments of arms, -uniforms, sandals, the footsteps of horses, and the furrows of carts -indicated the recent passage of General Guerrero's troops. The count -examined the city for a while with the utmost attention, in order to -make his final arrangements, when suddenly two horsemen appeared on -the bridge to which we have already alluded, and galloped toward the -company, waving a flag of truce. - -"Let us see what these persons want," the count said. - -And he galloped up to them. - -"What do you want, gentlemen, and who are you?" he said when he came up -to them. - -"We wish," one of them said, "to speak with the Count de Prébois Crancé." - -"I am the count. Be good enough to tell me what brings you here." - -"Monsieur le comte, I am a Frenchman," the first speaker said. - -"I recognise you, sir. Your name is Thollus, I believe, and you are a -merchant at Hermosillo." - -"Quite correct, monsieur le comte. My companion is Señor ----" - -"Don Jacinto Jabalí,[2] a _juez de letras_, I suppose, or something of -that sort, a great friend of General Guerrero. Well, gentlemen, I do not -exactly see what we can have in common." - -"Pardon me, sir, we are sent to you by Señor Don Flavio Agustado, -Prefect of Hermosillo, in order to make certain propositions to you." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said, champing his moustache. "Are you really?" - -"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in -an insinuating tone. - -"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I -hardly think so for me." - -"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these -conditions, it is possible----" - -"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit -yourself of your mission--that is only too proper; still, make haste, -for I am pressed for time." - -M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his -companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a -rock of granite before him. - -"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I -have the honour to represent----" - -"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him -impatiently. - -"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an -attempt on the city," the negotiator continued--"offers you, I say, the -sum of----" - -"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more -would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, -I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, -sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer -of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman--I -disown you as such." - -"Still, monsieur le comte----" the poor fellow stammered, completely -taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look. - -"Enough!" the count interrupted him; and drawing his watch from his -pocket, he said in a peremptory tone, which admitted of no reply, and -terrified the negotiators. "It is now eight o'clock. Go and tell your -prefect that in two hours I shall attack the city, and at eleven shall -be master of it. Begone!" - -And with a gesture of supreme contempt he ordered them to retire. The -unlucky envoys did not wait to hear the order repeated; they turned back -at once, and regained the city with hanging heads. The count galloped -up to the head of the column, where the officers were assembled -slightly in advance of the ranks, impatiently awaiting the result of the -conference. - -"Gentlemen," the count said to them on coming up, "get ready to fight." - -The news was greeted with a shout of joy, which had the effect of -increasing the speed of the negotiators, in whose ears it echoed -like a death knell. After this the count, with extreme simplicity -and clearness, pointed out to each officer the post he must occupy -during the action. He placed the whole of the cavalry under the orders -of Captain de Laville; selected Don Cornelio, who had only rejoined -the company on the previous evening, as his aide-de-camp; and, at -Valentine's request, he placed under the latter's orders the Canadian -hunters and the Indians, with authority to act as he thought proper, and -in whatever way he considered most advantageous to the common welfare. - -De Laville, sent forward with a dozen horsemen to reconnoitre, soon -returned, announcing that the city appeared to be in a complete state of -defence, that the roofs of the houses were covered with soldiers, that -the tocsin was pealing from all the churches, and the drums making a -frightful disturbance. At this moment a spy announced that a body of two -to three hundred Indians was apparently threatening the baggage, and the -count at once sent off ten men to reinforce the small garrison he had -left in the rear. This final duty accomplished, he ordered the company -to form a circle, and placed himself in the centre. Then he spoke in a -voice trembling with emotion. - -"Comrades," he said, "the hour to avenge ourselves for all the villainy -practised on us during the last four months, and the atrocious calumnies -spread about us, has at length struck. But let us not forget that we -are Frenchmen; and if we have been patient under insults, let us he -magnanimous after victory. We did not desire war; it was forced upon us, -and we accept it. But remember that we are fighting for the liberty of a -people, and that our enemies of today will be our brothers tomorrow. Let -us be terrible during the combat, merciful after the battle. One last -word, or rather a final prayer. Leave the Mexicans the responsibility -of firing the first shot, so that it may be evident that up to the last -moment we desired peace. Now, brothers, long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted as they brandished their -weapons. - -"Each to his post!" the count commanded. - -The order was executed with marvellous precision. Don Louis drew out -his watch: it was ten o'clock. Then he unsheathed his sabre, wielded it -round his head, and turning to the company, every man in which had his -eyes fixed on the leader, he shouted in a sonorous voice,-- - -"Forward!" - -"Forward!" the officers repeated. - -The column started in good order, marching at quick step, with trailed -arms. - -We have mentioned the bridge which alone gave admission to the city: -this bridge was barricaded, and at the other end was a house crowded -with soldiers from the cellars to the _azotea_. A silence of death -brooded over the plain. The Frenchmen marched on coolly, as if on -parade, with heads raised and flashing eyes. On arriving within musket -shot the walls were begirt with a line of fire, and a frightful -discharge scattered death among the Frenchmen. The company at once broke -into skirmishing order, and rushed onwards. - -At this moment an unheard-of, incredible thing was seen--a city of -10,000 souls, surrounded by walls, and defended by a numerous garrison, -attacked by 250 men fighting in the Indian way; that is, in skirmishing -order. The artillery, dragged by its gunners, advanced at the same -speed, and only stopped to load and fire. - -Even before the Mexicans had time to look round the Frenchmen were on -them like a whirlwind, attacked them at the bayonet's point, drove -back the defenders of the bridge, and entered without a check the -city, sweeping before them, in their irresistible attack, all that -opposed their passage. Then the real battle began. The Frenchmen found -themselves opposite four guns loaded with grape, which swept the whole -length of the street at the end of which they were; while to the right -and left, from windows and roofs, a shower of bullets pattered on them. -The position was becoming critical. The count dismounted, and turning to -his soldiers with the shout, "Who'll take the guns?" he rushed forward. - -"We, we!" the Frenchmen yelled, as they chased after him with unexampled -frenzy. - -The artillerymen were sabred at their guns, the muzzles of which were -immediately turned on the Mexicans. At this moment the count perceived, -as in a cloud, Valentine and his hunters, who were fighting like demons, -and massacring the Indians pitilessly, who tried in vain to resist them. - -"Good heavens!" Black Elk said with beatitude at every blow he dealt, -"it was a lucky idea of mine to come." - -"It really was," Belhumeur replied; and he redoubled his blows. - -Valentine had turned the city, and taking advantage of a forgotten -ladder, escaladed the wall, and, without striking a blow, made prisoners -the post stationed there, which was commanded by an officer. - -"Thanks for the ladder, comrade," he said to the latter with a grin; and -opening the gate of the city, he allowed the cavalry to enter. - -Still the Mexicans fought with the energy of despair. General Guerrero, -who flattered himself with the hope of giving the French a severe -lesson, surprised and terrified by their fury, no longer knew what -measures to take in order to resist these invincible demons, as he -called them, whom nothing could arrest, and who, without deigning to -reply to their enemies' fire, had only fought with the bayonet since -their first discharge. - -Driven in on all sides, the general concentrated his troops on the -Alameda, and protected the approaches by guns loaded with canister. In -spite of the enormous losses they had suffered, the Mexicans were still -more than six hundred combatants, resolved to defend themselves to the -death. The count sent Don Cornelio to Captain de Laville with orders to -charge and sabre the last defenders of the city, while he made a flank -movement with the infantry. The captain started immediately at a gallop, -overthrowing with his horse's chest all obstacles. His pace was so -hurried that he arrived alone in front of the enemy. - -The Mexicans, terrified at the extraordinary audacity of this man, -hesitated for a moment; but at the repeated orders of their chiefs they -opened their fire on de Laville, who seemed to mock them, and the balls -began whistling like hail past the ears of the intrepid Frenchman, -who remained calm and motionless in the midst of this shower of lead. -Valentine, frightened by the captain's boldness, doubled his speed, and -brought up all the cavalry. - -"Hang it, de Laville!" he exclaimed with admiration, "what are you doing -there?" - -"You see, my friend," the latter answered with charming simplicity, "I -am waiting for you."[3] - -Electrified by these noble words, the French dashed on the Alameda, and -charged to the other end with shouts of "Long live France!" a shout to -which the count's infantry responded from the other side of the Alameda, -while attacking the Mexicans at the bayonet's point. - -There were a few moments of deadly struggling and a horrible carnage. -The count, in the height of the medley, fought like the meanest of his -soldiers, exciting them incessantly, and urging them forward. At last, -in spite of their desperate resistance, the Mexicans, pitilessly sabred -by the French, no longer able to organise any effectual defence, and -frightened by the ardour and invincible courage of their adversaries, -whom they regarded as demons, began to break and fly in every direction. -In spite of the fatigue of the horses, de Laville started in pursuit -with his cavalry. - -Hermosillo was taken--the Count de Prébois Crancé was victorious. -Stopping in the midst of the pile of corpses which surrounded him, he -drew his watch coldly, and consulted it. It was eleven o'clock, as the -count had told the envoys in the morning: he had become master of the -city at eleven o'clock exactly. The battle had lasted an hour. - -"Now, brothers," the count said, as he returned his sabre to the -scabbard, "the city is ours! Enough blood has been shed: let us think of -aiding the wounded. Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted with maddening delight. - - -[1] We must be pardoned for laying such stress on the character of the -young chieftain of Guetzalli, who has doubtless been already recognised, -and whose name we are now authorised, to our great delight, to reveal. -After the hapless end of the Marquis de Pindray the colony of Cocospera -unanimously chose as his successor Monsieur O. de la Chapelle, a young -man whom his eminent qualifications recommended for all suffrages. It is -he who figures in our story under the pseudonym of de Laville. Monsieur -O. de la Chapelle died at an early age. This premature end was deeply -felt by all his friends, among whom the author, though he knew him but -very slightly, is happy to call himself, and to testify it by showing -the heroic part he played in the glorious expedition which forms the -subject matter of this work.--G.A. - -[2] Wild boar. - -[3] Fact. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AFTER THE VICTORY. - - -Never before had a more brilliant victory been gained by troops -numerically so weak, and under conditions apparently so unfavourable. -The Mexican array evacuated Hermosillo in the utmost disorder, -abandoning three hundred dead and wounded, baggage of every description, -guns, ammunition, and flags. The rout was complete. - -General Guerrero, shame on his brow and rage in his heart, fled at full -speed along the Ures road, pursued closely by the French cavalry. The -count had made a large number of prisoners, among whom were several -Mexican officers. - -The joy of the adventurers bordered on madness. Still the brilliant -advantages had not been gained without a sensible loss, regard being had -to the numerical strength of the army. It had lost twenty-two men--an -enormous amount, which evidenced the obstinacy of the fight, and the -courage with which the Mexicans had fought. Among the dead the count had -to regret several of his best-beloved officers, brave young fellows, who -had fallen at the head of their sections while urging their men on. - -The count, although his clothes were riddled with bullets, had not -received a scratch: it seemed as if a charm protected him, for no one -had spared his life less than himself during the fight. He had ever been -in the thickest of the action, in advance of his comrades, encouraging -them by word and deed, and only employing his sabre to ward off blows -that came too near him. - -So soon as the battle was over the count proceeded to the Cabildo, -whither the Mexican authorities were convened, in order to settle with -him as to the safety of the city. Don Cornelio had not left him during -the fight: he had done his duty bravely by his side. - -"Don Cornelio," he said to him, "I am pleased with you; you behaved most -bravely. I wish to reward you by intrusting to you a mission of the -highest importance. Are you too tired to get on horseback?" - -"No, señor conde. Besides, you know that I am a thorough _jinete_." - -"That is true. Here are two letters, one for Don Rafaël, which you will -deliver in passing the Hacienda del Milagro: when you get in sight of La -Magdalena you will tear the envelope off the other, and carry it to the -address you will read on it; but in the event of your being stopped or -taken prisoner on the road, that letter must not be found on you, and no -one must know its contents. You understand me?" - -"Perfectly, señor conde, and if necessary it shall be destroyed." - -"Very good. Now get a fresh horse and start without the loss of a -moment: it is a question of life and death." - -"I start, Don Louis; you will hear of me again." - -These words were accompanied by a sinister smile, which passed unnoticed -by the count. Don Cornelio left the room, and five minutes later his -horse's hoofs could be heard echoing on the pavement. - -At this moment Valentine entered. The hunter's features, usually so -calm, were convulsed, and he seemed suffering from extreme agitation. He -looked around him on entering. - -"What are you looking for?" the count asked him; "and what is the -meaning of the state in which I see you?" - -"It means----" Valentine answered. "But stay, better so. Take a glance -at these papers which I seized in the house of General Guerrero." - -He handed the count a bundle of letters and other papers, which the -other rapidly read through. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, stamping his foot passionately, "such great -ingratitude after so many acts of kindness! A thousand devils! this land -is, then, accursed, that treason should spring up under every blade of -grass." - -"Fortunately we have the proofs to hand. I will take on myself to arrest -the villain." - -"It is too late." - -"How too late?" the hunter exclaimed. "Where is he, then?" - -"He has set out on a mission of the highest importance, which I -intrusted to him for the leaders of the malcontents." - -"Confusion!" the hunter said; "what is to be done? It is plain that the -scoundrel will sell our secrets to the enemy." - -"Wait. I gave him a letter for Don Rafaël, which he cannot fail to -deliver." - -"That is true: if only to lull suspicion to sleep, he will do so. I will -be off to the hacienda at once." - -"Go, my friend: unfortunately I cannot accompany you." - -"It is unnecessary. I swear that if this devil's own Don Cornelio falls -into my hands, I will crush him like the viper he is. Good-by." - -The hunter hurriedly left the Cabildo, and a few minutes later, followed -by Belhumeur, Black Elk, Curumilla, and Eagle-head, he was galloping at -full speed along the road to the hacienda. - -The count then occupied himself, before taking a moment's rest, in -organising the tranquillity and security of the city. As most of the -Mexican authorities had taken flight, he appointed others, had the dead -buried, and arranged an hospital for the sick, the direction of which he -gave to Father Seraphin, whose evangelic devotion was beyond all praise. - -Posts and main guards were established, and patrols received orders -to march about the city in order to maintain tranquillity--a useless -measure of precaution, for the inhabitants appeared as joyful as the -French. The streets were hung with flags, and on all sides could be -heard shouts of "Long live France! long live Sonora!" repeated with an -expression of indescribable satisfaction. - -When the count had discharged these imperious duties, his mind being no -longer over-excited by the necessity of the moment, nature, conquered -for an instant, gained the upper hand with an extreme of reaction, and -Don Louis fell back almost fainting into the chair where he had been -working without relaxation for nearly eight hours. He remained thus -without help until a late hour of the night, for he had not the strength -to call for assistance. - -At length Captain de Laville entered to make his chief a report about -the result of the pursuit of the Mexicans. He was terrified at the state -in which he found Don Louis; for the count was suffering from a violent -fever, attended by delirium. The captain immediately summoned the -company's surgeon, and the count was laid in a hastily-prepared bed. - -The surgeon could not be found, and a Mexican doctor came in his stead. -This man declared that the count was suffering from an attack of -dysentery, and made him drink a potion which he prepared at once. The -count fell into a species of lethargic sleep which lasted ten hours. -Fortunately the company's surgeon at length arrived. After a glance at -the count, and examining the few drops of the potion left in the glass, -the doctor immediately had eggs beaten in milk administered to the -count, and ordered all his limbs to be rubbed with hot napkins. - -"Why, doctor," the captain remarked to him, "what sort of treatment is -this? The physician assured me that the count had the dysentery." - -The doctor smiled sorrowfully. - -"Yes," he said, "he has a dysentery; but do you know what the physician -gave him?" - -"No." - -"Belladonna; that is to say, poison." - -"Oh!" the captain said in horror. - -"Silence!" the surgeon continued. "Let this remain a secret between us -two." - -At this moment the physician entered. He was a plump little man, with -the look of a frightened cat. The captain seized him by the collar, and -dragged him into a corner of the room. - -"Look here!" he said to him, pointing to the glass the surgeon still -held in his hand. "Of what was that potion composed you gave the count?" - -The Mexican turned pale. - -"Why?" he stammered. - -"Poison, you villain!" the captain shouted violently. - -"Poison!" he exclaimed, raising his eyes and arms to heaven. "Could it -be possible? Oh, let us see!" - -He examined the glass with feigned attention. - -"It is true," he said after a moment. "_Por Dios,_ what inadvertence!" - -The word appeared so precious to the Frenchmen that, in spite of their -anger and alarm, they could not prevent it, but burst into a loud laugh. -The little doctor took advantage of this attack of gaiety to escape very -quietly, and could never be found again, though carefully sought for: he -had probably left the city. - -Thanks to the intelligent and affectionate care of the surgeon, however, -the effects of the poison were neutralised. The count felt a little -better, and gave orders that the company should assemble at once in the -patio of the Cabildo. The command was rapidly obeyed, and within an hour -the company was drawn up under arms in the courtyard. The count came -down, leaning on the arm of Captain de Laville. - -"My comrades," he said, "I am ill, as you can see. Still I have called -you together to inform you of an engagement I have made in your name -with the inhabitants of Hermosillo. I declared that even if you walked -over piles of piastres and ounces, you would not stoop down to pick them -up. Was I wrong?" - -"No," they all exclaimed; "you were quite right." - -"We are no pirates, whatever they may say," the count continued, "and -the hour has arrived to prove it." - -"We will do so." - -"Thank you, comrades." - -The company was dismissed, and carefully kept its promise: not a -waist-buckle was stolen by these half-naked men, who for four months had -been suffering the most horrible privations. - -The count's condition, however, instead of becoming better, grew worse -daily, in spite of the anxious attentions of the doctor and Father -Seraphin, who had posted himself by his bed, and never left him. In Don -Louis the mind wore out the body. Since Don Cornelio's departure he had -received no news either of the Spaniard or Valentine. Two faithful men, -sent to the Hacienda del Milagro, had not returned, and neither Don -Rafaël nor Doña Angela gave a sign of life. - -This silence became incomprehensible. On the other hand, the situation -of the company was growing daily more serious. The count, master of a -powerful city, found himself more isolated than before; the pueblos that -should have risen did not stir; the man to whom the count had written, -and who had pledged himself to give the signal for revolt, gave no -reply to the appeal, and remained indifferent to the repeated entreaties -Don Louis made him. - -Unfortunately dysentery is one of those frightful diseases which -completely annihilate a man's faculties, and for a very long period -the count was incapable of attending to anything. Señor Pavo had come -at full speed from Guaymas to Hermosillo, ostensibly to felicitate the -count on his gallant exploit, but in reality to be able to betray him -with greater facility. - -Don Louis was alone, without friends in whom he could trust, lying -on a bed of pain, internally devoured by a mortal restlessness, and -a prey to a profound despair at seeing himself reduced to a state of -powerlessness, and losing the fruits of his toil and fatigues. - -Captain de Laville, the only man in whom he could have trusted at the -moment, was attacked by the same illness as his chief, and, like him, -was incapable of acting. Señor Pavo skilfully profited by this state -of affairs to sow seeds of disaffection among the Frenchmen. The count -was the soul of the company--the only tie that rendered it compact and -united: in his absence from his duties all went wrong. - -A system was then organised in the shade by Don Pavo. This system -consisted in continual demonstrations on the part of the adventurers, -who at every hour of the day came one after the other to lay before -the count the most absurd grievances, and threaten to leave him. At -last matters reached such a pitch that it was necessary to come to some -decision. - -Two courses offered themselves: the first, to give up the results of the -victory of Hermosillo, and retreat on Guaymas. This was suggested to -the count by the French representative, Señor Don Antonio Mendez Pavo. -The second was to await at Hermosillo, while holding their ground by -force and risking a siege, the succours which must speedily arrive from -California, where they were being rapidly organised. So greatly had the -news of the brilliant victory gained by the count electrified the minds -of the adventurers, and inflamed their imagination. - -These two courses were equally repugnant to the count. The first seemed -to him shameful; the second impracticable. Still the situation was -growing every day more and more intolerable, when at this moment a -strange event occurred, which, had we been writing a romance instead of -a history, would have seemed to us too startling for credibility. - -The company, incessantly excited by the hypocritical pity of Señor -Pavo, and the dark intrigues he set at work, had fallen into a state -of perfect insubordination towards the count, and almost open revolt. -Seeing that Don Louis was too ill to act vigorously, and incapable of -opposing anything they pleased to do, the men let him know that, unless -he consented to give the order for retreat, they would leave Hermosillo -and abandon him. - -The count was forced to yield. General Guerrero had pledged his word -that the retreat should not be disquieted, Don Louis succeeded in -obtaining hostages who responded for the safety of the sick he was -compelled to leave behind, and with a breaking heart, no strength or -courage left, he was borne away in a litter. A reaction took place -among the volunteers at the sight of their well-beloved chief, reduced -to this miserable state, and almost dead of sorrow. They pressed round -him, swearing obedience and fidelity, and promising him to fall to the -last man for him. A melancholy smile played round the pallid lips of -the dying man, for these proofs of devotion came too late. The count, -crushed by a succession of insults, had drunk the cup to the dregs: he -no longer put faith in his comrades. - -The retreat commenced. In spite of the general's solemn pledge, it was -an uninterrupted succession of skirmishes; but a final ray of glory -was reflected on the French. The adventurers, aroused by the smell of -powder, found all their courage once more to victoriously repulse the -attacks of the Mexicans, whom they compelled to retreat pitiably, and -give up any further annoyances. - -The company camped about three leagues from Guaymas, resolved to force -a passage, and enter that port the next day in spite of any opposition. -The count, slightly revived by the prospect of an approaching combat, -had fallen asleep after making all his preparations, when toward -midnight he was aroused by the arrival of a flag of truce. - -The envoys were Señor Pavo and a merchant of Guaymas, who came on behalf -of General Guerrero. They were bearers of an armistice for forty-eight -hours; and a letter from the general, who earnestly begged the count to -come to him in order to arrange the terms of peace. - -"I consent to the armistice," the count replied. "Let the general send -me an escort, and I will go to him." - -His companions objected. - -"Why not take your cavalry?" one of them said to him. - -"For what use?" he said with discouragement. "I am the only person they -care for: if a trap is set for me, I will fall into it alone." - -The adventurers insisted, but he remained inflexible. - -"We no longer understand one another," he said to them. - -Then he turned to the negotiators. - -"Return to Guaymas, gentlemen, and be good enough to tell General -Guerrero that I thank him, and am awaiting his escort." - -The escort arrived at daybreak, and the count set out, after a last and -melancholy glance at his comrades, who witnessed his departure with -aching hearts and tears in their eyes. Henceforth the divorce between -the count and the adventurers was accomplished. - -General Guerrero, on the count's entrance to Guaymas, ordered the -honours due to a commander-in-chief to be paid him. Don Louis smiled -with disdain. What did he care for these empty ceremonies? - -The count and the general had a lengthened conversation together. The -general had not yet given up his projects of seduction; but this time, -like the first, the count answered with a positive refusal. - -The company was henceforth surrendered defencelessly to the machinations -of Señor Pavo. This man lost no time, and by his advice the adventurers -sent as a deputation to the count two ignorant sailors, with orders to -come to a settlement with him at any price. These two emissaries were -selected by Señor Pavo, for the worthy man knew perfectly well what he -was about. The two sailors presented themselves at the count's house, -who sent out a message to them that he was engaged at the moment, and -begged them to wait a little while. The ambassadors, ruffled in their -self-esteem, and puffed up with the importance of the mission intrusted -to them, left the count's house immediately, swearing at his insolence, -and went straight to the palace of General Guerrero. - -The latter, advised beforehand, knew what would happen, and was -impatiently awaiting them. He ordered them to be admitted at once so -soon as they sent in their names, and received them most graciously: -then, when he had sufficiently intoxicated them with flattery, he made -them sign--that is to say, make a cross at the foot of--a treaty, in -which they recognised that, having been _deceived and abandoned in -a cowardly manner_ by their chief, they pledged themselves to lay -down their arms and quit the country for a sum of _eleven thousand -piastres_.[1] We must confess that General Guerrero made a capital -bargain, for the arms came into his possession. Oh! the Mexicans are -famous negotiators, and, above all, most crafty diplomatists. - -Unable to vanquish the company, the Mexicans bought it of two -scoundrels, by the intervention of a third, whose duty it was to defend -it. - -Thus the Atrevida Company had committed suicide. It effected its own -dissolution without even attempting to see once again that chief who had -been its idol, and whom it abandoned writhing on a bed of suffering. - -We must mention, to the honour of the French plenipotentiaries that, in -the treaty they signed, the liberty of the count was formally guaranteed. - -Now let us see by what extraordinary concourse of circumstances the -count, when in such a critical position, was thus abandoned by all his -friends. How was it that General Guerrero, his obstinate foe, had shown -himself so kind and almost generous toward Don Louis during the last -events we have narrated? - -We will proceed to explain this; but, in order to do so, we must take up -events further back, and return to Valentine and his comrades, whom we -left galloping at full speed along the road to the hacienda. - - -[1] A little over £2000. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO. - - -The road from Hermosillo to the Hacienda del Milagro is perfectly well -traced, straight and wide along the entire distance. Although the night -was gloomy and unlit by the moon, as the five horsemen galloped on side -by side, it would have been impossible for them to pass Don Cornelio -without seeing him, had they caught him up; but they reached the -hacienda without receiving any tidings of him. - -The road had been so trampled in every direction during the last few -days, both by French and Mexicans, that it was impossible for these -experienced hunters to distinguish or take up any imprint which could -serve to guide them in their researches. The traces of horses, wagons, -and men were so interlaced in each other, that they were completely -illegible, even to the most practised eye. Several times Valentine -tried, though in vain, to read this book of the desert. Hence, the -nearer the hunters drew to their destination, the more alarmed and -anxious they became. - -It was about eight in the morning when they reached the hacienda: they -had travelled the whole night through without stopping, save to search -for traces of the man they were pursuing. The hacienda was tranquil; the -peons were engaged in their ordinary labours; the ganado was grazing -at liberty on the prairies. When the hunters entered, Don Rafaël was -preparing to mount on horse, seemingly to take a ride round his farm. -A peon was holding a magnificent mustang, which champed its bit and -snorted impatiently at being held so long. When the hacendero perceived -the newcomers he ran toward them, playfully menacing them with his -chicote. - -"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good -morning, gentlemen." - -The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at -all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafaël then noticed their gloomy and -embarrassed air. - -"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the -bearers of ill news?" - -"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am -mistaken!" - -"Speak--explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about -you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary." - -The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance. - -"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for." - -"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the -house, where we shall converse more at our ease." - -The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafaël into a vast apartment which -served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine -opposed the closing of the door. - -"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners." - -"Why such precautions?" - -"I will tell you. Where are Doña Angela and Doña Luz at this moment?" - -"They are probably still asleep." - -"Very good. Tell me, Loyal Heart, have you received any visitor during -the last twenty-four hours?" - -"I have not seen a living soul since the departure of the Count de -Prébois Crancé." - -"Ah!" the hunter said, "then a courier did not arrive last night?" - -"None." - -"So that you are ignorant of the deeds accomplished yesterday?" - -"Utterly." - -"You are not aware that the count fought a battle yesterday?" - -"No." - -"That he took Hermosillo by assault?" - -"No." - -"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?" - -"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?" - -"The most perfect truth." - -"In that case the count is victor?" - -"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo." - -"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all -your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness -to tell me why you asked them?" - -"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of -you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give -you a letter." - -"Me! That is strange. The courier was doubtlessly a native, an Indian?" - -"No, he was Don Cornelio Mendoza, a Spanish gentleman, whom you probably -remember." - -"Certainly--a jolly, excellent companion, who was continually strumming -the vihuela." - -"The same man," Valentine said ironically. "Well, this jolly, excellent -companion, who was continually strumming the vihuela, my dear Loyal -Heart, is simply a traitor who sold all our secrets to the enemy." - -"Oh, Valentine! you must be very sure ere you bring such an accusation -against a caballero." - -"Unfortunately," the hunter said sadly, "the slightest doubt on the -subject is impossible; the count holds in his hands all the fellow's -correspondence with General Guerrero." - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" Don Rafaël exclaimed, "do you know, my friend, -this is very serious?" - -"I am so fully of your opinion that, in spite of the fatigue that -overpowered me, I begged these gentlemen to accompany me, and started -at full gallop, hoping to surprise him on the road and seize him; for, -beside the letter he had to deliver to you, he had others of a most -compromising nature, addressed to several influential persons in the -province." - -"That is an awkward affair," Loyal Heart said with a pensive air: "it is -evident that the scoundrel, instead of coming here, has gone straight to -hand the papers to the general." - -"There is not, unfortunately, the least doubt of that." - -"What is to be done?" Don Rafaël muttered mechanically. - -There was a moment's silence: each reflected on the means to be employed -in order to neutralise the effects of this treachery. Curumilla and -Eagle-head rose, and prepared to leave the room. - -"Where are you going?" Valentine asked them. - -"While our brothers are consulting," the Araucano replied, "the Indian -chiefs will go on the discovery." - -"You are right, chief: go, go," the hunter said. "I do not know why," he -added mournfully, "but I have a foreboding of misfortune." - -The two Indians went out. - -"Do you know the contents of the letter the count wrote me?" Don Rafaël -asked presently. - -"On my faith, no; but it is probable that he told you of the victory, -and begged you to conduct Doña Angela to Hermosillo. In any case the -letter was most compromising." - -"As for that, I am very slightly alarmed, for General Guerrero will -think twice before he attacks me. - -"What is the use of this long deliberation, and such a loss of precious -time? We have only one thing to do, and that is to go to Hermosillo as -escort to Doña Angela," Belhumeur said. - -"In truth, that is the most simple," Valentine said in confirmation. - -"Yes," Don Rafaël remarked; "the count can only be pleased with that -course." - -"Come, let us carry out the plan without further delay," Belhumeur -continued. "While Black Elk and myself make all the preparations for -the journey, do you, Loyal Heart, go and inform Doña Angela of the -determination we have come to." - -"Do so, and, above all, make haste," Valentine said. "I do not know -why, but I should have liked to be off already." - -Without further words they separated, and the hunter remained alone. In -spite of himself Valentine was a prey to the most poignant uneasiness. -He walked in agitation up and down the room, stopping at times to listen -or look out of the windows, as if he expected to see an enemy rise. At -length, no longer able to endure the uncertainty, he went out. - -The two hunters were busily engaged in lassoing horses and saddling -them, while the peons were bringing in mules to carry the baggage. -Valentine felt his disquietude augmented with every moment. He helped -his comrades with feverish impatience, and urged each to make haste. An -hour passed away. All was then ready, and they only awaited Doña Angela, -who arrived, accompanied by Doña Luz and Don Rafaël. - -"At last!" Valentine exclaimed. "To horse, to horse! Let us start at -once!" - -"Let us go," his friends repeated. - -Each mounted; but suddenly a great noise was heard outside, and -Curumilla appeared with agitated features, and panting violently. - -"Fly, fly!" he shouted; "they are coming." - -"Forward!" Valentine exclaimed. - -But an insurmountable obstacle rose before them. At the moment they were -passing through the gate of the hacienda it was suddenly blocked up by -the cattle the peons were driving back from the fields, probably to -prevent them being carried off by marauders. The poor beasts pressed -into the gateway, each anxious to be first, while uttering lamentable -moans, and goaded behind by the peons. It was useless to hope getting -out before the ganado had entered, and there was no chance of clearing -the gateway by driving it back. Hence the fugitives were compelled to -wait, whether they would or not. Valentine was half mad with anger. - -"I knew it, I knew it," he muttered in a hoarse voice, and clenching his -fists in rage. - -At length, after nearly an hour (for Don Rafaël possessed numerous -herds), the gate was free. - -"Let us be off in Heaven's name!" Valentine shouted. - -"It is too late," Eagle-head said, appearing suddenly in the gateway. - -"Maldición!" the hunter yelled as he rushed forward. - -Valentine looked around him, and uttered a cry of alarm. The hacienda -was completely surrounded by nearly five hundred Mexican cavalry, in the -midst of whom General Guerrero could be distinguished. - -"Ah, the wretched traitor!" the hunter exclaimed. - -"Come, let us not be discouraged," Loyal Heart said. "_Cuerpo de -Cristo!_ it is not so long since I gave up desert life that I should -have forgotten all its stratagems. We will not give these troops time to -look about them. Let us charge, and make a hole through them." - -"No," Valentine said authoritatively; "close and bar the gate, -Belhumeur." - -The Canadian hastened to obey. - -"Stay," Don Rafaël said. - -"Loyal Heart," Valentine continued, "you are no longer the master to act -as you please, and throw yourself headlong into desperate enterprises. -You must live for your wife and your children; besides, can we expose -Doña Angela to the risk of being killed among us?" - -"That is true," he answered. "Pardon me; I was mad." - -"Oh!" Doña Angela exclaimed, "what do I care about death if I am not to -see again the man I love?" - -"Señorita," the hunter said sententiously, "allow events to follow their -course. Who knows if things are not better so? For the present return to -the house, and leave us to manage this affair." - -"Come, my child, come," Doña Luz said to her affectionately; "your -presence is useless here, and perhaps it may soon become injurious." - -"I obey you, señora," the maiden said sadly; and she retired slowly, -leaning on the arm of Doña Luz, who lavished on her all the consolations -her heart dictated. Don Rafaël had given all his servants orders to arm, -and hold themselves in readiness to offer a vigorous resistance in case -the hacienda was attacked, an event which, from the orders given by the -general to his troops, might be expected at any moment. The peons of the -hacienda were numerous, and devoted to their master; hence the struggle -threatened to be serious. - -Suddenly repeated blows were struck on the gate. Valentine, who had -been thinking deeply for several moments, bent down to Don Rafaël's ear, -and whispered a few words. - -"Oh!" the latter replied, "that is almost cowardice, Don Valentine." - -"You must," the hunter said obstinately. - -And while Loyal Heart proceeded very unwillingly to the gate, he quickly -entered the house. Don Rafaël opened a trap door in the gate, and asked -who was there, and what was wanted; then, to the great surprise of all, -after negotiating for a few moments with the men who demanded entrance -in so peremptory a manner, he ordered the gate to be unbarred. In an -instant it was thrown open, and the general appeared, accompanied by -several officers, with whom he rode boldly in. - -"I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting, general, but I did not know -it was you," Don Rafaël said to him. - -"Caramba! amigo," the general remarked with a smile as he looked round, -"you have a numerous garrison here, as far as I can judge." - -"After the late events that have taken place in Sonora the roads are -infested with marauders," Don Rafaël replied: "it is wise to take -precautions." - -The general shrugged his shoulders. - -"Very good, caballero," he replied dryly; "but it does not please me -to see so many men armed without any legal motive. Lay down your arms, -gentlemen." - -The peons looked at their master; the latter bit his lips, but made -them a sign to obey. All the weapons were then thrown on the ground. - -"I am very vexed, Don Rafaël, but I am about to leave a garrison in your -hacienda. You and all the persons present are my prisoners. Get ready to -follow me to Guaymas." - -"Is that the reward for allowing you to enter my house?" Don Rafaël said -bitterly. - -"I should have entered in any case," the general replied sternly. "And -now send my daughter here at once." - -"Here I am, my father," the young lady said as she appeared at the head -of the steps. - -Doña Angela came down slowly into the courtyard, walked toward her -father, and stopped two paces from him. - -"What would you of me?" she said to him. - -"Give you the order to follow me," he answered dryly. - -"I can do no other than obey you. Still you know me, father: my -resolution is inflexible. I have in my hands the means to liberate -myself from your tyranny when it appears to me too heavy for endurance. -Your conduct will regulate mine. Now let us start." - -The only affection that remained warm and pure in the heart of the -ambitious man was his love for his daughter; but that love was immense -and unbounded. This man, who recoiled before no deed, however cruel it -might be, to attain the object he proposed to himself, trembled at a -frown from this child of sixteen, who, knowing the tyrannical power she -exercised over her father, abused it unscrupulously. On his side, Don -Sebastian knew the iron will and untamable character of his daughter. -Hence he trembled in his heart on listening to her cold declaration, -although he allowed nothing to be seen. He turned away with an air of -disdain, and gave orders for departure. - -A quarter of an hour later all the prisoners were _en route_ for -Guaymas, and no one was left at the hacienda but General Don Ramon and -Doña Luz, who were watched by a garrison of fifty men, commanded by an -officer, who had orders not to let them communicate with anybody. - -Valentine, on seeing the general so speedily recovered from his defeat, -judged the position of affairs at a glance. With his usual perspicuity -he understood that, owing to Don Cornelio's treachery, the pueblos would -not rise, that the hacenderos who had pledged their word would keep -aloof, that the revolt would prove abortive, and that the count, ill and -abandoned by everybody, would probably soon be reduced to treat with the -man he had conquered. This was the reason why he urged Don Rafaël not -to attempt a useless resistance, which could only have compromised him; -and, at the same time, he persuaded Doña Angela to feign acceptance of -her father's conditions, and return with him. - -We see that the hunter had reasoned well, and that his previsions were -correct. Still he was mistaken in supposing that he would manage to -advise his foster-brother of all that had occurred. The orders given -by the general in reference to the prisoners were executed with such -extreme precision, that it was impossible even to tell the count of his -whereabouts. And now that we have recounted the events that took place -at the hacienda, we will approach the conclusion of this long drama. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE BOAR AT BAY. - - -We must beg the reader to follow us to Guaymas, about a year after the -events described in the last chapter. - -A man dressed in a military garb, bearing considerable resemblance -to the Mexican uniform, was walking, with his arms behind his back, -up and down the sumptuously furnished room. This man appeared to be -deep in thought; his brows were drawn together; and at times he turned -an impatient glance toward a clock placed on a bracket. This man was -evidently expecting somebody who did not arrive, for his impatience and -ill-temper increased with every moment. He took up his hat, which he had -thrown on a sofa, probably with the intention of withdrawing, when a -door opened, and a servant announced,-- - -"His Excellency Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"At last," the visitor growled between his teeth. - -The general appeared. He was in full uniform. - -"Pardon me, my dear count," he said in an affectionate tone, "pardon -me for having kept you waiting so long, I had infinite difficulty in -getting rid of the troublesome people who bored me. At length I am -quite at your service, and ready to listen with proper attention to the -communications it may please you to make to me. - -"General," the count answered, "two motives bring me here today: in -the first place, the desire to obtain from you a clear and categorical -answer on the subject of the propositions I had the honour of making -to you a few days back; and next the complaints I have to make to you -on the matter of certain very grave facts which have occurred to the -prejudice of the French battalion, and of which I have not the least -doubt," he added with a certain tinge of irony in his voice, "you were -ignorant." - -"This is the first I hear of them, sir. Believe me that I am resolved -to do good and ample justice to the French battalion, of which I have -had only to speak in terms of praise since its organisation, not only -through the good conduct of the men without distinction, but also for -the services it has not ceased to render." - -"Those are handsome words, general. Why must they be so barren?" - -"You are mistaken, count, and I hope soon to prove to you the contrary. -But let this be for the present, and come to the grievances of which you -have to complain. Explain yourself." - -The two persons who were talking in this friendly manner and lavishing -smiles were General Guerrero and Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, the two -men we have seen in such bitter enmity. What had happened, then, since -the treaty of Guaymas? What reason was sufficiently powerful to make -them forget their hatred? What community of ideas could have existed -between them to produce a change so extraordinary and inexplicable? - -We will ask our readers' permission to explain this before going -further, the more so as the events we have to narrate throw a perfect -light on the Mexican character. - -The general, after the success of the treaty of Guaymas, and the way in -which, thanks to the treachery of Don Cornelio, the insurrection of the -pueblos was prevented, thought he had completely gained his cause, and -believed that he had got rid of the count for ever. The latter, sick -almost unto death, and incapable of connecting two ideas, had received -orders to leave Guaymas immediately. His friends, who were restored -to liberty after the signature of the treaty, hastened to join him. -Valentine had him carried to Mazatlan, where he gradually recovered; -then both set out for San Francisco, leaving Curumilla in Sonora, who -was ordered to keep them acquainted with the progress of events. - -The general had held up before his daughter as a merit the generosity -with which he had treated the count; then he had left her ostensibly -free to act as she pleased, hoping that with time she would forget her -love, and consent to second certain projects he did not as yet let her -see, but which consisted in marrying to one of the most influential -persons in Mexico. Still months had slipped away. The general, who built -on the count's absence, and, before all, the want of news about him, -to cure his daughter of what he called her mad passion, was greatly -astonished, when he one day began talking to her about his plans and the -marriage he had projected, to hear her answer,-- - -"My father, I have told you that I will marry the Count de Prébois -Crancé: no other will obtain my hand. You yourself consented to that -union: hence I consider myself bound to him, and, so long as he lives, I -will remain faithful to him." - -The general was at first greatly taken aback by this answer; for, -although he was well aware of his daughter's firmness of character, -he was far from expecting such pertinacity. Still, after a moment, he -regained his presence of mind, and bending over to her, kissed her on -the forehead, saying, with pretended kindness,-- - -"Come, you naughty child, I see I must do what you please, though I -confess it is a heavy sacrifice. Well, I will try. It will not depend on -me whether you see the man you love again." - -"Oh, father! can it be possible?" she exclaimed with a joy she could not -restrain. "Are you speaking seriously?" - -"Most seriously, wicked one; so dry your tears--re-assume your gaiety -and your bright colour of former days." - -"Then I shall see him again?" - -"I swear it to you." - -"Here?" - -"Yes, here, at Guaymas." - -"Oh!" she exclaimed impetuously, as she threw her arms round his neck -and embraced him tenderly, at the same time melting into tears. "Oh, how -kind you are, my father, and how I will love you if you do that!" - -"I will do it, I tell you," he said, affected, in spite of himself, by -this love so true and so passionate. - -The general had already arranged his scheme in his head--the scheme -which we shall soon see unfolded in all its hideousness. Of the reply -his daughter had made him Don Sebastian only remembered one sentence: -"_So long as the count lives I will remain faithful to him._" - -Poor Doña Angela had, without suspecting it, germinated in her father's -brain the most horrible project that can be imagined. Two days later -Curumilla started for San Francisco, bearer of a letter from the young -lady for the count--a letter destined to have an immense influence on -Don Louis' ulterior determination. - -The Mexicans had been so magnificently beaten by the French at -Hermosillo that they had kept up a most touching and respectful -recollection of them. General Guerrero, who, as the reader has been in -a position to see, was a man of imagination, had made a reflection full -of logic and good sense on this subject. He said to himself that if the -French had so thoroughly thrashed the Mexicans, who are very terrible -soldiers as we know, _a fortiori_, they would defeat the Indians, and, -if necessary, the Yankees, those gringos, as the Americans of the -South call them, whom they hold in mortal terror, and expect at any -moment to see invade Mexico. In consequence of this reasoning, General -Guerrero had formed at Guaymas a battalion entirely composed of French -volunteers, commanded by their own officers, and whose services were for -the present limited to acting as police of the port, and maintaining -order in the town. - -Unfortunately the commandant of the battalion, though an upright officer -and good soldier, was not exactly the man to be placed at the head of -these volunteers. His ideas, rather narrow and paltry, were not up to -the position he occupied, and grave misunderstandings soon broke out -between the Mexicans and the foreigners--misunderstandings probably -encouraged in an underhand manner by certain influential persons, but -which placed the battalion, in spite of the conciliatory temper of its -chief, and the attempts he made to restore harmony, in a very difficult -position, which naturally became more aggravated with each day. - -Two parties were formed in the battalion: one, hostile to the -commandant, spoke affectionately of the count, the memory of whom was -still maintained in Sonora, regretted his absence, and formed vows -for his return; the other, though not devoted to the commandant, yet -remained attached to the honour of the flag. But the devotion was -lukewarm, and there was no doubt, if any unforeseen event occurred, that -these men would let themselves be led away by circumstances. - -In this state of affairs General Alvarez _pronounced_ against Santa -Anna, President of the Republic, and summoned the chiefs of all the -corps scattered through the provinces to revolt. General Guerrero -hesitated, or pretended to hesitate, ere declaring himself. Suddenly it -was heard with amazement, almost with stupor, that the Count de Prébois -Crancé had landed at Guaymas. This is what had occurred. - -Immediately after that conversation with his daughter, of which we have -quoted a part, the general paid a visit to Señor Don Antonio Mendez -Pavo. This visit was a long one. The two gentlemen conversed secretly -together, after which the general returned to his house rubbing his -hands. - -In the meanwhile Don Louis was at San Francisco, sorrowful and gloomy, -ashamed of the result of an expedition so well begun, furious with the -traitors who had caused its failure, and burning--shall we confess -it?--in spite of Valentine's wise exhortations, to take his revenge. -From several quarters simultaneously influential persons invited the -count to undertake a second expedition. The money requisite for the -purchase of arms and enrolment of volunteers was offered him. Louis had -also had secret interviews with two bold adventurers, Colonel Walker and -Colonel Fremont, who at a later date was a candidate for the presidency -of the United States. These two men made him advantageous offers; but -the count declined them, owing to the omnipotent intervention of the -hunter. - -Still the count had fallen into a black melancholy. The man once so -gentle and benevolent had become harsh and sardonic. He doubted himself -and others. The treachery to which he had been a victim embittered his -character to such a degree that his best friends began to be seriously -apprehensive. - -He never spoke of Doña Angela--her name never rose from his heart to his -lips; but his hand frequently sought on his breast the relic she gave -him on their first meeting, and when he was alone he kissed it fondly -with many a tear. The arrival of Curumilla at San Francisco produced -a complete change; the count appeared to have suddenly recovered all -his hopes and all his illusions; the smile reappeared on his lips, and -fugitive rays of gaiety illumined his brow. - -Two men arrived soon after Curumilla, whose names we will not mention, -lest we should sully the pages of this book. In a few days these men, -doubtlessly following the instructions they had received, took complete -possession of the count's mind, and hurled him back into the torrent -from which his foster-brother had found such difficulty in drawing him. - -One evening the two were seated in a room of the house they occupied in -common, and smoking a pipe after dinner. - -"You will come with me, my brother, I trust?" the count said, turning to -Valentine. - -"Then you really mean to go?" the latter said with a sigh. - -"What are we doing here?" - -"Nothing, it is true. My life is a burden to me, as yours is to you; -but we have before us the boundless desert, the immense horizon of the -prairies. Why not recommence our happy life of hunting and liberty, -instead of trusting to the fallacious promises of these heartless -Mexicans, who have already made you suffer so deeply, and whose infamous -treachery brought you to your present condition?" - -"I must," the count said with resolution. - -"Listen," Valentine went on. "You no longer possess that ardent -enthusiasm which sustained you on your first expedition. You lack faith. -You do not yourself believe in success." - -"You are mistaken, brother. I am more certain of, success now than I -was then; for I have as my allies the men who were formerly my most -obstinate foes." - -Valentine burst into a mocking laugh. - -"Do you still believe in that?" he said to him. - -The count blushed. - -"Well, no," he said. "I will conceal nothing from you. My destiny drags -me on. I know that I am proceeding, not to conquest, but to death. But -no matter; I must, I will see her again. Here, read!" - -The count drew from his breast the letter Curumilla brought him, and -handed it to Valentine; the latter read it. - -"Well," he said, "I prefer your being frank with me. I will follow you." - -"Thanks! Good heavens!" he added sadly, "I do not deceive myself: I -know the old Latin proverb which says _Non bis in idem_: what is once -missed is so for ever. I do not allow myself to be deceived by the -hypocritical protestations of General Guerrero and his worthy acolyte, -Señor Pavo. I know perfectly well that both will betray me on the first -opportunity. Well, be it so. I shall have seen again the woman who -expects me, who summons me, who is all in all to me. If I fall I shall -have a tomb worthy of me. The road I have traced others happier than I -will follow, and bear civilisation to those countries which you and I -once dreamed of emancipating." - -Valentine could not restrain a sad smile at these words, which -completely revealed the count's character--a strange composite of the -most varying elements, and in which passion, pride, and enthusiasm waged -an unceasing contest. - -The next day Louis opened a recruiting office, and a week later embarked -on board a schooner with his volunteers. The voyage commenced with an -evil augury, for the adventurers were wrecked. Had it not been for -Curumilla, who saved him at the risk of his life, it would have been all -over with the count. The adventurers remained twelve days abandoned on a -rock. - -"The Romans would have seen a foreboding in our shipwreck," the -count said with a sigh, "and would have given up an expedition so -inauspiciously begun." - -"We should do wisely in following their example," Valentine said sadly: -"there is yet time." - -The count shrugged his shoulders in reply. A few days later they arrived -at Guaymas. Señor Pavo received the count most kindly, and proposed, -himself, to present him to the general. - -"I wish to make your peace," he said to him. - -Don Louis allowed him to do so. His heart beat at the thought that he -was possibly about to see Doña Angela again, but nothing of the sort -took place. The general was extremely gracious to the count, spoke to -him with feigned candour, and appeared ready to accept his propositions. -Don Louis brought with him two hundred men and arms, and placed his -sword at his disposal, if he intended to join the Governor-General -Alvarez. Don Sebastian, while not replying absolutely to these advances, -still allowed it to be seen that they were not displeasing to him; he -even went further, for he almost promised the count to give him the -command of the French battalion--a promise which, on his side, the count -feigned to hear with the greatest pleasure. - -This interview was followed by several others, in which, always -excepting the numberless protestations the general lavished on the -count, the latter could obtain nothing except a species of tacit -permission to take the command of the volunteers, in concert with the -chief of the battalion. This permission was more injurious than useful -to the count, however, as it rendered a great part of the Frenchmen -indisposed toward him, for they were angry at the general appointing -them a new leader. - -During the week the count had been at Guaymas the general had not -said a word to him about Doña Angela, and it had been impossible for -him to see her. On the day when we find him again at Don Sebastian's -house, matters had reached such a pitch between the inhabitants and -the French, that immediate repression was urgent in order to prevent -great calamities. Several Frenchmen had been insulted--two had even -been stabbed in the public streets; the _cívicos_ and inhabitants made -growling threats against the volunteers; and there was in the air that -something which forebodes a great catastrophe, which no one, however, -can explain. - -The general pretended to feel deeply the insults offered the French. He -promised the count that prompt and full justice should be done, and the -assassins arrested. The truth was that the general, before striking the -great blow he was meditating, wished for the arrival of the powerful -reinforcements he expected from Hermosillo in order to crush the French, -and he only sought to gain time. - -The count withdrew. - -The next day the insults began again, and the French saw the assassins, -whom the general had promised to punish, walking impudently about the -streets. The battalion began to grow fearfully excited, and a fresh -deputation, at the head of which the count was placed, was sent to the -general. The count peremptorily demanded that justice should be done, -two cannon given to the battalion for its security, and that the cívicos -should be at once disarmed; for these men, drawn from the dregs of the -populace, occasioned all the disorders. - -Once again the general protested his kindly feeling toward the French, -and promised to deliver to them two guns; but he would not hear a -word about disarming the cívicos, alleging as his reason that such a -step might irritate the population and produce an ill effect. While -accompanying the Frenchmen to the very door of the saloon he told -them that, in order to prove the confidence he placed in them, he -would himself come without an escort to their barracks, and hear their -complaints. - -The step the general took was a bold one, and therefore sure to succeed, -especially with Frenchmen, who are good judges of bravery, and correct -appreciators of everything that is daring. The general kept his promise; -he really proceeded alone to the French quarters, in spite of the -recommendations of his officers; he even answered them in a way which -proves how thoroughly he was acquainted with the character of Frenchmen. - -A colonel, among others, demonstrated to him the imprudence of thus -placing himself defencelessly in the hands of men exasperated by the -vexations of every description from which they had suffered so long. - -"You do not know what you are saying, colonel. The Gauls in no way -resemble the Mexicans: with them the point of honour is everything. -I know very well that the question will be discussed of keeping me -prisoner; but there is one man who will never consent, and who will -defend me if necessary: that man is the Count de Prébois Crancé." - -The general judged correctly: all happened as he said. It was the -count who energetically opposed his arrest, which was already almost -resolved. The general left the barracks in the same way as he entered -them. No one dared to utter a word of reproach in his presence. On the -contrary, thanks to the honeyed eloquence with which he was gifted, he -succeeded so well in turning opinions in his favour, that every one -overwhelmed him with protestations of devotion, and an ovation was -almost offered him. - -The result of this audacious visit was immense for the general; -for, through the effect he had contrived to produce on the mass of -volunteers, a division commenced among them almost immediately after -his departure, and they no longer agreed. One party wished for peace at -any price; the others demanded war with loud shouts, insisting that he -was deceiving them, and that they would be once again the dupes of the -Mexicans. - -The latter were right, for they saw clearly; but, as ever happens, they -were not listened to, and in conclusion they came to a compromise, which -is always bad in such circumstances; that is to say, a committee was -appointed to come to an understanding with the government, and regulate -the affairs of the battalion. - -As may be seen, the mine was charged: a spark would be sufficient to -enkindle an immense fire. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE BEGINNING OF THE END. - - -It was night. In a small house at Guaymas, Louis and Valentine were -conversing by the light of a meagre candle, which only spread a smoking -and trembling illumination. They were discussing the measures by which -to expedite the finale of the gloomy machinations in which General -Guerrero had managed to enfold them with diabolical cunning, while -Curumilla was peacefully sleeping in a corner of the room. - -"I foresaw it," Valentine said. "Now it is too late to draw back. We -must act energetically: if not, you are lost." - -"Eh, my friend? I am so in every way." - -"What! will you really break down when the hour of danger has pealed?" - -"I do not fear it: it will be welcome. I should wish to die, brother." - -"Come, be a man. Regain your courage, but make haste. Have you noticed -the arms and ammunition continually arriving? Believe me, we must make -an end of it, one way or other, as speedily as possible." - -"Yes, I know as well as you that the general is deceiving us; but these -volunteers are not the men I had at Hermosillo. These fellows hesitate -and are afraid. Their commandant is incapable of acting: he is a -vacillating, irresolute man. With such people we can achieve nothing." - -"I am afraid so: still it is better to know at once on what you have to -depend than to remain any longer in this state of uncertainty." - -"Tomorrow the delegates will go and see the general." - -"Let them go to the deuce: they will be at least certain of obtaining a -categorical answer from him," Valentine said impatiently. - -At this moment two light taps were heard at the street door. - -"Who can arrive so late?" the count said. "I expect nobody." - -"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the -people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors." - -And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into -the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,-- - -"Look, look! I am pursued!" - -Valentine rushed out. - -Although this woman was _tapada_--that is to say, her features were -completely hidden by a rebozo--the count recognised her at once. What -other woman but Doña Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, -in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting -into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all -those attentions which her condition demanded. - -"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. -"What has happened?" - -In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her -forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of -intense happiness. - -"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into -tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms. - -Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was -suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were -haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was -agitated by a convulsive tremor. - -"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, -explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me." - -"If I love you, poor cherished one of my heart!" she said with a sigh as -she laid her hand in his. "If I love you! Alas! I love you to death, Don -Louis; and this love will kill me." - -"Speak not so, my well-beloved angel! Dispel these gloomy thoughts: let -us only think of our love." - -"No, Don Louis, I have not come to you to speak of love: I have come to -save you." - -"To save me!" he said with feigned gaiety. "Do you believe me, then, to -be in great peril?" - -"Don Louis, you are running an immense risk. Take heed of my words. Do -not look at me so with a smile: tomorrow you will be a lost man. All the -measures are taken. I heard all: it is horrible! And that is the way I -learnt your return to Guaymas, of which I was ignorant. Then I ran off -madly, wildly to you, in order to say to you, 'Fly, fly, Don Louis!'" - -"Fly!" he repeated thoughtfully. "And you, Angela, must I lose you again -this time and for ever? No, I prefer death." - -"I will go with you; for am I not your affianced, your wife in the sight -of Heaven? Come, come, Don Louis, let us go--not lose a minute, a -second. Your black horse will carry us beyond pursuit in two hours. But -take your weapons, for I was followed by a man as I came here from my -father's house." - -She spoke with strange volubility, like a person talking in a fever. The -count knew not what resolution to follow, when suddenly a loud noise was -heard in the street, and the door, which was only leant to, flew wide -open. - -"Save me, save me!" the poor child exclaimed, a prey to indescribable -terror. - -Don Louis bounded on his pistols, and placed himself resolutely before -her. - -"Oh, you shall come, you villain!" Valentine's voice was heard outside. -"You shall not escape me this time. Come, walk in, or I'll quicken your -motions with my dagger." - -And with a vigorous effort the hunter entered the room, dragging after -him a man who made futile efforts to escape. - -"Shut the door, Louis," Valentine continued. "And now, my worthy spy, -show me your treacherous face, that I may be able to recognise you -again." - -Curumilla had left the corner in which he had hitherto been sleeping. -Without uttering a syllable he drew Doña Angela behind a mosquito net, -which completely concealed her, and then rejoined his friends, candle -in hand. All this while the prisoner offered an obstinate resistance to -prevent his features being seen; but he did not say a word, contenting -himself with uttering hoarse and indistinct exclamations of rage. At -length, after a long struggle, the stranger seemed to comprehend that -all his efforts would be in vain: he drew himself up, took off his -cloak, and crossed his arms on his chest. - -"Well, look at me, as you insist on doing so," he said with a sarcastic -accent. - -"Don Cornelio!" the Frenchmen exclaimed. - -"Myself, gentlemen. How have you been since I last had the pleasure of -seeing you?" he continued with serpent coolness. - -"Miserable traitor!" Valentine yelled as he rushed on him. - -But the count checked him. - -"Wait," he said. - -"I betrayed you, it is true," Don Cornelio replied. "What next? I had -probably a motive in doing so. I know you are going to say that you -did me many services. What does that prove, if you did me in a single -day more injury than all the good you did me during the course of our -relations?" - -"I did you an injury! You lie, you scoundrel!" - -"Señor conde," Don Cornelio said with a haughty air, "I would remind you -that I am a gentleman, and will not allow you to address me in the way -you are now doing." - -"This wretch is mad, on my soul!" the count said with a smile of pity. -"Let him go, brother; he is unworthy of our anger: he only merits our -contempt." - -"Not so," Valentine sharply objected. "This man is the general's tool: -we cannot let him go thus." - -"What shall we do with him? Sooner or later we must release him." - -"That is possible, but for the present we will hand him over to the care -of Curumilla." - -The Indian gave a nod of assent, and seizing Don Cornelio, led him -away. The latter allowed him to do so without offering the slightest -resistance. - -"We shall meet again, gentlemen," he said with a mocking smile. - -The Indian looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and drew him into -another room. Doña Angela then emerged from behind the curtain. - -"I am waiting for you, Don Louis," she said. - -The latter shook his head sadly. - -"Alas!" he said, "I cannot fly: my life is not my own. I have sworn to -my comrades not to abandon them. Were I to fly, I should be a traitor." - -Doña Angela went up to him and bent gracefully over him. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she said. "You are acting as a caballero. Follow -your destiny. Your honour is as dear to me as to yourself. I wish it -to be unspotted. I no longer insist. Farewell! Give me a kiss on the -forehead: we shall not meet again till the day of our death." - -All at once a cry was heard in the street, so horrible that the three -persons shuddered with terror. The door opened, and Curumilla stalked -in: his face was calm, and his step as measured as usual. - -"You went out by the door of the corral then, chief?" Valentine asked -him. - -"Yes." - -"But what have you done with Don Cornelio?" - -"Free," the Indian said. - -"What! free?" Don Louis exclaimed. - -"There must be something in the background," the hunter remarked. "Why -did you give him his liberty?" - -Curumilla drew his knife from his waist belt, and the blade was red with -blood. - -"You need no longer fear him," he said. - -"You have not killed him?" the three exclaimed simultaneously. - -"No," he said. "He is dumb and blind." - -"Oh!" they said with a gesture of horror. - -Curumilla had simply scooped out Don Cornelio's eyes with his scalping -knife, and torn out his tongue; then he led him to the other end of the -town, and abandoned him to his fate. Valentine and Don Louis considered -it useless to address any reproaches to the chief, which could not -repair the evil, and which, indeed, the Araucano would not have -understood; consequently they refrained from any observation. - -Doña Angela, in spite of the count's entreaties, would not consent to -him accompanying her on her return home. She withdrew, after whispering -in his ear the parting recommendation,-- - -"Take heed of tomorrow, Don Louis." - -The count smiled, and she flew away like a bird, leaving behind her very -sad and naked the little room which she had illumined for a short time -with her presence. - -"Come," the count said, as he fell hack in a butaca so soon as she was -gone, "it seems that tomorrow will bring the finale: all the better. -Still the man that takes me will have to pay dearly for it." - -The next day, as had been arranged, the delegates of the volunteers -waited on the general, who received them in his usual way, lavishing -protestations and promises on them. The delegates pressed for a -settlement, on which Don Sebastian, who was doubtlessly ready to deal -the blow he had so long meditated, changed his tone and dismissed -them, bidding them await his good pleasure. The delegates withdrew, -exasperated by the roguery of the man in whom they had been so weak -as to place confidence, and who now proved to them that he had been -deceiving them from the beginning. - -The volunteers were anxiously expecting the answer their delegates were -to bring them. When the latter described what had taken place their -exasperation reached its height: the cry "To arms!" was raised, and -everyone prepared for fighting. The chief of the battalion completely -lost his head. - -"Bid them form a square," the count said to him. The order was obeyed. -The count placed himself in the centre of the square, and raised his -hand to command silence. - -All were still: the moment was a solemn one, and all perceived it. In -spite of himself, a certain degree of hesitation was depicted on the -count's handsome face: not that he feared for himself personally, but he -felt that he was about to risk his last stake, and it would be decisive. -Everyone had his eyes fixed upon him. - -"You hesitate, count," an officer said to him. "Why did you join us, -then? Are you no longer the man of Hermosillo?" - -At this sharp remark a vivid blush suffused the count's cheek, and he -trembled with suppressed passion. - -"No," he exclaimed, "no, by heavens! I do not hesitate. My friends, -reflect: there is yet time. Remember that, the sword once drawn, we -become outlaws. What will you do?" - -"Fight--fight!" the volunteers shouted, waving their weapons -enthusiastically. - -The count drew himself up, unsheathed his sword, and brandished it over -his head. - -"You wish it?" he shouted. - -"Yes, yes!" - -"Well, then, forwards! Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the volunteers replied. - -The battalion, formed in four companies, resolutely left its -quarters, and proceeded at a quick step toward the Mexican barracks. -Unfortunately, as we have said, a dissension had sprung up among the -French. Many of them marched very unwillingly, being forced on by their -comrades. The chief of the battalion, too, though personally very brave, -was not the man suited to attempt a _coup de main_ like the present one; -and the count, through excess of delicacy, and in order to maintain -unity of action, committed the fault of declining the command when -offered to him by the officers and men. - -The battalion proceeded toward the Mexican barracks by three different -roads. But General Guerrero had made his arrangements long before. He -had shut himself up in these barracks with three hundred troops of the -line. The neighbouring houses were crammed with cívicos, while four guns -commanded the only approaches. The Frenchmen only amounted to three -hundred men, one half of them discouraged, while the Mexicans were -nearly two thousand. - -Still the action began vigorously on all sides at once. The first charge -was admirable. The Mexican guns swept down the attacking party, and -effected a frightful carnage. Still the French held their ground, and -continued to advance, supported by the example of the count, who walked -fifteen paces in advance of the column, with a rifle in one hand and -a sword in the other, amid a hail-storm of bullets, shouting in his -powerful voice,-- - -"Forward! forward!" - -All at once, the chief of the battalion, who ought to have supported the -attack on the right, seeing his company decimated by canister, lost his -head completely, and fell back in disorder on the French quarters. The -count tried in vain to rally the volunteers; disorder was beginning to -spread among them, and all his efforts were powerless. - -It was at this moment the count understood the fault he had committed -by not accepting the chief command. Still the Mexican guns no longer -fired, for the artillerymen were dead. - -"Forward! Charge with the bayonet!" the count shouted; and he rushed -onward, followed by Valentine and Curumilla, who did not remain an inch -behind. Some twenty volunteers dashed after him. The count rushed up -to the wall of the barracks, which he succeeded in scaling, and stood -upright on the summit, exposed to the whole of the enemy's fire. - -"Forward! forward!" he repeated. - -His hat, pierced by balls, was blown off his head, and several -bayonet-thrusts tore his clothes. A terrible hand-to-hand contest -commenced. Unfortunately there were only fifteen Frenchmen altogether. -After a heroic attempt to hold their ground they were compelled to give -way; but they fell back like lions, pace by pace, with their faces -turned to the foe, and not ceasing to fight. The count howled with -rage: tears of passion poured down his cheeks at seeing himself thus -abandoned. He wished to die. But in vain did he throw himself into the -thickest of the fight: his friends protected him, in spite of himself, -against the blows dealt at him. At length the route commenced. The count -broke his sword, after a glance of powerless fury at his enemies, whom, -had he been bravely supported, he would have conquered, and who thus -escaped him. - -Valentine and Curumilla dragged him down to the port; but the vessel -which brought him had set sail during the combat. Flight was impossible. -In this extremity only one house could offer a refuge to the conquered: -it was that of the French agent, and the volunteers flocked to it. - -Señor Pavo promised that all those who delivered their arms up to him -should be placed under the protection of the French flag. The count had -entered the house and thrown himself into a chair, insensible to all -that was said and done around him; but Valentine was watching. - -"A moment," he said. "Señor Pavo, will the life of Count de Prébois -Crancé be saved?" - -The Mexican looked craftily at the hunter, but made no answer. - -"No shuffling, sir," Valentine continued. "We want a distinct answer, or -we shall renew the engagement." - -As it was no longer possible to hesitate Señor Pavo spoke. - -"Gentlemen," he said in a clear and distinct voice, "on my honour I -swear to you that the life of Count Louis de Prébois Crancé shall be -spared." - -"We shall remember your words, sir," Valentine said sternly. - -Don Antonio Pavo hoisted a white flag as a signal of peace. Nearly the -whole battalion of volunteers had sought refuge at his house. The battle -was over; it had lasted three hours. The French had thirty-eight men -killed, and sixty-three wounded, out of three hundred combatants. The -Mexicans lost thirty-five men during the action, and had one hundred and -forty-seven wounded, out of about two thousand soldiers. The battle -had been warmly contested, and the conquerors paid dearly for a victory -which was the result of treachery. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE CATASTROPHE. - - -Immediately after the combat a delicious comedy, began between Don -Antonio Pavo and General Guerrero. The latter would not listen to any -proposition tending to obtain for the French a written capitulation. He -confined himself to giving his word of honour as a general officer, that -if the arms were surrendered to him at once, _all_ the rebels should -have their lives granted them. Don Antonio was constrained to yield -to the general's orders. The arms were surrendered, the French made -prisoners of war, and locked up. - -So soon as night fell, Colonel Suarez, accompanied by four other -officers, presented himself at the house of Don Antonio Pavo, demanding, -in the name of General Guerrero, that the Count de Prébois Crancé should -be immediately handed over to him. Don Antonio hastened to obey by -giving the count orders to quit his house. The latter, without replying, -contented himself with darting a glance of sovereign contempt at him, -and surrendered to the colonel. A quarter of an hour later he was in -solitary confinement. Of all the combatants only two had escaped, -Valentine and Curumilla, and that was only at the count's peremptory -order. - -We repeat it here, although the names are changed, and certain facts -have, been expressly altered, we are not writing a romance, but the -history of a man whose noble character must be dear to all his fellow -countrymen. There are, then, certain things which we cannot and ought -not to pass over in silence, though frequently in the course of this -long narrative we have softened down facts which we felt a repugnance to -display in all their horror. - -Despite the solemn promise made by Don Antonio Pavo in the presence of -all the volunteers, a few days after his illegal arrest the count was -told to prepare for trial. The Europeans were aroused by this disloyal -act, and several of them went to Don Antonio to remind him of his -promise, and incite him to keep it Then Don Antonio asserted that he -never made any promise, and that the affair in no way concerned him. - -In the meanwhile the preparations for the count's trial were actively -pushed on. All the officers of the battalion, including the commandant, -were interrogated, and all, with one exception, we are compelled to -confess, sought to throw the whole blame of their conduct on the count. -Not a single witness for the defence was examined; for what was the use -of it? The accused was condemned beforehand. - -When the count was arrested he still had in his waist belt the pistols -with which he marched into action. General Guerrero ordered that -they should be left him. He doubtless hoped that Louis, impelled by -despair, would, in a moment of terror, blow out his brains, and thus -spare himself the shame of signing the death warrant. But he was not -acquainted with the character of his enemy. The count possessed a mind -too strongly tried by that touchstone called misfortune to have recourse -to suicide, and tarnish the end of his career. - -In the meanwhile Valentine had not been inactive. If he had consented -to preserve his liberty, it was only in the hope of saving his -foster-brother. Two or three days before the count's secret imprisonment -was altered, toward evening, the door of his cell opened. He turned his -head mechanically to see who entered, uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him. The newcomer was Valentine. - -"You--you here!" he said to him. "Oh, thanks for coming!" - -"Did you not expect me, brother?" the hunter asked. - -"I expected your visit, though I did not dare count on it. You must be -exposed to a thousand annoyances, and compelled to conceal yourself?" - -"I! Not a bit of it." - -"All the better; you cannot imagine how happy I am at seeing you. But -who is the person accompanying you?" - -In truth, Valentine was not alone; another person had entered the cell -with him, and was standing motionless against the door, which the jailer -locked again, after introducing the visitors. - -"Do not trouble yourself about that person at present," Valentine said; -"let us talk about business." - -"Be it so: speak." - -"You know that you will be condemned to death. I suppose?" - -"I presume so." - -"Good! Now listen to me, and, above all, do not interrupt me; for time -is precious, and we must profit by it. You understand that if I obeyed -you when you ordered me to escape, I did so because I suspected in what -way affairs would turn. Now the moment for action has arrived. All is -prepared for your flight; the jailers are bought--they will not see you -quit the prison. I have freighted a vessel. Take your hat, and come. In -ten minutes we shall be aboard, in half an hour under sail, and we will -leave Mexican justice to deal with you in your absence. Come, I have -managed capitally, I think, brother. You see that I have lost no time, -and all this is very simple." - -"Extremely simple indeed," the count replied with the utmost calmness. -"I thank you for what you have done for me." - -"Indeed, brother, it is not worth thanking for." - -The count laid his hand on his arm to interrupt him. - -"But," he continued, "I cannot accept your offer." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed with a start of surprise. "What do you say, -brother? You must be jesting." - -"Not at all, brother. What I say is the truth. It is my inflexible will -to leave to the Mexican people the iniquity of my condemnation, the -indelible stain of my death. I will not fly: I cannot--I ought not; for -it would be an act of cowardice on my part. A soldier does not abandon -his post. A gentleman does not sully his escutcheon. A Frenchman has not -the right to dishonour his name. I die for a noble and grand idea--the -emancipation and regeneration of a people. That idea required a baptism -of blood to make it prosper and bear fruit at a later date. I give it -mine without regret--without a thought of self, gladly--I will say -almost with happiness. Brother, in a prison thoughts ripen quickly: it -is probably because a man is nearer the tomb there, and life appears to -him what it really is--a dream. I have thought much. I have reflected -deeply. I have weighed with the utmost impartiality the for and against -of the two questions, and I prefer death. I knew what you would attempt -for me. Your life has been one long devotion; but that devotion must -this night accomplish its greatest sacrifice in letting me die, and -not attempting to save me. A man like I am must not secure his life by -trickery. I pledged my head as the stake in the game I played. I lost, -and I pay my debt." - -"Brother, brother, do not speak so!" Valentine exclaimed with despair; -"you break my heart." - -"Reflect, my good Valentine, on the position in which I now stand. I am -tried contrary to the law of nations. Hence my position is a fine one; -my judges will endure all the disgrace of my condemnation. If I fly, -I shall be nothing more than any common adventurer--a pirate, as they -call me, prodigal of his companions' blood, and chary of his own. Must I -not acquit the debt I have contracted with all my friends, who died to -defend my cause? Come, brother, do not try to convince me, for it would -be useless. I repeat to you, my resolution cannot be shaken." - -"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed again, with an outburst of passion he could -not repress, "you are determined to die. But do you reflect that, in -dying, you drag down with you to the grave another person? Do you -believe that she will consent to live when----" - -"Silence!" the count interrupted him in great agitation. "Do not speak -to me of her. Poor Angela! Alas! why did she love me?" - -"Why!" the person who accompanied Valentine, and had hitherto remained -motionless, exclaimed. "Because you are great, Louis; because your heart -is immense." - -"Oh!" he said with grief, "Angela! Brother, brother, what have you done?" - -The hunter made no reply, for he was weeping. His iron nature was -broken; the strong man wept like a child. - -"Do not reproach him for having brought me, Don Louis. I wished to -come--I insisted on accompanying him." - -"Alas!" the count replied with an ineffable sadness, "you break my -heart, poor darling child. In your presence all my resolution and -courage abandon me. Oh! why have you come to revive, by your presence, -regrets which nothing will be able to calm again?" - -"You are mistaken, Don Louis," she said with febrile energy. "You -believe me to be a weak woman, without courage. My love for you is too -true and too pure for me ever to advise you to do anything against your -honour or your glory. Just now, concealed in that obscure corner, I -listened eagerly to your words. I was happy at hearing you speak as you -did. I love you, Don Louis, oh, as man never was loved in this world! -But I love you for yourself, and not for myself. Your glory is as dear -to me as you are. Your memory must remain without a stain, as your life -has been unsullied. Don Louis, I, to whom you are all in all, the man -for whom I would sacrifice my life if necessary, I have come to say to -you, 'Dear count, die nobly, with head erect: fall like a hero! Your -memory will be revered as that of a martyr.'" - -"Yes, thanks, thanks for saying that to me, Angela," the count said as -he pressed her in his arms with passionate energy; "you restore me all -my energy." - -"And now farewell, count, to meet again soon." - -The count went up to Valentine. - -"Your hand, brother," he said to him. "Forgive me for not desiring to -live." - -The hunter threw himself into his brother's arms, and the two remained -thus enfolded for several minutes. At length the count liberated himself -from this loving prison by a heroic effort. Valentine left the cell, not -having the strength to utter a word, and supporting Doña Angela, who, in -spite of the courage she had displayed, felt on the point of fainting. - -The door closed again, and the count remained alone. He fell back -in his chair, leaned his elbows on the table, buried his face in his -hands, and remained in this position the whole night through. The next -morning, at an early hour, Don Louis was fetched to go to the court. The -interrogatory was over, and the pleading was about to begin. - -The count had chosen as his defender a young captain of the name of -Borunda, who during the siege of Hermosillo had been taken prisoner by -the French at the attack on the bridge head. Borunda had remembered the -generous manner in which the count had treated him at that period. His -pleading was what might be expected from the young and noble officer, -simple, pathetic, and imprinted with that eloquence which comes from -the heart, and nothing can equal. Assuredly the count would have been -acquitted, had not his death been decided beforehand. - -Don Louis, who during the entire discussion remained calm and apathetic, -listening to the false statements and calumnious imputations of the -witnesses without quivering, or addressing a reproach to those ingrates -who sacrificed him in this cowardly way, felt affected by his defender's -glowing language. He rose and held out his hand to him with inimitable -grace. - -"Thank you, sir," he said to him. "I am happy at having found a man like -yourself among so many enemies. Your pleading was as it should be, and -money will not repay such words." - -Then, drawing from his finger the ring bearing his coat of arms, which -he had always worn since leaving France, he passed it on to the -captain's finger, adding,-- - -"Accept this ring, and keep it in remembrance of me." - -The captain pressed his hand, but could not reply.[1] - -The judges retired to deliberate. They returned at the expiration of -five minutes. Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, unanimously found guilty, -was condemned to be shot. The sworn interpreter of the court was then -called on by the president to translate the sentence to the condemned; -but then a strange incident occurred. This interpreter rose and -addressed the court. - -"No, gentlemen," he said resolutely; "I will not translate this unjust -sentence, which you will soon regret having pronounced." - -This energetic protest abashed the judges for an instant. The -interpreter was discharged on the spot. He was a Spaniard. - -"Gentlemen," the count then said with the greatest coolness, "I -understand your language sufficiently well to know that you have -condemned me to death. May Heaven pardon you, as I do!" - -He bowed to the judges with a smile, and withdrew as calm as he entered. - -The count was immediately placed in _capilla_. It is the fashion in -Spain and all Southern America for men condemned to death to be placed -in a room, at one end of which is an altar. Near the bed stands the -coffin in which the body of the condemned will be laid after the -execution. The walls are hung with black cloth, on which silver tears -and mournful inscriptions are sewn. This custom, which is very cruel in -our opinion, and is evidently a relic of the barbarous medieval times, -is probably intended to imbue the condemned with religious ideas. - -The count was in no way influenced by these mournful trappings, but -employed himself with the utmost tranquillity in setting his affairs -in order. The very day he was put in _capilla_ Valentine entered his -cell, followed by Father Seraphin. He was the priest he would most -certainly have sent for to console him in his last moments, had he known -where to find him; but Valentine thought of everything. By his orders -Curumilla went on the search, and the worthy Indian soon discovered the -missionary, who, on learning the nature of the case, hastened to follow -him. - -Still the condemnation of the count had produced an extraordinary -emotion. While the cívicos and other bandits of the town indulged in -indecent joy, parading the streets with bands of music at their head, -the upper classes and sound portion of the population displayed extreme -sorrow. They spoke of nothing less than preventing the execution of the -sentence, and for some hours General Guerrero trembled lest his victim -should escape him. - -The Vice-Consul of the United States, indignant at this unjust sentence, -but not having the power to act officially, proceeded to Don Antonio -Pavo with the hope of inducing him to act energetically, and save the -count. Don Antonio refused. While protesting the sorrow he felt, nothing -could make him recall his refusal. - -Still Don Antonio understood that he could not refrain from paying a -visit to the count. Valentine was with him, as well as Father Seraphin. -The hunter had obtained leave to remain with his foster brother till -the last moment. The count received Don Antonio with an icy face. -He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders in contempt when -the latter tried to exculpate himself, and alleviate all that was -reprehensible in his conduct. The count handed him several papers, and, -interrupting him roughly in the midst of a very involved sentence, in -which he was trying to prove how innocent he was of all imputed to him, -said dryly,-- - -"Listen to me, sir. I am willing, if it is of any use to you, to give -you a letter, in which I acknowledge that your conduct toward me was -always irreproachable; but on one condition----" - -"What is it, sir?" he asked eagerly. - -"I do not wish to be shot on my knees, and with my eyes bandaged. You -understand me, sir? I want to look death in the face. Go and arrange -that with the governor." - -"That favour shall be granted you, I can assure you, sir," he answered, -delighted at having been let off so easily. - -He went out and kept his word. What did the count's enemies care whether -he fell standing or on his knees, with eyes bandaged or not? Their great -object was that he should be dead. Still General Guerrero profited by -this opportunity to appear generous at a small cost. - -The next day but one Valentine brought Doña Angela with him: the maiden -had donned that monk's robe which she had already worn under critical -circumstances. - -"Is it for today?" the count asked. - -"Yes," Valentine answered. - -Louis took his foster-brother on one side. - -"Swear to me to protect that child when I am no longer here to do so." - -"I swear it!" Valentine said in a broken voice. - -Doña Angela heard the words. She smiled sadly as she wiped away a tear. - -"Now, brother, there is another oath I must obtain from you." - -"Speak, brother." - -"Swear to do what I ask you, whatever it may be." - -Valentine looked at his foster-brother: he saw such anxiety depicted on -his face that he let his eyes fall. - -"I swear it!" he said in a hollow voice. - -He had guessed what Don Louis was about to demand of him. - -"I do not wish you to avenge me. Believe me, brother, God will take that -vengeance on Himself, and sooner or later punish my enemies in a more -terrible manner than you can do. Do you promise to obey me?" - -"You have my word, brother," the hunter answered. - -"Thanks! Now let me say good-by to this poor girl." - -And he walked toward Doña Angela, who advanced to meet him. We will not -describe their conversation. They forgot everything during an hour to -live an age of joy by isolating themselves, and speaking heart to heart. -Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside, the door of the capilla opened, -and Colonel Suarez appeared. - -"I am at your orders, colonel," the count said, not giving the other -time to speak. - -He passed his fingers for the last time through his moustache, smoothed -his hair, took up his Panama straw hat, which he held in his hand, and -after taking a melancholy glance around, went out. - -Father Seraphin walked on his right; Doña Angela, with the hood over her -head, on his left. Valentine came next, tottering like a drunken man, in -spite of all the efforts he made, with haggard eyes, and face bathed in -tears. There was something heart-rending in the aspect of this man, with -the energetic features and bronzed face, a prey to such grief, which was -the more profound because it was silent. - -It was six in the morning, the sun had just risen, the dawn was -magnificent, the atmosphere was filled with perfume, nature seemed -rejoicing, and a man full of life, health, and intellect was about to -die--die brutally, struck by unworthy foemen. - -An immense crowd covered the place of execution, and the troops were -drawn up in battle array. General Guerrero, in full uniform, glistening -with precious stones, appeared at the head of the troops. - -The count walked slowly, talking with the missionary, and from time to -time addressing a word to the heroic girl, who refused to abandon him at -this supreme hour. He held his hat before his face to protect him from -the sunbeams, and fanned himself carelessly. On reaching the execution -ground he stopped, went in the direction of the firing party, threw his -hat on the ground, and waited. - -An officer read his sentence. When this was over, the count -affectionately embraced the missionary, did the same to Valentine, and -whispered in his ear,-- - -"Remember!" - -"Yes," the latter said in an inarticulate voice. - -Then came the turn of Doña Angela. They remained for a long time in a -close embrace, and then separated as if by mutual agreement. - -"Though separated on the earth, we shall soon be united in heaven. -Courage, my beloved!" she said with exaltation. - -He replied to her with a smile which had nothing earthly about it. - -Father Seraphin and Valentine fell back about fifteen paces, knelt down -on the ground, and folded their hands in prayer. Doña Angela, with the -cowl still over her face, placed herself only a few paces from the -general, who watched all the preparations for the execution with a -triumphant smile. - -The count looked around him to assure himself that his friends had -retired, took a step forward nearer the firing party, from which he was -only eight yards, and laying his hands behind his hack, with head erect, -a smile on his lips, and a resolute glance, he called out in a clear, -impressive voice,-- - -"Come, my brave fellows, do your duty! Aim at the heart!" - -Then a strange event occurred. The officer stammered as he gave the -order to fire; and the soldiers, firing one after the other, did not hit -the sufferer. - -"Enough of this, caray!" the general shouted. - -The soldiers reloaded their muskets, and the order to fire was given -once more. A discharge burst forth like thunder, and the count fell with -his face to the earth. - -He was dead: progress counted one martyr more! - -"Farewell, father," a voice cried in the general's ear. "I keep my -promise." - -Don Sebastian turned in terror, for he had recognised his daughter's -voice. - -Doña Angela had fallen to the ground. Her father rushed toward her. It -was too late; he only pressed a corpse in his arms. His punishment had -already commenced. - -The count had scarce fallen ere Valentine rushed toward him, followed by -the missionary. - -"Let no one approach the body!" he said in a voice which made the -bravest recoil, and kneeling on his right, while the missionary placed -himself on the left, he prayed. - -Curumilla had disappeared. - -Those who tell us that the Count de Prébois Crancé was an adventurer, I -will merely ask what Hernando Cortez was on the day before the fall of -Mexico? - -In politics, as in everything else, the end justifies the means, and -success is only the consecration of genius. - - -[1] We are delighted to be able to state that Captain Borunda, in spite -of the brilliant offers afterwards made him, would not consent to part -with this ring.--G.A. - - - - -NOTE. - -Several of our friends have remarked to us with truth that the work -of justice we have attempted in this work would be incomplete if we -insisted on concealing our characters under their pseudonyms. We will, -therefore, obey our friends' wishes. Who does not remember the heroic -episode of Count Gaston de Raousset-Boulbon's life? The incident that -terminated it was, in spite of the political preoccupations of the -moment, considered a public calamity. - -It is the expedition of this great soldier, who only lacked a lever to -overturn a world, that we have attempted to describe. Don Louis is the -count. By the side of Consul Calvo, General Yanès, and the Commandant -Lebourgeois-Desmarets, a sinister trinity fatal to the count, the -first two through a mean hatred, the third through jealousy, also grin -the ignoble and gloomy faces of Colonel Campusano and Cubillas, those -subaltern agents, the buzzards who were less hideously ferocious than -the men who urged them to action. Now let us mention hap-hazard the -names of the few men who remained faithful to the count at all risks. -In the first rank we will name Monsieur A. de la Chapelle, editor -in chief of the _Messager de San Francisco,_ a private friend of -Raousset, who left him at his death the duty of avenging his memory, -and whom friendship inspired to write so fine a book; then Lenoir, -Gamier, Fayolle, and Lefranc, of whom the last three fell bravely -before Hermosillo; O. de la Chapelle, brother of the journalist, that -chivalrous chief of the Cocosperians; lastly, the Mexican captain, -Borunda, whose chivalrous pleading would have saved the count, had not -his death been resolved on. - -Twelve years have passed over the drama of Guaymas, and the hour has -arrived to do proper justice to the heroic victim of that unjustifiable -assassination. We, one of his obscurest friends, will be pleased if -our book, so incomplete as it may be, aids to any extent, however -slight, in effecting this rehabilitation so eagerly expected by all -honest hearts. We will add in conclusion, that the narrative has been -undertaken without any notes being prepared beforehand, and written -under the impression of ineffaceable memories, rather with the heart -than with the pen. - - -GUSTAVE AIMARD. - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 42742-8.txt or 42742-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/4/42742/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Indian Chief - The Story of a Revolution - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: May 20, 2013 [EBook #42742] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<h1>THE INDIAN CHIEF</h1> - -<h3>BY</h3> - -<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD,</h2> - -<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC.</h4> - - -<h5>LONDON</h5> - -<h5>WARD AND LOCK,</h5> - -<h5>158, FLEET STREET.</h5> - -<h5>MDCCCLXI.</h5> - - - -<hr class="full" /> -<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</a></h4> - -<p>With this volume terminates the series in which Gustave Aimard has -described the sad fate of the Count de Raousset-Boulbon, who fell a -victim to Mexican treachery. In the next volume to be published, under -the title of the "Trail Hunter," will be found the earlier history of -some of the characters whose acquaintance the reader has formed, I trust -with pleasure, in the present series.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 85%;">L.W.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4>CONTENTS.</h4> - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE INTERVIEW</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">THE MISSION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">THE SPY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">THE EXPLOSION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE FIRST POWDER BURNT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">REPRISALS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">GUETZALLI</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">THE ENVOY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">DOÑA ANGELA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">THE AMBASSADORS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">FATHER AND DAUGHTER</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">LA MAGDALENA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">THE COCK-FIGHT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">THE INTERVIEW</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">FATHER SERAPHIN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE SURPRISE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">THE FORWARD MARCH</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">BEFORE THE ATTACK</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">AFTER THE VICTORY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">THE BOAR AT BAY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">THE BEGINNING OF THE END</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">THE CATASTROPHE</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE INTERVIEW.</h3> - - -<p>The Jesuits founded in Mexico missions round which, with the patience -that constantly distinguished them, an unbounded charity, and a -perseverance which nothing could discourage, they succeeded in -collecting a large number of Indians, whom they instructed in the -principal and most touching dogmas of their faith—whom they baptized, -instructed, and induced to till the soil.</p> - -<p>These missions, at first insignificant and a great distance apart, -insensibly increased. The Indians, attracted by the gentle amenity of -the good fathers, placed themselves under their protection; and there -is no doubt that if the Jesuits, victims to the jealousy of the Spanish -viceroys, had not been shamefully plundered and expelled from Mexico, -they would have brought around them the majority of the fiercest <i>Indios -Bravos</i>, have civilised them, and made them give up their nomadic life.</p> - -<p>It is to one of these missions we purpose conducting the reader, a month -after the events we have narrated in a preceding work.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>The mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles was built on the right -bank of the Rio San Pedro, about sixty leagues from Pitic. Nothing can -equal the grandeur and originality of its position. Nothing can compare, -in wild grandeur and imposing severity, with the majestically terrible -landscape which presents itself to the vision, and fills the heart with -terror and a melancholy joy, at the sight of the frightful and gloomy -rocks which tower over the river like colossal walls and gigantic -parapets, apparently formed by some convulsion of nature; while in the -midst of this chaos, at the foot of these astounding precipices, past -which the river rushes in impetuous cascades, and in a delicious valley -covered with verdure, stands the house, commanded on three sides by -immense mountains, which raise their distant peaks almost to the heavens.</p> - -<p>Alas! this house, formerly so smiling, so animated, so gay and -happy—this remote corner of the world, which seemed a counterpart of -Eden, where, morning and night, hymns of gratitude, mingling with the -cascade, rose to the Omnipotent—this mission is now dead and desolate, -the houses are deserted and in ruins, the church roof has fallen in, -the grass has invaded the choir. The terrified members of this simple -and innocent community, scattered by persecution, sought refuge in the -desert, and returned to that savage life from which they were rescued -with so much difficulty. Wild beasts dwell in the house of God, and -nothing is heard save the voice of solitude murmuring unceasingly -through the deserted houses and crumbling walls, which parasitic plants -are rapidly invading, and will soon level with the ground, covering them -with a winding sheet of verdure.</p> - -<p>It was evening. The wind roared hoarsely through the trees. The sky, -like a dome of diamond, flashed with those millions of stars which are -also worlds; the moon spread around a vague and mysterious light; and -the atmosphere, refreshed by a gusty breeze, was embalmed with those -desert odours which it is so healthy to respire.</p> - -<p>Still the night was somewhat fresh, and three travellers, crouching -round a large <i>brasero</i> kindled amid the ruins, seemed to appreciate its -kindly warmth. These travellers, on whose hard features the changing -flashes of light were reflected, would have supplied a splendid subject -for an artist, with their strange costumes, as they were encamped there -in the midst of the wild and startling landscape.</p> - -<p>A little distance behind the principal group four hobbled horses were -munching their provender, while their riders, for their part, were -concluding a scanty meal, composed of a slice of venison, a few pieces -of <i>tasajo</i>, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with water -slightly dashed with refino to take off its hardness.</p> - -<p>These three men were Count Louis, Valentine, and Don Cornelio. Although -they ate like true hunters—that is to say, with good appetite, and not -losing a mouthful—it was easy to guess that our friends were engaged -with serious matters for thought. Their eyes wandered incessantly -around, consulting the shadows, and striving to pierce the darkness. -At times the hand stopped half way to the mouth—the lump of tasajo -remained in suspense: with their left hand they instinctively sought -the rifle that lay on the ground near them. They stretched forth their -necks, and listened attentively, analysing those thousand nameless -noises of the great American deserts, which all have a cause, and are an -infallible warning to the man who knows how to understand them.</p> - -<p>Still the meal drew to an end. Don Cornelio had seized his <i>jarana</i>; but -at a sign from Don Louis he laid it again by his side, wrapped himself -in his <i>zarapé</i>, and stretched himself out on the ground. Valentine was -in deep reflection. Louis had risen, and, leaning against a wall, looked -cautiously out into the desert. A long period elapsed ere a word was -exchanged, until Louis seated himself again by the hunter's side.</p> - -<p>"'Tis strange," he said.</p> - -<p>"What?" Valentine replied abstractedly.</p> - -<p>"Curumilla's prolonged absence. He has left us for nearly three hours -without telling us the reason, and has not returned yet."</p> - -<p>"Have you any suspicion of him?" the hunter said with a certain degree -of bitterness.</p> - -<p>"Brother," Louis replied, "you are unjust at this moment. I do not -suspect; I am restless, that is all. Like yourself, I feel a too lively -and sincere friendship for the chief not to fear some accident."</p> - -<p>"Curumilla is prudent; no one is so well acquainted as he with Indian -tricks. If he has not returned, there are important reasons for it, be -assured."</p> - -<p>"I am convinced of it; but the delay his absence causes us may prove -injurious."</p> - -<p>"How do you know, brother? Perhaps our safety depends on this very -absence. Believe me, Louis, I know Curumilla much better than you do. -I have slept too long side by side with him not to place the utmost -confidence in him. Thus, you see, I patiently await his return."</p> - -<p>"But supposing he has fallen into a snare, or has been killed?"</p> - -<p>Valentine regarded his foster brother with a most peculiar look; then he -replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, and an air of supreme contempt,—</p> - -<p>"He fallen into a snare! Curumilla dead! Nonsense, brother, you must be -jesting! You know perfectly well that is impossible."</p> - -<p>Louis had no objection to offer to this simple profession of faith.</p> - -<p>"At any rate," he continued presently, "you must allow that he has kept -us waiting a long time."</p> - -<p>"Why so? What do we want of him at this moment? You do not intend to -leave this bivouac, I fancy? Well, what consequence is it if he return -an hour sooner or later?"</p> - -<p>Louis made a sign of impatience, wrapped himself up in his zarapé, and -lay down by Don Cornelio's side, after growling,—</p> - -<p>"Good night."</p> - -<p>"Good night, brother," Valentine answered with a smile.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later, Don Louis, despite his ill temper, overcome by -fatigue, slept as if he were never to wake up again. Valentine allowed -a quarter of an hour to elapse ere he made a move; then he rose gently, -crept up to his foster brother, bent over him, and examined him -attentively for two or three minutes.</p> - -<p>"At length," he said, drawing himself up. "I was afraid he would insist -on sitting up and keeping me company."</p> - -<p>The hunter thrust into his girdle the pistols he had laid on the ground, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and stepping carefully across the -stones and rubbish that burdened the soil, rapidly but noiselessly -retired, and speedily disappeared in the darkness. He walked in this way -for about ten minutes, when he reached a dense thicket. Then he crouched -behind a shrub, and, after taking a cautious survey of the surrounding -country, whistled gently thrice, being careful to leave an equal space -of time between each signal. At the expiration of two or three minutes -the cry of the moorhen was heard twice from the midst of the trees that -bordered the river's bank only a few paces from the spot where the -hunter was standing.</p> - -<p>"Good!" the latter muttered. "Our friend is punctual; but, as the -wisdom of nations says somewhere that prudence is the mother of surety, -let us be prudent: that can do no harm when dealing with such scamps."</p> - -<p>And the worthy hunter set the hammer of his rifle. After taking this -precaution he left the thicket in which he had been concealed, and -advanced with apparent resolution, but still without neglecting any -precaution to avoid a surprise, toward the spot whence the reply to his -signal had come. When he had covered about half the distance four or -five persons came forward to meet him.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with -me. Attention!"</p> - -<p>Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the -nearest man.</p> - -<p>"Halt," he said, "or I fire!"</p> - -<p>"<i>Capo de Dios!</i> you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. -"You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your -rifle—you see that we are unarmed."</p> - -<p>"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms -concealed about your person?"</p> - -<p>"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you -venture to doubt it?"</p> - -<p>The hunter laughed.</p> - -<p>"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see -before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my -friends."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please."</p> - -<p>"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are -bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours."</p> - -<p>"As you please, Don Valentine: you shall arrange matters as you will. -Still, the first time we had a conference together, I found you much -more facile."</p> - -<p>"I do not deny it. Come alone, and we will talk."</p> - -<p>The stranger gave his companions a sign to stop where they were, and -advanced alone.</p> - -<p>"That will do," the hunter said as he uncocked his rifle, and rested the -butt on the ground, crossing his hands over the muzzle.</p> - -<p>The man to whom Valentine displayed so little confidence, or, to speak -more clearly, whom he doubted so greatly, was no other than General Don -Sebastian Guerrero.</p> - -<p>"There, now you must be satisfied. I think I have given you a great -proof of my condescension," the general said as he joined him.</p> - -<p>"You have probably your reasons for it," the hunter replied, with a -cunning look.</p> - -<p>"Sir!" the general haughtily objected.</p> - -<p>"Let us be brief and clear, like men who appreciate one another -correctly," Valentine said dryly. "I am neither a fool nor a man -infatuated with his own merits; hence frankness, reciprocal frankness, -can alone bring us to any understanding, if that be possible, though I -doubt it."</p> - -<p>"What do you suppose, then, sir?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is -all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, -Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to -solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at -night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great -advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see -that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor -the other."</p> - -<p>"Suppose that things are as you state?"</p> - -<p>"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts."</p> - -<p>"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you."</p> - -<p>"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have -proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of -rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid——"</p> - -<p>"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk -to be incurred."</p> - -<p>"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the -affair, and feel annoyed."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save -you the trouble of an explanation?"</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Listen to me."</p> - -<p>The two men were standing just two paces apart, looking in each other's -eyes. Still Valentine, ever on his guard, was carefully watching, -though not appearing to do so, the four men left behind.</p> - -<p>"Speak!" the general said.</p> - -<p>"General, you wish simply to propose to me that I should sell my friend."</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian, at these words, pronounced with a cutting accent, -involuntarily gave a sign of surprise, and fell back a pace.</p> - -<p>"Sir!"</p> - -<p>"Is it true—yes or no?"</p> - -<p>"You employ terms——" the general stammered.</p> - -<p>"Terms have nothing to do with the matter. Now that you have discovered -Don Louis is not the accomplice you hoped to find, who would raise you -to the president's chair, and as you despair of changing his views, you -wish to get rid of him—that is natural."</p> - -<p>"Sir!"</p> - -<p>"Let me continue. For that purpose you can hit on nothing better than -buying him. Indeed, you are used to such transactions. I have in my -hands the proofs of several which do you a great deal of honour."</p> - -<p>The general was livid with terror and rage. He clenched his fists and -stamped, while uttering unconnected words. The hunter seemed not to -notice this agitation, and continued imperturbably,—</p> - -<p>"Still you are mistaken in applying to me. I am no Dog-face, a fellow -with whom you made a famous bargain some years ago. I have dealt in -cattle, but never in human flesh. Each man has his speciality, and I -leave that to you."</p> - -<p>"Stay, sir!" the general exclaimed in a paroxysm of fury. "What do -you want to come to? Did you accept this interview for the purpose of -insulting me?"</p> - -<p>Valentine shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"You do not believe it," he said: "that would be too childish. I want to -propose a business transaction."</p> - -<p>"What!"</p> - -<p>"Or a bargain, if you prefer that term."</p> - -<p>"What is its nature?"</p> - -<p>"I can tell you in two words. I have in my possession various papers, -which, if they saw light, and were, handed to certain persons, might -cost you not only your fortune, but possibly your life."</p> - -<p>"Papers!" Don Sebastian stammered.</p> - -<p>"Yes, general; your correspondence with a certain North American -diplomatist, to whom you offered to deliver Sonora and one or two other -provinces, if the United Sates supplied you with the means to seize the -presidency of the Mexican Republic."</p> - -<p>"And you have those papers?" the general said with ill-restrained -anxiety.</p> - -<p>"I have the letters, with your correspondent's answers."</p> - -<p>"Here?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," Valentine said with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Then you will die!" the general yelled, bounding like a panther on the -hunter.</p> - -<p>But the latter was on his guard. By a movement as quick as his -adversary's, he seized the general by the throat, threw himself upon -him, and laid his foot on his chest.</p> - -<p>"One step further," he said coldly to the general's companions, who were -running up at full speed to his aid, "one step, and he is a dead man."</p> - -<p>Certainly the general was a brave man. Many times he had supplied -unequivocal proofs of a courage carried almost to temerity: still he -saw such resolution flashing in the hunter's tawny eye, that he felt a -shudder pass through all his limbs—he was lost, he was afraid.</p> - -<p>"Stop, stop!" he cried in a choking voice to his friends.</p> - -<p>The latter obeyed.</p> - -<p>"I could kill you," Valentine said; "you are really in my power; but -what do I care for your life or death? I hold both in my hands. Rise! -Now, one word—take care that you do nothing against the count."</p> - -<p>The general had profited by the hunter's permission to rise; but so -soon as he felt himself free, and his feet were firmly attached to the -ground, a revolution was effected in him, and he felt his courage return.</p> - -<p>"Listen in your turn," he said. "I will be as frank and brutal with you -as you were with me. It is now a war to the death between us, without -pity and without mercy. If I have to carry my head to the scaffold, the -count shall die; for I hate him, and I require his death to satisfy my -vengeance."</p> - -<p>"Good!" Valentine coldly answered.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the general said sarcastically. "Come, I do not fear you! I do -not care if you employ the papers with which you threatened me, for I am -invulnerable."</p> - -<p>"You think so?" the hunter said slowly.</p> - -<p>"I despise you; you are only adventurers: You can never touch me."</p> - -<p>Valentine bent toward him.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not," he said; "but your daughter?"</p> - -<p>And, taking advantage of the general's stupefaction, the hunter uttered -a hoarse laugh and rushed into the thicket, where it was impossible to -follow him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the general muttered, at the expiration of a moment, as he passed -his hand over his damp forehead, "the demon! My daughter!" he yelled, -"my daughter!"</p> - -<p>And he rejoined his companions, and went off with them, not responding -to one of the questions they asked him.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See "Gold-Seekers." Same publishers.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE MISSION.</h3> - - -<p>Valentine, after suddenly parting from the general as we narrated, did -not appear at all alarmed about pursuit; and if he hurried on at first, -he soon relaxed his speed. On arriving about a hundred yards from the -spot where his interview with Don Sebastian had taken place, he stopped, -raised his eyes to the sky, and seemed to consult his position. Then he -went on; but, instead of proceeding toward the mission, he turned his -back completely on it, and returned to the bank of the river, whence he -had before been retrograding.</p> - -<p>Although the hunter was walking at a quick pace, he seemed greatly -preoccupied, and looked mechanically around him. At times he stopped, -not to listen to any strange sound, but through the thoughts which -oppressed him, and robbed him of all sense of external things. Evidently -Valentine was seeking the solution of a problem that troubled him.</p> - -<p>At length, after about a quarter of an hour, he saw a faint light a -few paces ahead of him. It glistened through the trees, and seemed to -indicate an encampment. Valentine stopped and whistled softly. At the -same moment the branches of a shrub, about five yards from him, parted, -and a man appeared. It was Curumilla.</p> - -<p>"Well," Valentine asked, "has she come?" The Araucano bowed his head in -reply. The hunter made an angry gesture.</p> - -<p>"Where is she?" he asked.</p> - -<p>The Indian pointed to the fire the hunter had noticed.</p> - -<p>"Deuce take the women!" the hunter growled; "they are the least logical -beings in existence. As they let themselves ever be guided by passion, -they overthrow unconsciously the surest combinations."</p> - -<p>Then he added in a louder voice,—</p> - -<p>"Have you not executed my commission, then?"</p> - -<p>This time the Indian spoke.</p> - -<p>"She will listen to nothing," he said; "she will see."</p> - -<p>"I knew it!" the hunter exclaimed. "They are all alike—silly heads, -only fit for mule bells; and yet she is one of the better sort. Well, -lead me to her. I will try to convince her."</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled maliciously, but made no reply. He turned away and led -the hunter to the fire. In a few seconds Valentine found himself on the -skirt of a vast clearing, in the centre of which, by a good fire of dead -wood, Doña Angela and her camarista, Violanta, were seated on piles of -furze. Ten paces behind the females, several peons, armed to the teeth, -leant on their long lances, awaiting the pleasure of their mistress. -Doña Angela raised her head at the sound caused by the hunter's -approach, and uttered a slight cry of joy.</p> - -<p>"There you are at last!" she exclaimed. "I almost despaired of your -coming."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would have been better had I not done so," he answered with -a stifled sigh.</p> - -<p>The young lady overheard, or pretended not to hear, the hunter's reply.</p> - -<p>"Is your encampment far from here?" she continued.</p> - -<p>"Before proceeding there," the hunter said, "we must have a little -conversation together, señora."</p> - -<p>"What have you to say to me that is so interesting, or rather, so -urgent?"</p> - -<p>"You shall judge for yourself."</p> - -<p>The young lady made a gesture signifying her readiness to hear something -which she knew beforehand would be disagreeable.</p> - -<p>"Speak!" she said.</p> - -<p>The hunter did not allow the invitation to be repeated.</p> - -<p>"Where did Curumilla meet you?"</p> - -<p>"At the hacienda, just as I was mounting to start. I only awaited him to -begin my journey."</p> - -<p>"He tried to dissuade you from this step?"</p> - -<p>"He did; but I insisted on coming, and compelled him to guide me here."</p> - -<p>"You were wrong, niña."</p> - -<p>"For what reason?"</p> - -<p>"For a thousand."</p> - -<p>"That is no answer. Mention one."</p> - -<p>"Your father, in the first place."</p> - -<p>"He has not yet arrived at the hacienda. I shall have got back before he -comes. I have nothing to fear on that side."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken. Your father has arrived: I have seen him—spoken with -him."</p> - -<p>"You! Where? When?"</p> - -<p>"Here, scarce half an hour ago."</p> - -<p>"That is impossible," she said.</p> - -<p>"It is the fact. I will add that he wanted to kill me."</p> - -<p>"He!"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>The young lady remained thoughtful for a moment; then she raised her -head, and shook it several times.</p> - -<p>"All the worse," she said resolutely. "Whatever happens, I will carry it -out to the end."</p> - -<p>"What do you hope from this interview, niña? Do you not know that your -father is our most inveterate foe?"</p> - -<p>"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections -when I sent my request to you."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer -entertain. Believe me, niña, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return -as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if -he does not see you on his arrival?"</p> - -<p>"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don -Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine."</p> - -<p>"Think of the consequences of such a step."</p> - -<p>"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform -your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde."</p> - -<p>The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. -He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed -affectionately.</p> - -<p>"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. -Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not -entail frightful disaster!"</p> - -<p>"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us -start. You will see all end better than you anticipate."</p> - -<p>"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better. I will only take Violanta with me."</p> - -<p>"As you please."</p> - -<p>At a sign from her mistress the camarista went up to the peons, who -were still motionless, and gave them orders not to leave the clearing -under any pretext before her return. Then, guided by Valentine, the two -females proceeded toward the camp of the filibusters, Curumilla forming -the rear guard. On arriving about a hundred yards from it Valentine -stopped.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" Doña Angela asked him.</p> - -<p>"I hesitate about troubling my friend's repose. Perhaps he will be angry -with me for having brought you to him."</p> - -<p>"No," she said, "you are deceiving me: that is not your thought at this -moment."</p> - -<p>He regarded her with amazement.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" she continued with animation, "do you fancy I do not -know what is troubling you now? It is to see a girl of my age, rich -and well born, take what your countrymen would call an improper step, -and which, were it known, would inevitably destroy her reputation. But -we Americans are not like your cold and staid European women, who do -everything by weight and measure. We love as we hate. It is not blood, -but the lava of our volcanoes that circulates in our veins. My love is -my life! I care naught for anything else. Remain here a few moments, -and let me go on alone. Don Louis, I am convinced, will understand -and appreciate my conduct at its just value. He is no common man, I -tell you. I love him. In a love so true and ardent as mine there is a -certain magnetic attraction which will prevent it being spurned."</p> - -<p>The young Mexican was splendidly lovely as she uttered these words. With -her head thrown haughtily back, her flashing eye and quivering lip, she -was at once a virgin and a Bacchante. Subdued, in spite of himself, by -the maiden's accent, and dazzled by her glorious beauty, the hunter -bowed respectfully before her, and said, with considerable emotion in -his voice,—</p> - -<p>"Go, then; and may Heaven grant that, by your aid, my brother may be -again led to take an interest in life!"</p> - -<p>She smiled with an undefinable expression of archness and serenity, and -flew, lightly as a bird, into the thicket. Valentine and Curumilla, who -were near enough to the camp to see what occurred, though the sound of -voices could not reach them, resolved to wait where they were till their -presence became absolutely necessary.</p> - -<p>The encampment was in the same state as when the hunter quitted it to -go and meet the general. Don Louis and Don Cornelio were fast asleep. -Doña Angela remained for a moment silent, fixing on Don Louis a glance -in which an unbending resolution flashed. Then she stooped down gently -over him. But at the moment when she was about to lay her hand on his -shoulder to arouse him, a sudden sound caused her to tremble. She sprang -back, threw a startled glance around, and disappeared once again in the -thicket.</p> - -<p>Hardly had she retired ere the sound which smote on her ears, and -interrupted the execution of her project, became louder; and it was soon -easy to distinguish the cadenced sound of a large body of men on the -march, and the harsh creaking of cartwheels.</p> - -<p>"Your companions are arriving," Doña Angela said hurriedly to Valentine -as she rejoined him; "they are only a short distance from the mission. -Can I still count on you?"</p> - -<p>"Always," he answered.</p> - -<p>"I have changed my mind: I will not explain my views to the count in -this way, but in the presence of all of you, by the light of the sun. -You shall soon see me again in your midst. Good-by! I am going back to -the hacienda. Prepare the count for my visit."</p> - -<p>After making a parting sign to the hunter, and smiling on him, the young -girl remounted her horse, and set off at a gallop, followed by her -escort.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will prepare Louis to receive her," the hunter muttered, as -he followed her with his eyes for a moment. "That child has a noble -heart: she really loves my foster brother. Who knows what will be the -consequences of this love?"</p> - -<p>And, after shaking his head two or three times dubiously he re-entered -the encampment, accompanied by Curumilla, whose Indian stoicism was -unshaken, and who seemed perfectly a stranger to all that was taking -place around him.</p> - -<p>Valentine awoke Louis. The latter sprang up at once.</p> - -<p>"Have you any news?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, the company is coming up."</p> - -<p>"Already! Oh, oh! it has pushed on. That is a good omen."</p> - -<p>"Shall we stay here long?"</p> - -<p>"No, two days at the most, or long enough to rest the men and cattle."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would be better to push on at once—"</p> - -<p>"I should like it as much as yourself, but it is impossible, as the -40,000 rations we ought to have found here have not yet arrived, and we -are forced to await them."</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"I am the more annoyed at this oversight, because our provisions -are rapidly diminishing. Still, do not let our comrades see our -disappointment, but let us put on a good face. They know we went ahead -of them to make the commissariat arrangements, so let them fancy we have -succeeded."</p> - -<p>Valentine bowed in affirmation. The night was almost at an end; already -the sky on the horizon was beginning to be shaded with large white -strips of cloud; the stars had all disappeared one after the other; and -the sun was just about to rise. Curumilla threw a handful of dried wood -on the fire in order to make a flame, and neutralise the effect of the -icy night air.</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i>" Don Cornelio exclaimed, as he woke up suddenly; "I am -frozen; the nights are so cold."</p> - -<p>"Are they not?" Valentine said to him. "Well, if you want to warm -yourself, nothing is easier. Come along with me."</p> - -<p>"I am quite willing. Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"Listen."</p> - -<p>"I am doing so. Stay!" he said at the expiration of an instant. "Can -that be the company?"</p> - -<p>"It is. But it is unnecessary for us to put ourselves out of the way, -for here they come."</p> - -<p>In fact, at this moment, the French advanced guard entered the mission. -According to the treaty made with the Atrevida Company, 40,000 rations -should have been prepared at the mission for the troop. The count -gave the command to Colonel Florés, with orders to push on, and, -accompanied by Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Cornelio, had gone on -ahead. Unfortunately the company had not carried out its engagements -with that loyalty the count had a right to expect. Instead of 40,000 -rations he had found scarce half, ranged with a certain degree of -symmetry in a ruined cabin. This breach of faith was the more injurious -to the interests of the expedition, because the count, owing to this -perfidious manoeuvre, found himself almost unable to push on, as he was -about definitively to leave the inhabited and cultivated plains to bury -himself in the desert.</p> - -<p>Indeed, since the company had left Guaymas, the ill-will of the Mexicans -had been so evident under all circumstances, that Don Louis had required -a superhuman energy and will of iron not to give way to discouragement, -and withdraw in the face of these obstacles raised in his path with -unparalleled animosity. Still, up to the present, the Mexicans had never -dared to break their engagements so boldly as now: hence they must -feel themselves very strong, or at least their precautions were so well -taken, and they felt so sure of success, that they raised the mask.</p> - -<p>Besides, the count had found no one at the mission to hand him over -the stores in the name of the company; and the persons who treated him -so unworthily had not deigned to weaken by an excuse the treachery of -which they were guilty at this moment. Don Louis foresaw, then, that -after such behaviour, the <i>dénouement</i> of the odious farce played by the -Mexicans was at hand, and he prepared to face the storm bravely.</p> - -<p>The mission was held in military fashion by the company; for they were -on the edge of the desert, and it was wise to begin a careful watch. -Cannon were planted at each angle of headquarters—sentinels placed at -regular distances; in short, this mission, sad and abandoned on the -previous day, seemed to have sprung magically into life again; the -rubbish was removed, and the old Jesuit church, more than half in ruins, -suddenly assumed the appearance of a fortress.</p> - -<p>When the count had given the necessary orders for the instalment of the -company, and was assured of their perfect execution, he inquired of -Colonel Florés how he had performed his duties as temporary chief. The -colonel, alone among the French, and feeling himself consequently in -the wolfs throat, was too crafty not to act ostensibly with the utmost -loyalty; hence on every occasion he offered proofs of goodwill, and -acted with a degree of circumspection by which Valentine, that eternal -doubter, was nearly duped, although he knew perfectly well the nature of -the Mexican character.</p> - -<p>Then the count withdrew with the hunter, and the two foster brothers -held a conversation, which, to judge by its length, and, above all, Don -Louis' thoughtful air when it was ended, must have been very important. -In fact, Valentine, accomplishing his pledge to Doña Angela, informed -the count of the events of the past night, not only telling him all that -had passed between him and the young lady, but also the details of his -interview with the general on the river bank.</p> - -<p>"You see, then," he said in conclusion, "that the situation is growing -more and more critical, and they mean war."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is war; but so long as the least hope is left me, be assured, -brother, that I shall not give them the satisfaction of supplying a -pretext for a rupture."</p> - -<p>"You must play more cautiously than ever, brother. However, unless I am -greatly mistaken, we shall speedily know what we have to expect."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion too."</p> - -<p>At this moment Don Cornelio appeared, accompanied by Curumilla.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon," he said to the hunter; "but I should feel obliged -by your putting matters right with the chief, who persists in telling me -that we are at this moment closely watched by an Indian war party."</p> - -<p>"What!" Valentine said, frowning. "What is that you say, Don Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"Look here. While walking in the neighbourhood of the mission with the -chief, I picked up this——"</p> - -<p>"Let me see," Valentine said.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio handed him a moccasin, which the hunter examined -attentively for several minutes.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he then said, "this is serious. Where did you find it?"</p> - -<p>"On the river bank."</p> - -<p>"What do you think of it, chief?" Valentine said, turning to the -Araucano.</p> - -<p>"The moccasin is new—it has been lost. Curumilla has seen numerous -trails."</p> - -<p>"Listen," Don Louis said quickly. "Tell no one about this discovery: -we must distrust everything, for treachery is hovering around us, -and threatens us from all sides at once. While I strengthen our -intrenchments under pretext of a longer stay here, you, brother, will go -out to reconnoitre with the chief, and assure yourself of what we have -really to fear from the Indians."</p> - -<p>"Be quiet, brother: on your side, keep a good watch."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SPY.</h3> - - -<p>It was about eight in the morning when Valentine and Curumilla left -Don Louis. The hunter had passed the whole night without closing an -eye. He felt fatigued: his eyelids, weighed down with sleep, closed -involuntarily. Still he prepared to make the researches his foster -brother had intrusted to him, when Curumilla, noticing his condition, -invited him to take a few hours' rest, remarking that he did not -absolutely want him in following up the trail he had noticed in the -morning, and that he would give him a good account of all he did.</p> - -<p>Valentine placed the most entire confidence in Curumilla. Many times, -during the course of their common existence, he had been in a position -to appreciate the sagacity, cleverness, and experience of the chief; -hence he needed but little pressing to consent to his proposition of -going out alone, and after giving him the warmest recommendations, he -wrapped himself up in his cloak, and fell off to sleep at once.</p> - -<p>He had enjoyed for about two hours a peaceful and refreshing nap when -he felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder. So light as the touch was, -it was sufficient to arouse the hunter, who, like all men habituated -to prairie life, maintained, if we may use the expression, a sense -of external things even during sleep. He opened his eyes, and looked -fixedly at the man who had come to disturb the rest he was enjoying, -while mentally consigning him to the deuce.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, with the harsh accent of a man aroused at the -pleasantest moment of a dream, "what do you want of me, Don Cornelio? -Could you not select a more favourable moment to talk with me, for I -suppose what you have to say to me is not extremely important?"</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio (for it was really that gentleman who awoke Valentine) laid -his finger on his mouth, while looking suspiciously around, as if to -recommend caution to the hunter; then he leant over his ear.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, Don Valentine," he said; "but I believe that the -communication I have to make to you is of the utmost importance."</p> - -<p>Valentine sprang up as if moved by a spring, and looked the Spaniard in -the face.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, then?" he asked in a low and concentrated voice, -which, however, had something imperious about it.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you in two words. Colonel Florés (whose face, by the way, -does not at all please me) has been doing nothing but prowl round the -mission since the morning, inquiring what has been done and left undone, -gossiping with one or the other, and trying, above all, to discover -the opinion of our men as regards the chief. There was not much harm -in that, perhaps, but, so soon as he saw you were asleep, he learnt -that the count, who was engaged with his correspondence, had given -orders that he should not be disturbed for some hours. Upon this he -pretended, to retire to a half-ruined cabin situated at the outskirts -of the mission; but a few minutes after, when he supposed that no one -was thinking about him, instead of taking a siesta as he had given out, -he slipped away from the hut among the trees like a man afraid of being -surprised, and disappeared in the forest."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" Valentine said thoughtfully, "what interest can that man have -in absenting himself so secretly?" Then he added, "Has he been gone -long?"</p> - -<p>"Hardly ten minutes."</p> - -<p>Valentine rose.</p> - -<p>"Remain here," he said. "In case the colonel returns during my absence, -watch him carefully; but do not let him suspect anything. I thank you -for not having hesitated to wake me. The matter is serious."</p> - -<p>Then, breaking off the conversation, the hunter quitted Don Cornelio, -and gliding along under the shadow of the ruins, so as to attract -no attention, entered the forest. In the meanwhile, Colonel Florés, -believing Valentine to be asleep, and knowing that the count was -writing, felt no apprehension about being followed. He walked rapidly -toward the river, not taking any trouble to hide his footsteps—an -imprudence by which the hunter profited, and which placed him at once on -the track of the man he was watching.</p> - -<p>The colonel soon arrived at the river. The most complete calm prevailed -around; the alligators were wallowing in the mud; the flamingoes were -fishing negligently: all, in a word, evidenced the absence of man. -Still, the colonel had scarce appeared on the bank ere an individual, -hanging by his arms from the branch of a tree, descended to the ground -scarce a couple of paces from him. At this unexpected apparition the -colonel recoiled, stifling a cry of surprise and alarm; but he had not -the time to recover from his emotion ere a second individual leaped in -the same fashion on the sand. Mechanically Don Francisco raised his eyes -to the tree.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" the first arrival said with a coarse laugh, "you need not -take the trouble to look up there, Garrucholo; no one is left there."</p> - -<p>At the name of Garrucholo the colonel shuddered, and attentively -examined the two men who had presented themselves in so strange -a manner, as they stood motionless before him, and looked at him -derisively. The first of the two was a white man, as could be easily -recognised at the first glance, in spite of his bronzed complexion, -which was almost of the colour of brick. The clothes he wore were -exactly like those of the Indians. This interesting personage was armed -to the teeth, and held a long rifle in his hand. His comrade was a -redskin, painted and armed for war.</p> - -<p>"Eh?" the first speaker continued. "I fancy you do not recognise me, -boy. By God, you have a short memory!"</p> - -<p>This oath, and, above all, the strong accent with which the man -expressed himself in Spanish, although he spoke that language fluently, -were a ray of light for the colonel.</p> - -<p>"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead.</p> - -<p>"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not -forgotten me, compañero."</p> - -<p>This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; -still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen.</p> - -<p>"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"And you?" the other answered boldly.</p> - -<p>"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained."</p> - -<p>"And mine too."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! I am here because you are so."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, -will you?"</p> - -<p>"I am quite ready to do so, but the spot is badly selected for talking -Come with me."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, Buitre, my friend. We are, as you said yourself, old -acquaintances."</p> - -<p>"Which means?"</p> - -<p>"That I doubt you excessively."</p> - -<p>The bandit began laughing.</p> - -<p>"A confidence that honours me," he said, "and of which I am deserving. -Did you find in the mission church the hilt of a dagger with an S -engraved on the pommel?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Very good. That hilt signified, I think, that you were to take a walk -in this quarter?"</p> - -<p>"It did."</p> - -<p>"Well, the persons with whom you must converse are before you. Do you -now understand?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"Then let us have a talk; but as what we have to say only concerns -ourselves, and it is unnecessary to mix up in our business people who -have no concern with it, we will proceed to a spot where we shall have -nothing to fear from indiscreet ears."</p> - -<p>"Who the deuce do you expect will surprise you here?"</p> - -<p>"No one, probably; but, my esteemed friend, as prudence is the mother of -safety, I have become, since our last parting, extraordinarily prudent."</p> - -<p>"I'll go wherever you please."</p> - -<p>"Come on."</p> - -<p>The three men re-entered the forest.</p> - -<p>Valentine followed them pace by pace. They did not go far. On arriving a -certain distance from the river they stopped at the entrance of a large -clearing, in the centre of which rose an enormous block of green rock. -The three men clambered up, and, on reaching the top, lay down at their -ease on a species of platform.</p> - -<p>"There!" El Buitre said, "I believe we can talk here in perfect surety."</p> - -<p>Valentine was for an instant rather disappointed at this precaution -on the part of the bandits. Still he did not give in. The hunter was -accustomed to see material impossibilities arise before him of the same -nature as in the present case. After a few seconds' reflection he looked -around him with a malicious glance.</p> - -<p>"Now to see who is the most cunning," he muttered.</p> - -<p>He lay down on the ground. The grass grew tall, green, and close in -the clearing; and Valentine began crawling, with a slow and almost -imperceptible motion, in the direction of the rocks, passing through the -grass without imparting the slightest oscillation to it. After about a -quarter of an hour of this manoeuvre the hunter saw his efforts crowned -with success; for he reached a spot where it was possible for him to -rise, and whence he was enabled to overhear perfectly all that was said -on the platform, while himself remaining invisible.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately the time he had employed in gaining his observatory -prevented him hearing what were probably very important matters. At the -moment he began listening El Buitre was the speaker.</p> - -<p>"Bah, bah!" he said with that mocking accent peculiar to him, "I answer -for success. Even if the French are devils, each of them is not equal to -two men. Hang it all, let me alone!"</p> - -<p>"<i>Canarios!</i> may I be hanged if I interfere at all in this affair! I -have done too much already," the colonel made answer.</p> - -<p>"You are always a trembler. How do you expect that men half demoralised, -fatigued by a long journey, can resist the combined and well-directed -attack of my brother's, this Apache chief's, band, supported as they -will be by the eighty scoundrels the Mexican Government has placed at my -disposal for this expedition?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know what the French will do; but you will, perhaps, learn -that they are stout fellows."</p> - -<p>"All the better—we shall have the more fun."</p> - -<p>"Take care not to have too much," El Garrucholo said with a grin.</p> - -<p>"Go to the deuce with your observations! Besides, I have a grudge -against their chief, as you know."</p> - -<p>"Bah! how can a man like you have a grudge against anyone in particular? -He only has a grudge against riches. Who are your men?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Cívicos</i>—real bandits—regular game for the gallows. My dear fellow, -they will perform miracles."</p> - -<p>"What! cívicos? The idea is glorious—the men whom the hacenderos pay -and support for the purpose of fighting the redskins."</p> - -<p>"Good Lord, yes, that is the way of the world. This time they will fight -by the side of the redskins against the whites. The idea is original, -is it not, especially as, for this affair, they will be disguised as -Indians?"</p> - -<p>"Better still. And the chief, how many warriors has he with him?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know; he will tell you himself."</p> - -<p>The chief had remained gloomy and silent during this conversation, and -the colonel now turned toward him with an inquiring glance.</p> - -<p>"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," the redskin said in his guttural -voice: "two hundred Apache warriors follow his war plume."</p> - -<p>El Garrucholo gave a significant whistle.</p> - -<p>"Well," he continued, "I maintain what I said."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"You will receive an awful thrashing."</p> - -<p>El Buitre repressed with difficulty a gesture of ill-temper.</p> - -<p>"Enough," he said; "you do not know the Indians. This chief is one of -the bravest sachems of his tribe. His reputation is immense in the -prairies. The warriors placed under his orders are all picked men."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Do what you please: I wash my hands of it."</p> - -<p>"Can we at least reckon on you?"</p> - -<p>"I will execute punctually the orders I received from the general."</p> - -<p>"I ask no more."</p> - -<p>"Then nothing is changed?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing. Always the same hour and the same signal."</p> - -<p>"In that case it is useless for us to remain longer together. I will -return to the mission, for I must try to avoid any suspicion."</p> - -<p>"Go, and may the demon continue his protection to you!"</p> - -<p>"Thanks."</p> - -<p>The colonel left the platform. Valentine hesitated a moment, thinking -whether he should follow him; but, after due reflection, he felt -persuaded that all was not finished yet, and that he should probably -still obtain some precious information. El Buitre shrugged his -shoulders, and turning to the Indian chief, who was still impassive, -said,—</p> - -<p>"Pride has ruined that man. He was a jolly comrade a few years back."</p> - -<p>"What will my brother do now?"</p> - -<p>"Not much. I shall remain in hiding here until the sun has run -two-thirds of its course, and then go and rejoin my comrades."</p> - -<p>"The chief will retire. His warriors are still far off."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Then we shall not meet again till the appointed moment?"</p> - -<p>"No. The paleface will attack on the side of the forest, while the -Apaches advance by the river."</p> - -<p>"All right! But let us be prudent, for a misunderstanding might prove -fatal. I will draw as near as possible to the mission; but I warn you -that I shall not budge till I hear your signal."</p> - -<p>"Wah! my brother will open his ears, and the miawling of the tiger-cat -will warn him that the Apaches have arrived."</p> - -<p>"I understand perfectly. One parting remark, chief."</p> - -<p>"I listen to the paleface."</p> - -<p>"It is clearly understood that the booty will be shared equally between -us?"</p> - -<p>The Indian gave a wicked smile.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said.</p> - -<p>"No treachery between us, redskin, or, by God! I warn you that I will -flay you alive like a mad dog."</p> - -<p>"The palefaces have too long a tongue."</p> - -<p>"That is possible; but if you do not wish misfortune to fall on you, -profit by my words."</p> - -<p>The Indian only replied by a gesture of contempt: he wrapped himself in -his buffalo robe, and retired slowly.</p> - -<p>The bandit looked after him for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Miserable dog!" he muttered, "so soon as I can do without you I will -settle your account, be assured."</p> - -<p>The Indian had disappeared.</p> - -<p>"Hum! what shall I be after now?" El Buitre continued.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a man bounded like a jaguar, and, before the bandit could even -understand what was happening, he was firmly garotted, and reduced to a -state of complete powerlessness.</p> - -<p>"You do not know what to be after? Well, I will tell you," Valentine -remarked, as he sat down quietly by his side.</p> - -<p>The first moment of surprise past, the bandit regained all his coolness -and audacity, and looked impudently at the hunter.</p> - -<p>"By God! I do not know you, comrade," he said; "but I must confess you -managed that cleverly."</p> - -<p>"You are a connoisseur."</p> - -<p>"Slightly so."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am aware of it."</p> - -<p>"But you have tied me a little too tightly. Your confounded reata cuts -into my flesh."</p> - -<p>"Bah! you will grow used to it."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the bandit remarked. "Did you hear all we said?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly all."</p> - -<p>"Deuce take me if people can now talk in the desert without having -listeners!"</p> - -<p>"What would you? It is a melancholy fact."</p> - -<p>"Well, I must put up with it, I suppose. You were saying——"</p> - -<p>"I! I did not say a word."</p> - -<p>"Ah! I beg your pardon in that case; but I fancied you were -cross-questioning me. You probably did not tie me up like a plug of -tobacco for the mere fun of the thing."</p> - -<p>"There is some truth in your observation. I had, I allow, another -object."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"To enjoy your conversation for a moment."</p> - -<p>"You are a thousand times too kind."</p> - -<p>"Opportunities for conversing are so rare in the desert."</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"So you are on an expedition?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am: a man must be doing something."</p> - -<p>"That is true also. Be good enough to give me a few details."</p> - -<p>"About what?"</p> - -<p>"Why, this expedition."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible."</p> - -<p>"Only think of that! Why so?"</p> - -<p>"I know very little."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me -to do a thing for me to refuse."</p> - -<p>Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a -bluish flash.</p> - -<p>"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" Valentine remarked. "Still I hope I shall alter your opinion."</p> - -<p>"Try it. Stay!" he added, suddenly changing his tone. "Enough of that -sort of farce. I am in your power—nothing can save me. Kill me—no -matter, I shall not say a word."</p> - -<p>The two men exchanged glances of strange expressiveness.</p> - -<p>"You are an idiot," Valentine answered coldly; "you understand nothing."</p> - -<p>"I understand that you want to know the secrets of the expedition."</p> - -<p>"You are a fool, my dear friend. Did I not tell you that I knew all?"</p> - -<p>The bandit seemed to reflect for a minute.</p> - -<p>"What do you want, then?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Merely to buy you."</p> - -<p>"Hum! that will be dear."</p> - -<p>"You do not say no?"</p> - -<p>"I never say no to anything."</p> - -<p>"I see you are becoming reasonable."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?"</p> - -<p>"At how much do you estimate your share of this night's booty?"</p> - -<p>El Buitre looked at him as if wishful to read the thoughts in his heart.</p> - -<p>"Hang it! that will mount high."</p> - -<p>"Yes, especially if you are hung!"</p> - -<p>"Oh!"</p> - -<p>"Everything must be foreseen in such a business."</p> - -<p>"You are right."</p> - -<p>"The more so as, if you refuse the bargain I offer you, I will kill you -like a dog."</p> - -<p>"That's a chance."</p> - -<p>"It is very probable. So take my word, let us bargain. Give me your -figure."</p> - -<p>"Fifteen thousand piastres," the bandit exclaimed; "not an ochavo less."</p> - -<p>"Pooh!" Valentine said, "that is little."</p> - -<p>"Eh?" he remarked in amazement.</p> - -<p>"I will give you twenty thousand."</p> - -<p>In spite of the bonds that held him the bandit gave a start.</p> - -<p>"Done!" he exclaimed; but in a moment added, "Where is the sum?"</p> - -<p>"Do you fancy me such a fool as to pay you beforehand?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! I fancy——"</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! You are mad, compadre. Now that we understand one another, -let me undo you—that will freshen up your ideas."</p> - -<p>He took off the reata. El Buitre rose at once, stamped his foot to -restore the circulation, and then turning to the hunter, who stood -watching him laughingly, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of his -rifle, said,—</p> - -<p>"At least you have some security to give me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and an excellent one."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"The word of an honest man."</p> - -<p>The bandit made a gesture; but Valentine continued, not seeming to -notice it,—</p> - -<p>"I am the man whom the whites and Indians have surnamed the -'Trail-hunter.' My name is Valentine Guillois."</p> - -<p>"What!" El Buitre exclaimed with strange emotion, "are you really the -Trail-hunter?"</p> - -<p>"I am," Valentine answered simply.</p> - -<p>El Buitre walked up and down the platform hastily, muttering in a -low voice broken sentences, and evidently a prey to intense emotion. -Suddenly he stopped before the hunter.</p> - -<p>"I accept," he said hurriedly.</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow you shall receive your money."</p> - -<p>"I will none of it."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Valentine, allow me to remain master of my secret for a few days; I -will then explain my conduct to you. Though I am a bandit, every feeling -is not yet dead in my heart; there is one which has remained pure, and -that is gratitude. Trust to me. Henceforth you will not have a more -devoted slave, either for good or evil."</p> - -<p>"Your accent is not that of a man who has the intention of deceiving. I -trust to you, asking no explanation of your sudden change of feeling."</p> - -<p>"At a later date you shall know all, I tell you; and now that we are -alone, explain to me your plan in all its details, in order that I may -help you effectively."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Valentine said, "time presses."</p> - -<p>The two men remained alone for about two hours discussing the hunter's -plan, and when all was settled they separated—Valentine to return to -the mission, and El Buitre to rejoin his companions, who were concealed -a short distance off.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE EXPLOSION.</h3> - - -<p>During Valentine's absence facts of extreme gravity had occurred at the -mission. The Count de Prébois Crancé had finished his correspondence, -and held in his hand the letters he had just written, while he gave -a peon, already mounted, his final instructions. At this moment -the advanced posts uttered the cry of "Who goes there?" which was -immediately taken up along the whole line. Louis felt his heart -contracted by this shout, to which he was, however, accustomed; a cold -perspiration beaded on his temples; a mortal pallor covered his face; -and he was forced to lean against a wall lest he should fall, so weak -did he feel.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" he stammered in a low voice, "what can be the matter -with me?"</p> - -<p>Let who can explain the cause of this strange emotion, this inner -presentiment which warned the count of a misfortune; for our part, we -confess our inability, and content ourselves with recording the fact.</p> - -<p>The count, however, wrestled with this extraordinary emotion, for which -there was no plausible reason. Owing to a supreme effort of the will, a -perfect reaction took place in him, and he became once more cold, calm, -and stoical, ready to sustain, without weakness as without bravado, the -blow by which he instinctively felt himself menaced.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile an answer had been returned to the sentries' challenge, -and words exchanged. Don Cornelio came up to the count, his face quite -discomposed by astonishment, and himself a prey to the most lively -emotion.</p> - -<p>"Señor conde——" he said in a panting voice, and then stopped.</p> - -<p>"Well," the count asked, "what is the meaning of those challenges I -heard?"</p> - -<p>"Señor," Don Cornelio continued with an effort, "General Guerrero, -accompanied by his daughter, several other ladies, a dozen officers, and -a powerful escort, requests to be introduced to your presence."</p> - -<p>"He is welcome. At length, then, he consents to treat directly with me."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio withdrew to carry out the orders he had received, and soon -a brilliant cavalcalde, at the head of which was General Guerrero, -entered the mission. The general was pale, and frowned: it was easy -to see that he with difficulty suppressed a dumb fury that filled his -heart. The adventurers, in scattered groups, and haughtily wrapped up -in their rags, regarded curiously these smart Mexican officers, so vain -and so glittering with gold, who scarce deigned to bestow a glance upon -them. The count walked a few paces toward the general, and uncovered -with a movement full of singular grace.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, general," he said in his gentle voice; "I am happy to -receive your visit."</p> - -<p>The general did not even lift his finger to his embroidered hat, but, -suddenly stopping his horse when scarce two paces from the count,—</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this, sir?" he exclaimed in an angry voice. "You -are guarded as if in a fortress! You have, Heaven pardon me! sentries -and patrols round your encampment, as if you were in command of a -regular army."</p> - -<p>The count bit his lips; but he restrained himself, and replied in a -calm, though grave voice,—</p> - -<p>"We are on the edge of the <i>despoblados</i> (deserts), general, and our -safety depends on our vigilance. Although I am not the commander of an -army, I answer for the safety of the men I have the honour of leading. -But will you not dismount, general, so that we may discuss more at our -ease the grave questions which doubtless bring you here?"</p> - -<p>"I will not dismount, sir, nor anyone of my suite, before you have -explained to me your strange conduct."</p> - -<p>Such a flash sparkled in the count's blue eye that, in spite of himself, -the general turned his head away. This conversation had taken place -under the vault of heaven, in the presence of the Frenchmen, who had -collected round the newcomers. The patience of the adventurers was -beginning to grow exhausted, and hoarse, mutterings were heard. With -a sign the count appeased the storm, and silence was immediately -re-established.</p> - -<p>"General," Don Louis continued with perfect calmness, "the words you -address to me are severe. I was far from expecting them, especially -after the way in which I have acted since my landing in Mexico, and the -moderation I have constantly displayed."</p> - -<p>"All that is trifling," the general said furiously. "You Frenchmen have -a honeyed tongue when you wish to deceive us. But, by heavens, I will -teach you differently! You are warned once for all."</p> - -<p>The count drew himself up, and a feverish flush suffused his cheeks. He -put on again the hat he had hitherto held in his hand, and looked the -general boldly in the face.</p> - -<p>"I would observe, Señor Don Sebastian Guerrero," he said, in a voice -broken by emotion, which he attempted in vain to check, "that you -have not returned me my salute, and that you employ strange language -in addressing a gentleman at least as noble as yourself. Is this the -boasted Mexican courtesy? Come to the facts, caballero, without holding -language unworthy of yourself or me; explain yourself frankly, that I -may know, once for all, what I have to hope or fear from these eternal -tergiversations, and the continued treachery of which I am the victim."</p> - -<p>The general remained for a moment thoughtful after this rude apostrophe. -At length he made up his mind, removed his hat, saluted the count -graciously, and suddenly changed his manner.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, caballero," he said; "I was so far carried away by my temper -as to employ expressions which I deeply regret."</p> - -<p>The count smiled disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"Your apologies are sufficient, sir," he said.</p> - -<p>At the word "apologies" the general quivered, but soon regained command -of himself.</p> - -<p>"Where do you desire that I should communicate to you the orders of my -Government?"</p> - -<p>"At this spot, sir. I have, thanks to Heaven, nothing to hide from my -brave comrades."</p> - -<p>The general, though evidently annoyed, dismounted. The ladies and -officers who accompanied him did the same. The escort alone remained -on horseback, with their ranks closed up. At an order from Don Louis -several tables were produced, and instantaneously covered with -refreshments, of which the French officers began to do the honours with -the grace and gaiety that distinguish their nation. The general and the -count seated themselves on butacas, placed in the doorway of the mission -church, near a table, on which were pen, ink, and paper.</p> - -<p>There was a lengthened silence. It was evident that neither wished to be -the first to speak. The general at length opened the conversation.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" he said, "you have guns with you?"</p> - -<p>"Did you not know it, general?"</p> - -<p>"My faith, no!"</p> - -<p>And he added, with a sarcastic smile,—</p> - -<p>"Do you intend to pursue the Apaches with such weapons?"</p> - -<p>"At the present moment less than ever, general," Don Louis answered -dryly. "I do not know of what use this artillery will be to me. Still it -is good, and I am convinced that it will not betray me in the hour of -need."</p> - -<p>"Is that a menace, sir?" the general asked significantly.</p> - -<p>"What is the use of threatening when you can act?" the count said -concisely. "But that is not the question, for the present at least. I -am awaiting your pleasure, sir, to explain to me the intentions of your -Government with regard to me."</p> - -<p>"They are kind and paternal, sir."</p> - -<p>"I will wait till you have told me them ere I express any opinion."</p> - -<p>"This is the message I am charged to deliver to you."</p> - -<p>"Ah! have you a message for me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I am listening, caballero."</p> - -<p>"The message is quite paternal."</p> - -<p>"I am certain of it. Let us see what your Government's intentions are."</p> - -<p>"I should have wished them better, but I consider them acceptable in -their present form."</p> - -<p>"Be kind enough to communicate them to me, general."</p> - -<p>"I was anxious to come myself, señor conde, in order to lessen by my -presence any apparent bitterness these proposals might contain."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the count remarked, "propositions are made to me; in other words, -and speaking by the card, conditions which it is desired to impose on -me. Very good."</p> - -<p>"Oh, conde, conde, how badly you take what I say to you!"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, general, you know that I do not speak your magnificent -Spanish very well; still I thank you from my heart for your kindness in -accepting the harsh mission of communicating these propositions to me."</p> - -<p>This was said with an accent of fine raillery which completely -discountenanced the general.</p> - -<p>"I would observe, general, that we are now only a few leagues from the -mine, and the alternative offered me is most painful, especially after -the evasive answers constantly made to me and the persons I sent with -full powers to treat personally with the authorities of the country."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I can comprehend that. Colonel Florés, whom you sent -to me a few days back, will have told you how pained I felt at all -that is happening. I lose as much as yourself. Unfortunately, you will -understand me, my dearest count, I must obey, whether I like it or not."</p> - -<p>"I understand perfectly," Louis answered ironically, "how deeply pained -you must feel."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" the general said, more embarrassed than ever, and who began to -regret in his heart that he was not accompanied by a larger force.</p> - -<p>"Well, as it is useless to prolong this position indefinitely, as it is -so cruel for you, explain yourself without further circumlocution, I -beg."</p> - -<p>"Hum! Remember that I am in no way responsible."</p> - -<p>The fact is the general was afraid.</p> - -<p>"Go on—go on!"</p> - -<p>"The propositions are as follow:—You are enjoined——"</p> - -<p>"Oh! that is a harsh term," Louis observed.</p> - -<p>The general shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say that he had -nothing to do with drawing up the document.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," the count said, "we are enjoined——"</p> - -<p>"Yes, First. Either to consent to give up your nationality as -Frenchmen——"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," the count interrupted, and laid his hand on the general's -arm, "an instant, if you please. As I see that what you are commissioned -to communicate to me interests all my comrades, it is my duty to invite -them to be present at the reading of these propositions; for you have -them in writing, I believe?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the general stammered, turning livid.</p> - -<p>"Very good. Buglers!" the count shouted in a high and imperative voice, -"sound the assembly."</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the whole company was ranged round the table, at -which the general and the count were seated. Don Louis looked carefully -around, and then noticed the Mexican officers and ladies, who, curious -to know what was going on, had also drawn nearer.</p> - -<p>"Chairs for these ladies and caballeros," he said. "Pray excuse me, -señoras, if I do not pay you all the attention you deserve; but I am -only a poor adventurer, and we are in the desert."</p> - -<p>Then, when all had taken their seats,—</p> - -<p>"Give me a copy of these proposals," he said to the general; "I will -read them myself."</p> - -<p>The general obeyed mechanically.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen and dear comrades," Don Louis then said in a sharp voice, -in which, however, a scarcely suppressed anger could be noticed, "when -I enrolled you at San Francisco, I showed you the authentic documents -conferring on me the ownership of the mines of the Plancha de Plata, did -I not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the adventurers shouted with one voice.</p> - -<p>"You read at the foot of those documents the names of Don Antonio -Pavo, President of the Mexican Republic, and of General Don Sebastian -Guerrero, present here at this moment. You then knew on what conditions -you enlisted, and also the engagements the Mexican Government entered -into with you. Today, after three months' marching and counter-marching; -after suffering without a murmur all the annoyances it pleased the -Mexican Government to inflict on you; when you have proved, by your good -conduct and severe discipline, that you were in every way worthy to -fulfil honourably the mission that was intrusted to you; when, finally, -in spite of the incessant obstacles continually raised in your path, you -have arrived within less than ten leagues of the mines, do you know what -the Mexican Government demands of you? Listen: I will tell you, for you -are even more interested than myself in the question."</p> - -<p>A thrill of curiosity ran through the ranks of the adventurers.</p> - -<p>"Speak—speak!" they shouted.</p> - -<p>"You have three alternatives:—First. You are enjoined to resign your -French nationality, and become Mexicans, and will be permitted to -work the mines, without any pay, under the supreme command of General -Guerrero, whose aide-de-camp I shall become."</p> - -<p>An Homeric burst of laughter greeted this proposition.</p> - -<p>"The second—let us have the second!" some shouted.</p> - -<p>"<i>Sapristi!</i>" others remarked, "these Mexicans are not fools to wish to -have us for their countrymen."</p> - -<p>"Go on—go on!" the remainder howled.</p> - -<p>The count gave a sign, and silence was re-established.</p> - -<p>"Secondly. You are ordered to take out cards of surety if you wish to -remain Frenchmen. By means of such cards you can go anywhere: still, -as foreigners, you will be forbidden any possession—that is to say, -working—of the mines. You have quite understood me, I presume?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes! The last one—the last one!"</p> - -<p>"I did not fancy the Mexicans were such funny fellows," a soldier -remarked.</p> - -<p>"Thirdly. I personally am ordered to reduce the company to fifty men, to -hand over my command to a Mexican officer, and on that condition you can -at once take possession of the mines."</p> - -<p>When the captain had ended his reading there was such an explosion of -laughter, shouts, and yells, that for nearly a quarter of an hour it -was almost impossible to hear anything. At length the count succeeded -in restoring some degree of order and silence, though with considerable -difficulty.</p> - -<p>"Such are the paternal intentions of the Mexican Government as regards -us. What do you think of them, my friends? Still, I implore you, do -not allow yourselves to be carried away by your just indignation, -but reflect deeply on what you think it your duty to do for your own -interests. As for myself, my resolution is formed—it is immutable; and -even if it cost my life, I shall not alter it. But you, my friends, my -brethren, your private interests cannot be mine; hence do not sacrifice -yourselves through friendship and devotion to me. You know me well -enough to put faith in my words. Those among you who wish to leave me -will be free to do so: not only will I not oppose their departure, but I -shall bear them no ill will. The strange position in which we are placed -by the ill faith of the Mexicans imposes on me obligations and a line of -conduct to which you can refuse to submit without disgrace. From this -moment I release you from every engagement with me. I am no longer your -chief, but I will ever be your friend and brother."</p> - -<p>These words had scarce been uttered ere the adventurers, through an -irresistible impulse, overthrowing all in their way, rushed toward the -count, surrounded him with shouts and cries, lifted him in their arms, -and showered on him assurances of their complete devotion.</p> - -<p>"Long live the count! Long live Louis! Long live our chief! Death to the -Mexicans! Down with the traitors!"</p> - -<p>Their effervescence assumed proportions which threatened to become -dangerous to the Mexicans at the moment in the camp. The exasperation -was at its height. Still, owing to the influence the count exerted over -his comrades, and the energetic conduct of the officers, the tumult -gradually died out, and all returned nearly to the normal condition.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero, at first alarmed by the effect produced on the French -by the untoward propositions of which he had constituted himself the -bearer, soon reassured himself, however, especially on seeing with -what abnegation and loyalty the count protected him against the just -indignation of his companions. Nearly sure of running no risk, owing to -the noble character of the man he had so unjustly deceived, he resolved -to strike the final blow.</p> - -<p>"Caballeros," he said in that honeyed voice peculiar to the Mexicans, -"permit me to address a few words to you."</p> - -<p>At this request the tumult was on the point of recommencing: still the -count succeeded in producing a stormy silence, if we may be allowed to -employ the phrase.</p> - -<p>"General, you can speak," he said to him.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," Don Sebastian went on, "I have only a few words to add. -The Count de Prébois Crancé has read you the conditions the Mexican -Government imposes, but he was unable to read to you the consequences of -a refusal to obey those conditions."</p> - -<p>"That is true, sir. Be good enough, therefore, to make them known to us."</p> - -<p>"It is a terrible duty for me to fulfil; still I must do so for your -benefit, caballeros."</p> - -<p>"Come to the point!" the adventurers shouted.</p> - -<p>The general unfolded a paper, and after a moment of hesitation he read -as follows, with a voice which, spite of all his efforts, slightly -trembled:—</p> - -<p>"Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé, and all the men who remain faithful -to him, will be regarded as pirates; placed without the pale of the law, -and arrested as such; tried by a military commission, and shot within -twenty-four hours."</p> - -<p>"Is that all, sir?" the count asked coldly.</p> - -<p>At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the -proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree.</p> - -<p>"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have -nothing further to add?"</p> - -<p>"I regret, señor conde——"</p> - -<p>"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call -me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons -that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the -satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor -the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here -as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your -departure."</p> - -<p>The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen -death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to -prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders -for immediate departure. At this moment Doña Angela, suddenly emerged -from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked -forward, majestically robed in her <i>rebozo</i>, her eye flashing with a -sombre fire.</p> - -<p>"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was -silent, and regarded her with astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you——"</p> - -<p>"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, señor conde. -As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious -treachery of which you are a victim, I—a woman, the daughter of your -most implacable enemy—declare openly before all, that you, count, are -the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy -country. You are misunderstood—insulted; and the epithet of pirate is -attached to your name. Well, pirate—be it so. Don Louis, I love you! -Henceforth I am yours—yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. -As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will -pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you."</p> - -<p>The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, -and raised his eyes to heaven.</p> - -<p>"Doña Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and -whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love."</p> - -<p>"Now, my father, let us go," she said to the general, who was half -mad with rage, and who yet did not dare give way to his passion; and -turning for the last time to the count, she said, "Good-by, Don Louis! -My betrothed, we shall soon meet again."</p> - -<p>And she left the camp, accompanied by the enthusiastic shouts of the -adventurers.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans marched out with drooping heads and a blush on their -foreheads. In spite of themselves they were ashamed of the infamous -treachery they had dealt out to men whom they had earnestly summoned, -whom they had deluded during four months with false promises, and whom -they were now preparing to rush upon like wild beasts.</p> - -<p>Scarce two hours after these events occurred Valentine re-entered the -camp.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FIRST POWDER BURNT.</h3> - - -<p>The emotion caused by the general's visit gradually calmed down. The -Frenchmen, so long the sport of Mexican bad faith, experienced almost -joy at seeing themselves at length liberated from the inextricable web -of trickery which had encompassed them. With that carelessness which -forms the basis of the national character, they began laughing and -jibing at the Mexicans generally, and especially at the authorities of -the country, of whom they had to complain so greatly, though without -daring to offer the least observation, through respect for their chief. -Full of confidence in the count, without calculating that they were only -a handful of men abandoned to their own resources, without help or -possible protection, more than six thousand leagues from their country, -they indulged to the fullest extent of their imagination in the wildest -dreams, discussing among themselves the most extraordinary and daring -plans, without ever supposing, in their candid filibustering simplicity, -that even the least extravagant of their dreams was impossible to -realise.</p> - -<p>Louis would not allow the ardour of his volunteers to be chilled. After -consulting with his officers, to whom he submitted his plans, which they -accepted enthusiastically, by Valentine's advice he ordered a general -assembly of the company. The bugles at once sounded, and the adventurers -collected around headquarters.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the count said, "you see in what a position the breach of -faith of the Mexican authorities has placed us; but this position, in my -opinion, is far from being desperate. Still I must not conceal from you -that it is extremely grave, and, from certain information I have from -a good source, it threatens to become still more so. We have two modes -in which to act. The first is to proceed by forced marches to Guaymas, -seize a vessel, and embark ere our enemies have thought about opposing -our departure."</p> - -<p>A long murmur of dissatisfaction greeted these words.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the count continued, "it was my duty to submit this -proposition to you, and you will discuss it amongst yourselves. If -it does not suit you, no more need be said. And now for the second. -Mexico, since its emancipation, has languished in a state of the most -scandalous barbarism. It would be grand to regenerate this people, or -at least attempt it. The American emigration from the United States -is at this moment invading California, leaving other emigrants no -means, I will not say of prospering, but even of keeping on a footing -of equality with the Yankees. We are here in Sonora, 200 resolute -Frenchmen, well armed and disciplined. Let us seize a large town to have -a basis of operations; then we will summon to us the French emigrants -from California and all America. Let us emancipate Sonora, make it free -and strong, civilise it in spite of itself, and not only shall we have -created an outlet for French immigration, but have regenerated a people -and formed a colony which will advantageously balance American influence -on these shores, and oppose a dyke to its incessant encroachments. -We shall have acquired a claim to the gratitude of our country, and -have avenged ourselves on our enemies in the way Frenchmen revenge -themselves; that is to say, by responding to their insults by kindness. -Such, gentlemen, are the two sole methods we can select which would -be worthy of men like us. Weigh my words carefully; reflect on my -propositions; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you will inform me of your -intentions through the channel of your officers. Remember one thing -before all, comrades, and that is, you must maintain strict discipline -among yourselves. Obey me passively, and place unbounded faith in me. -If you fail in one of the duties I impose on you at this moment, we -are all lost; for the struggle will become impossible, and consequently -our enemies will gain an easy victory over us. In conclusion, brethren, -accept my word that whatever may be the circumstances in which we find -ourselves—however magnificent the offers that may be made me—I will -never abandon you. We will perish or succeed together."</p> - -<p>This speech was greeted as it deserved to be; that is to say, with -an enthusiasm impossible to describe. The count then withdrew with -Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Alas, brother!" he said to him, with an expression of heart-rending -sorrow, "the die is now cast. I, Count de Prébois Crancé, am a rebel, a -pirate: I am at open war with a recognised power, with a constitutional -Government. What can I do with the few men I command? I shall perish -in the first battle—the combat is senseless. I shall be ere long the -laughing stock of the world. Who could have predicted this when I left -San Francisco, full of hope, to work those mines which I shall never -see? What has become of my fair dreams, my seductive hopes?"</p> - -<p>"Do not allow yourself to be downcast, brother," Valentine answered. -"At present, above all, you need all your intellect and all your energy -to fulfil worthily the task accident imposes on you. Remember that from -this intellect and this energy depends the safety of two hundred of your -countrymen, whom you have sworn to lead back to the seashore; and you -must keep your oath."</p> - -<p>"I will die with them. What more can they demand?"</p> - -<p>"That you should save them," the hunter replied sternly.</p> - -<p>"That is my most anxious desire."</p> - -<p>"Your position is a fine one—you are not so alone as you fancy."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Have you not the French colony of Guetzalli, founded by the Count de -Lhorailles?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Louis answered sadly; "but the count is dead."</p> - -<p>"He is; but the colony exists, and is prosperous. You will find there -fifty to sixty resolute men, who ask no better than to join you, even if -merely through the spirit of adventure."</p> - -<p>"Fifty men are very few."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! They are more than you need when dealing with Mexicans. -Do one thing more: prepare an insurrection among the half savage -population, whose alcaldes pine secretly at their secondary position, -and the species of vassaldom into which the Mexican Government forces -them."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" Louis said, "that is a good idea. But where is the man who -will undertake to visit this people, and negotiate with the alcaldes of -the Pueblos?"</p> - -<p>"I will, if you like."</p> - -<p>"I did not dare ask it. Thank you. I, for my part, will prepare -everything in order to begin with a terrible blow, which will startle -the Mexican Government by giving it an idea of our strength."</p> - -<p>"Good! Before all, do not forget that, until fresh orders, the war you -undertake must be an uninterrupted succession of daring blows."</p> - -<p>"Oh! you may be at ease. Now that the Mexicans have lifted the mask, -and forced me to defend myself, they will learn to know the men they -have so long despised, and whom they fancied cowards because they were -good-hearted."</p> - -<p>"Has Colonel Florés left?"</p> - -<p>"No, not yet."</p> - -<p>"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from -the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm."</p> - -<p>"What makes you suppose that?"</p> - -<p>"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more -important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican -colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched."</p> - -<p>"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to -be taken?"</p> - -<p>"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced."</p> - -<p>The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were -busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun -carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of -laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all -their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of -dealing and receiving blows.</p> - -<p>Colonel Florés wandered about rather sadly in the midst of the -confusion: his position was becoming difficult, and he felt it. Still -he did not know how to prolong his stay among the Frenchmen, now that -war was declared, and the interests of the company of which he was -the delegate were completely laid aside; and thus the only plausible -reason he could allege for remaining was cut away. Since the Frenchmen's -arrival in Mexico the double character played by the colonel brought him -handsome sums: his profession of spy, rendered easy by the confiding -frankness of the adventurers, had been to him a source of enormous -profit, and people do not give up without pain a lucrative engagement.</p> - -<p>Thus the colonel's brow was anxious, for he racked his brains in -vain for a plausible excuse to offer the count. In the height of his -diplomatic combinations Valentine came to him, and told him, with the -most innocent air possible, that Don Louis was seeking for him, and -wished to speak with him. The colonel shuddered at the news: he thanked -the hunter, and hastened to the count. Valentine looked after him with -an ironical smile; and, certain that Louis would detain him long enough -by his side, he commenced the execution of the plan he had prepared.</p> - -<p>While all this was occurring night had set in—a gloomy and sad night, -without a star in the sky. The clouds shot rapidly across the sickly -disc of the moon, and intercepted its rays. The wind lamented sadly as -it whistled through the branches of the trees, which dashed against each -other with a lugubrious sound. In the mysterious depths of the forest -could be heard growls and savage yells, mingled with the dashing of the -cascade and the monotonous clashing of the pebbles rolled on the bank by -the river. It was one of those nights in which nature seems to associate -herself with human sorrows, and lament at the crimes for which her -gloomy shadows serve as a veil.</p> - -<p>By Valentine's orders the trees had been cut down for a distance of -fifty yards round the camp, in order to clear the ground, and deprive -the enemy of the chance of creeping up to the intrenchments unseen. -On the space thus left free enormous fires were kindled at regular -intervals. These fires, whose tall flames illumined the prairie for a -considerable distance, formed a brilliant circle round the camp, which -was itself plunged in complete obscurity. Not the slightest light -flashed in the mission. The intrenchments appeared to be deserted—not -a sentry could be seen. The mission had fallen back into the silence of -solitude—all was calm and tranquil.</p> - -<p>But this calm concealed the tempest. In the shadow palpitated the -anxious hearts of the men who, with ear on the watch, and finger on the -trigger, awaited motionless the arrival of their enemies. The hours, -however, passed away slowly one after the other, and nothing justified -the apprehensions expressed by Valentine as to a speedy attack.</p> - -<p>The count was walking up and down the church which served as his -retreat, listening anxiously to the slightest sounds that interrupted -the silence at intervals. At times he turned an angry and impatient look -upon the desert country, but nothing stirred—the same calm continued -ever to oppress nature. Wearied by this long and enervating delay, -he quitted the church, and proceeded toward the intrenchments. The -adventurers were at their posts, stretched on the ground, each man with -his hand on the trigger.</p> - -<p>"Have you seen or heard nothing yet?" the count asked, though he knew -beforehand the answer he would receive, and rather for the purpose of -deceiving his impatience than with any other object.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," Don Cornelio answered coldly, who happened to be close to him.</p> - -<p>"Ah! it is you," the count said. "And Colonel Florés, what have you done -with him?"</p> - -<p>"I followed your instructions, commandant. He is asleep."</p> - -<p>"You are sure of it?"</p> - -<p>The Spaniard smiled.</p> - -<p>"I guarantee that he will sleep at least till sunrise," he said. "I -managed matters well."</p> - -<p>"Very good; in that case we have nothing to fear from him."</p> - -<p>"Nothing at all."</p> - -<p>"Has anyone seen Don Valentine or the Indian chief?"</p> - -<p>"No; they both went out at sunset, and have not reappeared since."</p> - -<p>While speaking thus the two men were looking out, and their eyes -attentively examined the plain: hence they made a gesture of surprise, -almost of alarm, on suddenly perceiving a man who seemed to emerge from -the ground, and rose between them like a phantom.</p> - -<p>"<i>Válgame Dios!</i>" the superstitious Spaniard said as he crossed himself, -"what is this?"</p> - -<p>The count quickly drew a revolver from his girdle.</p> - -<p>"Do not fire," the newcomer said as he laid his hand on the count's arm.</p> - -<p>"Curumilla!" the count exclaimed in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the Araucano commanded.</p> - -<p>"Where is Valentine?"</p> - -<p>"He sent me."</p> - -<p>"Then the redskins will not attack us this night?"</p> - -<p>Curumilla regarded the count with amazement.</p> - -<p>"Does not my brother see them?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Where?" the count asked in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"There!" Curumilla answered, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the plain.</p> - -<p>Don Louis and Don Cornelio looked out for several instants with the most -sustained attention; but, in spite of all their efforts, they perceived -nothing. The plain was still just as naked, lighted up by the ruddy -glare from the braseros: here and there alone lay the trunks of the -trees felled during the day to leave an open prospect.</p> - -<p>"No," they said at length, "we see nothing."</p> - -<p>"The eyes of the white men are closed at night," the chief muttered -sententiously.</p> - -<p>"But where are they?" the count asked impatiently. "Why did you not warn -us?"</p> - -<p>"My brother Koutonepi sends me for that purpose."</p> - -<p>The name of Koutonepi—that is to say, the Valiant—had been given to -Valentine by the Araucanos on his arrival in America, and Curumilla -never called him otherwise.</p> - -<p>"Then make haste to teach us, chief, that we may foil the accursed -stratagem which these demons have doubtlessly invented."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother warn his brothers to be ready to fight."</p> - -<p>The word ran immediately along the line from one to the other. Curumilla -then tranquilly shouldered his rifle, and aimed at a trunk of a tree -rather nearer the intrenchments than the rest.</p> - -<p>Never did a shot produce such an effect. A horrible yell rose from -the plain, and a swarm of redskins, rising, as if moved by a spring, -from behind the stems of trees that sheltered them, rushed toward the -intrenchments, bounding like coyotes, uttering fearful yells, and -brandishing their weapons furiously.</p> - -<p>But the Frenchmen were prepared for this attack: they received the -Indians at the bayonet point without recoiling an inch, and answering -their ferocious yells with the unanimous shout of "VIVE LA FRANCE!"</p> - -<p>From this moment war was, <i>de facto</i>, declared. The French had smelled -powder, and the Mexicans were about to learn, at their own expense, what -rude enemies they had so madly brought on themselves.</p> - -<p>Still the redskins, led and animated by their chief, fought with -extraordinary obstinacy. The majority of the Frenchmen who composed -the company were ignorant of the way of fighting with the Indians, and -it was the first time they had come into collision with them. While -valiantly resisting them, and inflicting on them terrible losses, they -could not refrain from admiring the audacious temerity of these men, -who, half naked and wielding wretched weapons, yet rushed upon them with -invincible courage, and only fell back when dead.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a second band, more numerous than the first, and composed -entirely of horsemen, burst on to the battlefield, and sustained the -efforts of the assailants. The latter, feeling themselves supported, -redoubled their yells and efforts. The medley became terrible: the -combatants fought hand to hand, lacerating each other like wild beasts.</p> - -<p>The French bugles and drums sounded the charge heartily.</p> - -<p>"A sortie—a sortie!" the adventurers shouted, ashamed at being thus -held in check by enemies apparently so insignificant.</p> - -<p>"Kill, kill!"</p> - -<p>The Indians responded with their war cry.</p> - -<p>An Indian chief, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and with his body -naked to the waist, curveted in the front rank of his men, dropping -with his club every man that came within reach of his arm. Twice he -had made his steed leap at the barricades, and twice he scaled them, -though unable to clear them completely. This chief was Mixcoatzin. His -black eye flashed with a sombre fire; his arm seemed indefatigable; -and everyone withdrew from this terrible enemy, who was apparently -invincible.</p> - -<p>The sachem redoubled his boldness, incessantly urging on his men, and -insulting the whites by his shouts and ironical gestures.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a third troop appeared on the battlefield, which, owing to -the braziers, was as light as day. But this troop, composed, like -the second, of horsemen, instead of joining the Indians, formed a -semicircle, and charged them furiously, shouting,—</p> - -<p>"<i>A muerte</i>—<i>a muerte!</i>"</p> - -<p>Valentine's powerful voice at this moment rose above the tumult of -battle, and even reached those he wished to warn.</p> - -<p>"Now is the time!" he shouted.</p> - -<p>The count heard him. Turning then to fifty of the adventurers who -bad remained inactive since the beginning of the action, chafing and -trailing their arms,—</p> - -<p>"It is our turn, comrades!" he shouted as he drew his long sword. Then, -opening the wicket, he bounded boldly into the <i>mêlée</i>, followed by his -party, who rushed after him with shouts of joy. The Indians were caught -between two fires—a thing which rarely happens—and compelled to -fight in the open. Still they were not discouraged, for Indian bravery -surpasses all belief. Finding themselves surrounded, they resolved to -die bravely sooner than surrender; and though not nearly so well armed -as their enemies, they received their attack with unlessened resolution.</p> - -<p>But the Indians, on this occasion, had not to do with Mexicans, and soon -discovered the difference. The charge of the Frenchmen was irresistible: -they passed like a tornado through the redskins, who, in spite of their -resolution, were compelled to give ground. But flight was impossible. -Recalled by the voices of their chiefs, who, while themselves fighting -bravely, did not cease to urge them to redouble their efforts, they -returned to the combat. The struggle then assumed the gigantic -proportions of a horrible carnage. It was no longer a battle, but a -butchery, in which each sought to kill, caring little about falling -himself, so long as he dragged down his foeman with him.</p> - -<p>Valentine, the greater part of whose life had been spent in the desert, -and who had frequently encountered the Indians, had never before seen -them display so great animosity, and, above all, such obstinacy; for -usually, when they suffer a check, far from obstinately continuing a -fight without any possible advantageous result for themselves, they -retire immediately, and seek safety in a hurried flight; but this time -their mode of fighting was completely changed, and it seemed that the -more they recognised the impossibility of victory, the more anxious they -felt to resist.</p> - -<p>The count, ever in front of his comrades, whom he encouraged by his -gestures and voice, tried to approach Mixcoatzin, who, still curveting -on his black horse, performed prodigies of valour, which electrified -his men, and threatened, if not to change the face of the combat, at -any rate to prolong it. But each time that chance brought him in front -of the chief, and he prepared to rush upon him, a crowd of combatants, -driven back by the changing incidents of the fight, came between them, -and neutralised his efforts.</p> - -<p>For his part, the sachem also strove to approach the count, with whom he -burned to measure himself, persuaded that, if he succeeded in killing -the chief of the palefaces, the latter would be struck with terror, and -abandon the battlefield.</p> - -<p>At length, as if by mutual agreement, the white men and Indians fell -back a few paces, doubtlessly to prepare for a final contest; and it -was then that, for the first time since the combat, the count and the -sachem found themselves face to face. The two men exchanged a flashing -glance, and rushed upon each other furiously. Neither of the chiefs had -firearms: the sachem brandished his terrible club, and the count waved -his long sword, which was reddened to the hilt.</p> - -<p>"At last!" the count shouted, as he raised his weapon over his head.</p> - -<p>"Begging dog of the palefaces," the Indian said with a grin, "you bring -me, then, your scalp, that I may attach it to the entrance of my cabin!"</p> - -<p>They were only two paces from each other, each awaiting the favourable -moment to rush on his enemy. On seeing their chiefs ready to engage, the -two parties rushed forward impetuously, in order to separate them and -recommence the combat; bat Don Louis, with a gesture of supreme command, -ordered his companions not to interfere. The adventurers remained -motionless. On his side, Mixcoatzin, seeing the noble and gallant -courtesy of the count, commanded his comrades to keep back. The redskins -obeyed, and the question was left to be decided between Don Louis and -the sachem.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> - -<h3>REPRISALS.</h3> - - -<p>The two enemies hesitated for a moment; but suddenly the sachem bounded -forward. The count remained motionless; but at the moment the Indian -reached him, with a movement rapid as thought, he seized the nostrils of -the chief's horse with the left hand, so that it reared with a shriek of -pain, and thrust his sword into the Indian's throat: the latter's lifted -arm fell down, his eyes opened widely, a jet of blood poured from the -gaping wound, and he rolled on the ground, uttering a yell of agony, -and writhing like a serpent. The count placed his foot on the chief's -chest, and nailed him to the ground. Then he shouted to his comrades in -a powerful voice,—</p> - -<p>"Forward—forward!"</p> - -<p>The adventurers responded by a shout of triumph, and rushed once -more on the redskins. But the latter no longer awaited their attack. -Terrified by the death of Mixcoatzin, one of their most revered sachems, -a panic seized upon them, and they fled in every direction. Then began -a real manhunt, with all its hideous and atrocious interludes. As we -have said, the Indians were surrounded: flight had become impossible. -The adventurers, exasperated by the long contest they had been obliged -to sustain, pitilessly massacred their conquered enemies, who would have -implored mercy in vain. The distracted Indians ran hither and thither, -sabred as they passed, transfixed by bayonets, and trampled underfoot -by the horses, which, as cruel as their masters, and intoxicated by the -sharp odour of blood, stamped on them frenziedly. The corpses were piled -up in the centre of the fatal circle which incessantly closed in around -them.</p> - -<p>Their courage and strength all exhausted, the wretched redskins had -thrown away their arms, and, with their hands crossed on their chests, -they gave up any further struggle for life, and awaited death with that -gloomy calmness of despair and stoicism which characterises their race.</p> - -<p>The count had wished for a long time to arrest this horrible carnage; -but, in the intoxication of victory, his orders were not so much -disobeyed as unheard. Still the Frenchmen stopped, struck with -admiration at the sight of the stoical resignation displayed by their -brave enemies, who disdained to ask mercy, and prepared to die worthily, -without any weakness or bravado. The Frenchmen hesitated, looked at -one another, and then raised their bayonets. The count profited by this -truce, and rushed before his men, brandishing in the air his sword, -reddened to the hilt.</p> - -<p>"Enough, comrades," he shouted, "enough! We are soldiers, not hangmen or -butchers. Leave to the Mexicans all cowardly acts, and remain what you -have ever been—brave and clement men. Mercy for these poor wretches!"</p> - -<p>"Mercy—mercy!" the Frenchmen shouted as they brandished their weapons -above their heads.</p> - -<p>At this moment the sun rose gloriously in a flood of vapour. It was a -scene at once imposing and full of sublime horror which the battlefield -offered—still smoking with the last explosions of the firearms, covered -with corpses, and in the midst of which thirty disarmed men appeared to -bid defiance to a circle of men stained with blood and powder, and whose -features were contracted by passion.</p> - -<p>The count then returned his sword to its scabbard, and walked -slowly toward the Indians, who watched his approach restlessly; for -they understood nothing of what had just occurred. The Indians are -implacable, and clemency is unknown to them. In the prairies the only -law is <i>va victis</i>. The redskins, being pitiless, never implore the -mercy of their foes, and endure unmurmuring the harsh law which it may -please their conquerors to mete out to them.</p> - -<p>The adventurers had piled their arms, and had already forgotten all -their rancour: they were laughing and talking gaily together. Valentine -and Curumilla had rejoined the count.</p> - -<p>"What is your intention?" the hunter asked.</p> - -<p>"Have you not guessed it?" Louis replied. "I pardon them."</p> - -<p>"All?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," he said with surprise.</p> - -<p>"Then you will restore them to liberty?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter said.</p> - -<p>"Do you see anything to prevent it?"</p> - -<p>"Possibly."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself."</p> - -<p>"I see no harm in your forgiving the Indians, for that may produce -a good effect among the tribes, especially as the redskins have an -excellent memory, and will long remember the severe lesson they received -this night."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"But," the hunter went on, "all those men are not Indians."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"That there are disguised Mexicans among them."</p> - -<p>"You are certain of that?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, the more so because I was warned by the man who commands the -horsemen that proved such useful auxiliaries to you."</p> - -<p>"But are not those horsemen Apaches?"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, my dear friend: they are white men, and what is more, -<i>cívicos</i>; that is to say, men paid and enrolled by the hacenderos to -chase the Indians. You see how honourably they carry out their duties; -but that must not astonish you, for you are sufficiently well acquainted -with the manners of this country to find that perfectly natural, I have -no doubt."</p> - -<p>Louis stopped thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"What you tell me confounds me," he muttered.</p> - -<p>"Why so?" the hunter replied carelessly. "It is, on the contrary, most -simple. But we have not to trouble ourselves about the horsemen at -present—they are beside the question."</p> - -<p>"Certainly. Indeed, I owe them my thanks."</p> - -<p>"They will save you the trouble, and I too. Let us only deal with the -men down there."</p> - -<p>"Then you are sure there are white men among them?"</p> - -<p>"Quite sure."</p> - -<p>"But how to recognise them?"</p> - -<p>"Curumilla will undertake that."</p> - -<p>"What you tell me is strange. For what purpose are these men leagued -with our enemies?"</p> - -<p>"We shall soon know that."</p> - -<p>They then went on, and stood by the group. Valentine made a sign to -Curumilla: the chief then approached the Indians, and began examining -them attentively in turn, the count and Valentine watching him with -considerable interest. The Araucano was as cold and gloomy as usual—not -a muscle of his face quivered. On seeing him examine them thus, the -Indians could not refrain from shuddering: they trembled at the sight of -this dumb and unarmed man, whose piercing glance seemed to try and read -their hearts; Curumilla laid his finger on an Indian's chest.</p> - -<p>"One!" he said, and passed on.</p> - -<p>"Come out!" Valentine said to the redskin.</p> - -<p>The latter stood apart.</p> - -<p>Curumilla pointed out in this way nine in succession, and then rejoined -his comrades.</p> - -<p>"Is that all?" Valentine asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Disarm those men, and bind them firmly," the count commanded.</p> - -<p>His orders being obeyed, Don Louis then walked up to the Apaches.</p> - -<p>"My brothers may take their arms and mount their horses again," he -said. "They are valiant warriors. The palefaces have appreciated their -courage, and esteem them. My brothers will return to their villages, and -tell the old men and sages of their nation that the palefaces who have -conquered them are not cruel men, like the ferocious Yoris, and that -they desire to bury the hatchet so deeply between themselves and the -Apaches, that it may never be found again for ten thousand years."</p> - -<p>An Indian advanced from the group, and saluted majestically.</p> - -<p>"Strong Heart is a terrible warrior: he is a jaguar during the combat, -but he becomes an antelope after the victory. The words his breast -breathes are inspired in him by the Great Spirit—the Wacondah loves -him. My nation was deceived by the Yoris. Strong Heart is generous—he -has pardoned. Henceforth there will be friendship between the Apaches -and the warriors of Strong Heart."</p> - -<p>The redskins, according to their custom, had, with that poesy which -distinguishes them, given Don Louis the name of Strong Heart.</p> - -<p>After this address on the part of the Indian, who was a celebrated -chief, and known as the White Buffalo, there was an interchange of good -offices between the adventurers and Apaches. Their horses and arms were -returned to them, and the ranks were opened to let them pass. When they -had disappeared in the forest, El Buitre ordered his men to wheel, and -retired in his turn. Don Louis for a moment had the idea of recalling -this auxiliary, who had been so useful to him during the action; but -Valentine opposed it.</p> - -<p>"Let those men go, brother," he said to him. "You must not have any -public relations with them."</p> - -<p>Don Louis did not insist.</p> - -<p>"Now," Valentine went on, "let us finish what we have so well begun."</p> - -<p>"That is right," the count answered.</p> - -<p>The order was at once given to bury the dead and attend to the wounded. -The Frenchmen had suffered a serious loss: they had ten men killed and -twenty odd wounded. It is true that the majority of these wounds were -not mortal; still the victory cost dearly: it was a warning for the -future.</p> - -<p>Two hours later the company, assembled by the bugle call, ranged -themselves silently in the mission square, in the centre of which Don -Louis, Valentine, and three officers were gravely seated at a table, on -which lay sundry papers. Don Cornelio was writing at a smaller table. -The count had summoned his comrades, and appointed a court martial, of -which he was president, in order to try the prisoners captured during -the fight. Don Louis rose amidst a solemn silence.</p> - -<p>"Bring forward the prisoners," he said.</p> - -<p>The men previously pointed out by Curumilla appeared, led by a -detachment of adventurers, and were freed from their bonds. Although -they still wore the costume of Apache warriors, they had been compelled -to wash themselves, and remove the paint that disguised them. These men -appeared not so much to repent of their detected roguery, but merely -ashamed of being made a public spectacle.</p> - -<p>"Bring in the last prisoner," Don Louis commanded.</p> - -<p>At this order the adventurers looked round in surprise, not -understanding what the count meant, for the nine Mexicans were all -present. But at the expiration of a moment their surprise was changed -into anger, and a dull murmur ran along their ranks like an electric -current.</p> - -<p>Colonel Florés had made his appearance. He was unarmed, and his head -bare; but his face, stamped with boldness and defiance, had a gloomily -malicious expression, which gave him a most unpleasant appearance. -Curumilla accompanied him. The count made a sign, and silence was -re-established.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this?" the colonel asked in a haughty tone.</p> - -<p>Don Louis did not allow him to continue.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" he said in a firm voice, turning a flashing glance upon him.</p> - -<p>Subdued, in spite of himself, by the count's accent, the colonel blushed -and remained silent. Don Louis continued:—</p> - -<p>"Brothers and comrades," he said, "unfortunately for us, circumstances -have placed us in an exceptional situation. On all sides treachery -surrounds us. By falsehood after falsehood, trick upon trick, they -have led us onto this desert, where we are abandoned to ourselves, far -from all help, and having our courage alone to count upon to save us. -Yesterday Don Sebastian Guerrero, believing himself at length sure of -the success of his infamous plans, which he has so long been forming -against us, decided on raising the mask. He declared us outlaws, and -branded us with the disgraceful epithet of pirates. Scarce two hours -after his departure we were attacked by Indians. Our enemies' measures -were well calculated, and were within an ace of success. But God was on -the watch, and saved us this time again. Now, do you know the man who -made himself the generals right arm, and carried into effect the odious -treachery of which we were so nearly the victims?</p> - -<p>"This man," he said, pointing with his finger with an expression of -crushing contempt, "is the villain who, since our departure from -Guaymas, has attached himself to us, and never left us. He pretended -to love and defend us, that he might surprise our secrets, and sell -them to our enemies. It is the wretch whom we treated as a brother—to -whom we offered the most delicate and enduring attention. It is the -man, lastly, who assumes the title of colonel, and name of Francisco -Florés, and who lied in doing so; for he is a nameless half-breed, -surnamed El Garrucholo, ex-lieutenant of El Buitre, that ferocious -brigand who commands a <i>cuadrilla</i> of salteadores that has desolated -Upper Mexico for several years. Look at him! Now that he is detected, -he trembles—villain that he is; for he knows that the supreme hour of -justice has rung for him."</p> - -<p>In fact, at this terrible revelation, thus made in the presence of all, -the bandit's boldness suddenly gave way, and an expression of hideous -terror contracted his features.</p> - -<p>"See," the count continued, "the men whom our enemies are not ashamed -to employ against us; and yet they treat us as pirates! Well, we accept -this brand, brothers; and these bandits who have fallen into our hands -shall be judged according to the summary law of pirates."</p> - -<p>The adventurers warmly applauded their chief's address. Besides, all -recognised the truth and logic of his remarks. In the critical situation -in which they found themselves they could forgive nothing: clemency -would have been culpable weakness. They could only regain their position -by boldness and energy, by terrifying their foes, and compelling them -to treat with them. The count sat down again.</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio," he said, "read to the accused the charges brought -against him."</p> - -<p>The Spaniard rose, and began a long charge against the colonel, -supported by numerous letters written by Don Francisco, or received by -him from various persons, principally General Guerrero, which clearly -and indubitably proved the colonel's guilt. Don Cornelio finished by -describing the interview on the previous day between Don Francisco, El -Buitre, and the Apache chief. The adventurers listened to this long -enumeration of crimes and felonies in the most profound silence. When -Don Cornelio had ended the count addressed the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Do you recognise the truth of the charge brought against you?"</p> - -<p>The bandit raised his head: his mind was made up, and he shrugged his -shoulders contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"Of what use to deny?" he said. "It is all true."</p> - -<p>"Then you confess that you have betrayed us since the first moment we -met?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Canarios!</i>" he said, with a mocking smile, "you are mistaken, señor -conde. I betrayed you even before I knew you."</p> - -<p>At this cynical declaration no one present could repress a start of -horror.</p> - -<p>"Does what I say astonish you?" the bandit continued boldly. "Why so? -I consider my conduct perfectly natural. What are you to us Mexicans -but strangers? You are leeches, who come to our country to suck the -brightest of our blood; that is to say, to gorge yourselves with our -riches, deride our ignorance, turn into ridicule our manners and -customs, and impose on us your tastes, and what you call your Western -civilisation. By what right do you seize on all that is dear to us? -You are only ferocious beasts, to destroy whom all measures are -justifiable. If we are not the stronger in the sunshine, well, we have -the night. Loyalty and frankness would ruin us, so we employ falsehood -and treachery. What next? Who is wrong—who is right? Who will dare to -be judge between us? No one. I have fallen into your hands: you are -going to kill me. Very good. I shall be assassinated, but not condemned -by you, for you have no authority by which to try me. What more do you -want? Act as you think proper: it does not trouble me. He who sows the -wind reaps the whirlwind. I have sown trickery—I have reaped treason. -It is but just. I am about to die. Well, you have no right to inflict on -me this death which I have deserved. Your verdict will be a murder, I -repeat."</p> - -<p>After pronouncing these words he folded his arms on his chest, and -boldly surveyed his auditors. In spite of themselves the adventurers -felt moved by a species of admiration for the savage resolution of -this man, with his feline and crafty manner, who had suddenly revealed -himself in so different a light from that in which they had hitherto -known him. In speaking with such brutal frankness the bandit had, as -it were, raised himself in the eyes of all. His roguery appeared less -vile; he inspired a sort of sympathy in these brave men, for whom -courage and virtue are the first two virtues.</p> - -<p>"Then you do not even try to defend yourself?" Don Louis said -sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Defend myself," he said in amazement, "for having acted as I thought -it my duty to do, and as I should act again if you were such fools as -to pardon me! Come, caballeros, that is not common sense. Besides, if I -defended myself, I should to a certain extent recognise the competency -of your tribunal, and I absolutely deny it; so, believe me, you had -better finish with me—the sooner the better, both for you and me."</p> - -<p>The count rose, took off his hat, and, addressing the adventurers, said -in a solemn voice,—</p> - -<p>"Friends and comrades, on your soul and conscience, is this man guilty?"</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the adventurers answered in a hollow voice.</p> - -<p>"What punishment has this man merited?" the count continued.</p> - -<p>"Death!" the adventurers replied simultaneously.</p> - -<p>The count then turned to the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Don Francisco Florés, otherwise called El Garrucholo, you are condemned -to the penalty of death."</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" he said, with a graceful bow.</p> - -<p>"But," the count continued, "as you are convicted of treason, and must -suffer the death of traitors—that is, be shot in the back—taking into -consideration the uniform you wear, which is that of the Mexican army, -which we do not wish to disgrace in your person, you will be first -degraded: the judgment will be executed immediately after."</p> - -<p>The bandit shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"What do I care?" he said.</p> - -<p>At a sign from the count a non-commissioned officer stepped from the -ranks, and the degradation commenced. El Garrucholo endured this -frightful humiliation without turning pale: the bandit had in him -completely gained the mastery over the caballero, and, as he said, he -cared little about being degraded—that is to say, dishonoured—-because -honour to him was as nothing. When the subaltern had returned to the -ranks the count again addressed the condemned man.</p> - -<p>"You have five minutes to commend your soul to God," he said to him. -"May He be merciful to you! You have nothing more to expect in this -world from men."</p> - -<p>The bandit burst into a hoarse laugh.</p> - -<p>"You are all fools!" he shouted. "What have I in common with God, if -really He exist? I had better recommend myself to the demon, into whose -clutches I shall fall, if what the monks say is true."</p> - -<p>At this frightful blasphemy the adventurers gave a start of terror; but -El Garrucholo did not seem to notice it.</p> - -<p>"I have," he continued, "only one favour more to ask of you."</p> - -<p>"Speak!" the count replied, suppressing a gesture of disgust.</p> - -<p>"I wear round my neck, hanging by a steel chain, a little velvet bag, -containing a blessed relic, which my mother gave me, telling me it would -bring me good fortune. Since my birth this scapulary has never left me. -I desire it to be buried with me. Perhaps it will be of use to me down -there where I am bound."</p> - -<p>"What you desire shall be done," the count answered.</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" he said with evident satisfaction.</p> - -<p>Strange anomaly of the Mexican character! This people is credulous and -superstitious, without faith and without belief—a childish people, too -long enslaved, and too quickly liberated, which has not had the time -either to forget or to learn.</p> - -<p>"The picket!" the count commanded.</p> - -<p>Eight men, commanded by a corporal, stepped from the ranks. The bandit -knelt, with his back turned to the executioners.</p> - -<p>"Present—fire!"</p> - -<p>El Garrucholo fell, shot in the back, not uttering a sigh: he was stark -dead. His body was covered with a zarapé.</p> - -<p>"Now," the count said coldly, "for the rest."</p> - -<p>The nine prisoners were brought up to the table: they were trembling, -for the summary justice of the adventurers filled them with terror. -A great noise was at this moment heard a short distance off, mingled -with shouts and imprecations; and suddenly two females, mounted on -magnificent horses, galloped into the middle of the square, when they -stopped. They were Doña Angela and her waiting maid, Violanta.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela's hair was dishevelled; her features were animated, -probably by the speed at which she had come; and her eyes flashed -flames. She remained for a moment motionless amid the crowd surprised -at her sudden appearance. But, seeming suddenly to form a supreme -resolution, she raised her head haughtily, and addressed the attentive -adventurers, who were struck with admiration at so much boldness united -to such beauty.</p> - -<p>"Listen!" she said in a piercing voice. "I, Doña Angela, daughter of the -Governor of Sonora, have come here to protest boldly, in the sight of -all, against the treachery of which my father makes you the victims. Don -Louis, chief of the French pirates, I love you! Will you accept me as -your wife?"</p> - -<p>A thunder of applause greeted these strange words, which were uttered -with extraordinary animation. Don Louis slowly drew nearer the maiden, -as if fascinated and attracted by her glance.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said to her, "come, as you do not fear to ally yourself to -misfortune."</p> - -<p>The girl uttered a scream of joy that resembled a yell; and abandoning -her reins, she bounded like a panther, and fell into the arms of the -count, who pressed her frenziedly against his manly breast. Then, after -a moment, still holding her in his embrace, he proudly raised his head, -and looked commandingly around.</p> - -<p>"This lady is the wife of the chief of the pirates, my brothers. Love -her as a sister: she will be our palladium—our guardian angel."</p> - -<p>The intoxication of the adventurers cannot be described: it was -madness. This strange scene appeared to them a dream. The count then -turned to the prisoners, who awaited their sentence in tremor.</p> - -<p>"Begone!" he said to them. "Go and narrate what you have seen. Doña -Angela pardons you."</p> - -<p>The prisoners left the square, uttering benedictions innumerable. The -poor fellows, after all that had passed in their presence, regarded -themselves as dead men. Valentine drew near the maiden.</p> - -<p>"You are an angel," he said to her in a low voice. "Will you persevere?"</p> - -<p>"I am his to the tomb," she answered with a feverish energy.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> - -<h3>GUETZALLI.</h3> - - -<p>Were we writing a romance there are many details we would leave in the -shade, many facts we should pass over in silence. Unfortunately we -are only historians, and, as such, compelled to the most scrupulous -exactitude.</p> - -<p>In the first episode of this history we related how the Count de -Lhorailles, at the head of 150 Frenchmen, selected from the colony of -Guetzalli, which he had founded, let himself be led in pursuit of the -Apache Indians into the great Del Norte desert; and how, after wandering -about with his party in the midst of this ocean of shifting sand, and -seeing his bravest comrades fall around him, he had blown out his -brains, while, in a few hours after his death, the few Frenchmen who -survived this great disaster succeeded in emerging from the desert and -regaining the road to the colony.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen left at Guetzalli beheld the arrival of the relics of -the expedition with stupor, and the news of the Count de Lhorailles' -death completed their demoralisation. Abandoned without chiefs, so far -from their country, in the midst of an enemy's territory, exposed at -any moment to the attacks of the Apaches, they gave way to despair, and -seriously revolved the question of leaving the colony and returning to -the seacoast. The Count de Lhorailles, who founded the settlement, was, -in fact, the soul of it. He dead, his companions felt in themselves -neither the necessary energy nor strength to continue his work—a -work which, indeed, they knew but imperfectly, for the count had no -confidants among the men who had joined him. Jealous of his power, and -naturally of a reserved temper, he had never confided to anyone his -plans or his projects.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen who had followed him—for the most part greedy -adventurers, devoured by that inextinguishable thirst for gold which had -made them give up everything to go to America—had been cruelly deceived -in their hopes, when, on disembarking in Mexico, that classic land of -riches, the count, instead of leading them to gold or silver mines, -which they would have worked and filled their pockets abundantly, took -them to the Mexican frontier, and forced them to, till the soil.</p> - -<p>Thus, when the first moment of stupor had passed, each colonist, -acting under the impression of his own will, began his preparations for -departure, in his heart well pleased at seeing an exile thus terminated -which was beset by dangers, while offering none of the advantages -of the situation. It was all over with the colony; but fortunately, -wherever a number of Frenchmen are assembled, when the indispensable -man disappears, another immediately arises, who, impelled by the -circumstances, reveals himself suddenly to the great amazement of his -comrades, and frequently of himself.</p> - -<p>Among the colonists at Guetzalli was a young man scarce thirty years -of age, but gifted with an ardent imagination and a far from common -intellect. This young man, whose name was Charles de Laville, had left -Europe, impelled rather by a certain restlessness of character and -secret curiosity than by a desire to acquire the boasted riches of -San Francisco. In that city, to which he proceeded with his brother, -an older and more earnest man than himself, chance had made him -acquainted with the Count de Lhorailles. The count exercised, perhaps -unconsciously, an irresistible influence even over those who knew him -superficially. When ho organised his expedition he had no difficulty in -taking with him Charles de Laville, who followed him in spite of his -brother's wise recommendations.</p> - -<p>The count, who was a connoisseur in his fellow-men, appreciated at its -full value the honourable and disinterested character of Charles de -Laville. Thus he was the only one of all his companions with whom he -at times spoke almost freely, and imparted to him some of his plans. -He knew that the young man would never turn this confidence against -him, but that, on the contrary, under all circumstances, he would aid -him to the utmost of his power. When the count was on the point of -starting on that disastrous expedition from which he was fated never to -return—an expedition which de Laville obstinately opposed—it was to -the latter gentleman that he intrusted the government and management of -the colony during his absence, persuaded that in his hands the affairs -of Guetzalli could not but prosper. De Laville accepted the confidential -situation against his will. It was a heavy burden for him, so young and -inexperienced, to maintain an active surveillance over men to whom any -restraint, however slight, was insupportable, and who only obeyed with a -secret murmur the will of the count, for whom they experienced a respect -mingled with fear.</p> - -<p>Still, against his expectations, and perhaps his hopes, Charles de -Laville succeeded, in a very short time, not only in securing the -unmurmuring obedience of his countrymen, but also in gaining their -love. It was owing to this influence which he contrived to gain over -the colonists that, when the remnants of the expedition arrived at -Guetzalli, he succeeded in restoring some degree of order in the colony, -arousing the courage of his comrades, and taking the proper defensive -measures in the probable event of an Apache attack.</p> - -<p>He gave the first outburst of grief time to calm; he waited the -subsidence of the exaggerated anger of one party, and the equally -exaggerated fears of another; and when he perceived that, excepting the -profound discouragement that had seized on all, and made them desire -a speedy retreat, their minds were beginning to regain their ordinary -lucidity, he summoned the colonists to a general meeting. The latter -eagerly obeyed, and assembled in the large courtyard in front of the -main building. When de Laville was assured that all the colonists were -assembled, and anxiously awaiting the communication he had to make to -them, he claimed a few moments' attention and took the word.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said, with that facility of speech he possessed in an -eminent degree, "I am the youngest, and certainly the most inexperienced -of all present; hence it would not become me to speak at this moment, -when such grave interests, and of such great importance, occupy us. -Still, perhaps, the confidence the Count de Lhorailles was kind -enough to place in me will authorise me in taking the present step of -addressing you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, speak—you are worthy of that confidence!" the colonists shouted -tumultuously.</p> - -<p>Thus encouraged, the young man smiled pleasantly and continued:—</p> - -<p>"It is true that a great disaster has fallen on us: many of our -companions have perished miserably in the great Del Norte desert. The -count who brought us here, our chief, is dead too. I repeat it, it is an -immense loss for us generally, and for the welfare of the colony. But -is the misfortune, though so terrible, irreparable? Ought we, through -this death, to lose all our courage, and abandon a task which is scarce -commenced? I do not think so, nor do you."</p> - -<p>At these words a few slight murmurs were heard. The young man looked -calmly around his audience, and silence was re-established as if by -enchantment.</p> - -<p>"No," he continued forcibly, "you do not think so yourselves. You are -undergoing at this moment the influence of the catastrophe that has -overwhelmed us: discouragement has seized upon you. It must be so; but -you will soon reflect on the consequences of the act you are meditating, -and the chance that will result from it for yourselves. What! two -hundred Frenchmen—that is to say, the bravest men in existence—would -fly through fear of the lances and arrows of those Apaches whom it is -their mission to hold in check? What would the Mexicans think, in whose -opinion you have stood so high up to the present day? What would your -brethren in California say? In the sight of all you would have lost -honour and reputation; for you would have betrayed your duties, and not -forced that name and title of Frenchmen, of which you are so proud, to -be respected in these savage countries."</p> - -<p>At these rude words, uttered with that accent which comes from the -heart, so suited to move the masses, the colonists began, in spite of -themselves to regard the question under a different light, and feel -inwardly ashamed of the flight they meditated. Still they were not yet -convinced, the more so as the position remained the same; that is to -say, excessively critical. Thus the shouts, murmurs, and objections -crossed each other with extreme rapidity, each wishing to offer his -advice, and have his opinion accepted, as generally happens in popular -meetings. One of the colonists succeeded with great difficulty in -gaining the word, and addressed the young man.</p> - -<p>"There is truth in what you say to us, M. Charles: still we cannot -remain in our present situation—a situation which becomes daily more -aggravated, and threatens soon to grow insupportable. What is the remedy -for the evil?"</p> - -<p>"The remedy is easy to find," the young man answered quickly. "Is it my -place to point it out to you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes!" all exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Well, then, I consent. Listen to me."</p> - -<p>There was immediately profound silence.</p> - -<p>"We are two hundred strong—resolute and intelligent men. Can we not -find among us, then, a chief worthy of commanding us? We have lost the -man who has hitherto guided us; but must we say that, since he is dead, -no one can take his place? That supposition would be absurd. The Count -de Lhorailles was not immortal. We must have expected to lose him sooner -or later, and unfortunately that foreseen catastrophe has occurred -ere it was expected. Is that a reason to let ourselves be demoralised -and downcast? No; let us raise our heads again, regain our courage, -and elect as our chief the man who offers us the best guarantees of -intelligence and loyalty. Such a man may be easily found among you. -Come, comrades, let us have no delay, but vote on the spot. When our -chief is nominated and recognised by all, we shall no longer fear perils -or sufferings, for we shall have a head to guide us, and an arm to -support us."</p> - -<p>These words raised the joy and enthusiasm of the colonists to the -highest pitch. They broke up into groups of three or four, and agitated -the question eagerly of the chief they should select.</p> - -<p>During this period, de Laville, apparently indifferent to what was -passing, re-entered the house, leaving his companions full and entire -liberty to act as they pleased. We will observe that the advice given -by the young man was disinterested on his part: he had no intention of -taking upon himself the heavy responsibility of a command which he did -not at all desire. His object in urging the Frenchmen to elect a chief -had been to prevent the ruin of the colony, which had been founded -scarce a year, which, owing to their combined efforts and toil, was -beginning to give good results, and which, if the colonists did not -disperse, would soon enter on a career of prosperity, and repay them a -hundredfold for their troubles and fatigue.</p> - -<p>The discussion among the colonists was lengthy: in all the groups -orators were speaking warmly; in short, there seemed no chance of an -agreement. Still, by degrees, the effervescence calmed down; the parties -drew nearer; and under the influence of a few men more intelligent or -better disposed than the rest, the discussion went on more regularly and -seriously. At length, after many disputes, the colonists were unanimous, -and selected one among them to tell Charles de Laville the result of -their deliberations. The man selected entered the house, while the -colonists arranged themselves with some degree of order before the gate.</p> - -<p>Charles, as we have said, did not trouble himself at all about what -was going on outside. The death of the count, to whom, in spite of -the latter's eccentric character, he was really attached, had not -only saddened him, but broken the last ties that attached him to this -forgotten nook of earth, where he believed that there was nothing left -for him to do. He therefore only awaited the election of the new chief -to bid good-by to the members of the company, and then separate from -them. When the man delegated by the colonists entered the room where he -was, he raised his head, and looked earnestly at him.</p> - -<p>"Well," he asked him, "have we a new chief at last?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the other answered laconically.</p> - -<p>"Who is he?" the young man asked with some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Our comrades will tell you, M. Charles," he replied. "They have -authorised me to ask you to have the kindness to be present at the -election, and thus sanction it."</p> - -<p>"That is only right," he said with a smile. "I forgot that, up to the -present, I have been your chief, and that I must hand over to the leader -you have selected the power the count delegated to me. I follow you."</p> - -<p>The other bowed without a word, and both left the house. When they -appeared in the gateway, the colonists, hitherto silent, uttered a -formidable shout, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs in signs -of joy. The young man turned quite surprised to his companion, but the -latter merely smiled. After this explosion of shouts of welcome, silence -was at once restored. Then the delegate removed his hat, and after -bowing respectfully to the young man, who was all confused, and hardly -knew which way to look, said in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,—</p> - -<p>"Charles de Laville, we, the colonists of Guetzalli, after assembling, -in accordance with your advice, to proceed to the election of a new -chief, have recognised that you alone combine all the conditions -necessary worthily to fill that post to which the confidence of the -chief we have lost called you. In consequence, wishing to honour in you -the memory of our deceased chief, at the same time as we desire to prove -to you our gratitude for the way in which you have governed us since you -have been at our head, we unanimously appoint you captain of Guetzalli, -persuaded that you will continue to command us with as much nobility, -intelligence, and justice as you have hitherto displayed."</p> - -<p>Then, taking from one of the colonists the charter which united all the -members of the colony, and which the count had made them all sign when -he enlisted them, he unfolded it.</p> - -<p>"Captain," he said, "this charter-party, read in a loud voice by me, -will be immediately sworn to by all. Will you swear on your side to -protect us, to defend us, and give us good and loyal justice toward and -against all?"</p> - -<p>The young man took off his hat, extended his arm toward the crowd, and -said in a firm voice,—</p> - -<p>"I swear it."</p> - -<p>"Long live the captain!" the colonists shouted enthusiastically. "The -charter—the charter!"</p> - -<p>The reading commenced. After each article the colonists answered in one -voice,—</p> - -<p>"I swear it."</p> - -<p>There was something imposing in the aspect of this scene. These men, -with their energetic features and bronzed faces, thus assembled in -the heart of the desert, surrounded by the grand scenery, swearing in -the face of heaven unbounded devotion and obedience, bore a striking -likeness to the famous filibusters of the sixteenth century preparing to -attempt one of their bold expeditions, and swearing on the charter in -the hands of Montbars the exterminator, or any other renowned chief of -Tortoise Island.</p> - -<p>When the reading was completed a fresh outbreak of shouts closed this -simple ceremony of the election of a chief of adventurers in the deserts -of the New World. This time—accidentally, perchance—the choice of -all had fallen on the most worthy. Charles de Laville was really the -only man capable of repairing the disasters of the late expedition, -and leading the colony back to that prosperous path on which it was -progressing previously to the death of Lhorailles.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE ENVOY.</h3> - - -<p>The election over, all, in appearance, returned to the old routine, or -at least seemed to re-assume its normal condition. Still it was not so. -The Count de Lhorailles, in dying, had borne with him the hopes of the -adventurers, whom he had only kept together through his resolute and -enterprising character. With his fall, matters began to change, and -difficulties spring up.</p> - -<p>The Mexican authorities, in whom the indomitable will of the count had -alone inspired an apparent kindness toward the colonists, whom they -had never liked to see establish themselves on the territory of the -Republic, no longer apprehending the vengeance of the man they had -learned to fear while learning to know him, very gently and craftily -inaugurated a system of minor annoyances, which was already beginning to -render the position of the French difficult, and would soon cause it to -be intolerable, unless the latter employed an energetic remedy for this -state of things, which grew hourly worse. On the other hand, though the -colony was so remote from the seaboard, rumours of what was going on -in the rest of the world reached it at intervals. Emigrants in troops -passed through Guetzalli: all were proceeding to California, for that -was the promised land at the moment.</p> - -<p>All these emigrants—gambusinos, or Mexican adventurers—only dreamed -of inexhaustible placers and mines of immense wealth. The gold -fever—that horrible malady which the English so well stigmatised by -energetically calling it the "metallic gold fever"—was at its height. -From all corners of the world, Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, Americans, -Polynesians, adventurers of every description, settled like swarms of -ill-omened locusts on this country, which was destined to prove fatal to -them, and swallow them up after unheard-of sufferings.</p> - -<p>In this impious crusade of the vilest appetites the watchword was -"Gold—gold!" These men, who abandoned country, family, everything, in -a word, had only one desire—to amass gold. It was a hideous sight. -And these bands succeeded each other at the colony, with their eyes -obstinately fixed on the horizon, and only replying two words to the -questions asked them: "California—placers." In order to conquer this -metal king all means would be good to them: nothing would check them. -They were ready for anything—to commit the most odious crimes, the most -infamous treachery, the most ignoble acts of cowardice.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for the colonists, the adventurers who passed near their -abode all belonged to the most ignorant, corrupted, and ferocious -classes of Mexico. In spite of themselves, the Frenchmen, whose object -had been, at the outset, to work the mines, felt the desire aroused in -them to return to the Eldorado they had left, and demand their share -of the spoil. A man, however strong he may be, cannot with impunity -hear the word "gold" constantly buzzing in his ears. In the strange -connection of these four letters there is an immense attractive power, -which sharpens up avarice, and arouses all the evil instincts.</p> - -<p>The colonists of Guetzalli were honest and frank adventurers. The -majority had quitted Europe with the desire of enriching themselves -rapidly in that mysterious country about which they heard such marvels. -Subdued by the ascendency the count had managed to acquire over them, -they had tacitly accepted the position made for them, and, by the aid -of habit, had gradually come, not to forget their past desires, but to -consider them as mocking chimeras and unrealisable dreams. The events -which afterwards happened in the colony, and the golden halo suddenly -spread abroad by California, gave a body to these dreams, and enkindled -their covetousness to the highest pitch.</p> - -<p>Charles de Laville followed with a shudder the progress of this moral -disorganisation of the colony. He understood in his heart that the enemy -he must conquer, in order to become once more master of his companions, -was that old adventurous leaven which still fomented in their hearts, -and caused them to hate the calm and peaceful life they led, instead -of that agitated existence, with its strange interludes, to which they -secretly aspired, perhaps without suspecting it themselves. For it is a -singular anomaly in the human heart that these men, who wished for gold -at any price, who coveted it with unequalled frenzy, and who, to possess -it, braved the most terrible perils, and suffered the most horrible -misery, did not care for it when they possessed it, but regarded it with -disdain, and threw it uncounted on the tables of the gambling houses, -or of places still more infamous. It might be said that the gold so -painfully amassed burned their fingers, and they were anxious to get rid -of it. And that was true, especially in the case of the French. Gold -with them had no value except in proportion to the difficulties they met -with in acquiring it. True adventurers in the fullest sense of the term, -what they loved was not the gold for itself, but the struggles it cost -them, and the energy and courage they must expend in its research.</p> - -<p>Charles was thoroughly acquainted with the character of the men he -commanded He knew that, in order to keep them with him, it would be -sufficient to supply an outlet for this superabundance of sap, this -vivacity of imagination, which filled the hearts and heads of these -extraordinary men. But how to obtain this result? What means should -he employ? Charles racked his brains in vain: the spark did not -strike—there was no light he could throw on the matter.</p> - -<p>About this time two Frenchmen, who had formed part of the count's -last expedition, and who were believed long ago dead, reappeared at -Guetzalli. Great was the amazement of all on seeing them, although so -haggard, half naked, and scarce able to stand; but still greater grew -that amazement when, two days after their return, on finding themselves -slightly recovered, owing to the kind attentions shown them, and able to -speak, they commenced the incredible narrative of their adventures.</p> - -<p>What had happened to them may be told in fewer words than the men -employed. The frightful hurricane that assailed the count's band had -surprised them some distance from the spot where their companions had -taken refuge, and rendered it impossible to rejoin them. They sheltered -themselves as well as they could during the tempest; but when it was -over, they perceived, to their horror, that every trace, every footmark, -had disappeared.</p> - -<p>Before them, behind them, and around them extended the desert, gloomy, -naked, and desolate. As far as their eye could reach they perceived -on all sides sand—-sand everywhere and always. Then they believed -themselves lost; despair took possession of them; and they fell back on -the ground, resolved to await death, which would doubtless soon arrive -to put an end to their misery. They remained thus side by side, with -drooping heads and lacklustre eyes, in that state of complete apathy -which seizes on the strongest men after great catastrophes, suspends in -them the inward feeling of self, and interrupts their thoughts.</p> - -<p>How long did they remain in this condition? They were unable to tell. -They no longer lived, they no longer felt—they vegetated. They were -suddenly aroused from this extraordinary listlessness by the appearance -of a band of Apache Indians, who galloped round them, uttering ferocious -yells, and brandishing their long lances with an air of defiance and -menace. The Indians seized them, as they were incapable of offering the -slightest resistance, and led them to one of their villages, where they -kept them in a state of the most disgraceful and humiliating slavery.</p> - -<p>But the energy of the two adventurers, for an instant crushed, soon -gained the mastery again over their hearts. With extreme patience, -skill, and dissimulation they made the preparations for their flight. We -will not enter into any details as to the manner in which they succeeded -in escaping from the watchfulness of their guardians, and managed at -length to reach the colony by a roundabout road, crushed with fatigue, -and half dead with hunger, but arrive at once at the most important -point in their narrative.</p> - -<p>These men declared to the colonists that the village to which the -Apaches led them was built within gunshot of a placer of incalculable -value—that this placer was extremely easy to work, as the gold was on -the surface. As a proof of their veracity they showed several nuggets -of the finest gold, which they had managed to secure, and pledged -themselves to lead to this placer, which was not more than ten days' -journey from the colony, any of the adventurers who would consent to -take them as guides, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for -their toil and fatigue by the rich harvest they would obtain.</p> - -<p>This recital greatly interested the colonists. Charles de Laville, in -particular, lent a lively attention to it. He made the men repeat their -story several times, and they did not once vary from their original -statement. The captain had at length found the means he had been vainly -searching so long. Now he was certain not only that his comrades would -not abandon him, but that they would obey him blindly in all that he -thought proper to order them. The same day he informed the colonists -that he was preparing an expedition to go in search of the placer, -dislodge the Indians, and work it for the profit of all the paction.</p> - -<p>The news was received with transports of joy, and de Laville immediately -began carrying out his plan. Although the number of colonists had -greatly diminished (for frequent desertions had taken place), still -Guetzalli counted nearly two hundred colonists. It was of the utmost -importance to the gold-seekers to keep up the colony, as the only place -whence they could obtain provisions when at the mine; for, as we have -said, Guetzalli, as the advanced post of civilisation, had been founded -on the extreme limit of the desert. This position, chosen originally in -order to oppose the Indians more effectually, and stop their periodical -incursions upon the Mexican territory, became precious in the present -instance, through the facility it afforded the adventurers for supplying -themselves with all they needed without having recourse to strangers; -and this enabled them also to keep the discovery of the placer secret, -at any rate long enough, owing to the distance of the <i>pueblos</i> from -the frontier, to render it impossible for the Mexican Government to -interpose and demand the lion's share, according to its usual custom.</p> - -<p>The captain did not wish to strip the colony thoroughly, for he must -leave it in a respectable position, and safe from a sudden attack on -the part of the Apaches and Comanches, those implacable foes of the -white men, ever on the watch, and ready to profit by their slightest -oversight. De Laville therefore decided that the expedition should -be composed of eighty well-mounted and well-armed men, and that the -others should remain behind to protect the colony. Still, to avoid any -dissension or jealousy among his comrades, the captain declared that -lots should decide who were to go in search of the placer.</p> - -<p>This expedient, which rendered everybody equal, was warmly approved, -and they proceeded to draw lots. The process was extremely simple: the -name of each adventurer was written on a roll of paper and thrown into -a vessel, whence a boy drew them one by one. Of course the eighty names -that came out first would be the members of the expedition. Thus, as the -arrangement was most simple, and at the same time perfectly fair, no one -had a right to complain.</p> - -<p>All was done as was agreed. Chance, as so frequently happens, favoured -the captain by selecting the most energetic and enterprising men. -Then all eagerly prepared for the departure; that is to say, they -collected provisions of every description, got together mules, and made -the tools required for working the mine. Still, in spite of all the -activity displayed by the captain, nearly a month elapsed ere all was in -readiness.</p> - -<p>The frightful catastrophe to which the Count de Lhorailles had fallen -a victim in the great Del Norte desert, which the adventurers would -have to cross in going to the placer, was a serious warning to de -Laville to act with the utmost prudence, and leave nothing to chance. -Hence, without listening in the slightest degree to the impatient -insinuations of his comrades, who urged him to press on the departure -of the expedition, he watched with the most scrupulous attention the -construction of the carts intended to convey the provisions, and allowed -no detail, however trifling, to escape his careful eye; for he knew that -the loss of an hour in the desert, produced by the breaking of a screw, -a tire, or a trace, might cause the death of the men placed under his -orders.</p> - -<p>At last all was ready, and the day for starting settled. Within -forty-eight hours the expedition would leave Guetzalli, when, at about -five in the evening, just as the captain, after giving a final glance at -the wagons already loaded and arranged in the courtyard, was about to -re-enter his house, the sentry on the isthmus announced the arrival of a -stranger. As soon as the captain felt assured that it was a white man, -and that he wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer, he ordered his -admission to the colony. The barrier was at once raised, and the colonel -(for he wore the insignia of that rank) entered Guetzalli, followed by -two lanceros, who served as his escort, and a mule bearing his baggage.</p> - -<p>The captain advanced to meet him. The colonel dismounted, threw the -reins to a lancero, and bowed politely to the captain, who returned the -salute with equal courtesy.</p> - -<p>"With whom have I the honour of speaking?" he asked the stranger.</p> - -<p>"I am," the latter answered, "Colonel Vicente Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, Governor-General of the province of -Sonora."</p> - -<p>"I am delighted, Señor Don Vicente, at the chance afforded me of making -jour acquaintance. You must be fatigued with the long journey you have -had to this place, so I trust you will not refuse to accept some modest -refreshment."</p> - -<p>"I accept most gladly, caballero," the colonel answered with a bow; "the -more so because I have ridden so fast that I have scarce rested a minute -since leaving Pitic."</p> - -<p>"Ah! you come from Pitic?"</p> - -<p>"As the bird flies. I have been only four days covering the ground."</p> - -<p>"Hum! you must be terribly fatigued in that case, for it is a long -distance, and, as you did me the honour to inform me, you have travelled -very rapidly. Be kind enough to follow me."</p> - -<p>The colonel bowed in reply, and the captain introduced him into a room -where refreshments of every description had been prepared.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, Don Vicente," the captain said as he drew forward a chair.</p> - -<p>The colonel fell back into the butaca offered him with a sigh of -satisfaction, whose meaning only those who have ridden thirty leagues -at a stretch can understand. For some minutes the conversation between -the captain and his guest was interrupted, for the colonel ate and -drank with an avidity which, judging from the well-known sobriety of the -Mexicans, proved that he had fasted a long time. De Laville examined him -thoughtfully, asking himself mentally what reason was so important as to -induce Don Guerrero to send a colonel to Guetzalli, and spite of himself -he felt a vague uneasiness weighing on his heart. At length Don Vicente -drank a glass of water, wiped his mouth, and turned to the captain.</p> - -<p>"A thousand pardons," he said, "for having behaved so unceremoniously to -you; but now I will confess to you that I was almost dead of inanition, -having eaten nothing since eight o'clock last evening."</p> - -<p>The captain bowed.</p> - -<p>"You do not, of course, intend to return this evening?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, caballero, if it be possible, I shall start again in an -hour."</p> - -<p>"So soon?"</p> - -<p>"The general ordered me to make the greatest speed."</p> - -<p>"But your horses are half dead."</p> - -<p>"I count on your kindness to supply me with fresh ones."</p> - -<p>Horses were plentiful at the colony: there were more than the colonists -could use, and hence de Laville would have found no difficulty in -granting the colonel's request. Still his guest's manner seemed so -little natural, and he fancied he detected something so mysterious -about him, that he felt his alarm increased, and said,—</p> - -<p>"I do not know, colonel, whether, in spite of my lively desire to be -agreeable to you, it will be possible for me to fulfil your request; for -horses are extremely scarce here at this moment."</p> - -<p>The colonel made a sign of annoyance.</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i>" he said, "that would vex me greatly."</p> - -<p>At this moment a peon discreetly opened the door, and handed the captain -a paper, on which a few words were written in pencil. The young man, -after apologising, opened the paper and quickly read it.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he crumpled the paper in his hands with -considerable agitation, "he here! What can be the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Eh?" the colonel said curiously, who had not understood the meaning of -this sentence spoken in French.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," the other answered; "a mere personal matter." Then turning to -the peon, he said, "I am coming."</p> - -<p>The peon bowed and left the room.</p> - -<p>"Colonel," de Laville continued, addressing his guest, "permit me to -leave you for an instant."</p> - -<p>And without waiting for a reply he left the room hurriedly, closing the -door carefully after him. This brusque departure totally discountenanced -the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he muttered, repeating in Spanish, though unconsciously, what the -captain had said in French. "What can be the matter?"</p> - -<p>As he was a true Mexican, fond of knowing everything, and, above all, -of discovering anything people wished to keep secret from him, he rose -gently, walked to the window, pulled the mosquito curtain aside, and -looked out curiously into the yard. But it was labour in vain: the -courtyard was deserted. He then returned on tiptoe to his seat, and -began carelessly rolling a papelito, while muttering half aloud,—</p> - -<p>"Patience! The man who knows how to wait always gains his end. I shall -obtain the clue to this mystery sooner or later."</p> - -<p>This aside having doubtlessly consoled him for the disappointment he had -experienced, he philosophically lit his cigarette, and soon disappeared -in the midst of a dense cloud of smoke which issued from his mouth and -nostrils simultaneously. We will leave the worthy colonel enjoying this -amusement at his ease, and follow de Laville, in order to explain to the -reader the meaning of the exclamation that escaped from him on reading -the paper which the peon so unexpectedly handed to him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> - -<h3>DOÑA ANGELA.</h3> - - -<p>Before relating, however, what took place at Guetzalli between de -Laville and the colonel, we must return to the adventurers' encampment.</p> - -<p>Louis, still holding the maiden pressed to his breast, carried her to -the interior of the hut of branches which his comrades had built for -him at the entrance of the church. On arriving there he laid her in a -chair, and seated himself on a stool. There was a long silence, during -which both reflected deeply. A strange phenomenon took place in Louis' -heart. In spite of himself he felt hope returning to his soul: he -inhaled life through every pore—a desire to live came back to him. He -thought of the future—that future he had wished to destroy in himself, -by choosing as his mode of suicide the mad and rash expedition at the -head of which he had placed himself.</p> - -<p>The heart of man is made up of strange contrasts. The count had wrapped -himself up in his grief; he had, as it were, settled it in his mind, -living with it and through it, making it in his own eyes an excuse for -justifying the line of conduct he had traced for himself, or rather -which his foster brother had made him adopt, only desiring and accepting -the bitterness of life, and disdainfully rejecting the joy and happiness -it contains. Now, though unable to account for the extraordinary -revolution that had taken place in him, he instinctively felt that grief -he had so nurtured and petted growing: less, and ready to disappear, to -make room for a gentle and dreamy melancholy, which, before he thought -of wrestling with it and tearing it from his heart, had put forth such -powerful roots that he felt it had seized on his whole being.</p> - -<p>This new feeling was love. All passions are in the extreme, and, above -all, illogical. Were they not so, they would no longer be passions. Don -Louis loved Doña Angela. He loved her with the love of a man who has -reached the confines which separate youth from age; that is, furiously -and frenziedly. He loved her and hated her at the same time; for he -was angry with this new love, which caused him to forget the old, and -revealed to him that the heart of man may at times slumber, but never -die. The empire the maiden held over him was the stronger and more -powerful, because physically and morally she afforded the most striking -contrast to Doña Rosaria, the gentle creature with angel's wings, the -count's first love. Doña Angela's majestic and severe beauty, her -impetuous and ardent character—all in her had seduced and subjugated -the count. Hence he was angry at the power he had unconsciously allowed -her to gain over his will, and blamed as a weakness unworthy of his -character the reaction which this love had effected in his heart, by -obliging him to recognise that it was still possible for him to be happy.</p> - -<p>Louis was far from forming an exception in the great human family. -All men are alike. When they have arranged their existence under the -influence of any feeling, either of joy or grief, they take pleasure in -the continual development of that feeling, convert it into a portion -of their being, and intrench themselves behind it as in an impregnable -fortress; and when, by some sudden blow, the edifice they have taken -such pains to construct falls in ruins, they feel angry with themselves -for not having known how to defend it, and, as a natural consequence, -blame the innocent cause of this great overthrow.</p> - -<p>While reflecting, the count had let his head sink on his breast, -isolating himself in his thoughts, and plunging deeper and deeper -into his sombre reverie, following instinctively the incline on which -his mind was at the moment gliding. He raised his eyes, and fixed on -Doña Angela a glance in which all the feelings that agitated him were -reflected. The maiden was lying back, with her face buried in her hands: -the tears were slowly dropping between her fingers, and resembled a dew -of pearls. She was weeping gently and noiselessly: her breast heaved -convulsively, and she seemed a prey to intense grief. The count turned -pale. He rose hurriedly, and walked toward her.</p> - -<p>At this sudden movement Doña Angela let her hands sink, and regarded -Don Louis with such a gentle expression of resigned grief and true -love, that the count felt a thrill of happiness flush through his body. -Exhausted, overcome, he fell on his knees, murmuring in a panting and -broken voice,—</p> - -<p>"Oh! I love you—I love you!"</p> - -<p>The maiden half rose from her seat, bent over him, and regarded him for -a long time pensively. Suddenly she fell into his arms, laid her head -on his shoulder, and began sobbing. The count, alarmed by this grief, -the cause of which it was impossible for him to discover, gently put her -back on her chair, sat down by her side, and took her hand, which he -held between his own.</p> - -<p>"Why these tears?" he asked her tenderly. "Whence comes this grief that -oppresses you?"</p> - -<p>"No, I am not weeping. Look!" she replied, trying to smile through her -tears.</p> - -<p>"Child, you conceal something from me—you have a secret!"</p> - -<p>"A secret! That of my love. Did I not tell you that I love you, Louis?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! and I, too, love you," he replied sorrowfully. "And yet I cannot -think of that love without alarm."</p> - -<p>"Why so if you love me?"</p> - -<p>"If I love you, child! For you and your love I would sacrifice -everything."</p> - -<p>"Well?" she said.</p> - -<p>"Alas, child! I am an accursed man. My love is deadly, and I tremble."</p> - -<p>"What greater joy than to die for the man I love?"</p> - -<p>"I am proscribed—a pirate, an outlaw."</p> - -<p>She drew herself up proudly and haughtily, with frowning brow, dilated -nostrils, and flashing eye.</p> - -<p>"You are truly noble, Don Louis!" she almost shrieked in her excitement. -"You have dreamed of the regeneration of an enslaved people. What do -I care for the names given you, my friend? The day will come when -brilliant justice will be done you." Then growing gradually calmer, she -smiled tenderly. "You are proscribed, my poor darling," she said gently; -"and is it not woman's mission in this world to support and console? The -struggle you are about to undertake will be terrible. Your project is -almost a madman's for grandeur and boldness: perhaps you will succumb -in this struggle. You need, not a counsellor or a brother, but a woman -friend whose soul understands yours; from whose heart your heart keeps -no secrets; who consoles you, and cries 'Courage!' when you allow -despair to master you, and when, like a vanquished Titan, you feel ready -to retire. That faithful, devoted friend, ever watchful over you and for -you, I will be, Don Louis—I who will never leave you, and who, if you -fall, will fall by your side, struck by the same blow that crushed you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, child; but I am not worthy of such sublime devotion. Think of -the painful existence you create for yourself—think of the pleasant -calm and peaceful life you leave behind you, to affiance yourself to -grief, perchance to death."</p> - -<p>"What do I care for that? Death will be welcome if it come by your side. -I love you!"</p> - -<p>Don Louis hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Think," he said presently, "of the immense grief of your father, whom -you abandon—your father who loves you so dearly, and has only you——"</p> - -<p>She laid her hand quickly on his lips.</p> - -<p>"Be silent—be silent!" she screamed in a heart-rending accent. "Do not -speak of my father. Why do you say that to me? Why augment my despair? -I love you, Don Louis—I love you! Henceforth you are everything to -me—fortune, parents, friends—all, I tell you. From the day when I -first saw you, powerful and terrible as the exterminating angel, my -heart fled toward yours. Something, a presentiment perhaps, revealed -to me that our two destinies were for ever enchained to each other. -When I saw you again my heart had divined you, but I remained in the -shadow, for you did not need me; but now times are changed. You are -betrayed, tracked, abandoned, by those whose interest it would have -been to support you. The country you have come to deliver renounces -you. My father, whose life you saved, has become your most implacable -foe, because you spurned his offers, and would not serve his paltry -and shameful ambition. Well, I, intrenching myself in my heart as in a -fortress, have in my turn renounced my country, abandoned my father, -and, like a true daughter of the Mexican volcanoes, feeling lava -instead of blood coursing in my veins, bounding with indignation at -the numberless acts of treachery which have begirt you on all sides—I -have forgotten everything, even that modesty innate in maidens, and -defying that world which I abhor and despise, because it rejects you, I -have come to you to love you—to render sweeter the few days which are -perhaps still left you to live; for I do not deceive myself as to the -future any more than you do, Don Louis. And when the fatal hour arrives, -when the hurricane bursts above your head, I shall be there to support -you by my presence, to encourage you by my boundless love, and to die in -your arms!"</p> - -<p>There is in the woman who really loves, and whom passion masters, so -grand a magnetic attraction, a poesy so powerful, that the man with -the greatest self-restraint feels, in spite of himself, a species of -voluptuous dizziness, and suddenly finds his reason desert him, only to -see that love he inspires, and of which he is proud.</p> - -<p>"But you wept, Angela," the count said. "Your tears are still flowing."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she continued energetically, "I wept—I still weep. Well, cannot -you guess why, Don Louis? It is because I am a woman, after all; because -I am weak, and, in spite of all my will and all my love, my rebellious -nature is struggling with my heart; and because, in order to follow you, -and give myself up to you, I despise all that a woman ought to remember -under such circumstances, confined as she is by the miserable claims -of a puny civilisation, a slave to stupid proprieties, and compelled -constantly to hide her feelings in order to play an infamous comedy. -That is why I wept—why I still weep. But what matter these tears, my -well-beloved? There is as much joy as shame in them, and they prove to -you the triumph you have gained over me."</p> - -<p>"Angela," the count answered nobly, "I will deceive neither your love -nor your confidence. Your happiness will not depend on me."</p> - -<p>She gave him a glance of sublime abnegation.</p> - -<p>"Nothing but your love!" she said gently. "I want nothing but that. What -do I care for aught else?"</p> - -<p>"But I care that the woman who has given up all for me should not sink -in public opinion, and be scandalised."</p> - -<p>"What will you do?"</p> - -<p>"Give you my name, my child—the only property left me. At any rate, if -you are the companion of a pirate," he said bitterly, "no one shall -reproach you with being his mistress. In the eyes of the world, I swear -it to you, you shall be his wedded wife."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in mad delight.</p> - -<p>"Good, brother!" Valentine said as he entered the hut. "I will take on -myself to have your union blessed by a simple-hearted priest, to whom -the Gospel is not a dead letter, and who understands Christianity in all -its gentle and touching grandeur."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Don Valentine."</p> - -<p>"Call me brother, madam; for I am so to you, as I am his brother. You -are a noble creature, and I thank you for the love you bear Don Louis. -And now," he added, with a smile, "there will be a struggle between us: -there are two of us to love him."</p> - -<p>The count, his eyes filled with tears, but not finding words to express -all he felt, held out his hands to these two beings, who were so good -and so devoted, with an emotion that came from the heart.</p> - -<p>"Now," Valentine said gaily, to change the conversation, "let us talk -about business."</p> - -<p>"Business!"</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" the hunter said with a laugh, "it seems to me that, for the -moment, what we have on hand is sufficiently important for us to trouble -ourselves about it."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Louis answered; "but can we, in the presence of this -lady——"</p> - -<p>"That is true: I did not think of that. I am so little accustomed to -society, I trust the lady will pardon me."</p> - -<p>"Permit me, gentlemen," she said with a smile: "a woman is often a good -counsellor, and under present circumstances I believe I can be of some -use to you."</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt it," the hunter said politely; "but——"</p> - -<p>"But you do not believe a word of it," she laughingly interrupted, her -petulant character gaining the upper hand again. "However, you shall -judge for yourselves."</p> - -<p>"We are listening," the count said.</p> - -<p>"My father is at this moment making great preparations: his object -is to crush you before you are prepared to undertake a campaign. All -the Indios Mansos capable of bearing arms are called out, and an -extraordinary levy of troops is ordered through the whole of Sonora."</p> - -<p>"Ah, indeed!" Louis observed. "Those are tremendous preparations."</p> - -<p>"That is not all. Is there not somewhere near here a French colony?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, there is," the count said, suddenly becoming serious; "the colony -of Guetzalli."</p> - -<p>"My father intends to send there, if he has not done so already, his -aide-de-camp, Colonel Suarez."</p> - -<p>"For what purpose?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose to neutralise, by the brilliant promises made to the -colonists, the assistance you might expect from them."</p> - -<p>Louis became pensive.</p> - -<p>"We must make up our minds," Valentine said sharply, "while the -company is preparing, to open the campaign speedily. We must send some -safe person to Guetzalli. As the colonists are French it is impossible -for them not to make common cause with us in a quarrel like that -which compels us to take up arms, and which concerns them as much as -ourselves."</p> - -<p>"You are right, brother. No more delay; but let us act vigorously. You -will accompany me to Guetzalli."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"It is only two days' journey at the most from here. It is always best -to manage one's own business; and besides, nobody can obtain from the -colonists so much as I can."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"That is too long a story to tell you now. It is enough for you to know -that, on a recent occasion, I rendered rather a great service to the -colony, which I hope they have not yet had time to forget."<a name="FNanchor_1_2" id="FNanchor_1_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_2" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! if that be the case, I no longer object. In truth, no one can -have a better hope of succeeding in the negotiation than yourself. Let -us go, then; and may Heaven aid us!"</p> - -<p>"Let us go," Louis answered.</p> - -<p>"Well," Doña Angela said with a smile, "did I not say I should be a good -counsellor?"</p> - -<p>"I never doubted it, madam," the hunter replied gallantly. "Besides, it -could not be otherwise, as my brother assured us that you would be our -guardian angel."</p> - -<p>Don Louis, after handing the command over to the first lieutenant, and -recommending the greatest activity and vigilance, announced to his -comrades his temporary absence, though he did not reveal to them the -object of his journey, in order not to discourage them in case his -negotiation failed; and at sunset, followed only by Valentine, and after -saying farewell to Doña Angela once more, he left the mission, and -started at a gallop on the road to Guetzalli.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_2" id="Footnote_1_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_2"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE AMBASSADORS.</h3> - - -<p>The paper which the peon handed to Captain de Laville, and which caused -him to feel such emotion, only contained one name; but it was a name -well known at Guetzalli—that of the Count de Prébois Crancé. The -Guetzallians had heard vague rumours of the French expedition formed at -San Francisco for the purpose of working the inexhaustible mines of the -Plancha de Plata. They knew, too, of the company's arrival at Guaymas; -but since then they had received no news, and were completely ignorant -of the events that had occurred.</p> - -<p>The captain had not the remotest idea that the Count de Prébois was the -leader of that expedition; but, from several words Louis had let fall -during his stay at the hacienda, he suspected him of fostering certain -projects against the Mexican Government. This was the reason why, on -receiving the paper, his first impulse was to exclaim, "He here! What -can be the matter?"</p> - -<p>He proceeded at once to the count, persuaded that the latter, outlawed -for some reason by the Mexican Government, had come to demand an asylum -from him. Colonel Suarez' unexpected visit coincided strangely with the -count's arrival, and confirmed him in his notion; for he supposed, with -some appearance of truth, that the colonel was ordered to enforce on him -not to receive the exile, or, if he received him into the colony, to -hand him over at once to the Mexican authorities. Fearing lest he might -commit some error prejudicial to the count, he had hurriedly left the -colonel alone, in order to come to an understanding with his compatriot, -as from the first moment he had resolved not only not to surrender him, -but not to abandon him if he claimed his aid.</p> - -<p>The reader sees that, although the captain's hypothesis was false, it -bordered on the truth in several points.</p> - -<p>Don Louis and Valentine, seated on butacas, were smoking and talking -together, while drinking, to refresh themselves, a decoction of -tamarinds, when the door opened, and the captain appeared. The three men -shook hands affectionately, and then de Laville, making the others a -sign to sit down again, began the conversation at once.</p> - -<p>"What good wind brings you to Guetzalli, my dear count?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the latter said. "If you asked what <i>cordonazo</i>, you would be -nearer the truth, my dear De Laville; for never has a more terrible -hurricane assailed me than threatens at this moment."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! do tell me about it I need hardly say, I suppose, I am quite at -your service."</p> - -<p>"Thank you; but, before all, one word. Who has taken the Count de -Lhorailles' place in the government of the colony?"</p> - -<p>"Myself," the young man modestly replied.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I am delighted to hear that," the count said frankly, "for no -one was more worthy than you to succeed him."</p> - -<p>"My dear sir!" he said in confusion.</p> - -<p>"On my word, captain, I tell you honestly what I think: all the worse if -it wounds you."</p> - -<p>"Far from that," the young man remarked with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Then all is for the best. I see that my interests will not be -imperilled in your hands."</p> - -<p>"You may feel assured of it."</p> - -<p>"Permit me to introduce to you my most intimate friend, my foster -brother, whose name you must often have heard, and with whom I should -be glad for you to be better acquainted: in one word, he is the French -scout whom the Indians and Mexicans have surnamed the 'Trail-hunter.'"</p> - -<p>The captain rose hurriedly, and held out his hand to the hunter.</p> - -<p>"What!" he said with considerable emotion, "Are you Valentine Guillois?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," the hunter replied with a modest bow.</p> - -<p>"Oh, sir!" the young man exclaimed warmly, "I am delighted to form -your personal acquaintance. Everybody respects and cherishes you here, -because you maintain that title of Frenchman, of which we are all so -proud. Thanks, count, thanks; and now, by heavens, ask of me anything -you please, and I shall not know how to repay the pleasure you have -caused me.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" the count replied; "for the present I will only ask you -a very simple matter. You will soon be visited, if he has not already -arrived, by an aide-de-camp of General Guerrero."</p> - -<p>"Colonel Suarez?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"He is here."</p> - -<p>"Already?"</p> - -<p>"He has only been here an hour."</p> - -<p>"He has told you nothing?"</p> - -<p>"Not yet: we have not spoken together."</p> - -<p>"All the better. Would you mind placing us where it would be possible -for us to overhear your conversation, and not be seen?"</p> - -<p>"That is very simple. Adjoining the room where he is waiting for me is a -recess, only covered by a curtain; but we can manage it better still."</p> - -<p>"How?"</p> - -<p>"Does he know you?"</p> - -<p>"Me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Does he know you by sight?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"You are sure of that?"</p> - -<p>"Quite."</p> - -<p>"Nor this gentleman either?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world."</p> - -<p>"Very good: let me manage it. I will arrange it all; and now to talk of -yourself."</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because it is probable the colonel will tell you more than I could."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! then you fancy he has come on your account?"</p> - -<p>"I am certain of it."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now, do not trouble yourself about anything, but let me -arrange it all."</p> - -<p>"Agreed."</p> - -<p>"I will be with you again directly."</p> - -<p>And he left the room.</p> - -<p>The colonel was still in the same position as when we left him. He had -lighted a considerable number of husk cigarettes, and the nicotine was -beginning to act gently on his brain; his eyelids were drooping; in -short, he was just on the point of going to sleep. The sudden entrance -of the captain aroused him from this state of torpor, and he raised his -head.</p> - -<p>"Pray pardon my having left you alone so long," the young man said; "but -an unforeseen event——"</p> - -<p>"You are quite excused," the colonel answered politely. "Still I should -have been charmed had you thought of advising the Count de Lhorailles -of my arrival, for the affair that brought me here admits of no delay."</p> - -<p>The captain regarded the Mexican with surprise.</p> - -<p>"How!" he said, "the Count de Lhorailles?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly: it is to him alone that I must communicate the dispatches of -which I am bearer."</p> - -<p>"But the Count de Lhorailles has been dead for nearly a year. Were you -not aware of the fact?"</p> - -<p>"My word, no, sir, I confess."</p> - -<p>"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to -the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him -at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to -take his place."</p> - -<p>"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, -or was assassinated on the road."</p> - -<p>"I fear it."</p> - -<p>"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post."</p> - -<p>"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do -not measure men by age or height."</p> - -<p>"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With -whom have I the honour of speaking?"</p> - -<p>"With Don Carlos de Laville."</p> - -<p>The colonel bowed.</p> - -<p>"I will, then, with your permission, caballero, communicate my -dispatches to you."</p> - -<p>"A moment, sir," the captain said quickly. "I cannot listen to you -unless I have by my side two of the principal men in the colony."</p> - -<p>"For what object?"</p> - -<p>"That is the law."</p> - -<p>"Do so, then."</p> - -<p>The captain struck a bell, and a peon entered.</p> - -<p>"Ask the two gentlemen waiting in the green room to come here," he said.</p> - -<p>The peon went out.</p> - -<p>"What! the two persons who are waiting?" the colonel said suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"Yes. As I presumed, colonel, that you were the bearer of dispatches, -I warned these two persons in order to detain you as short a time as -possible."</p> - -<p>"In that case permit me to return you my thanks, for I am really -terribly pressed for time."</p> - -<p>At this moment the door opened, and the count and Valentine came in. -The colonel bent a piercing glance upon them, to try to discover with -what sort of men he would have to deal; but it was impossible to read -anything in their cold and rigid countenances, which seemed hewn out of -marble.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the captain said, "Colonel Don Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, military governor of the State of -Sonora. Colonel Suarez, two of my countrymen."</p> - -<p>The three men bowed stiffly.</p> - -<p>"Now, gentlemen," the captain continued, "pray be seated. The colonel is -the bearer of dispatches he wishes to communicate to us, and they are -probably important, as the colonel has not stopped even between Pitic -and this place. We are ready to listen to you, colonel."</p> - -<p>Like all men accustomed to double dealing and underhand schemes, the -colonel possessed an infallible instinct for scenting treachery. In the -present case, although all was being done ostensibly with the greatest -frankness, and he was a thousand leagues from suspecting the truth, -he guessed that he was being cheated, although it was impossible to -perceive the secret object they had in view. Still he had no subterfuges -he could employ: he must obey his instructions, and he decided on doing -so, much against the grain, after bending on the two strangers a second -glance, by which he sought to read their very hearts' thoughts, but -which had no better result than the first.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said, "you have doubtlessly not forgotten the numberless -acts of kindness with which the Mexican Government has overwhelmed you."</p> - -<p>"Overwhelmed is the word," de Laville interrupted him with a smile. "Go -on, colonel."</p> - -<p>"The Government is ready to make still greater sacrifices for you, if -necessary."</p> - -<p>"<i>Caspita!</i>" the young man again interrupted him, "we will spare it the -trouble. The kindnesses of the Mexican Government generally cost us very -dearly."</p> - -<p>A discussion commenced in this tone of raillery had not the slightest -chance of resulting in an amicable arrangement. Still the colonel did -not break down, his mind was made up. He cared little for the result, -for he knew perfectly well that those who sent him would not hesitate to -disavow him according to circumstances.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he said, "the following proposal is made you."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, colonel, but before telling us the proposals, -perhaps it would be better to explain to us the reasons that induce the -Government to offer them," de Laville observed.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens, sir! you must know the reasons as well as I do."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but we are completely ignorant of them, and would feel -greatly obliged by your telling them to us."</p> - -<p>The count and Valentine were as motionless as statues, and these two -gloomy faces disturbed the colonel in an extraordinary manner.</p> - -<p>"The reasons are very simple," he stammered.</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt it, but be good enough to mention them."</p> - -<p>"This letter," he said, handing a sealed paper to the captain, "will -explain the matter fully."</p> - -<p>De Laville took the paper, read it through hurriedly, and then crumpled -it up passionately in his hand.</p> - -<p>"Colonel," he then said in a firm voice, "the Government of Sonora -forgets that the colony of Guetzalli only contains Frenchmen; that is to -say, no traitors. We have retained our nationality, although established -in this country; and if the Mexican laws will not protect us we will -appeal to our minister at Mexico, and, if necessary, contrive to protect -ourselves."</p> - -<p>"These threats, sir——" the colonel interrupted.</p> - -<p>"They are not threats," the young man continued energetically. "General -Guerrero insults us by inviting us not merely to abandon one of our -countrymen, who is in every respect worthy of our support, through his -loyalty, courage, and nobility of character, but also by proposing to us -to hunt him down like a wild beast, and deliver him over. The general -menaces us with outlawry if we assist the count, whom he brands as a -pirate and a rebel. Let him do so if he please. This letter you have -handed me will be carried by a sure man to Mexico, and handed to our -minister, with a detail of all the annoyances we have suffered from the -Mexican authorities ever since our settlement here."</p> - -<p>"You are wrong, sir," the colonel answered, "to take the proposal made -you in this way. The general is very well disposed toward you. I doubt -not that he will consent to grant you great advantages if you will -only obey him. What do you peaceful colonists care for this rebellious -count, whom I dare say you never heard of? Your own interests demand -that you should turn against him. This man is a villain, to whom nothing -is sacred. Since his arrival in our country he has committed the most -odious crimes. Take my advice, sir; do not obstinately choose a wrong -path, but prove to the Government all your gratitude for the favours you -have received by abandoning this villain."</p> - -<p>The captain had listened calmly and coldly to the Mexican's long -diatribe, holding in check by a glance the count and his companion, who -found it very difficult not to burst out and treat this man in the way -he deserved. When the colonel at length ceased, the captain looked at -him with sovereign contempt.</p> - -<p>"Have you finished?" he said dryly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the other answered in confusion.</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now, thanks to Heaven, we have nothing more in common. Be -good enough to mount your horse and leave the colony immediately. As for -General Guerrero, tell him that I will give him an answer myself."</p> - -<p>"I will retire, sir. Do you intend to give this answer soon?"</p> - -<p>"Within twenty-four hours. Begone!"</p> - -<p>"I will report our conversation word for word to the general."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad of it. Good-by till we meet again, sir."</p> - -<p>"What! do you intend to take your answer personally?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," de Laville answered mockingly.</p> - -<p>The colonel went out all abashed by his reception, and followed by the -three men, who did not let him out of sight, and walked by his side, -so as to prevent him communicating with anyone. His horse was waiting -in the courtyard, held by one of the orderlies. The colonel mounted and -rode off rapidly, for he was anxious to leave the colony. On reaching -the isthmus gate he, however, turned round, and looked back for some -time.</p> - -<p>"Who can those two men be?" he muttered.</p> - -<p>And he dug his spurs in his horse's sides. When he had disappeared in -the windings of the road the captain seized Don Louis' hand, and pressed -it affectionately.</p> - -<p>"And now, my dear count," he said to him, "speak. What can I do for you?"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN.</h3> - - -<p>The count returned the young man's affectionate pressure, but shook his -head sorrowfully and remained silent.</p> - -<p>"Why do you not answer me?" the captain asked him. "Do you doubt my -willingness to be of service to you?"</p> - -<p>"It is not that," the count said sadly. "I know that your heart is noble -and generous, and that you will not hesitate to come to my aid."</p> - -<p>"Whence arises this hesitation, then?"</p> - -<p>"Friend," the count answered with a melancholy smile, "I reproach myself -at this moment for having come to find you."</p> - -<p>"For what reason?"</p> - -<p>"Need I tell you? This land you cultivate, only a few years back, was -a virgin forest, serving as a lurking place for wild beasts: now, -thanks to your labour and intelligence, it has been metamorphosed into -a fertile and cultivated plain; numerous flocks feed in your prairies; -the desolation and neglect of this frontier have disappeared to make -room for the incessant toil of civilisation. This colony of Guetzalli, -founded with so much trouble, bedewed with so much blood, prospers, and -is beginning to repay amply the toil and perspiration it cost you. The -day is at hand when, stimulated by your example, other colonists will -come to join you, and, by aiding you to repulse the Indios Bravos into -their impenetrable deserts, will for ever protect the Mexican frontiers -from the depredations of the savages, and restore to this magnificent -country its pristine splendour.</p> - -<p>"Well?" the captain remarked.</p> - -<p>"Well," the count continued, "is it fitting for me, a stranger, a man to -whom you owe nothing, to drag you into a contest without any probable -issue—to mix you up in a quarrel which does not concern you, and in -which you have everything to lose, so that tomorrow the land you have, -after so many efforts, torn from desolation, should fall back into its -primitive barbarism? In a word, my friend, I ask myself by what title -and by what right I should drag you down in my fall."</p> - -<p>"By what title and right? I will tell you," the young captain said -nobly. "We are here six thousand leagues from our country, on the -extreme limits of the desert, having no protection to hope, or help to -seek, other than from ourselves. At such a distance from their country -all Frenchmen must consider each other as brothers, and be responsible -for each other. All must resent an insult offered to a Frenchman. It is -because we are few in number, and consequently exposed to the insults -of our enemies, that we ought to defend one another, and demand that -justice should be done us. By acting thus we not only protect our own -honour, but defend our country, and guard from any insult that title of -Frenchmen of which we are justly proud."</p> - -<p>"You speak well, captain," Valentine interrupted him. "Your words are -those of a man of heart. It is abroad that patriotism must be strong and -inflexible. We have no right to allow wretched enemies to lower that -national honour which our brothers in France have intrusted to us; for -each of us here represents our beloved country, and must at his risk and -peril make it be respected by all, no matter under what circumstances."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the captain answered quickly, "the Mexican Government, by -insulting the Count de Prébois Crancé, by breaking all its engagements -with him, and betraying him in so cowardly a fashion, has not insulted -a Frenchman, an individual, or nameless adventurer, but the whole of -France. Well, France must reply to it, and, by heavens! we will pick -up the glove thrown to us. We will fight to avenge our honour; and if -we succumb, we shall have fallen nobly in the arena, and believe me, -gentlemen, our blood will not have been shed in vain: our country will -pity while admiring us, and our fall will create us avengers. Besides, -my dear count," he added, "you are in no way a stranger to the colony -of Guetzalli; for did you not lend us the support of your arm and your -counsels under critical circumstances? It is our turn now, and we shall -only pay our debts after all."</p> - -<p>The count could not refrain from smiling.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said with emotion, "be it so: I accept your generous -devotion. Any further resistance would not only be ridiculous, but might -appear in your eyes ungrateful."</p> - -<p>"Very good," the captain said gaily; "we are now beginning to understand -each other. I was certain that I should end by convincing you."</p> - -<p>"You are a charming companion," the count retorted; "it is impossible to -resist you."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! you arrive at the very moment to obtain speedy help."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Just imagine that two days later you would not have found me at home."</p> - -<p>"Impossible!"</p> - -<p>"Did you not notice, on your arrival, the wagons and carts arranged in -one of the courts you crossed?"</p> - -<p>"I did."</p> - -<p>"I was on the point of starting, at the head of eighty picked men, to go -and work certain mines we have heard about."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but for the present the expedition will remain <i>in statu quo</i>, for -the band I intended to lead into the desert will join you, or at least I -presume so."</p> - -<p>"What! you presume so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, because I cannot dispose of the band, or change the object of the -expedition, without the general assent."</p> - -<p>"That is true," said the count; and his features grew solemn.</p> - -<p>"But do not feel alarmed," the captain continued; "we shall easily -obtain that assent when the colonists know what interests I propose to -serve."</p> - -<p>"May Heaven grant it!"</p> - -<p>"I guarantee success. You have, I suppose, all the stores necessary for -entering on a campaign?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so; but I regret to say that all my arrieros have deserted me, -and left my camp furtively."</p> - -<p>"The deuce! and naturally they took their mules with them?"</p> - -<p>"All, without exception; and this renders it very embarrassing to move -my baggage and draw my guns."</p> - -<p>"Good, good! We will provide for all that. I have here, as you saw, -excellent wagons; I am also well supplied with mules; and there are in -the colony men perfectly capable of leading them."</p> - -<p>"You will render me no slight service."</p> - -<p>"I hope to render you others far greater than that."</p> - -<p>The three men had returned to the room in which the conference with -Colonel Suarez had taken place. The captain struck the bell, and a peon -entered.</p> - -<p>"This evening, after <i>oración</i>, at the end of the day's labour, the -colonists will assemble in the patio to hear an important communication -I have to make to them," he said.</p> - -<p>The domestic bowed.</p> - -<p>"Bring the dinner," the captain added. Then, turning to his guests, -he said, "I presume you will dine with me, for you cannot start again -before tomorrow?"</p> - -<p>"That is true. Still we expect to be off before sunrise."</p> - -<p>"Where is your camp?"</p> - -<p>"At the mission of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles."</p> - -<p>"That is close by."</p> - -<p>"Oh! some thirty leagues at the most."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and the position is very strong. You do not intend, though, to -stay there long?"</p> - -<p>"No; I mean to strike a heavy blow."</p> - -<p>"You are right: you must cause the terror of your name to precede you."</p> - -<p>At this moment the peons brought in the dinner.</p> - -<p>"To table, gentlemen," the captain said.</p> - -<p>The meal was, as might be expected in this extreme frontier, excessively -frugal. It was only composed of venison, maize tortillas, red beans, -and pimiento, the whole washed down with pulque, mezcal, and Catalonian -refino, the strongest spirit in the known world. The guests had a true -hunter's appetite; that is to say, they were nearly dead of hunger, for -the count and Valentine had eaten nothing for thirty hours. Hence they -vigorously attacked the provisions placed before them.</p> - -<p>The peons had retired immediately after bringing in the dinner, so as -to leave the party full liberty for conversation. Hence, so soon as the -rough edge was taken off their appetite, the discussion was begun again -exactly where it left off, which always occurs with men whose minds are -preoccupied by any difficult project.</p> - -<p>"So," the captain asked, "war is decidedly declared between you and the -Mexican Government?"</p> - -<p>"Without remedy."</p> - -<p>"Although the cause you sustain is just, as you are fighting for the -maintenance of a right, still you will inscribe something on the banner -you display?"</p> - -<p>"Of course. I inscribe the only thing which can guarantee me the -protection of the people through whom I pass, and make the oppressed and -the malcontents flock to me."</p> - -<p>"Hum! what is it?"</p> - -<p>"Only four words."</p> - -<p>"And they are?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Independencia de la Sonora.</i>"</p> - -<p>"Yes, the idea is a happy one. If a particle of nobility and generosity -is left in the hearts of the inhabitants of this unhappy country (which, -however, I confess to you I greatly doubt), those four words will -suffice to produce a revolution."</p> - -<p>"I hope so, without daring to count on it. You know, like myself, the -Mexican character—a strange composite of all good and bad instincts, -about which it is impossible to form a decided opinion."</p> - -<p>"Why, my dear count, the Mexicans are like every people that has been -for a long time enslaved. After remaining children for ages, they grew -too fast, and had the pretension of being men, when they scarcely began -to comprehend their emancipation, or were in a position to derive any -benefit from it."</p> - -<p>"Still we will attempt to galvanise them. The revolutionary race is, -perhaps, not completely extinct in this country, and what remains will -be sufficient to enkindle the sacred flame in the hearts of all."</p> - -<p>"What do you intend to do?"</p> - -<p>"Hasten onwards, so as not to let myself be attacked, which always -implies inferiority, if not timidity."</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"How many men do you expect to be able to give me?"</p> - -<p>"Eighty horsemen, commanded by myself, as I told you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks! But when will these horsemen (who, by the way, will be very -useful to me, as I possess so few at the moment) be able to join me?"</p> - -<p>"This evening they will be granted you, and in two days they will reach -the mission."</p> - -<p>"Could you send off the mules, wagons, and muleteers tomorrow with me?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"Very good. I will set out at once for Magdalena: it is a large pueblo, -commanding the two roads from Ures and Hermosillo."</p> - -<p>"I know it."</p> - -<p>"Proceed there direct, for that will save a loss of time."</p> - -<p>"Agreed. I shall arrive there at the same time as yourself, which will -be the more easy as I shall send off my baggage to your head quarters."</p> - -<p>"Very good."</p> - -<p>"You intend, then, to act energetically?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I mean to try a grand stroke. If I succeed in taking one of the -three capitals of Sonora I shall have gained the campaign."</p> - -<p>"Such an enterprise is surely rash."</p> - -<p>"I know it; but in my position I dare not calculate -consequences—boldness alone can and must save me.</p> - -<p>"You are right, and I will not add a word. But now let us proceed to the -meeting, for our men are assembled. In their present temper I am certain -that the request I am about to make of them will be granted without -difficulty."</p> - -<p>They went out. As the captain had announced, all the colonists were -assembled in the courtyard, broken up into scattered groups, eagerly -discussing the reasons which caused their assemblage. When the captain -appeared, accompanied by his two friends, silence was immediately -established, curiosity closing the mouths of the most talkative.</p> - -<p>The Count de Prébois Crancé was known to most of the colonists: his -appearance was consequently hailed with sympathetic greetings, for -each retained in his memory the recollection of the services he had -rendered when Guetzalli was so rudely assailed by the Apaches. The -captain cleverly availed himself of this goodwill, on which he had, -indeed, built, in order to explain his request clearly to the colonists, -while accounting for the causes which obliged the count to come and seek -allies at Guetzalli.</p> - -<p>The men would not have been the hearty adventurers they really were, -had they received such a request coldly. Seduced, as was natural, by -the strangeness and even the temerity of the enterprise proposed to -them, they consented to range themselves under the count's banner with -enthusiastic shouts and delight. The first expedition projected, and for -which all the preparations had been made, was completely forgotten, and -the only question was the enfranchisement of Sonora. Had the count asked -for two hundred men, he would certainly have obtained them on the spot -without the slightest difficulty.</p> - -<p>Captain de Laville, delighted at the prodigious success he had achieved, -warmly thanked his comrades, both in the count's name and his own, and -immediately began getting ready to start. The wagons were carefully -inspected to see that they were all in order, and were then laden with -all the articles requisite for the coming campaign. At about an hour -before sunrise all was ready for starting; the wagons were loaded, and -horses attached; the mules, carefully selected, were intrusted to steady -men.</p> - -<p>Louis and Valentine mounted; the captain accompanied them about a league -from the company; and then they parted, agreeing to meet again three -days later at La Magdalena.</p> - -<p>Mules and wagons progress very slowly in Mexico, where there are in -reality no roads, and where you are generally forced to cut a path with -the axe. Louis and his foster brother, whose presence was imperatively -demanded at the mission, felt in despair at this slowness. In this -extremity the count resolved to leave the caravan, and push on ahead. -In consequence they left the arrieros, after recommending the greatest -diligence to them, and burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, set -out at full speed for the mission.</p> - -<p>The American horses, descended from the old Arabs of the conquerors -of New Spain, have several incontestable advantages over ours. In the -first place they are temperate: a little alfalfa in the morning, after -washing their mouths out, enables them to go a whole day without food, -drink, or rest. These horses seem indefatigable, and, indeed, they have -only one pace—the gallop; and at the end of the day, after going twenty -leagues at that pace, they have not turned a hair, and do not display -the slightest fatigue.</p> - -<p>As our two horsemen were mounted on crack steeds, they reached the -mission in a comparatively very short period. At the first barricade a -man was waiting for them: it was Curumilla.</p> - -<p>"Someone is waiting for you," he said. "Come."</p> - -<p>They followed him, asking each other with a glance what reason could be -so important as to draw such a long sentence from Curumilla.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> - -<h3>FATHER AND DAUGHTER.</h3> - - -<p>The adventurers' camp had completely changed its character: it had lost -the peaceful appearance of the early days, and assumed a warlike air, -perfectly in accordance with the present aspect of affairs. At each -issue from the mission, a gun, guarded by a detachment, was pointed at -the open country, while piled muskets formed a long row, in front of -which a guard walked up and down. Sentries posted at regular distances -watched the approaches, while advanced posts, established in sure -positions, prevented any attempt at a surprise.</p> - -<p>In the interior of the camp the greatest activity prevailed; the camp -forges smoked, and re-echoed the hasty blows of the smiths; further -on, carpenters were cutting into shape whole trees; the armorers were -inspecting and repairing arms; in short, everybody was working eagerly, -in order to get everything prepared with the least possible delay.</p> - -<p>The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the -camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the -adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached -headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the -melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance <i>del Rey Rodrigo</i>, smote -their ears.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to -ask some information from Don Cornelio."</p> - -<p>"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to -obtain it from Curumilla."</p> - -<p>"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words -exchanged by the friends.</p> - -<p>"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile.</p> - -<p>Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a -<i>jacal</i> of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before -which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming -his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his -eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a -shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them.</p> - -<p>"<i>Capa de Dios!</i>" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, -caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you."</p> - -<p>"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on -horseback?"</p> - -<p>"No, no, we will join you."</p> - -<p>And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the -count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs -ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding -his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at -the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools -scattered about.</p> - -<p>"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the -count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have -brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, -however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not -wish to talk with you about those matters."</p> - -<p>"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?"</p> - -<p>"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered -me to watch over Doña Angela—a singular commission enough for me."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I -dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for it."</p> - -<p>"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the -commandant."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! And you know the contents of the letter?"</p> - -<p>"It was simply a request for a safe-conduct to remain in the camp."</p> - -<p>"Ah! and who was it signed by?"</p> - -<p>"Father Seraphin."</p> - -<p>"What!" Valentine exclaimed quickly, "Father Seraphin, the French -missionary, the sainted man whom the Indians themselves have christened -the 'Apostle of the Prairies?'"</p> - -<p>"Himself."</p> - -<p>"That is strange," the hunter muttered.</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"But," said the count, "Father Seraphin does not need a safe-conduct to -stay with us as long as he pleases."</p> - -<p>"Of course," Valentine confirmed him, "we shall always be happy, myself -in particular, to profit by his advice."</p> - -<p>"The worthy father did not request the safe-conduct for himself: he is -very well aware that his visit could only be agreeable to us."</p> - -<p>"Ah! For whom, then?"</p> - -<p>"For a person for whom he would be bail during the period of his stay -among us, but whose name he kept secret."</p> - -<p>"Hum! that is not clear."</p> - -<p>"That is what I thought, so I urged the commandant to refuse."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"He granted the safe-conduct, alleging a reason which, by the way, is -not so illogical—that the man for whom the safe-conduct is requested is -evidently a friend or an enemy, and in either case it is good to know -him, so as eventually to treat him as he deserves."</p> - -<p>The two Frenchmen could not refrain from laughing at this singular -logic.</p> - -<p>"Well, and what is the result of all this?" the count continued.</p> - -<p>"The result is that Father Seraphin arrived this morning at the mission, -accompanied by a person carefully wrapped up in a large cloak."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! And this person?"</p> - -<p>"You can guess a thousand times before finding out."</p> - -<p>"I think it would be better for you to tell me at once."</p> - -<p>"I believe so too. Well, prepare yourself to hear something incredible. -This person is no one less than Don Sebastian Guerrero."</p> - -<p>"The general!" the count exclaimed as he bounded in his chair.</p> - -<p>"Do not confound persons. I did not say General, but Don Sebastian -Guerrero."</p> - -<p>"A truce with nonsense, Don Cornelio! Let us talk seriously, for what -you say deserves it."</p> - -<p>"I am serious, Don Louis. The general has come here in his private -capacity. In a word, it is the father of Doña Angela who is at this -moment in our camp, and not the Governor of Sonora."</p> - -<p>"I am beginning to understand," the count said in a hollow voice, as he -walked in agitation up and down the jacal. "And what took place between -father and daughter? Do not be afraid to tell me everything. I will keep -the mastery over myself."</p> - -<p>"Nothing at all has passed, Don Louis, thanks to Heaven!"</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, for the simple reason that Doña Angela, by my advice, refused to -receive her father's visit during your absence."</p> - -<p>"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and -fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard.</p> - -<p>"By my advice, yes."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general——"</p> - -<p>"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, -though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance -that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge."</p> - -<p>"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these -difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above -all, great perspicacity."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let -his eyes fall modestly.</p> - -<p>"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count.</p> - -<p>"Leave Doña Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, -dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the -missionary to her. Go: I follow you."</p> - -<p>The Spaniard went out at once to fulfil his orders.</p> - -<p>"When do you expect to start?" Valentine said, so soon as he found -himself alone with the count.</p> - -<p>"In two days."</p> - -<p>"And you march?"</p> - -<p>"On La Magdalena."</p> - -<p>"Good! I will now ask your leave to go away, accompanied by Curumilla."</p> - -<p>"What! you wish to leave me?" the count exclaimed with regret.</p> - -<p>The hunter smiled.</p> - -<p>"You do not understand me, brother," he answered. "The Indian chief -and myself are almost useless here. How could we serve you? In no way; -while I am convinced we can make excellent scouts. Leave us to explore -the road, at the same time as we try to destroy, or at least lessen, -the prejudices which the calumnies so sedulously spread about you have -produced against everybody who bears the name of Frenchman."</p> - -<p>"I did not dare ask you to render me that service; but now, as you offer -it so frankly, I will not be so foolish as to refuse it. Go, brother. -Act as you please: all you do will be right."</p> - -<p>"Then farewell! I shall start immediately."</p> - -<p>"Without taking a moment's rest?"</p> - -<p>"You know that I never feel fatigue. Come, courage! We shall meet again -at La Magdalena."</p> - -<p>The two friends embraced, and then quitted the jacal. On the threshold -they separated, after a last pressure of the hand, Valentine going to -the right, the count to the left.</p> - -<p>A guard of ten men defended the approaches to headquarters, and a -sentinel was pacing, with shouldered musket, before the door of the -mission church, the count's temporary residence. On arriving at his -house Don Louis saw Don Cornelio, accompanied by two persons, one -of whom wore a clerical garb. They had stopped, and were apparently -waiting. The count hurried on. Although he had never, till this moment, -seen Father Seraphin, he recognised him by the portraits Valentine had -drawn.</p> - -<p>He was still the man with the angelic glance, the delicate and marked -features, the intelligently gentle countenance, whom we have presented -to our readers in another work; but the apostolate is severe in America. -Years count there as triple for missionaries really worthy of the title; -and Father Seraphin, though hardly thirty years of age, already bore on -his body and face traces of that precocious decrepitude to which those -men fall victims who sacrifice themselves, without any thought of self, -to the welfare of humanity. His back was beginning to bend, his hair was -turning white on his temples, and two deep wrinkles furrowed his brow. -Still the vivacity of his glance seemed to contradict this apparent -weakness, and prove that if his body had grown enfeebled in the contest, -the soul had ever remained equally young and powerful.</p> - -<p>The three men bowed politely. The count and the missionary, after -exchanging an earnest glance, shook hands with a smile. They had -understood each other.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, sir," the count said, addressing the general, -"although I am surprised that you place such confidence in <i>pirates</i>, as -you call us, as to confide yourself so entirely to our honour."</p> - -<p>"The law of nations, sir," the general replied, "has certain recognised -rules which are respected by all men."</p> - -<p>"Excepting by those who are placed without the pale of society and the -common law of humanity," Don Louis remarked dryly.</p> - -<p>The missionary interposed.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said in his sympathetic voice, "between you there is no -enmity at this moment: there is only a father who claims his daughter -from a gentleman who, I feel convinced, will not refuse to restore her -to him."</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, my father," the count said quickly, "that I should -attempt to retain this man's daughter against her will, even were he a -thousandfold a greater enemy than he is."</p> - -<p>"You see, general," the missionary observed, "that I was not mistaken as -to the count's character."</p> - -<p>"Doña Angela came alone, impelled by her own will, into my camp: she is -respected and treated with all the attention she merits. Doña Angela -is free to act as she pleases, and I recognise no right to influence -her. As I did not carry her off from her father, as I did nothing to -attract her hither, I cannot restore her, as this gentleman appears to -demand. If Doña Angela is willing to return to her friends, nobody will -oppose it; but if, on the contrary, she prefers to remain here under the -protection of my brave comrades and myself, no human power will succeed -in tearing her from me."</p> - -<p>These words were pronounced in a peremptory tone, which produced a -marked impression on the two hearers.</p> - -<p>"However, gentlemen," the count continued, "what we say between -ourselves has no value so long as Doña Angela has not pronounced herself -in one way or the other. I will have the honour of leading you to -her. You will have an explanation with her, and she will tell you her -determination. Still, permit me to warn you that, whatever that decision -may be, both yourselves and myself are bound to submit to it."</p> - -<p>"Be it so, sir," the general said dryly: "perhaps it is as well that way -as any other."</p> - -<p>"Come, then," the count continued.</p> - -<p>And he preceded them to the hut which served as the maiden's private -residence.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, seated on a butaca, and having Violanta at her feet, was -engaged with her needlework. On seeing her father and the persons who -accompanied him enter, a vivid blush purpled her cheeks, but almost -immediately she turned pale as death. Still she contrived to subdue the -emotion she felt, rose, bowed silently, and sat down again. The general -regarded her for a moment with a mingled expression of tenderness and -anger; then turning suddenly to the missionary, he said in a stifled -voice,—</p> - -<p>"Speak to her, my father; I do not feel the strength to do so."</p> - -<p>The maiden smiled sadly.</p> - -<p>"My good padre," she said to the missionary, "I thank you for the -useless attempt you are making on me today. My resolution is formed: -nothing will alter it—it is impossible. I will never return to my -family."</p> - -<p>"Unhappy child!" the general exclaimed with sorrow, "what reason urged -you to abandon me thus?"</p> - -<p>"I do all justice to your kindness and tenderness toward me, father," -she answered with a melancholy air. "Alas! that unbounded tenderness -and the liberty you ever allowed me to enjoy are perhaps the cause of -what happens today. I do not wish to reproach you. My destiny has taken -possession of me: I will endure the consequences of the fault I have -committed."</p> - -<p>The general frowned and stamped his foot on the ground passionately.</p> - -<p>"Angela, my well-beloved child!" he continued bitterly, "reflect that -the scandal occasioned by your flight will dishonour you for ever."</p> - -<p>A contemptuous smile played round the maidens pallid lips.</p> - -<p>"What do I care?" she said. "The world in which you live is no longer -mine. All my joy and sorrow will be henceforth concentrated here."</p> - -<p>"But I, your father—you forget me, then, and I am no longer anything to -you?"</p> - -<p>The girl hesitated: she remained silent, with downcast eyes.</p> - -<p>"Doña," the missionary said gently, "God curses children who abandon -their father: return to yours. There is still time: he holds out his -arms to you—-he calls you. Return, my child. A parent's heart is an -inexhaustible well of indulgence. Your father will forgive you: he has -already done so."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela shook her head, but made no further reply. The general and -the missionary regarded each other with disappointment, while Don Louis -stood a little in the rear, his arms folded on his breast, with sunken -head and thoughtful air.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the general muttered with concentrated passion, "ours is an -accursed race!"</p> - -<p>At this moment Don Louis drew himself up, and walked a few paces forward.</p> - -<p>"Doña Angela," he said with marked significance, "was it really your own -will that brought you here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered resolutely.</p> - -<p>"And you have really decided on obeying neither the orders nor -entreaties of your father?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said again.</p> - -<p>"Then you renounce for ever your position in society, and your fortune?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"You also renounce the protection of your father, who is your natural -guardian, and has every human and divine claim on you—you renounce his -affection?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she murmured in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Then it is now my turn;" and bowing to the general, he continued, -"Sir, whatever may be the hatred that sunders us—whatever may happen -at a later date—the honour of your daughter must remain pure and -unspotted."</p> - -<p>"In order to secure that result," the general said bitterly, "someone -must consent to marry her."</p> - -<p>"Yes. Well, I, the Count de Prébois Crancé, have the honour of asking -you for her hand."</p> - -<p>The general fell back in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Do you really ask that seriously?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Reflect that, while thanking you for your request, I consider it a -fresh aggrievance."</p> - -<p>"Be it so."</p> - -<p>"That this marriage will in nowise prevent the measures I intend taking -against you."</p> - -<p>"What do I care?"</p> - -<p>"And you still consent to give her your hand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Very good. You shall have my answer in four days."</p> - -<p>"At La Magdalena, then."</p> - -<p>"Be it so." The general turned to his daughter. "I do not curse you," -he said, "for God himself cannot free a child from its father's -malediction. Farewell! Be happy."</p> - -<p>And he rushed out, followed by the missionary.</p> - -<p>"My father," the count said, "I shall expect you at La Magdalena."</p> - -<p>"I shall be there, sir," Father Seraphin replied sadly, "for I foresee -that there will be tears to dry up."</p> - -<p>"Good-by, sir," the general said.</p> - -<p>"Good-by till we meet again," the count answered with a bow.</p> - -<p>The general and the missionary then mounted and set out, escorted by a -strong detachment of adventurers, who were to accompany them through the -outposts and pickets of the French company. The count looked after them -for a long time, and then walked back slowly to his room.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>LA MAGDALENA.</h3> - - -<p>The village of La Magdalena occupies an important military position, for -it commands the three roads that lead to Ures, Hermosillo, and Sonora, -the chief cities of the State, and is nearly at an equal distance from -all three. This pueblo, in itself of but slight consideration, enjoys, -however, a certain reputation in the country, owing to the beauty of its -situation and the purity of the air breathed there.</p> - -<p>La Magdalena forms a species of parallelogram, one side of which -carelessly mirrors its white houses in the limpid waters of the Rio -San Pedro, a confluent of the Gila. Dense woods of palma Christi, -styrax, Peru trees, and mahogany form an insurmountable barrier against -the burning winds of the desert, while refreshing and perfuming the -atmosphere, and serve as a refuge for thousands of blue jays, cardinals, -and loros, which chatter gaily under the foliage, and enliven the -enchanting landscape—this ravishing oasis, placed there by the hand of -nature, as if to make the traveller returning from the prairie forget -the sufferings and fatigues of the desert.</p> - -<p>The festivities in honour of the patron saint at La Magdalena are the -most frequented and joyful of all Sonora. As they last several days, the -hacenderos and campesinos flock in for a hundred miles round. During -this <i>fête</i>, at which rivers of pulque and mezcal flow, there is one -succession of jaranas, montes, and bull baits; in a word, amusements of -every description, which no crime ever saddens, in spite of the great -concourse of strangers. The Mexicans are not wicked; they are only badly -educated, headstrong, and passionate children, but nothing more.</p> - -<p>Three days after the events we narrated in our previous chapter, the -Pueblo de la Magdalena, at the most animated period of its annual -festival, was in a state of more than ordinary agitation and excitement, -evidently not produced by the festival; for the people had suddenly -broken off their sports, and rushed, laughing and pressing, to one of -the ends of the pueblo, where, according to the few words whispered by -the gossips, something out of the way was taking place.</p> - -<p>In fact, bugles soon sounded a call, and a band of armed men debouched -on the pueblo, marching in good order, and to military tunes. First came -an advanced guard of a dozen well-mounted men; then came a company of -men formed in squads of about thirty each, bearing among them a large -banner, on which was inscribed, "Independencia de la Sonora." Behind -this band came two guns drawn by mules, then a squadron of cavalry, -immediately followed by a long file of wagons and carts. The march was -closed by a rearguard of twenty horsemen.</p> - -<p>This small <i>army</i>, about three hundred strong, marched through the -pueblo with heads raised and bold glances, passed the double row of -spectators, and stopped, at a signal from the chief, about one hundred -yards in front of the village, at a triangle formed by the meeting of -three roads. Here the troops were ordered to bivouac.</p> - -<p>It is almost needless to tell the reader that this <i>army</i> was the -Atrevida Company. The good conduct of the band, and its martial air, -had gained the favour of the population of the pueblo through which -they marched so boldly. During the passage handkerchiefs and sombreros -were waved, and cries of "Bravo!" were heard. The count, on horseback -a few paces ahead of the main body, had not ceased for a moment bowing -gracefully to the right and left, and these salutes had been returned -with usury all along the village.</p> - -<p>So soon as the order to bivouac was given, each set to work, and in less -than two hours the adventurers, skilfully employing all within their -reach, had established the most graceful and picturesque encampment -that can be imagined. Still, as the count regarded himself as being -in an enemy's country, nothing was neglected not only to protect the -camp from a surprise, but also to place it in a respectable state of -defence. By the aid of the wagons and carts, reinforced by palisades, -the adventurers formed a barricade, still further defended by a ditch, -the earth from which was thrown up on the other side as a breastwork. In -the centre of the camp, on a small mound, rose the chiefs tent, before -which the guns were planted; and from its summit floated the flag to -which we have already alluded.</p> - -<p>The arrival of the French was a piece of good fortune for the Sonorians -whom the festival had attracted to La Magdalena. Indeed, for several -days they had been expected hourly; and the inhabitants, in spite of the -proclamations of the Mexican Government, which represented the French as -plunderers and bandits, had taken no further precautions against them -than to go and meet them, and receive them with shouts of welcome—a -characteristic fact which clearly proved that public opinion was not at -all deceived as to the meaning of the French pronunciamiento, and that -each knew perfectly well on which side were right and justice.</p> - -<p>When the camp was formed the authorities of the pueblo presented -themselves at the gate, asking, in the name of their fellow citizens, -permission to visit the Frenchmen. The count, delighted with this -measure, which was of good augury for the relations he hoped presently -to establish with the inhabitants, at once gave the requisite permission -with the best grace possible.</p> - -<p>De Laville had joined the count at about ten miles from the pueblo, at -the head of eighty horsemen, which supplied the army with a respectable -body of cavalry. Don Louis, having long been acquainted with the captain -of Guetzalli, appointed him Chief of the Staff, and intrusted to him -the annoying details of duty. De Laville eagerly accepted this mark of -confidence; and the count, thenceforward free to occupy himself with the -political portion of the expedition, retired to his tent, in order to -reflect on the means to be employed by which to bring over to his side -the population among which he now was.</p> - -<p>Since the day General Guerrero presented himself at the mission, -accompanied by Father Seraphin, the count, through a feeling of -propriety, had not seen Doña Angela again, over whom he watched, -however, with the utmost solicitude. The young lady appreciated this -delicacy, and, for her part, had not attempted to see him. She had -journeyed from the mission to La Magdalena in a closed palanquin, and a -tent had been erected for her at no great distance from the count's.</p> - -<p>The permission requested by the authorities had scarce been granted ere -the adventurers' camp was visited by all the inhabitants. The mob, eager -to see more nearly these bold men who, though in such small number, did -not fear to declare war openly against the Government of Mexico, rushed -in a body to the place occupied by them. The adventurers received their -guests with that gaiety which distinguishes Frenchmen, and in a few -hours gained the goodwill of the Sonorians, who, the more they saw of -them, the more they wished to see, and who never grew weary of admiring -their recklessness, and, above all, their imperturbable conviction of -the success of the expedition. Night was setting in, the sun was rapidly -sinking on the horizon, when Don Cornelio, who performed the duties of -aide-de-camp to the count, raised the curtain of his tent, and announced -to him that a field officer, who stated he had a message for him, asked -to speak with him. Don Louis gave the order for his introduction. The -envoy entered, and the count at once recognised in him Colonel Suarez. -On his side, the colonel made a gesture of surprise at seeing the man he -had met at Guetzalli, though he had not succeeded in finding out who he -was. Don Louis smiled at the colonel's astonishment, bowed politely, and -begged him to be seated.</p> - -<p>"I am requested, sir, by General Guerrero," the colonel said after the -usual compliments, "to deliver a letter to you."</p> - -<p>"I have already been told so, colonel," the count answered. "I presume -that you are acquainted with the contents of the letter?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so, sir; for I have several words to add to it in the course of -conversation."</p> - -<p>"I am ready to hear you."</p> - -<p>"I will not waste your time, sir. In the first place here is the letter."</p> - -<p>"Very good," the count said, taking it and laying it on the table.</p> - -<p>"General Don Sebastian Guerrero," the colonel continued, "accepts the -offer you did him the honour of making him for the hand of his daughter: -still he desires that the nuptial ceremony should take place as soon as -possible."</p> - -<p>"I see nothing to prevent it."</p> - -<p>"He desires also that this ceremony, at which he hopes to be present -with a large party of his relations and friends, should be celebrated at -La Magdalena by Father Seraphin."</p> - -<p>"I have a few observations to make on that subject, colonel."</p> - -<p>"I am listening to you, caballero."</p> - -<p>"I willingly consent that Father Seraphin should marry us; but the -ceremony will not take place at La Magdalena, but here in my camp, which -I cannot and will not leave."</p> - -<p>The colonel knit his brows. The count continued without seeming to -notice it:—</p> - -<p>"The general can be present at the ceremony, with as many relations and -friends as he pleases; but as, unfortunately, we do not stand on such -good terms to each other as I should wish, and as I must take care of my -own safety, as much as he does of his, the general will be good enough -to send me ten hostages selected among the most influential persons -in the State. These hostages will be treated by me with the greatest -honour, and restored to the general one hour after the nuptial blessing -and the departure of the guests from the camp. But I must warn your -general that, if the slightest treachery is attempted against myself or -one of the men I have the honour of commanding, these hostages will be -immediately shot."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the colonel exclaimed, "you distrust General Guerrero, sir, and -put no faith in his honour as a caballero."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately, sir," the count replied dryly, "I have learned at my -own expense what the value is of the honour of certain Mexicans. I -will, therefore, enter into no discussion on that subject. Such are my -conditions. The general is at liberty to accept or refuse them; but I -pledge you my word of honour that I shall make no change."</p> - -<p>"Very well, sir," the colonel answered, intimidated in spite of himself -by the count's resolute accent, "I will have the honour of transmitting -these harsh conditions to the general."</p> - -<p>Don Louis bowed.</p> - -<p>"I doubt whether he will accept them," the colonel continued.</p> - -<p>"He can do as he pleases."</p> - -<p>"But is there no other way of settling the difference?"</p> - -<p>"I do not see any."</p> - -<p>"Well, in the event of the general accepting, how shall I let you know -it, so as to lose as little time as possible?"</p> - -<p>"In a very simple mode, sir—by the arrival of Father Seraphin and the -delivery of the hostages."</p> - -<p>"And, in that case, when will the ceremony take place?"</p> - -<p>"Two hours after the hostages have reached my camp."</p> - -<p>"I will retire, sir, and submit your reply to my superior officer."</p> - -<p>"Do so, sir."</p> - -<p>The colonel retired, and the count, who fancied himself sure of the -acceptance of his ultimatum, immediately gave the necessary orders for -the construction of the cabin intended to serve as a chapel. After this -he wrote a note, which was handed to Doña Angela through the medium of -Don Cornelio. This note, which was very laconic, contained the following -lines:—</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"MADAM,</p> - -<p>"I have received your father's answer: it is favourable. -Tomorrow, in all probability, the ceremony of our marriage will -take place. I watch over you and myself.</p> - -<p>"The Count de PRÉBOIS CRANCÉ."</p></blockquote> - -<p>After sending off this note the count wrapped himself in a cloak, and -went out to visit the posts, and assure himself that the sentries were -keeping good guard. The night was bright and clear; the sky studded with -an infinite number of brilliant stars; the atmosphere perfumed with a -thousand sweet odours; at intervals the strains of the guitars, borne on -the breeze, rose from the pueblo, and died out at the count's ear. The -camp was silent and gloomy; the adventurers, who had retired under their -leafy jacales, were enjoying that rest so necessary after a day's march; -the horses, hobbled pell-mell with the mules, were devouring their -alfalfa; the sentries, with shouldered muskets, were walking slowly -around the intrenchments with their eyes fixed on the plain.</p> - -<p>The count, after walking about for some time, and convincing himself -that everything was in the most perfect order, was induced by the -melancholy and mysterious softness of the night, to lean on the -breastwork; and, with his eye fixed on vacancy, not looking at or -probably seeing anything, he gradually gave way to his dreams, yielding -unconsciously to the mysterious influence of the objects that surrounded -him. From time to time, as the sentries called to each other, he -mechanically raised his head; then he would yield again to the flood of -thought that fell on him, and was so absorbed in himself that he seemed -to be asleep; but it was not so.</p> - -<p>For several hours he had been thus leaning over the breastwork, without -a thought of retiring, when he suddenly felt a hand lightly laid on -his shoulder. This touch, light as it was, sufficed to recall him -from the ideal worlds in which his imagination was galloping, and to -a consciousness of his present situation. The count stifled a cry of -surprise and turned round. A man was holding on to the outside of the -breastwork, his head scarce emerging over the top. It was Curumilla.</p> - -<p>The chief had a finger laid on his lips, as if to recommend prudence to -the count. The latter made a sign of pleasure on recognising the Indian, -and quickly bent down to him.</p> - -<p>"Well?" he said with his mouth to his ear.</p> - -<p>"You will be attacked tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"You are sure of it?"</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said.</p> - -<p>"When?"</p> - -<p>"At night."</p> - -<p>"What hour?"</p> - -<p>"An hour before moonrise."</p> - -<p>"By whom?"</p> - -<p>"Palefaces."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!"</p> - -<p>"Good-by."</p> - -<p>"Are you off again?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Shall I see you again?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps."</p> - -<p>"When?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"And Valentine?"</p> - -<p>"He will come."</p> - -<p>The Indian, doubtlessly fatigued with having talked so much, contrary to -his habits, although the sentences he uttered were of no extraordinary -length, slipped down the breastwork again, and said no more. Louis -looked after him, and saw him crawl away on his knees, and disappear -without producing the slightest sound. The scene had taken place so -rapidly, the Indian's flight had been so silent, that the count was on -the point of regarding it as an hallucination; but suddenly the hoot of -the owl, twice repeated, rose in the air.</p> - -<p>This signal had long been agreed on between Valentine and the count. He -understood that Curumilla, while warning him that he was safe, sent him -from a distance a last recommendation to silence. He tossed his head -sadly, and returned to his tent pensively, muttering in a low voice,—</p> - -<p>"Another piece of treachery!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE COCK-FIGHT.</h3> - - -<p>In marching on La Magdalena the count had a double object: in the first -place, that of meeting the rich hacenderos and alcaldes of the pueblos -dissatisfied with the Mexican Government, and try to draw them over to -his side by the brilliant prospects of independence he offered them; -secondly, by his strategic position at the village, to alarm General -Guerrero, and keep him constantly on the alert by a simultaneous feint -of aggressive movements on each of the three Sonorian capitals.</p> - -<p>The general, so soon as war was declared, had appealed to the population -with that pompous and verbose Mexican eloquence which only deceives -the foolish. The inhabitants, who were perfectly indifferent about the -Government, and cared but little to interfere in the general's private -quarrels, which he tried in vain to metamorphose into a national -question, had remained quietly at home, and had in no way responded to -their chiefs so-called patriotic appeal, the more so because, during the -four months since the French landed in Sonora, and had been traversing -the country, their conduct toward the population had been ever -exemplary, and not the smallest complaint had been made against them.</p> - -<p>The general, disappointed at the ill success of his machinations, then -changed his batteries. He proceeded to forced enlistments: next, not -satisfied with that, he treated with the Hiaquis and Opatas Indians, -in order to increase his army. He also wished, at the outset, to enrol -the Apaches; but the rude lesson the French had read the latter had -disgusted them with war, and they retired to their deserts without -listening to any new proposition.</p> - -<p>Still General Guerrero had succeeded in collecting an imposing force. -His army amounted to nearly 12,000 men—an enormous number, if we -think of the few combatants his enemy could draw up in time. The -general, we must do him the justice to say, in spite of his incessant -braggadocio, and the continual marches and countermarches he performed, -had an instinctive respect for his enemy, or, if you like it better, a -perfectly reasonable fear, which incited him to prudence, and prevented -him ever coming too close to the French outposts. He contented himself -with actively watching the count's movements, and holding the three -roads in such a way as to be able easily to concentrate his troops on -the point menaced by the adventurers.</p> - -<p>It is a singular fact that the Americans of the South have never been -able, after so many centuries, and though they are nearly descended -from the Spaniards, to dispel that superstitious terror with which the -European conquerors inspired them on their landing. The deeds of those -heroic adventurers are still in every mouth, and during the war of -independence it frequently happened that a handful of Spaniards put to -flight, merely by showing themselves, masses of Mexican insurgents. The -most convincing proof of our assertion we can produce is that, at this -very moment, three hundred French adventurers, isolated in the centre of -a country they did not know, and the majority of whom did not even speak -the language, held in check an army of 12,000 men, commanded by chiefs -who were esteemed good soldiers, and not only made Sonora tremble, but -even the Federal Government in Mexico itself.</p> - -<p>The boldness and temerity of the enterprise attempted by the count -increased, were that possible, the terror he inspired. This expedition -was so mad, that sensible men could not imagine that the count was -not backed up by secret, though powerful allies, who only awaited an -opportunity to declare themselves. This terror was carefully kept -up by the count's spies and scouts. The boldness of his movements, -the decision with which he acted, and finally, the occupation of La -Magdalena without a blow being struck, heightened the apprehensions of -the Government, and increased its indecision as to the intentions of the -chief, or, as they called him, the <i>Cabecilla</i>.</p> - -<p>It was about five in the morning when the curtain that closed the -count's tent was raised from the outside, and a man entered. Don Louis, -startled by this sudden apparition, rubbed his eyes and seized his -pistols, saying in a firm voice,—</p> - -<p>"Who is there?"</p> - -<p>"I, of course," the new arriver said. "Who would dare enter in this way -except me?"</p> - -<p>"Valentine!" the count exclaimed with a shout of joy, and throwing -down his pistols. "You are welcome, brother: I have been expecting you -impatiently."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," the hunter said. "Did not Curumilla announce my return this -very night?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the count said with a laugh; "but you know how easy it is to talk -with the chief."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Well, I have brought you the information he omitted to -give you, and perhaps it is all for the best."</p> - -<p>The count had dressed himself; that is to say, he put on his coat and -zarapé, for he had thrown himself on his bed in his clothes.</p> - -<p>"Take a stool," he said, "and let us talk."</p> - -<p>"I prefer going out."</p> - -<p>"As you please," Don Louis answered, suspecting that his friend had -peculiar reasons for acting thus. They left the tent together.</p> - -<p>"Captain de Laville," the hunter said, addressing the young man, who was -walking up and down before the tent, "an escort of ten horsemen, a horse -for myself, and another for the chief, if you please."</p> - -<p>"At once?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if it be possible."</p> - -<p>"Of course it is."</p> - -<p>"We are going to leave the camp, then?" Louis said when they were alone.</p> - -<p>"We are going to La Magdalena," the hunter made answer.</p> - -<p>"The moment is a most unfortunate one."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because I am expecting the general's answer."</p> - -<p>"In that case you can come," the hunter said with a malicious smile, -"for you will not receive that reply. The colonel's mission was only a -bait to lull your vigilance to sleep."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! are you certain of what you assert?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove!"</p> - -<p>At this moment the escort appeared. Louis and Valentine mounted. It was -hardly six in the morning; the country was deserted; at each puff of -wind the trees shook their branches, which were damp with the abundant -bright dew, and caused a gentle shower which rustled on the bushes; the -sun sucked up the dense vapour that rose from the ground; and the birds, -hidden in the foliage, woke up singing. The two friends, slightly in -advance of their escort, rode pensively side by side, with the bridle on -their horses' necks, and gazing vacantly at the magnificent landscape -which lay expanded before them. The first houses of the pueblo, gaily -enframed in clumps of floripondios and vines, were visible from a -turning in the road. Don Louis raised his head.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, as if answering his own thoughts, "I swear this shall -be the last time that General Guerrero mocks me thus. It is plain that -Colonel Suarez only came to my camp to see for himself in what condition -we were."</p> - -<p>"For nothing else."</p> - -<p>"Where are we going now?"</p> - -<p>"To a cockfight."</p> - -<p>"A cockfight!" the count said in surprise.</p> - -<p>The hunter looked at him significantly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said to him, "you know, perhaps—or, if you do not, I will -tell you—that the finest cockfights take place annually at La Magdalena -at the period of the festival."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Louis said indifferently.</p> - -<p>"I am certain that it will interest you," Valentine continued with a -cunning air.</p> - -<p>The count perfectly well understood that his friend only spoke to him -in this way in order to foil any eavesdroppers who might be about, and -was silent, for he felt certain that all would be cleared up ere long. -Besides, the little party were at this moment entering the pueblo, -the houses of which were beginning to open, in which the dwellers, -hardly awake, saluted them as they passed with joyous and friendly -smiles. After passing slowly through two or three streets, at a sign -from Valentine the detachment stopped before a house of rather mean -appearance, and which had nothing about it to recommend it to the -attention of strangers.</p> - -<p>"It is here," the hunter said.</p> - -<p>They stopped and dismounted. Valentine then gave the leader of the -escort strict orders to remain mounted with his men, and not stir till -the count's return; then he tapped discreetly at the door, which was -immediately opened. They entered, and the door was closed without their -seeing anybody. They were scarcely in the house ere the hunter led his -companion into a cuarto, the door of which he opened with a key he drew -from his pocket.</p> - -<p>"Follow my example," he said as he took off his vicuna hat and zarapé, -which he exchanged for a cloak and a broad-brimmed straw hat. The count -imitated him.</p> - -<p>"Now come."</p> - -<p>They wrapped themselves carefully in their cloaks, pulled their hats -over their eyes, and left the house by a door cleverly hidden in the -wall, which communicated with the adjoining house, through which -they passed without meeting anybody, and found themselves once more -in the street. But during the few minutes they remained in the house -the appearance of the pueblo had completely changed. The streets were -now thronged with people coming and going: at each step children and -leperos were letting off fireworks with shouts of delight and bursts -of laughter. Through the whole of Spanish America, and especially in -Mexico, no at all respectable festival goes off without crackers and -fireworks: letting off squibs is the acme of joy. We will repeat on this -head a rather characteristic anecdote.</p> - -<p>Some time after the Spaniards had been definitively expelled from -Mexico, King Ferdinand one morning asked a rich Mexican who had sought -refuge at the court of Spain,—</p> - -<p>"What do you imagine your countrymen are doing at this moment, Don Luis -de Cerda?"</p> - -<p>"Sire," the Mexican replied gravely, as he bowed to the king, "they are -letting off squibs."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the king said, and passed on.</p> - -<p>A few hours later the king accosted the gentleman again: it was two in -the afternoon.</p> - -<p>"And now," he asked him gaily, "what are they engaged in?"</p> - -<p>"Sire," the Mexican said with no less gravity than on the first -occasion, "they continue to let off squibs."</p> - -<p>The king smiled, but made no reply. At nightfall, however, he again -addressed the same question to the gentleman, who answered with his -imperturbable coolness,—</p> - -<p>"May it please your Majesty, they are letting off more squibs than ever."</p> - -<p>This time the king could not contain himself, but burst into a fit of -laughter—a very remarkable circumstance, for this prince was never -renowned for the jollity of his character.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans have three passions;—playing at monte, witnessing -cockfights, and letting off squibs. We believe that the third is the -most deeply rooted in them; and the quantity of powder consumed in -Mexico in the shape of squibs is incalculable. Hence squibs were being -let off in all the streets and on all the squares of La Magdalena. -At each step crackers exploded beneath the feet of our two friends, -who, however, long accustomed to Mexican habits, did not attach the -slightest importance to the fireworks, but continued their progress in -perfect coolness, clearing a way as well as they could through the dense -crowd of Indians, half-breeds, Negroes, Zambos, Spaniards, Mexicans, and -North Americans. At length they turned into a lane about half way down -the Calle San Pedro.</p> - -<p>"Halloh!" Louis said, "are we really going to see a cockfight?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," Valentine said with a smile. "Let me alone. I told you it -would interest you."</p> - -<p>"Go on, then," the count said with a careless shrug of his shoulders. -"Deuce take you and your absurd ideas!"</p> - -<p>"Good, good!" Valentine replied with a laugh. "We shall see; but we have -arrived."</p> - -<p>And without any more words they entered the house.</p> - -<p>There is no amusement in Mexico, save perhaps monte or fireworks, which -excites interest to such a degree as a cockfight; and this interest is -not confined merely to a certain class of society. In this respect there -is no difference between the President of the Republic and the most -humble citizen, between the generalissimo and the lowest leper, between -the highest dignitary of the Church and the most obscure sacristan: -whites, blacks, half-castes, and Indians the whole population rushes -with unequalled frenzy to this bloody spectacle which is so full of -interest to them.</p> - -<p>The pit is arranged in the following way:—Behind a house a large yard -is selected, in the centre of which rises a circular amphitheatre, -from fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The wall of this amphitheatre is -never less than twenty feet high: it is built with brick, and carefully -covered with hard stucco inside and out. Five rows of seats rising above -each other complete the interior of the building. Until the opening -of the doors no one knows what birds are entered; but, so soon as the -public are admitted, the cocks are brought in. The bettors bring one -each, which are then intrusted to the care of the trainer who makes the -preliminary arrangements. These, however, are very simple. The cocks are -armed with artificial spurs made of polished steel, about four inches in -length, by half an inch wide at the base, slightly curved at the end, -and terminating in a sharp point, while the upper side of the spur is -sharpened. These spurs are firmly attached to the legs of the cocks by -straps. When thus prepared for the contest, the cocks are taken into the -pit by the trainers, who hold them up in the air, and submit them to -the inspection of the spectators, who then make their bets. The money -thus risked on the life of a bird is incredible, and men often ruin -themselves by betting.</p> - -<p>At the moment when the Frenchmen entered, the amusement had long before -begun, so that all the best places were taken, and the pit filled with -spectators pressing against each other. As, however, our friends had by -no means come to take an active part in the amusement, they modestly -seated themselves on the wall of the arena, where a band of ragged -leperos had taken refuge, too poor to bet, but who regarded with envious -eye and scarce-suppressed passion the happy favourites of fortune -who were moving about beneath them with shouts and exclamations. The -tumult was at its height, and all eyes were fixed on the pit, where—an -extraordinary circumstance—one cock had defeated nine others in -succession.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen cleverly profited by the effervescence of the spectators -to pass on unnoticed, and reach the places they had selected. After -a minute Valentine lit a maize pajilla, and bent over to his foster -brother's ear.</p> - -<p>"Wait for me here," he said; "I shall return in a moment."</p> - -<p>Louis bowed in assent. Valentine rose with a nonchalant air, leaped -carelessly over the benches, and, with cigar in mouth, mingled among -the spectators who crowded the approaches to the pit. The count looked -after him for a few moments, but then lost him in the crowd. His eyes -then turned to the pit; and so great is the attraction offered by -this singular and cruel spectacle, that the count involuntarily grew -interested in what was going on before him, and even took a certain -pleasure in it.</p> - -<p>The combats followed in rapid succession, each offering different but -exciting incidents. The count began to find his foster brother's absence -protracted, for he had left him for nearly an hour, when all at once he -saw himself standing before him.</p> - -<p>"Well?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Well," Valentine answered in Castilian, "it appears that I was right, -and that Señor Rodrigo's cocks are achieving marvels. Come and see it -more closely. I assure you that it is curious."</p> - -<p>The count rose without replying, and followed him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE INTERVIEW.</h3> - - -<p>Owing to their disguise, but, above all, the interest everybody took in -the cockfight, the Frenchmen succeeded in leaving the amphitheatre as -they had entered it; that is to say, without attracting any attention. -When they reached a sort of dark passage leading to the interior of the -house, Valentine stopped.</p> - -<p>"Listen, to me, Louis," he said, gluing his mouth, as it were, to his -friend's ear. "The moment has arrived for you to learn why I brought you -hither."</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Since I left you at the mission, as you may suppose, I have not been -inactive. I have gone about the country, have entered into relations -with all the richest and most respected inhabitants, and have succeeded -in making them comprehend how important it was for them to join and -support you. The festival of La Magdalena offered us a favourable -opportunity for meeting without attracting the attention of the Mexican -Government, and arousing its apprehension. The only house in which a -large body of persons can meet without exciting notice is indubitably -that in which there is a cockpit. I therefore made an appointment here -for this moment with the malcontents, who are numerous. They are all men -who, by their fortunes or position, enjoy a high degree of consideration -in the State which we wish to revolutionise, and possess great -influence. I will introduce you to them: they are awaiting your arrival. -You will explain to them your intentions, and they will tell you on what -conditions they will consent to join you. Remember, however, brother, -that you are dealing with Mexicans. Set no more confidence in their -words or promises than they deserve. Be sure that success alone will -gain them; that if you fail they will abandon you remorselessly, and be -ready to deliver you up if they fancy they can derive any advantage from -such an act of infamy. Now, if what I tell you does not suit you, you -can retire, and I will undertake to dismiss them without compromising -you in any way."</p> - -<p>"No!" the count answered resolutely, "it is too late now: to hesitate or -recoil would be cowardly. I must go on at all risks. Announce me to our -new friends."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then."</p> - -<p>They walked to the end of the passage, where a closed door checked their -progress. Valentine tapped thrice at equal intervals with the hilt of -his machete.</p> - -<p>"Who is there?" a voice asked from inside.</p> - -<p>"The man expected a long time, though you did not dare hope that he -would come," Valentine answered.</p> - -<p>"He is welcome," the voice added.</p> - -<p>At this moment the door opened, the two men entered, and it closed -again on them immediately. They then found themselves in a large room -with whitewashed walls, and the floor of beaten earth. The furniture -consisted of benches, on which were seated some fifty men, some of whom -wore an ecclesiastical garb. Curtains of red serge placed before the -windows took off the glare, while at the same time preventing anyone -outside seeing what was going on. On the entrance of the count and -Valentine, all rose and uncovered themselves respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Caballeros," Valentine said, "according to my promise, I have the -honour to present to you the Count de Prébois Crancé, who has consented -to accompany me in order to hear the propositions you have to make to -him."</p> - -<p>All bowed ceremoniously to the count, and he returned their bows with -that grace and amenity peculiar to him. A man of a certain age, with an -elegant and intelligent face, and dressed in the magnificent costume of -the rich hacenderos, advanced and addressed the hunter.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, sir," he said with a slightly ironical accent, "I believe -you have made a small mistake."</p> - -<p>"Be good enough to explain, Señor Don Anastasio," the hunter replied. "I -do not understand the words you have done me the honour to address to -me."</p> - -<p>"You said, sir, that the count had done us the honour of coming to hear -the propositions we had to make to him."</p> - -<p>"Well, sir?"</p> - -<p>"That is just where the mistake lies, Don Valentine."</p> - -<p>"How so, Señor Anastasio?"</p> - -<p>"It appears to me that we have no propositions to make to the count, but -that we, on the contrary, should listen to his."</p> - -<p>A murmur of assent ran through the audience. Don Louis saw it was time -to interfere.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said, bowing gracefully to the hacenderos, "will you -allow me to have a frank explanation with you? I am convinced that -when I have done so any misunderstanding will be removed, and we shall -comprehend each other perfectly."</p> - -<p>"Speak, speak, señor!" they said.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he went on, "will not here enter into any personal details. -I will not tell you how or why I arrived at Guaymas—in what way the -Government of Mexico, after breaking all the promises it made me, ended -by declaring me an enemy of the country, placed me without the pale of -society, and carried its impudence so far as to treat me as a pirate, -and set a price on my head, as if I were a bandit or wretched assassin; -for that would cause the loss of precious moments, and be a gratuitous -abuse of your patience, as you all know thoroughly what has occurred."</p> - -<p>"Yes, señor conde," the hacendero who had already spoken interrupted -him, "we know the facts to which you allude: we deplore them, and blush -for the honour of our country."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, gentlemen, for these marks, of sympathy: they are very -sweet to me, as they prove that you are not mistaken as to my character. -I will come to facts without further circumlocution."</p> - -<p>"Hear, hear!" the audience murmured.</p> - -<p>The count waited a few moments, and when silence was completely restored -he continued:—</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen, Sonora is the most fertile and richest country not only of -Mexico, but of the whole universe. By its position at the extremity -of the centre of the Confederation, from which it is divided by lofty -mountains and vast despoblados, Sonora is a country apart, destined, -in a speedy future, to separate itself from the Mexican Confederation. -Sonora is sufficient for itself. The other provinces supply it with -nothing; on the contrary, Sonora supports and enriches them with the -surplus of its produce. But Sonora, owing to the system of oppression -under which it groans, is, properly speaking, only a vast desert. The -greater part of its territory is uncultivated, for the Government of -Mexico, which knows so well how to squeeze it, and seize the productions -of its soil, and the gold and silver of its mines, is impotent to -protect it against the enemies that surround it—the Indios Bravos, -whose incursions, annually becoming more insolent, threaten to grow -even more so, unless a speedy remedy is applied, and the evil uprooted. -I said, at the outset, that within a short period Sonora would be -separated from the Mexican Confederation. Let me explain myself. This -will happen inevitably, but in two different ways, according to the -advantage the inhabitants will derive from it. Sonora is menaced by -powerful enemies other than the Indians. These enemies are the North -Americans, those Wandering Jews of civilisation, whose axes you may hear -felling the trees of the last forests that separate you, and who will -soon invade and occupy your country, unless you take care; and it will -be impossible for you to offer the slightest resistance to this unjust -conquest, for you have no support to expect from your Government, which -consumes all its energies in the purposeless and universal contests of -the cabecillas, who seize on the power in turn."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," several persons exclaimed, "that is true; the count is -right."</p> - -<p>"This conquest with which you are menaced is imminent—it is inevitable; -and then what will happen, gentlemen? What has happened wherever the -Yankees have succeeded in planting themselves. You will be absorbed by -them: your language, customs, even your religion, all will be submerged -in this flood. See what has occurred in Texas, and shudder at the -thought of what awaits you soon!"</p> - -<p>A thrill of anger ran through the assembly at these words, of which each -recognised the justice in his heart. The count went on:—</p> - -<p>"You have a means to escape this frightful evil; it is in your hands—it -depends on you alone."</p> - -<p>"Speak, speak!" was shouted on every side.</p> - -<p>"Declare your independence loudly, frankly, and energetically. Separate -yourselves boldly from Mexico, form the Sonorian Confederation, and call -to your aid the French emigrants in California. They will not remain -deaf to your appeal: they will come to help you not only in conquering, -but also in maintaining your independence against your enemies within -and without. The Frenchmen whom you adopt will become your brothers: -they have the same religion, almost the same habits as yourselves; in -a word, you belong to the same race. You will easily understand each -other. They will erect an impassable barrier against North American -invasion, make the Indians respect your frontiers, and compel the -Mexicans to recognise the right you have proclaimed of being free."</p> - -<p>"But," one of the company objected, "if we call the French to our aid, -what will they ask of us in return?"</p> - -<p>"The right of cultivating your lands which lie fallow," the count -answered energetically; "of bringing to you progress, the arts, and -industry; in one word, of peopling your deserts, enriching your towns, -and civilising your villages: that is what the French will ask. Is it -too much?"</p> - -<p>"No, certainly, it is not," Don Anastasio said amid a murmur of assent.</p> - -<p>"But," another objected, "who guarantees us that, when the moment -arrives to settle our accounts with the colonists we have summoned -to our aid, they will faithfully fulfil the promises they have made -us, and not insist, in their turn, on dictating laws to us, by taking -advantage of their number and strength?"</p> - -<p>"I, caballeros, I, who in their name will treat with you, and assume the -responsibility of everything."</p> - -<p>"Yes, the prospective of which you allow us a glimpse is seductive, -caballero," Don Anastasio answered in the name of all. "We recognise the -truth of the facts you tell us. We know only too well how precarious -our position is, and what great dangers menace us; but a scruple causes -us to refrain at this moment. Have we the right to plunge our unhappy -country, already half ruined, in the horrors of a civil war, when in -this unfortunate land nothing is prepared for an energetic resistance? -The Government of Mexico, so weak for good, is powerful for evil, -and it will manage to find troops to reduce us if we revolt. General -Guerrero is an experienced officer—a cold and cruel man, who will -recoil before no extremity, however terrible its nature, to stifle in -blood any attempt at insurrection. In a few days he has succeeded in -collecting a powerful army to conquer us: each of your soldiers, in the -coming contest, will have to fight against ten. However brave the French -may be, it is impossible for them to resist such an imposing force. A -battle lost, and all is over with you. Any armed opposition will become -impossible, and you will drag us down in your fall if we help you; and -we have the more to fear, because our position is not like yours. We are -sons of the country: we have in it our families and fortunes. We have, -therefore, everything to lose; while you, on the other hand, supposing -you are beaten, and your enterprise completely fails, have a means of -safety we cannot employ, in flight. These considerations are serious. -They oblige us to act with the greatest prudence, and reflect deeply, -before determining to shake off the detested yoke of Mexico. Do not -believe, caballero, that we speak thus through cowardice or weakness. -No, it is solely through the fear of failure, and the loss, in the -shipwreck, of the few shreds of liberty which, through policy, they -have not yet dared to tear from us, and which they possibly only need a -pretext to assail."</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the count answered, "I appreciate at their full value the -motives you have been good enough to lay before me. Still, permit me to -observe that, however serious the objections may be you do me the honour -of laying before me, we are not here to discuss them. The object of our -meeting is an offensive and defensive alliance between yourselves and -me, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," most of the audience exclaimed, surprised by the count's -sudden change of position, and led to speak, perhaps involuntarily, more -hurriedly than they had intended.</p> - -<p>"Well," the count continued, "let us not waste our time, like those -tradesmen who boast to each other about the quality of their wares. Let -us go straight to our object, frankly, clearly, and like men of honour. -Tell me, without any concealment, on what conditions you consent to form -an alliance with me and give me your support, and the number of men I -can count on when the right moment arrives."</p> - -<p>"That is the right way to speak, señor conde," Don Anastasio replied. -"Well, to a question so clearly asked, we will answer no less clearly. -We do not doubt (Heaven forbid we should!) either the courage or -strategic skill of your soldiers: we know that the French are brave. -Still your band is not large: up to the present it has no support, and -only possesses the patch of ground on which it is encamped. Establish a -solid base of operations—seize, for instance, one of the three chief -cities of Sonora—then you will no longer be adventurers, but really -soldiers; and we shall no longer fear to treat with you, because your -expedition will have gained consistency—in one word, have become -earnest."</p> - -<p>"Very good, gentlemen; I understand you," the count answered coldly. -"And, in case I succeed in carrying one of the cities you mention, I can -count on you?"</p> - -<p>"Body and soul."</p> - -<p>"And how many men will you place at my disposal?"</p> - -<p>"Six thousand in four days—the whole of Sonora in a week."</p> - -<p>"You promise it?"</p> - -<p>"We all swear it!" they exclaimed enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>But this enthusiasm could not produce a flash or smile on the count's -face.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said, "within a fortnight I give you the meeting in -one of the three chief cities of Sonora; and then, as I shall have -accomplished my obligations, I shall call on you to keep yours."</p> - -<p>The Mexicans could not restrain a gesture of astonishment and admiration -at these noble words. The count, though no longer young, was still -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms. -Each of his phrases left a memory. All present came in turn to press -his hand, and renew individually their protestations of devotion, after -which they left the room. The count and Valentine remained alone.</p> - -<p>"Are you satisfied, brother?" the hunter asked him.</p> - -<p>"Who could be strong enough to galvanise this people?" the count -muttered with a mournful shrug of his shoulders, and rather answering -his own thoughts than the question his friend had addressed to him. The -two men went to fetch their zarapés. They found their escort where they -had left it, and retired slowly through the crowd, who saluted them as -they passed with shouts of "<i>Vivan los Franceses!</i>"</p> - -<p>"If I come to be shot some day," the count said bitterly, "they will -only have to alter one word."</p> - -<p>Valentine sighed, but made no reply.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>FATHER SERAPHIN.</h3> - - -<p>Doña Angela had just awakened: a sportive sunbeam, passing indiscreetly -over her charming face, had made her open her eyes. She was lying half -extended in her hammock, with her head supported on her right arm, and -was pensively looking at the swan's-down slipper which she was idly -balancing on her dainty little foot. Violanta, seated at her foot on -a stool, was busily arranging the various articles of her mistress's -toilette. At length Doña Angela shook off her careless languor, and a -smile played on her coral lips.</p> - -<p>"Today," she said, as she raised her head coquettishly.</p> - -<p>This one word contained the maiden's thoughts, her joy, love, -happiness—her whole life, in fact. She fell back in a reverie, yielding -herself up unconsciously to the delicate and busy services of her -waiting-maid. The sound of a footstep was heard outside, and Doña Angela -raised her head quickly.</p> - -<p>"Someone is coming," she said.</p> - -<p>Violanta went out, but returned almost immediately.</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio requests permission to say two words to the señorita," the -camarista answered.</p> - -<p>The maiden frowned with an air of vexation.</p> - -<p>"What can he want again?" she said.</p> - -<p>"I do not know."</p> - -<p>"That man displeases me singularly."</p> - -<p>"I will tell him that you cannot receive him."</p> - -<p>"No," she said quickly, "let him enter."</p> - -<p>"Why, if he displeases you?"</p> - -<p>"I prefer seeing him. I do not know why, but that man almost terrifies -me."</p> - -<p>The waiting maid blushed and turned her head away, but recovered almost -immediately.</p> - -<p>"Still he is entirely devoted to Don Louis and yourself, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" she said, fixing a piercing glance on her.</p> - -<p>"Well, I suppose so; his conduct up to the present has been most -honourable."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Still there is something at the bottom -of my heart which tells me that this man hates me. I experience, on -seeing him, an insurmountable feeling of repulsion. This is something -inexplicable to me; but, though everything seems to prove to me that I -am wrong, still, whether right or wrong, there is at times an expression -in his glance which makes me shudder. The only thing a man cannot -disguise is his look, for it is the reflex of his soul, and God has -decreed it so, in order that we may put ourselves on our guard, and -recognise our enemies. But he is doubtlessly tired of waiting. Let him -come in."</p> - -<p>Violanta hastened to execute her mistress's orders. Don Cornelio entered -with a smile on his lips.</p> - -<p>"Señorita," he said, after a graceful bow, which the maiden returned -without leaving her hammock, "pardon me for daring to trouble your -solitude; but a worthy priest, a French missionary, desires that you -will grant him the favour of a few minutes' interview."</p> - -<p>"What is the missionary's name, Señor Don Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"Father Seraphin, I believe, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Why does he not address himself to Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"He intended to do so in the first instance."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"But," Don Cornelio continued, "at sunrise Don Louis left the camp, -accompanied by Don Valentine; and though it is now near midday, he has -not yet returned."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Where did Don Louis go to at so early an hour?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you, señorita. All that I know for certain is, that he -proceeded in the direction of La Magdalena."</p> - -<p>"Has anything new occurred?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing I am aware of, señorita."</p> - -<p>There were a few moments of silence, during which Doña Angela was -reflecting. At length she continued:</p> - -<p>"And do you not suspect what this missionary wishes to say to me, Don -Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"In no way, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Beg him to come in. I shall be happy to see and converse with him."</p> - -<p>Violanta, without giving Don Cornelio time to reply, raised the curtain -that closed the entrance of the jacal.</p> - -<p>"Come in, my father," she said.</p> - -<p>The missionary appeared. Doña Angela greeted him respectfully, and -pointed to a chair.</p> - -<p>"You wish to speak with me, my father?" she said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam," he replied with a bow.</p> - -<p>"I am ready to listen to you."</p> - -<p>The missionary looked round in a way that Don Cornelio and the waiting -maid understood, for they went out at once.</p> - -<p>"Cannot what you have to say to me be heard by that girl, who is devoted -to me?"</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, madam, that I should try to lessen the confidence you -place in that person, but allow me to give you a little piece of advice."</p> - -<p>"Pray do so."</p> - -<p>"It is often dangerous to confide your secret thoughts to persons in a -lower station than yourself."</p> - -<p>"Yes, that may be true in theory, my father, but I will not discuss it. -Be kind enough to explain to me the reason of your visit."</p> - -<p>"I am grieved, madam, at having hurt your feelings without wishing it. -Pardon an observation which you considered indiscreet, and may Heaven -grant that I am deceived!"</p> - -<p>"No, my father, no; I did not consider your remark indiscreet. But I am -a spoiled child, and it is my place to ask your forgiveness."</p> - -<p>At this moment the sound of horses was heard in the camp. Violanta -raised the curtain.</p> - -<p>"Don Louis has arrived," she said.</p> - -<p>"Let him come hither at once," Doña Angela exclaimed.</p> - -<p>The missionary gazed on her with an expression of gentle pity. A few -minutes later Don Louis and Valentine entered the jacal. The hunter -walked up to the missionary, and pressed his hand affectionately.</p> - -<p>"Have you come from the general, my father?" the count asked him quickly.</p> - -<p>"Alas, no!" he answered. "The general is unaware of my coming; for had -he known of it, he would probably have tried to oppose it."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? Speak, in Heaven's name!"</p> - -<p>"Alas! I am about to redouble your agony and your sorrow. General -Guerrero never intended to bestow on you this lady's hand. I cannot tell -you what I have seen or heard, for my office forbids it; but I am a -Frenchman, sir—that is to say, your fellow countryman—and I believe -my duty orders me to warn you that treachery surrounds you on all sides, -and that the general is trying to lull your vigilance by fallacious -promises, in order to surprise you and finish with you."</p> - -<p>Don Louis let his head sink on his chest.</p> - -<p>"In that case, sir," he said presently, "with what object have you come -here?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you. The general wishes to get back his daughter, and, to -effect that, all means will be good. Permit me to draw your attention to -the fact that, under present circumstances, the lady's presence here is -not only a danger for you, but also an ineffaceable stain on her honour."</p> - -<p>"Sir!" the count exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Deign to listen to me," the missionary continued coldly. "I do not -doubt either your honour or the lady's; but you have no power, to my -knowledge, to impose silence on your enemies, and stop the immense flood -of calumny they pour out on you and her. Unhappily your conduct seems to -justify them."</p> - -<p>"But what is to be done? What means shall I employ?"</p> - -<p>"There is one."</p> - -<p>"Speak, my father."</p> - -<p>"This is what I propose. You intend to marry this lady?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly; you know that is my dearest wish."</p> - -<p>"Let me finish. The marriage must not be celebrated here; for such a -ceremony, performed in the midst of a camp of adventurers, without -witnesses, would seem a mockery."</p> - -<p>"But——"</p> - -<p>"It must take place in a city, in the presence of the entire population, -in the broad sunshine, to the sound of the bells and cannon, which, -traversing the air, will tell all that the marriage has really taken -place."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Valentine remarked, "Father Seraphin is right; for then Doña -Angela will no longer marry a pirate, but a conqueror, with whom terms -must be made. She will not be the wife of an adventurer, but of the -liberator of Sonora, and those who blame her today will be the first to -sing her praises."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, that is true!" the maiden cried with fire. "I thank you, my -father, for coming. My duty is laid down: I will accomplish it. Who will -dare to attack the reputation of her who has married the saviour of her -country?"</p> - -<p>"Still," the count remarked, "this is only a palliative, after all. -The marriage cannot take place yet. A fortnight, perhaps a month, will -elapse ere I have rendered myself master of a city. Till then Doña -Angela must remain in the camp where she has hitherto been."</p> - -<p>All eyes were anxiously turned to the missionary.</p> - -<p>"No," he said, "if the young lady will allow me to offer her a shelter."</p> - -<p>"A shelter!" she said with an inquiring glance.</p> - -<p>"Very simple and most unworthy to receive her, doubtlessly," he -continued, "but where at least she will be in safety, in the midst of a -family of honourable and good persons, to whom it will be a delight to -receive her."</p> - -<p>"Is the shelter you offer me, my father, very far from here?" the maiden -asked quickly.</p> - -<p>"Twenty-five leagues at the most, in the direction in which the French -expedition must proceed on its march into Sonora."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela gave a cunning smile at having been so well understood by -the good priest.</p> - -<p>"Listen, my father," she said with that resolution which was one of the -principal features of her character. "Your reputation reached me long -ago, and I know that you are a holy man. Even if I did not know you, -the friendship and respect Don Valentine professes for you would be to -me a sufficient guarantee. I trust myself in your hands. I understand -how unsuitable my presence in the camp now, at any rate, is. Take me -wherever you please. I am ready to follow you."</p> - -<p>"My child," the missionary said with charming unction, "it is God who -inspires this determination. The grief you will feel at a separation of -a few days at the most will double the happiness of a reunion which no -one will dare any longer to oppose—which will not only raise you again -in the public opinion, which it is always precious to preserve, but -also give your reputation a lustre which it will be hopeless to try and -tarnish."</p> - -<p>"Go, then, as it must be so, Doña Angela," the count said. "I intrust -you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse -ere we are again together."</p> - -<p>"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater -courage the agony of absence."</p> - -<p>"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked.</p> - -<p>"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us -get over it at once."</p> - -<p>"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, -Doña Angela—you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by -heavens, I love you as a sister!"</p> - -<p>Doña Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. -The latter continued:—</p> - -<p>"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort——"</p> - -<p>"For what?" the priest asked simply.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the -enemy's marauders."</p> - -<p>"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us -than an escort, which is often compromising."</p> - -<p>"For you, I grants but, my father, you do not remember that you will -travel with two females who must be immediately recognised."</p> - -<p>"That is true," he said simply; "I did not think of it."</p> - -<p>"What is to be done, then?"</p> - -<p>Doña Angela began laughing.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen, you are really troubled by a very trifling matter. The good -father said an instant back, that the gown is the best safeguard, for -friend and foe will respect it under all circumstances."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the missionary said in confirmation.</p> - -<p>"Well, it is extremely simple. If Father Seraphin has no objection, -my waiting maid and myself will put on novices' robes, under which it -will be easy for us to disguise ourselves so cleverly that no one can -recognise us."</p> - -<p>Father Seraphin seemed to be reflecting profoundly for a few moments.</p> - -<p>"I see no serious obstacles to this disguisement," he at length -observed: "under the circumstances it is permissible, as it will serve a -good object."</p> - -<p>"But where shall we find monks' robes?" the count objected, half -seriously, half laughing. "I must confess that my camp is completely out -of them."</p> - -<p>"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La -Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during -that time Doña Angela will complete her preparations for departure."</p> - -<p>No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an -hour after, Doña Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don -Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed -under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a -warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by -Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a -secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for -serious thought, could they have seen it.</p> - -<p>"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. -"A priest is a very weak escort in the present times."</p> - -<p>"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that."</p> - -<p>"Oh! you always think of everything, brother."</p> - -<p>"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will -soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be -surprised."</p> - -<p>"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through -Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair."</p> - -<p>"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for -we have hardly the requisite time for action."</p> - -<p>"Have you any plan?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be -awfully taken in."</p> - -<p>"On my word, I trust to you with the greater pleasure because we have -been a long time already at La Magdalena, and I wish to begin my forward -march seriously."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Can you spare me fifty adventurers?"</p> - -<p>"Take as many as you like."</p> - -<p>"I only want fifty resolute men accustomed to desert warfare. For that -purpose I shall take Captain de Laville, and recommend him to select -from among the men he brought with him from Guetzalli the boldest and -most clever."</p> - -<p>"Do so, my friend. As for myself, I will carefully watch over the camp, -and double the patrols."</p> - -<p>"That precaution can do no harm. So now good-by till tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Farewell!"</p> - -<p>They separated, and Don Louis returned to his tent.</p> - -<p>At the moment Valentine reached Captain de Laville's jacal he saw Don -Cornelio quitting the camp with an indifferent air, and mechanically -looked after him. In a moment he lost him out of sight behind a clump -of trees, but all at once saw him reappear but mounted this time, and -setting off full gallop in the direction of the pueblo.</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh?" Valentine muttered with a thoughtful air. "What can Don -Cornelio have to do in such haste at La Magdalena? I will ask him."</p> - -<p>And he entered the jacal, where he found the captain, with whom he -immediately began discussing the plan he had formed to foil the intended -surprise on the part of the Mexicans. As we shall see this plan carried -out presently, we will say nothing about it here, but go and rejoin -Father Seraphin and Doña Angela.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE.</h3> - - -<p>It is especially at night, about two hours after sunset, that American -scenery assumes grand proportions. Under the influence of the first -night shadows the trees seem to put on majestic forms; the animated -silence of the desert becomes more mysterious; and man experiences -involuntarily a feeling of undefinable respect, which contracts his -heart, and fills him with superstitious dread. At that hour the waters -of the rivers flow with hoarse murmurings; the heavy and sinister flight -of the birds of night agitates the air with a fluttering of evil augury; -and the wild beasts, aroused in their hidden dens, salute the darkness -with long howlings of joy, for at night they are incontestably the kings -of the desert, for man is deprived of his greatest strength—the power -of the eye.</p> - -<p>Father Seraphin was riding by the side of the two females along the foot -of a lofty mountain, whose wooded slopes were lost in the black depths -of the Barrancas. Since leaving the camp they had not stopped once. They -were following at this moment a narrow path traced by mules, which wound -with countless turnings along the sides of the mountain. This path was -so narrow that two horses could scarce go along side by side; but the -steeds on which our travellers were mounted were so sure-footed, that -the latter proceeded without any hesitation along a road on which no -other animal would have ventured in the darkness.</p> - -<p>The moon had not yet risen; not a star glistened in the cloud-laden sky; -the darkness was dense; and, under the circumstances, this was almost -fortunate; for had the travellers been able to see the spot where they -were, and the way in which they were suspended, as it were, in space at -a prodigious height, possibly their courage would have failed them, and -their heads grown dizzy. Father Seraphin and Doña Angela were riding -side by side: Violanta was a few paces behind.</p> - -<p>"My father," the young lady said, "we have now been travelling for -nearly six hours, and I am beginning to feel fatigued. Shall we not halt -soon?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my child, in an hour at the most. In a few moments we shall leave -this path, and cross a defile called the Quebrada del Coyote: at the end -of that pass we shall spend the night in a poor house, which is now not -more than two miles off."</p> - -<p>"You say we are going to pass through the Coyote defile. We are, then, -on the road to Hermosillo?"</p> - -<p>"Quite true, my child."</p> - -<p>"Is it not imprudent for us to venture on this road, which my father's -troops command."</p> - -<p>"My child," the missionary said gently, "in good policy we must often -risk a great deal in order to secure greater tranquillity. We are not -only on the road to Hermosillo, but we are going to that very city."</p> - -<p>"What! to Hermosillo?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my child. In my opinion it is the only spot where you will be -completely safe from your father's search, as he will never think of -looking for you there, and cannot imagine that you are so near him."</p> - -<p>"That is true," she said after a moment's reflection.</p> - -<p>"The plan is a bold one, and hence must succeed. I believe, in truth, -that Hermosillo is the only spot where I can be safe from the pursuit of -those who have an interest in finding me."</p> - -<p>"I will take care, besides, to recommend you to the persons to whom I -shall intrust you; and, for greater security, I will leave you as little -as possible."</p> - -<p>"I shall be greatly obliged to you, my father, for I shall feel very sad -and lonely."</p> - -<p>"Courage, my child! I have faith in Don Louis. Heaven must protect his -expedition, for the work he has undertaken is grand and noble, as it has -for its object the emancipation of an entire country."</p> - -<p>"Believe me, my father, I am happy to hear you speak thus. The count may -fail; but in that case he will fall like a hero, and his death will be -that of a martyr."</p> - -<p>"Yes, the count is a chosen vessel. I believe, like yourself, my child, -that if his contemporaries do not do him the justice which is his -due, posterity at least will not confound him with those filibusters -and shameless adventurers for whom gold alone is everything, and who, -whatever may be the title they assume, are in reality no more than -highway robbers. But the road is growing wider—we are about to enter -the pass. This spot does not enjoy a very good reputation, so keep by my -side. Although I believe that we have nothing to fear, it is always well -to be prudent."</p> - -<p>In fact, as the missionary stated, the path had suddenly widened out: -the two sides of the mountain, which had, for some distance, been -gradually drawing together, now formed two parallel walls, at the most -only forty yards apart. It was this narrow gorge which was known as -the Quebrada del Coyote. It was about half a mile in length; but then -it suddenly grew wider, and opened on a vast <i>chaparral</i>, covered with -thickets and fields of dahlias; while the mountains separated to the -right and left, not to meet again till eighty leagues further on.</p> - -<p>At the moment when the travellers entered the pass the moon broke out -from the clouds in which it floated, and lighted up this dangerous pass -with its mournful and sickly light. This gleam, weak as it was, could -not fail to be agreeable to the travellers, as it allowed them to look -around and see where they were. They pressed on their wearied steeds, -in order to arrive more speedily at the end of the gloomy gorge in -which they were. They had gone on for about ten minutes, and had nearly -reached the centre of the pass, when the neighing of a horse smote their -ears.</p> - -<p>"We have travellers behind us," the missionary said with a frown.</p> - -<p>"And in a hurry, as it seems," Doña Angela added. "Hark!"</p> - -<p>They stopped to listen. The noise of hurried galloping reached their -ears.</p> - -<p>"Who can these men be?" the missionary murmured, speaking to himself.</p> - -<p>"Travellers like ourselves, probably."</p> - -<p>"No," Father Seraphin remarked, "travellers would not go at such a pace: -they are doubtlessly persons in pursuit of us."</p> - -<p>"That is not probable, my father: no one is aware of our journey."</p> - -<p>"Treachery has the eye of the lynx and the ear of the opossum, my dear -child. It is incessantly on the watch: everything is known—a secret is -no longer one when two persons know it. But time presses: we must make -up our minds."</p> - -<p>"We are lost if they are enemies!" Doña Angela exclaimed with terror. -"We have no help to expect from any one."</p> - -<p>"Providence is on the watch, child. Place confidence in her: she will -not abandon us."</p> - -<p>The noise of horses rapidly approaching came nearer, and resembled -the grumbling of thunder. The missionary drew himself up: his face -suddenly assumed an expression of indomitable energy which would have -been thought impossible for such gentle features; his voice, usually so -pleasant and sonorous, became quick, and almost harsh.</p> - -<p>"Place yourselves behind me, and pray," he said; "for, if I am not -greatly mistaken, the meeting will be dangerous."</p> - -<p>The two females obeyed mechanically. Doña Angela believed herself lost: -alone with this poor priest, any resistance must be impossible. The -missionary collected the reins in his left hand, attached them to the -pommel of his saddle, and awaited the shock with his face turned to -the newcomers. He had not long to wait: within scarce five minutes ten -horsemen appeared at full gallop. When twenty paces from the travellers -they halted as firmly as if their horses' hoofs were suddenly fixed in -the ground.</p> - -<p>These men, as far as it was possible to distinguish in the doubtful and -tremorous light of the moon, were dressed in the Mexican garb, and their -faces were covered with black crape. Doubt was no longer possible: these -sinister horsemen were really in pursuit of our travellers. There was an -instant of supreme silence—a silence which the missionary at length -resolved to break.</p> - -<p>"What do you want, gentlemen?" he said in a loud and firm voice. "Why -are you pursuing us?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" a mocking voice said, "the dove assumes the accent of the -gamecock. Señor padre, we have no intention to injure you; we only wish -to do you a service by saving you the trouble of guarding the two pretty -girls you so cleverly have with you."</p> - -<p>"Go your way, sirs," the priest continued, "and do not trouble -yourselves about what does not concern you."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, señor padre," the first speaker went on, "surrender with -a good grace: we should not like to fail in the respect due to you. -Resistance is impossible—we are ten against you alone: besides, you are -a man of peace."</p> - -<p>"You are cowards!" the missionary shouted. "Retire! A truce to mockery, -and let me continue my journey in peace."</p> - -<p>"Not so, señor padre, unless you consent to leave us your two -companions."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! that is it? Well, then, we must fight, gentlemen. It seems to -me that you are strangely mistaken about me. Yes, I am a missionary, -a man of peace; but I am also a Frenchman, and you appear to have -forgotten that. You must understand that I will not suffer the slightest -insult to the persons, whoever they may be, whom Heaven has placed under -my protection."</p> - -<p>"And with what will you defend them, Mr. Frenchman?" the stranger asked -with a grin.</p> - -<p>"With these," the missionary coldly replied as he drew a brace of -pistols from his holsters, and set the hammers with a resolute air.</p> - -<p>The bandits hesitated involuntarily. The missionary's action was so -clear, his voice so firm, his presence so intrepid, that they felt -themselves tremble; for they understood that they had a brave-hearted -man before them, who would sooner die than yield an inch. The Mexicans -do not respect much; but we must do them the justice of saying that they -have an unbounded reverence for the priest's gown. The missionary was -not a man like some who may be unfortunately met with, especially among -the clergy of North and South America. His reputation for virtue and -goodness was immense along the whole Mexican frontier: it was a serious -matter to insult him, much more to threaten him with death. Still the -strangers had advanced too far to give way.</p> - -<p>"Come, padre," the man who had hitherto been spokesman said, "do not -attempt any useless resistance. At all risks we will carry off these -women."</p> - -<p>And he made a movement as if to advance.</p> - -<p>"Stop! One step further, and you are a dead man. I hold in my hands the -life of two."</p> - -<p>"And I of two others," a rough voice exclaimed; and a man, suddenly -emerging from a thicket, bounded forward like a jaguar, and placed -himself intrepidly by the missionary's side.</p> - -<p>"Curumilla!" the latter exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the chief answered, "it is I. Courage! Our friends are coming up."</p> - -<p>In fact a dull and continued sound could be heard rapidly increasing. -The strangers had not yet paid attention to it, as they were so engaged -by their discussion with the missionary. Still the situation was -growing complicated. Father Seraphin saw that, so long as a pistol was -not fired, he should remain almost master of the situation, certain, -from Curumilla's words, as he was of seeing speedy help arrive. His -resolution was at once formed: all he wanted was to gain time, and he -attempted it.</p> - -<p>"Come, gentlemen," he said, "you see that I am no longer alone: God has -sent me a brave auxiliary; hence my position is no longer so desperate. -Will you parley?"</p> - -<p>"Parley!"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Be quick."</p> - -<p>"I will try to be so, as I presume, from the way in which you stopped -me, you are salteadores. Well, look you. You have me almost in your -power, or at least you think so. Remember that I am only a poor -missionary, and that what I possess belongs to the unhappy. How much -do you want for my ransom? Answer. I am ready to make any sacrifice -compatible with my position."</p> - -<p>Father Seraphin might have spoken thus for a long time, for the -strangers were no longer listening: they had noticed the approaching -sound, and were beginning to grow nervous.</p> - -<p>"Maldición!" the man who had hitherto spoken said, "that demon has -mocked us."</p> - -<p>He dug his spurs into his horses flanks; but the noble animal, instead -of bounding forward, reared up almost straight with a snort of pain, and -then fell in a heap. Curumilla had cut its back sinews with a blow of -his machete. After this exploit the Indian uttered a loud cry for help, -which was answered by a formidable hurrah.</p> - -<p>Still the impulse had been given, and the bandits rushed forward with a -ferocious yell. The missionary discharged his pistols, rather for the -purpose of hastening the advent of his unknown friends than of wounding -his enemies, which was easy to see; for no one fell, and the two parties -were so close that it was almost impossible to miss the mark.</p> - -<p>At the same instant five or six horsemen rushed on the strangers like -a whirlwind. A frightful medley began, and the bullets whistled in -every direction. The missionary had dismounted, and, compelling the two -females to do the same, he led them a few paces in the rear, in order to -protect them from the shots. But the struggle was not a long one: within -five minutes the bandits fled at full speed, pursued by nearly all the -newcomers, and leaving four of their men stretched on the ground.</p> - -<p>After a chase of a few minutes, however, the horsemen giving up a -pursuit which they saw was useless, returned and joined the missionary. -The latter, forgetting the unjust aggression he had just escaped, was -already seeking to succour the unhappy men who had fallen victims to -the trap they had laid for him: he went piously from one to the other, -in order to offer them assistance if there were still time. Three were -dead: the fourth was gasping and rolling on the ground in convulsions -of death. The missionary raised the veil that concealed his face, and -uttered a cry of surprise on recognising him. At this cry the dying man -opened his eyes, and fixed a haggard glance on Father Seraphin.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is I," he said in an expiring voice. "I have only what I -deserve."</p> - -<p>"Unhappy man!" the missionary replied, "Is that what you swore to me?"</p> - -<p>"I tried to do it," he continued. "A few days back I saved the man you -recommended to me, father."</p> - -<p>"And I," the missionary said sorrowfully, "you owe your life to me, and -yet tried to kill me?"</p> - -<p>The dying man made a gesture of energetic denial.</p> - -<p>"No," he exclaimed, "never! Look you, my father: there are accursed -natures in the world. El Buitre was a wretched bandit. Well, he dies as -he lived: that is just. Good-by, father! Well, I saved your friend, the -hunter. Ah, ah!"</p> - -<p>While saying this the wretch had sat up. Suddenly he was seized with a -convulsion, and rolled on the ground: he was dead. The missionary knelt -down by his side and prayed. All present, moved involuntarily, took off -their hats piously, and remained silent by his side. All at once shouts -and firing were heard, and a numerous baud of horsemen galloped down the -pass.</p> - -<p>"To arms!" the men shouted, leaping into their saddles hurriedly.</p> - -<p>"Stay," Curumilla said; "they are friends."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SURPRISE.</h3> - - -<p>Employing our privilege as romancers, we will go back a little way, -and return to Don Cornelio, whom Valentine looked after with such -astonishment when he saw him leave the camp in such an unusual manner.</p> - -<p>In the first place we will say a few words about Don Cornelio, that -joyous and careless gentleman whom, in the first part of this history, -we saw so impassioned for music generally, and the romance del Rey -Rodrigo in particular. At the present time he was greatly changed: he no -longer sang—the chords of his jarana no longer vibrated under his agile -fingers; a deep wrinkle crossed his brow; his cheeks had grown pale; -and he frowned incessantly under the pressure of gloomy thoughts. What -could have happened? What powerful cause had thus changed the Spaniard's -character?</p> - -<p>This cause might be easily guessed. Don Cornelio loved Doña Angela. -He loved her with all his strength—we will not say with a true and -sincere love, for it was not love at all that he felt for her: another -sentiment, less noble, but perhaps more lively, had craftily entered the -gentleman's heart by the side of love.</p> - -<p>This sentiment was avarice. We previously stated that Don Cornelio was -under the influence of a fixed idea. This idea had led the Spaniard to -America. The hidalgo wished to make his fortune by a marriage with a -lady young, rich, and fair, but, before all, rich. A fixed idea is more -than a passion, more than a monomania: it is the first stage of madness. -Many times had Don Cornelio been deceived in his attempts on rich -American women, whom he sought to dazzle, not by his luxury (for he was -poor as Job, of lamentable memory), but by his personal advantages; that -is to say, his beauty and wit. His meeting with Doña Angela decided his -fate. Persuaded that the young lady loved him, he began to love her, for -his part, with the frenzy of the drowning man, for whom such a love was -the only chance of salvation.</p> - -<p>When he perceived his error it was too late. We will do him the justice -of conceding that the poor gentleman had struggled valiantly to tear -from his heart this insensate passion. Unfortunately all his efforts -were futile, and, as ever happens under such circumstances, forgetting -all he owed to Don Louis, who had saved him not only from misery, but -also from death, he felt for the count an intense hatred, the more -tenacious because it was dumb and concentrated; and, by a natural -feeling, he turned one half of that hatred on Doña Angela, although the -young lady and the count had only been the instruments, throughout the -affair, of that fatality which was so bitter against him.</p> - -<p>Thus, with extreme patience and unexampled hypocrisy, Don Cornelio -prepared his vengeance against these two beings, who had never done him -aught but kindness, and watched with the perfidy of a wild beast the -opportunity to destroy them. This opportunity would not be difficult to -find in a country where treachery is the order of the day, and forms the -basis of all combinations and transactions, of whatever nature they may -be.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio had entered into relations with the enemies of the count, -and surrendered to them the secrets the latter allowed to let slip in -his presence. He had so arranged as to make his two foes fall into a -trap from which they could not escape, and in wreathing round them a -net from which extrication would be impossible. And now that we have -explained Don Cornelio's feelings to the reader we will proceed with our -narrative.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard had succeeded in drawing over to his side Doña Angela's -waiting maid. Thus Violanta betrayed her mistress to the profit of Don -Cornelio, by whom she believed herself beloved, and who, had led her -to fancy that he would marry her some day. From the camarista, who had -remained on the listen, the Spaniard learned all that was said in the -jacal between Father Seraphin, the count, and the young lady: the order -he afterwards received to go to La Magdalena and purchase the gowns -dissipated all his doubts, and he resolved to act without loss of time.</p> - -<p>It was by his advice that the Mexicans were to attempt to attack -the camp that very night: hence he knew where to find them. Taking -advantage, therefore, of a moment when everybody was too busy with his -own affairs to think about what others were doing, he glided silently -out of the camp, like a man taking a morning's walk, gained a clump of -trees behind which a horse was hidden, and rode off at full speed across -country, after taking a scrutinising glance around to assure himself -that he was not watched.</p> - -<p>He galloped thus for several hours, not seeming to follow any regular -road, dashing straight on, and paying no attention to obstacles, or not -checking the speed of his horse. Still, gradually his thoughts, at -first gloomy and sad, assumed a different direction: he attached the -bridle to his saddle-bow, and for the first time for many a day his -fingers began straying mechanically over the resonant strings of his -jarana, which he always wore in a sling, and brought with him; then, -yielding unconsciously to the influence of the surrounding scenery, he -began singing in a loud voice that couplet of the romance which bore a -certain degree of reference to his present position:—</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Amada enemiga mia,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">De España segunda Elena,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">O ¡si yo naciera ciego!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">O ¡tú sin beldad nacieras!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Maldito sea el punto y hora</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Que al mundo me dio mi estrella:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Pechos que me dieron leche</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mejor sepulcro me dieran</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Pagará——"<a name="FNanchor_1_3" id="FNanchor_1_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_3" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Deuce take the owl singing at this hour!" a rough voice said, harshly -interrupting the virtuoso. "Who ever heard such an infernal row?"</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio looked around. The darkness was profound. A tall man with -crafty air, and mustachios turned up, was examining him impudently while -tapping the hilt of a long rapier.</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh!" the Spaniard said with great composure, "Is that you, captain? -What are you doing here?"</p> - -<p>"Waiting for you, Cristo."</p> - -<p>"Well, here I am."</p> - -<p>"That is fortunate. When do we start?"</p> - -<p>"All is changed."</p> - -<p>"Eh?"</p> - -<p>"Lead me first to your encampment, where I will explain it all to you."</p> - -<p>"Come."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio followed him. This captain, whom the reader has doubtless -recognised, was the old soldier of the war of independence whom we had -the honour of presenting to him under the name of Don Isidro Vargas, the -confidential tool of General Guerrero, to whom he was attached like the -blade to the hilt.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard, drawing his horse after him by the bridle, entered a -large clearing lighted up by a dozen fires, round which were crouched -a hundred men with sinister faces and irregular accoutrements, but all -armed to the teeth. These bandits, whose ferocious appearance would have -delighted a painter, illumined as they were by the fantastic flames of -the braseros, were gambling, drinking, and quarrelling, and did not -seem to notice Don Cornelio's arrival. The latter made a gesture of -disgust on seeing them, but hobbled his horse near theirs, and rejoined -the captain, who had already seated himself by a fire evidently made -specially for him, as not one of the worthy people he had the honour of -commanding came near it.</p> - -<p>"Now I will hear you," the captain said so soon as he saw his comrade -stretched out comfortably at his side.</p> - -<p>"What I have to say will not take long."</p> - -<p>"Let me hear it, at any rate."</p> - -<p>"In two words, this is the matter: our expedition of this evening is -useless—the bird has flown."</p> - -<p>The captain, according to his habit in any moment of nervous excitement, -rapped out a frightful oath.</p> - -<p>"Patience!" the Spaniard went on. "This is what has happened."</p> - -<p>And he described the way in which Father Seraphin had left the camp, -accompanied by the young lady. On hearing it the worthy captain's face -brightened.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said, "all is for the best. What will you do?"</p> - -<p>"Give me El Buitre and ten resolute men. The priest must pass through -the Quebrada del Coyote: on arriving there I promise to strip him."</p> - -<p>"And what shall I do during that time?"</p> - -<p>"Whatever you like."</p> - -<p>"<i>Mil rayos!</i> since I am here, I will remain; but I shall quit this -encampment at daybreak, and after leaving a party to beat up the -country, I will join the general at Ures."</p> - -<p>"Then he is at Ures at this moment?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, temporarily."</p> - -<p>"Very good; then you will see me there with my prisoners."</p> - -<p>"Agreed."</p> - -<p>"And now make haste; I must start at once."</p> - -<p>The captain rose, and while Don Cornelio was drawing his horse's girths -tighter, he gave orders to ten of his men to prepare for an expedition. -Within five minutes the little party left the clearing under the orders -of the Spaniard, and took up the missionary's trail. The reader knows -already what took place in the pass, which was not more than two leagues -from the spot where the bandits lay in ambush. We will, therefore, leave -Don Cornelio, and confine our attention to Captain Vargas.</p> - -<p>"On my word," the captain said to himself when the Spaniard had left -him, "I prefer that matters should end thus. There are only blows to be -gained from those confounded Frenchmen, deuce take them! Now we shall be -quiet for the whole night, so we will go to sleep."</p> - -<p>The captain was not so safe as he imagined, though, and the night was -not destined to be so quiet as far as he was concerned. On leaving the -camp Valentine explained to his comrades the nature of the expedition -they were going on, and recommended them to play Indian; that is to say, -employ craft. On entering the forest in which Captain Vargas was hidden, -the Frenchmen had heard the sound of horses, and seen the bandits under -the Spaniard's command flash past in the darkness like a baud of black -shadows. Not wishing to defer the execution of his plans, and possibly -surrender the substance for the shadow, the hunter contented himself -with sending an intelligent man after the party, in order to know what -became of it; and the Frenchmen, after dismounting, crept into the -forests like reptiles.</p> - -<p>Nothing was more easy than to surprise the Mexicans. The latter believed -themselves so safe that they had not even taken the precaution to post -sentries round their bivouac, who might warn them in case of danger. -Huddled pell-mell round the fires, the greater part were asleep, or -already, plunged in that seeming lethargy which precedes sleep. As for -the captain, he was wrapped up carefully in his cloak, and, with his -feet to the fire and his head on a saddle, was fast asleep.</p> - -<p>The adventurers reached the centre of the clearing without the slightest -sound betraying their approach. Then, in accordance with the orders -they had received, they seized the firelocks and sabres placed near -each of the sleepers, formed a pile of them, and then cut the picket -ropes of the horses, which they drove off with blows of the chicote. -At the terrible noise produced by the headlong course of the horses, -which spread in every direction, snorting and neighing, the Mexicans -awoke. They remained for an instant as if petrified at the sight of the -adventurers, who surrounded them on all sides with levelled muskets. -By an instinctive movement they felt for their arms, but they had been -removed.</p> - -<p>"<i>Con mil rayos y mil demonios!</i>" the captain shouted, as he stamped his -foot furiously, "we are taken like rats in a trap."</p> - -<p>"Hilloh!" Valentine said with an ironical laugh, "you are no longer -majordomo, then, Señor Don Isidro Vargas?"</p> - -<p>"And you," he answered with a grin of rage, "as it seems, are no longer -a dealer in novillos, Señor Don Valentine?"</p> - -<p>"What would you?" he said cunningly. "Trade is so very bad."</p> - -<p>"Hum! not very bad with you, it seems."</p> - -<p>"Hang it! you know men do what they can;" and turning to de Laville, he -said, "My dear captain, all these caballeros have reatas: be good enough -to employ them in binding them tightly."</p> - -<p>"Eh, Señor Don Valentine?" the ex-majordomo shouted. "You are not -merciful to us."</p> - -<p>"I! What an error, Don Isidro! Still, as you know, war has certain -necessities. I am taking my precautions—that is all."</p> - -<p>"What do you intend to do with us?"</p> - -<p>"You shall see, for I do not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of a -surprise; and, by the way, how do you find what I have just done to you? -It is as good as what you were preparing for us, I think?"</p> - -<p>Captain Vargas could find no reply: he contented himself with gnawing -his fingernails, after assuring himself, by a glance all around, that -flight was as impossible as resistance. At this moment the man whom -Valentine sent off to watch the scouting party returned, and whispered a -few words in his ear. The hunter turned pale: he looked at the Mexican -captain in a way that made him shudder, and then addressed his party.</p> - -<p>"Tell off ten men to mount at once," he said sharply. "Captain de -Laville, you will answer to me on your head for these bandits, whom -I leave in your hands. Return to the camp quietly. I will join you, -probably, on the road. The first who attempts to escape, blow out his -brains pitilessly. You understand me?"</p> - -<p>"You may be at ease: it shall be done. But what has happened?"</p> - -<p>"The bandits we saw going off on our arrival intend to attack Father -Seraphin."</p> - -<p>"Death and the devil! you must make haste."</p> - -<p>"I intend to do so. Good-by! Woe to you scoundrels! If a hair falls from -the missionary's head you shall be all shot," he added, turning to his -terrified prisoners.</p> - -<p>And with this fearful promise he went off, followed by the few -adventurers chosen to accompany him. On entering the pass the hunter met -the fugitives, on whom he rushed. Unfortunately the latter had seen them -first; and they succeeded in escaping by abandoning their horses, and -clambering like cats up the almost perpendicular sides of the mountain. -Valentine, without losing time in a futile pursuit, hastened to join the -missionary.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the latter exclaimed on seeing him, "my friend, my dear Valentine, -had it not been for Curumilla, we were lost."</p> - -<p>"And Doña Angela?"</p> - -<p>"Thanks be to Heaven, she is saved."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, "thanks to Heaven and to these caballeros, who arrived -just in time to protect us."</p> - -<p>One of the strangers approached.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, sir," he said in excellent French, "but you are the French -hunter of whom so much is said—Valentine Guillois, I think?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," Valentine answered with surprise.</p> - -<p>"My name, sir, is Belhumeur."</p> - -<p>"I know you, sir: my foster brother has often mentioned you as his best -friend."</p> - -<p>"I am delighted that he has kept me in such pleasant memory. Allow me to -present to you Don Rafaël Garillas de Saavedra."</p> - -<p>The two men bowed and shook hands.</p> - -<p>"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked.</p> - -<p>"Is not that the best form of introduction?"</p> - -<p>"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed.</p> - -<p>"I will myself return with you, señor padre," Don Rafaël said. "I -intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way -of seeing him and securing his friendship."</p> - -<p>"And what is that way?"</p> - -<p>"By offering a shelter to Doña Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which -belongs to me."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafaël, for not having -thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady."</p> - -<p>"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the -hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don -Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"One!" he said. "What is it?"</p> - -<p>"For ever!"</p> - -<p>"Come, I will not recall my word," he said with a good-humoured laugh. -"You are an angel: I shall end by loving you madly."</p> - -<p>"Let us go!" she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Will you not join our party, Belhumeur?" Valentine asked.</p> - -<p>"Certainly; for I wish to speak with Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"That is it," Don Rafaël observed. "I will escort the padre with Black -Elk and Eagle-head. Señor Don Valentine, Belhumeur will serve as your -guide to the Hacienda del Milagro."</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" Valentine said with a laugh, "you will probably see me before -you expect."</p> - -<p>"Come whenever you please: you will ever be welcome."</p> - -<p>After exchanging affectionate farewells the two parties turned their -back on each other, and left the gorge by opposite roads.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_3" id="Footnote_1_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_3"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Enemy whom I adore, of Spain the second Helen, oh that I -were born blind, or you born without beauty! Accursed be the day and -hour when my star caused me to be born! Breasts that nourished me, -better to have given me death. You will pay——</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FORWARD MARCH.</h3> - - -<p>The sun had risen nearly an hour when Valentine, and the band he -commanded, joined Captain de Laville and the prisoners again at about -two leagues from La Magdalena. The Mexicans were marching with bowed -heads, and hands fastened behind their backs, between two files of -French horsemen, with their rifles on the thigh, and finger on the -trigger. The captain was slightly in advance of his men, conversing with -the old Mexican officer, whose legs had been tied under his horse's -belly, owing to an attempt at escape he had made.</p> - -<p>In the rear came the prisoners' horses, easily recaught by the -adventurers, and loaded with the muskets, sabres, and lances of their -ex-masters. When the two bands united they went on more rapidly. -Valentine, had he wished it, could have reached the camp before sunrise; -but it was important for the success of the expedition, at the head of -which the count had placed himself, that the population of La Magdalena, -at this moment increased tenfold by the strangers who, owing to the -festival, had flocked in from all parts of Sonora, should understand -that the French had not undertaken an expedition so feather-brained as -was supposed, or at least as the Mexican Government wished it to be -supposed, and therefore the prisoners would march into camp in broad -daylight.</p> - -<p>The count, warned by Curumilla, whom the hunter sent on in advance, -determined to give great importance to this affair, and display a -certain degree of ostentation: consequently the whole army was under -arms; and the flag, planted in front of the count's tent to the sound -of bugles and drums, was saluted by the shouts of the adventurers. As -the count had foreseen, the inhabitants of La Magdalena rushed to the -camp to witness the sight the count prepared for them; and the road was -soon covered by curious persons on horse and on foot, hurrying to be the -first to arrive. When the head of the detachment reached the camp gates -it stopped at a signal from Valentine, and a bugler sounded a call. At -this summons an officer came out.</p> - -<p>"Who goes there?" he shouted.</p> - -<p>"France!" Captain de Laville, who had advanced a few paces, replied.</p> - -<p>"What corps?" the officer continued.</p> - -<p>"The liberating army of Sonora!"</p> - -<p>An immense shout, raised by the populace, drowned the words.</p> - -<p>"Enter," the officer said.</p> - -<p>The barrier was raised, the drums began beating, the bugles sounding, -and the marching past began. There was something really grand in this -scene, so simple in itself, but which made the heart beat more rapidly -when you examined the resolute air of this handful of men, left to -themselves without succour, six thousand leagues from their country, who -so proudly sustained the name of France, and who, at the beginning of -the campaign, without firing a shot, returned with a hundred prisoners -captured at the moment they were preparing to surprise the camp.</p> - -<p>The Sonorians, under an involuntary emotion, regarded the Frenchmen -with a respectful timidity, mingled with admiration, and, far from -pitying the fate of their compatriots, they overwhelmed them with -yells and jests. So great is the influence of courage and energy -on these primitive races! When the prisoners were collected in the -middle of the camp square the count approached them, surrounded by -his staff and some of the chief inhabitants of La Magdalena, who -followed him instinctively, carried away by their enthusiasm. It was -really a holiday. Floods of light inundated the landscape; a gentle -breeze refreshed the atmosphere; the bugles played merry tunes; the -drums rattled; and the assembled populace uttered shouts of joy, while -waving handkerchiefs and hats. The count smiled, for he was momentarily -happy. The future appeared to him less gloomy and sad. He examined the -prisoners for a moment with a pensive eye.</p> - -<p>"I have come to Sonora," he at length said in a piercing voice, "to give -liberty to the people of this country. I have been represented to you -as a cruel and faithless man. Begone! You are free! Go and tell your -countrymen how the chief of the pirates avenges the calumnies spread -abroad about him. I do not even ask of you the promise not to bear -arms against me again. I have on my side something which is stronger -than all the soldiers who can be opposed to me—the hand of God, which -guides me; for He wishes that this country should be at length free and -regenerated. Unfasten those men, and restore them their horses."</p> - -<p>The order was immediately obeyed, and the people greeted this generous -resolution with shouts and ebullitions of joy. The prisoners hastened -to quit the camp, though not before they had displayed by energetic -protestations, their gratitude for the count's generosity. Don Louis -then turned to Captain Isidro.</p> - -<p>"As for you, captain," he said gravely, "you are one of the few lions -left from that war of independence which overthrew the Spanish power. We -are brothers, for we both serve the same cause. Take back your sword: a -brave man like you must always wear it at his side."</p> - -<p>The captain looked at him gloomily.</p> - -<p>"Why can I no longer hate you?" he replied. "I should have preferred an -insult to your generosity. Now I am no longer free."</p> - -<p>"You are so, captain. I ask from you neither friendship nor gratitude. -I have acted as I thought it my duty to do. Let us each follow our own -road, but let us try not to meet again."</p> - -<p>"Your hand, caballero; and now a word."</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"Take care of the persons in whom you place confidence."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself."</p> - -<p>"I can say no more, or I should be a traitor myself."</p> - -<p>"Oh, ever, ever the same treachery!" the count muttered, growing -thoughtful.</p> - -<p>"And now farewell, caballero. If I am forbidden to wish the success of -your plans, at least I will do nothing against them; and if you do not -see me among the ranks of your friends, I shall not be in those of your -enemies."</p> - -<p>The old captain bounded into his seat, made his horse perform a few -graceful curvets, and after bowing to the company, started at a gallop.</p> - -<p>The remainder of the day was one continued festival. The count had -succeeded: his generous conduct to the prisoners bore its fruits. The -French adventurers had risen enormously in the opinion of the Sonorians. -The count had already acquired a great influence in the country, and -several persons began to prognosticate a successful issue for the -expedition.</p> - -<p>At nightfall Don Louis convoked all the chiefs of the army to a secret -council of war. By a providential accident, the count, who would -doubtlessly have permitted Don Cornelio to be present at the council, -owing to the confidence he placed in him, had sent that gentleman to -La Magdalena to buy several horses he required. This commission, by -preventing the Spaniard's presence at the council, insured its secrecy.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio had succeeded by a miracle in escaping the hunter's -pursuit, and had re-entered the camp unnoticed about two hours before -the arrival of the prisoners. He had killed his horse, but was this time -at least safe himself, for no one dreamed of suspecting him; and even -had it been the case, nothing would have been easier for him than to -establish an <i>alibi</i>.</p> - -<p>At eight in the evening the roll call sounded, the camp gates were -closed, and the officers proceeded to head quarters; that is to say, the -jacal inhabited by the count. A row of sentries, set about ten paces -distant from the hut, so as to be themselves out of hearing distance, -had orders to fire on the first person who attempted to enter the place -of meeting without orders.</p> - -<p>The count was seated at a table, on which a road map of Sonora was laid -out. The assembly was composed of some fifteen persons, among whom were -Valentine, Curumilla, Captain de Laville, and Belhumeur, who was too -intimate a friend of the count to be excluded from a conference of such -an important nature. When all had arrived the door was shut, and the -count rose.</p> - -<p>"Comrades," he said in a firm voice, though suppressed, lest he should -be heard outside, "our expedition is about to commence in reality: -what we have done up to the present is nothing. I have several times -sounded, either myself or through my spies, the intentions of the -richest hacenderos or campesinos of this State. They seem very well -disposed toward us; but let us not be deceived by fallacious promises. -These people will do nothing as long as our expedition does not rest on -a solid base of operations; in other words, we must seize on a city. If -we succeed, our cause is gained, for the whole country will rise for us. -I have led you to this place because La Magdalena forms the extremity of -an angle at which three roads debouch, each leading to one of the chief -cities of Sonora; and it is one of those cities we must carry. But which -shall it be? That is the question. All three are crammed with troops: -in addition, General Guerrero holds the roads leading to them, and he -has sworn," the count added with a smile, "to make only one mouthful of -us, if we dare to take one step in advance. But that disquiets you but -very slightly, I suppose: let us, therefore, return to the important -question. Captain de Laville, be good enough to give us your opinion."</p> - -<p>The captain bowed.</p> - -<p>"I am inclined for Sonora," he said. "It is a new city, I grant, but -it bears the name of the country we propose to deliver, and that is an -important consideration."</p> - -<p>Several officers spoke in turn, and the majority ranged themselves on -the side of Captain de Laville. The count then turned to Valentine.</p> - -<p>"And what is your opinion, brother?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter said, "I am no great hand at talking, as you know, -brother," he answered. "Still I have a certain knowledge of warfare, -which may perhaps inspire me rightly. You want a rich and manufacturing -city, in order to protect the opulent inhabitants of the country from -any sudden attack, and whence you can effect your retreat without -danger, if too numerous forces try to crush you. Is it not so?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed, the city we seize must combine these three conditions as far as -possible."</p> - -<p>"There is only one which combines them."</p> - -<p>"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said.</p> - -<p>"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. -It is the <i>entrepôt</i> of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very -rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen -leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming -from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if -we are compelled to fight our retreat."</p> - -<p>The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers.</p> - -<p>"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must -not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an -experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would -result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated -imposing forces there."</p> - -<p>"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans -will learn to know us at the first blow."</p> - -<p>All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the -<i>army</i> should march on Hermosillo.</p> - -<p>"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the -three roads. We must put them off the scent."</p> - -<p>"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make -demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the -move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am -afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men."</p> - -<p>Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on -a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was -said around him.</p> - -<p>"Let the chief speak," Valentine said; "his words are worth their weight -in gold."</p> - -<p>Everyone was silent.</p> - -<p>"Curumilla," the chief said, "knows a crossroad which abridges the -distance, and of which the Mexican general is ignorant. Curumilla will -guide his friends."</p> - -<p>The chief then took up his calumet again, and sat down once more as -if it were nothing. From this moment the discussion was at an end. -Curumilla, according to his custom, had cut the knot by removing the -most dangerous obstacle.</p> - -<p>"Comrades," the count said, "the wagons and guns are horsed. Wake -up your men, and break up the camp silently. The inhabitants of La -Magdalena, on getting up tomorrow morning, must not know what has become -of us."</p> - -<p>Then taking Captain de Laville and Valentine one side,—</p> - -<p>"While I am going along the crossroad under the chiefs guidance, you, -captain, will proceed in the direction of Ures; and you, brother, will -march on Sonora. Get near enough to be seen, but do not engage in any -skirmish; fall back, and join me again at once. We can only conquer our -enemies by the rapidity of our movements."</p> - -<p>"But in case we cannot join you on the road," Valentine objected, "what -place will you appoint for our meeting?"</p> - -<p>"The Hacienda del Milagro, four leagues from Hermosillo," Belhumeur -said. "Headquarters will be there."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the count said, furtively pressing the Canadian's hand.</p> - -<p>The meeting broke up, and each went to execute the orders he had -received. The camp was broken up in the utmost silence, and the most -minute precautions were taken to allow none of the movements to -transpire outside. The bivouac fires were left lighted; in short, -nothing was touched which could cause any suspicion of a hurried -departure.</p> - -<p>At about eleven in the night the two parties, under Valentine and -Captain de Laville, set out in different directions: the count soon -followed them with the main body and the baggage, so that by midnight -the camp was entirely deserted. Curumilla had not deceived the count. -After about two hours' march he made the troops wheel to the right, and -entered a narrow path, in which there was just room for the vehicles, -and the whole company disappeared in the infinite windings of a true -wild beast's track, in which it was impossible to suppose that an armed -body, accompanied by numerous and heavy wagons and field pieces, would -ever venture.</p> - -<p>Still, when the first obstacles were overcome, this road, which appeared -so difficult, offered no serious causes for delay, and the Frenchmen -pushed on rapidly. Two days after they were rejoined by the detachments -which had operated on their flank. Captain de Laville and Valentine had -been completely successful in deceiving the general, whose advanced post -still continued to guard the roads, little suspecting that they had been -turned.</p> - -<p>This march lasted nine days, through numberless difficulties, over -shifting sand which fled beneath the feet, under a parching heat with -no water, and, during the last two days, with no provisions or forage. -But nothing could lessen the courage of the men, or destroy their -inexhaustible gaiety: they went on bravely, keeping their eyes fixed on -their chief, who went on foot before them, consoling and encouraging -them. On the evening of the ninth day they saw in the distance, in -the centre of a well-wooded landscape, the outlines of a considerable -hacienda. It was the first house they had come across since leaving La -Magdalena.</p> - -<p>"What hacienda is that?" Don Louis asked Belhumeur, who walked by his -side.</p> - -<p>"The Hacienda del Milagro," the Canadian answered.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen uttered a shout of joy: they had arrived. They had marched -sixty leagues in nine days, along almost impracticable roads.</p> - -<p>Curumilla had kept his promise. Thanks to him, the column had not been -molested.</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> - -<h3>BEFORE THE ATTACK.</h3> - - -<p>When within gunshot of the hacienda the count commanded a halt.</p> - -<p>"De Laville," he said to the captain, "push on ahead, and occupy the -hacienda in force: we shall have our headquarters there."</p> - -<p>"What is the use of that?" Belhumeur asked. "Did you not put faith in -my words, then? Don Rafaël and his family will be delighted to receive -you and greet you with open arms."</p> - -<p>The count smiled, and bent down to the Canadian's ear.</p> - -<p>"My friend Belhumeur," he said to him in a low voice, "you are a -child who will understand nothing. I take these precautions which -grieve you so much, not for my own sake, but on behalf of our friends. -Supposing, as may be unfortunately the case, that we are beaten by the -Mexicans—what will happen then? That Don Rafaël will inevitably fall -a victim to the sympathy he has evinced for us; while, by acting as I -do, he bows to force, and the Mexican authorities will be unable, in -spite of all their desire, to render him responsible for our stay at his -house."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the Canadian answered, struck by the logic of this -reasoning.</p> - -<p>"Still," Don Louis continued, "in order to avoid any misunderstanding, -you will accompany the captain, and while he is talking loudly you can -whisper to our friends what the reason is."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later the detachment started at a gallop, followed -presently by the rest of the column. All took place as the count had -arranged. Warned by Belhumeur, Don Rafaël protested energetically -against the forced occupation of the hacienda, and feigned only to yield -to superior force. The estate was definitively occupied, and Don Rafaël -mounted with some of his servants, in order to go and meet the column; -but, by the count's orders, it did not stop at the hacienda, but pushed -on and camped about two leagues from Hermosillo.</p> - -<p>The count and Rafaël met, not like strangers to each other, but as old -friends delighted at meeting again, and entered the hacienda, conversing -in a low voice. Before dismounting, the count sent off couriers and -scouts in every direction, in order to have certain news about the -enemy; and only keeping with him an escort of eight men, he sent the -others to the bivouac, and entered the hacienda.</p> - -<p>Don Ramon, Don Rafaël's father, and Doña Luz, that amiable woman -whose touching history we told in a previous story,<a name="FNanchor_1_4" id="FNanchor_1_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_4" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> were waiting, -surrounded by their servants, the arrival of the Frenchmen at the door -of the hacienda.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, valiant combatants for the independence of Sonora," -General Don Ramon said as he held out his hand to the count.</p> - -<p>The latter leaped from his horse.</p> - -<p>"May God grant that I may be as fortunate as you have been, general!" -he replied with a bow. Then, turning to Doña Luz, "Pardon me, madam," -he said to her, "for having come to trouble your peaceful retreat: your -husband is alone to blame for the indiscretion I am committing at this -moment."</p> - -<p>"Señor conde," she answered with a smile, "do not make such excuses: -this house and all it contains belong to you. We see your arrival with -joy—we shall witness your departure with sorrow."</p> - -<p>The count offered his arm to Doña Luz, and they entered the hacienda. -But the count was restless—his glance wandered incessantly.</p> - -<p>"Patience!" Don Rafaël said to him with a meaning smile; "you will -see her. It would have been imprudent for her to appear sooner, so we -prevented her."</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" the count said; and the cloud which obscured his noble face -disappeared at once.</p> - -<p>The interview of the two lovers was as it should be; that is to say, -calm, affectionate, and deeply felt. The count warmly thanked Father -Seraphin for the protection he had accorded the maiden.</p> - -<p>"Ere long," Doña Luz said, "all your torments will be ended, and you -will be able to yield to the passionate emotions of your heart without -constraint."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the count answered pensively, "tomorrow will probably decide my -fate, and that of the woman I love."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" Don Rafaël exclaimed.</p> - -<p>The count looked anxiously around him: he saw that he could speak, and -that those who pressed toward him were sincere friends.</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall attack Hermosillo and take it, or fall -dead in the breach."</p> - -<p>All present were in a state of stupor. Don Rafaël made Black Elk a sign -to stand outside the door to keep off all comers, and then returned to -the count.</p> - -<p>"Have you really that idea?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Were it not so, should I be here?" he said simply.</p> - -<p>"But," Don Rafaël continued urgently, "Hermosillo is an inclosed town -with strong walls."</p> - -<p>"I will force them."</p> - -<p>"It has a garrison of 1200 men."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said indifferently.</p> - -<p>"For two months the militia have been exercised daily."</p> - -<p>"Militia!" he replied with a disdainful air. "I suppose, at any rate, -they are numerous?"</p> - -<p>"About 3000 men."</p> - -<p>"All the better."</p> - -<p>"General Guerrero, who has at length discovered that his flank was -turned, has thrown himself into the city with 6000 Indians, and is -awaiting other reinforcements."</p> - -<p>"That is the reason, my friend, why I must attack at once. I have -already, according to your calculation, opposed to me 11,000 men, -intrenched behind good walls. The longer I wait, the more numerous they -will grow; and if I do not take care," he added with a laugh, "that army -will end by growing so considerable that it will be impossible for me to -destroy it."</p> - -<p>"You are perhaps unaware, my friend, that Hermosillo is surrounded by -market gardens, which render the approaches almost impracticable?"</p> - -<p>"Believe me, my good friend," the count replied carelessly, "I shall -enter by the gates."</p> - -<p>The company gazed on the count with an amazement akin to terror. They -looked at each other, and seemed to be asking whether they had not to -deal with a maniac.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my friend," Don Rafaël continued, "but I think you said that -you intended to attack tomorrow?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"But supposing your troops have not arrived?"</p> - -<p>"What! my troops not arrived? Did not you see them march past the -hacienda an hour ago?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I saw a small detachment pass—your vanguard, of course."</p> - -<p>"My vanguard!" the count exclaimed with a laugh. "No, my good friend, -that small detachment forms my entire <i>army</i>."</p> - -<p>Don Rafaël, Don Ramon, and, the other persons present were men of -recognised courage. On several occasions they had sustained giant -combats against enemies tenfold in number; in short, they had furnished -proof of the most extravagant courage and most insane temerity. But -the count's eccentric proposition of going coolly with a handful of -adventurers to take a city defended by 10,000 men seemed to them so -extraordinary and so incredible, that they remained dumb for a moment, -hardly knowing whether they were awake or suffering from a frightful -nightmare.</p> - -<p>"Tell me, my friend," Don Rafaël exclaimed, his arguments quite -exhausted, "how many men can you deploy in line?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! not many," the count said with a smile, "I have invalids: -still I can dispose of about two hundred and fifty, and I hope they -will be sufficient."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Doña Angela said enthusiastically, "they will be sufficient, for -the cause these men defend is holy, and God will protect them."</p> - -<p>"Don Rafaël," the count said simply, "have you ever heard of what is -called the <i>furia Francese?</i>"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I confess to you that I do not exactly understand what it is."</p> - -<p>"Well," he added, "wait till tomorrow, and when you have seen this -formidable army crushed, destroyed, and dispersed like autumn leaves -by the wind; when you have been present at the capture of Hermosillo, -you will know what <i>furia Francese</i> is, and understand the prodigies -of valour which history has recorded, and Frenchmen perform almost in -sport."</p> - -<p>The conversation ended here, and they proceeded to the dining room, -where the refreshments, of which the count stood in such need, had been -prepared. So soon as they rose from table the count asked leave to -retire to the apartment prepared for him, and begged Father Seraphin to -follow him. They remained for a long time shut up, talking ear to ear. -When the missionary came out his eyes were red, and traces of tears -furrowed his pale cheeks. The count pressed his hand.</p> - -<p>"So, then," he said, "in case of a mishap——"</p> - -<p>"I will be there, count, trust me;" and he retired slowly.</p> - -<p>During the evening, and, indeed, far into the night, the count listened -to the reports of his scouts and spies: the news they brought coincided -in every respect with the information imparted by Don Rafaël. General -Guerrero had hurried to Hermosillo, where he was securely intrenched.</p> - -<p>Valentine and Curumilla were the last to arrive; but they were not the -bearers of bad news. Valentine, at the head of a party of foragers, had, -by Curumilla's advice, advanced along the Guaymas road, and surprised a -convoy of provisions and ammunition intended for the Mexicans. This had -been taken to the camp by the hunter's care, and was warmly welcomed -by the Frenchmen, whose stock of food, as we have seen, was entirely -exhausted. Captain de Laville, for his part, had surprised three or four -of the enemy's patrols, which had imprudently advanced too far. The -count sent Curumilla to the captain with orders to take advantage of -the darkness of the night to advance, and push on his advanced posts to -within a gun-shot and a half of the town.</p> - -<p>When alone with Valentine he spread out a plan of Hermosillo on the -table, and both bending over it, began studying it attentively. We have -already described Hermosillo several times: we will limit ourselves to -saying that the market gardens by which that city is surrounded are -inclosed with walls, behind which it is easy to place <i>tirailleurs</i>, -whom the nature of the ground enables to fall back from post to post, -constantly protected by the walls, which are about three feet in -thickness, and built of <i>adobas</i>. In addition, on the side on which -the count was marching, a wide and deep ditch, which could only be -traversed by means of a bridge, at the end of which a strong body of -troops was doubtless posted, formed an almost impregnable defence.</p> - -<p>As may be seen from our description, Hermosillo is far from being -an open town, which can be seized without striking a blow; and, in -attempting to carry it at the head of 250 men, the Count de Prébois -Crancé, if he succeeded, might justly flatter himself on having -accomplished one of the greatest exploits of modern times.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero, according to the reports of the scouts, and the -Mexican officers under his command, affected a superb contempt for these -naked-footed Frenchmen, as they called them, and promised to give them -so rough a lesson that they would not feel disposed to begin again. -Curumilla, however, had brought back a piece of news which could not -fail to give the count hopes. In spite of the immense preparations he -had made, against the company, General Guerrero had been so surprised -by the news of its hurried march on Hermosillo, and the daring manner -in which it had turned its advanced posts, that, in his hurry to go to -the aid of the menaced city, he had been constrained to leave behind him -the greater part of his forces, and the city, in reality, only contained -twelve or fifteen hundred defenders, doubtlessly a very large number, -but much less than the count had expected to find.</p> - -<p>Curumilla had peacefully entered the city. His being an Indian served as -his safeguard, and he had seen, visited, and examined everything. This -news the Araucano brought back on reporting to the count the execution -of the orders sent through him to Captain de Laville. The count and the -hunter rubbed their hands, and hastened to make their final arrangements.</p> - -<p>Among the hacenderos present at the conference of La Magdalena was one -whose influence was immense upon the pueblos. It was the man who, in -the name of his countrymen, had assured the count that, so soon as an -important town had fallen into the hands of the French, the signal for -revolt should be given, and the country roused in a few days, in order -to effect a decisive diversion. Don Louis, not wishing to lose a moment, -and in the certainty of success, wrote him a letter in which, after -announcing to him the fall of Hermosillo, he urged him to be ready to -support him, and give the signal for insurrection.</p> - -<p>We mention this fact to prove not only that the count believed himself -sure of succeeding, but also foresaw everything with that sublime -intuition only possessed by men of genius.</p> - -<p>The letter written, and the last arrangements made, the count and -Valentine left the room. It was about two in the morning: the sky was -gloomy, and warm gusts coming from the desert bowed down the leafy -crowns of the trees.</p> - -<p>The two foster brothers went down into the patio, where all the -inhabitants of the hacienda had assembled to salute the count on his -departure. Doña Angela, wrapped up in a long white dressing gown, with -pallid face and eyes filled with tears, looked like a phantom in the -glare of the torches shaken by the peons. The escort had mounted and sat -motionless. Curumilla held the horses of the two Frenchmen. When they -appeared, all raised their hats and saluted with a deep and respectful -bow.</p> - -<p>"Farewell, Don Louis," Don Rafaël said to him. "May Heaven grant you the -victory!"</p> - -<p>"May Heaven grant you the victory," Don Ramon repeated, "for you are -fighting for the independence of a people!"</p> - -<p>"Never were more fervent prayers offered up than we shall make for you, -Don Louis," Doña Luz then said.</p> - -<p>The count felt his heart contract.</p> - -<p>"I thank you all," he said with much emotion. "Your wishes do me good: -they prove to me that among the Sonorians there are some who comprehend -my noble object. Thanks once again."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela came up to the count.</p> - -<p>"Don Louis," she said to him, "I love you. Do your duty."</p> - -<p>The count bent down to her, and imprinted a kiss on her pale forehead.</p> - -<p>"Doña Angela, my affianced!" he said with a tenderness impossible to -render, "you will see me again either a conqueror or a corpse."</p> - -<p>And he made a move as if to depart. At this moment Father Seraphin came -to his side.</p> - -<p>"What!" he said with surprise, "do you accompany me, my father?"</p> - -<p>"I am going where duty calls me, sir," the missionary replied with that -angelic simplicity which was so characteristic of him—"where I shall -find pain to console, misfortunes to alleviate. Let me follow you."</p> - -<p>Louis pressed his hand silently, and after bowing once again to the -friends he was leaving, perhaps for ever, he gave the signal for -departure, and the cavalcade soon disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela remained cold and motionless in the doorway so long as she -could hear the horses' hoofs echoing on the road. When every sound had -died away in the distance a long-restrained sob burst from her.</p> - -<p>"Heavens, heavens!" she exclaimed in despair, and stretching out her -hands to the sky. Then she fell back in a fainting fit. Doña Luz and Don -Rafaël hastened to her aid, and carried her into the hacienda, where -they eagerly tried to restore her to consciousness. Belhumeur tossed his -head several times, and prepared to shut the gate of the hacienda.</p> - -<p>"Not yet," a voice said to him; "let us go out first."</p> - -<p>"Eh, what?" he said. "Where the deuce do you want to go at this hour, -Black Elk?</p> - -<p>"To tell you the truth," the hunter answered, "I am almost a Frenchman, -since I am a Canadian, and so I am going to help my countrymen."</p> - -<p>"Halloh!" Belhumeur exclaimed, struck by these words, "that's not a bad -idea. By Jove! you shall not go alone; I will accompany you."</p> - -<p>"All the better; then there will be three of us."</p> - -<p>"How three? Who else is coming with us?"</p> - -<p>"Eagle-head, by Jove! The chief says there are down there some Indians, -enemies of his nation, whom he should like to have a set-to with."</p> - -<p>"Let us be off, then. I believe that the count will be pleased to have -three fighting men more, like us, in his company."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I should think so," Belhumeur said.</p> - -<p>"I do not care," Black Elk remarked, "whatever you may say, he is a fine -fellow. What do you think about him, you who know him, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Tough as hickory," the Canadian answered intrepidly.</p> - -<p>Without further commentary the three bold hunters mounted and proceeded -in the track of the count.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_4" id="Footnote_1_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_4"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See "The Trappers of Arkansas."</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO.</h3> - - -<p>Although the horses ridden by the count's escort were good, the hunters -were mounted on such fast mustangs that they caught up Don Louis within -twenty minutes of his leaving the hacienda. On hearing hurried footfalls -behind them, the Frenchmen, not knowing who could be coming like a -tornado after them, bravely wheeled round; but Belhumeur prevented any -misunderstanding by making himself known.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, you and your companions, Belhumeur," the count said to -him. "But what urgent reason compels you to gallop so late along the -roads?"</p> - -<p>"A service I want to ask of you, Don Louis," the Canadian frankly -replied.</p> - -<p>"A service! Speak, my friend: whatever it may be, if it depends on me, -it is granted before asking."</p> - -<p>"What I want <i>does</i> depend on you."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"My comrades and myself wish to have the honour of fighting by your side -tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Is that the service you had to ask of me, Belhumeur?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and no other."</p> - -<p>"Then you are mistaken, my friend: you mean to say a service to render -me. I heartily accept your proposition, and thank you for it cordially."</p> - -<p>"Then that is arranged. You admit us into your ranks?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I should be mad not to do so."</p> - -<p>Belhumeur informed his friends of the success of his negotiation, and -they rejoiced at it as if they had received the handsomest possible -present. After this slight incident, the party, increased by the three -new recruits, went onwards. The Frenchmen trotted on in the darkness -like a troop of silent phantoms, bending over the necks of their horses, -eagerly questioning the sounds that rose from the desert, and sounding -the gloom in order to obtain some sign that they were approaching their -comrades.</p> - -<p>Captain Charles de Laville, though still very young, seemed predestined -for the part he was playing at this moment. His glance was infallible, -both as superior chief and as a subordinate leader: he not only -understood with extreme rapidity the orders he received, but seized -their meaning and carried them out with rare intelligence.<a name="FNanchor_1_5" id="FNanchor_1_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_5" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> The -count had not been in error for a moment about de Laville's brilliant -qualities. Hence he had made him a favourite, and, whenever he had a -difficult duty to intrust to anyone, he gave it to him, certain that -he would perform it with honour. The success surpassed his hopes on -this occasion; for De Laville executed the advance movement with such -precision and in such profound silence that the count almost found -himself up with the rear before he suspected he was anywhere near it.</p> - -<p>In order to march more rapidly, and not be in any way detained, the -captain had left his wagons and baggage at a deserted rancho about a -league from the city, under the guard of the invalids, who, although -too weak to fight in the ranks of the company, could yet, behind -intrenchments, offer a sufficiently lengthened resistance to allow their -comrades to come to their assistance.</p> - -<p>The count passed through the ranks, saluted in an affectionate voice by -his men, and placed himself at the head of the column. For two months -past the fatigue Don Louis had endured, and the constant state of -excitement in which events kept him, had seriously injured his health; -and it was only by his energy and will that he succeeded in conquering -his illness and keeping upright. He understood that if he gave way all -was lost: hence he wrestled with his sufferings, and though a fever -devoured him, his face remained calm, and nothing revealed to his -comrades the sufferings he endured with the courage of a stoic. Still he -suddenly felt himself attacked by such a feeling of weakness, that had -not Valentine, who guessed his condition, and watched over him like a -mother, held him in his arms, he must have fallen from his horse.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, brother?" the hunter asked him affectionately.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," he answered, as he passed his hand over his forehead, which -was dank with icy perspiration and fatigue; "but," he added, "it has -gone off now."</p> - -<p>"Take care, brother," he said to him with a sad shrug of his shoulders: -"you do not nurse yourself enough."</p> - -<p>"Eh? Can I do it? But be not alarmed. I know what I want: the smell of -powder will restore me. Look, look! we have reached our destination at -last."</p> - -<p>In fact, by the first rays of the sun, which rose majestically above the -horizon, Hermosillo, with its white houses glistening, now was visible -about a cannon shot off. An immense shout of joy from the whole company -greeted the so-ardently-desired appearance of the city. The order to -halt was given. The city was silent—it seemed deserted: not a sound was -heard within its walls. So calm, quiet, and dumb was it, that you might -have fancied that you had before you that city in the Arabian Nights -which a wicked enchanter struck with his wand and plunged into eternal -sleep.</p> - -<p>The country was deserted. Only here and there the fragments of arms, -uniforms, sandals, the footsteps of horses, and the furrows of carts -indicated the recent passage of General Guerrero's troops. The count -examined the city for a while with the utmost attention, in order to -make his final arrangements, when suddenly two horsemen appeared on -the bridge to which we have already alluded, and galloped toward the -company, waving a flag of truce.</p> - -<p>"Let us see what these persons want," the count said.</p> - -<p>And he galloped up to them.</p> - -<p>"What do you want, gentlemen, and who are you?" he said when he came up -to them.</p> - -<p>"We wish," one of them said, "to speak with the Count de Prébois Crancé."</p> - -<p>"I am the count. Be good enough to tell me what brings you here."</p> - -<p>"Monsieur le comte, I am a Frenchman," the first speaker said.</p> - -<p>"I recognise you, sir. Your name is Thollus, I believe, and you are a -merchant at Hermosillo."</p> - -<p>"Quite correct, monsieur le comte. My companion is Señor ——"</p> - -<p>"Don Jacinto Jabalí,<a name="FNanchor_2_6" id="FNanchor_2_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_6" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> a <i>juez de letras</i>, I suppose, or something of -that sort, a great friend of General Guerrero. Well, gentlemen, I do not -exactly see what we can have in common."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, sir, we are sent to you by Señor Don Flavio Agustado, -Prefect of Hermosillo, in order to make certain propositions to you."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" the count said, champing his moustache. "Are you really?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in -an insinuating tone.</p> - -<p>"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I -hardly think so for me."</p> - -<p>"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these -conditions, it is possible——"</p> - -<p>"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit -yourself of your mission—that is only too proper; still, make haste, -for I am pressed for time."</p> - -<p>M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his -companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a -rock of granite before him.</p> - -<p>"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I -have the honour to represent——"</p> - -<p>"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him -impatiently.</p> - -<p>"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an -attempt on the city," the negotiator continued—"offers you, I say, the -sum of——"</p> - -<p>"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more -would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, -I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, -sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer -of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman—I -disown you as such."</p> - -<p>"Still, monsieur le comte——" the poor fellow stammered, completely -taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look.</p> - -<p>"Enough!" the count interrupted him; and drawing his watch from his -pocket, he said in a peremptory tone, which admitted of no reply, and -terrified the negotiators. "It is now eight o'clock. Go and tell your -prefect that in two hours I shall attack the city, and at eleven shall -be master of it. Begone!"</p> - -<p>And with a gesture of supreme contempt he ordered them to retire. The -unlucky envoys did not wait to hear the order repeated; they turned back -at once, and regained the city with hanging heads. The count galloped -up to the head of the column, where the officers were assembled -slightly in advance of the ranks, impatiently awaiting the result of the -conference.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the count said to them on coming up, "get ready to fight."</p> - -<p>The news was greeted with a shout of joy, which had the effect of -increasing the speed of the negotiators, in whose ears it echoed -like a death knell. After this the count, with extreme simplicity -and clearness, pointed out to each officer the post he must occupy -during the action. He placed the whole of the cavalry under the orders -of Captain de Laville; selected Don Cornelio, who had only rejoined -the company on the previous evening, as his aide-de-camp; and, at -Valentine's request, he placed under the latter's orders the Canadian -hunters and the Indians, with authority to act as he thought proper, and -in whatever way he considered most advantageous to the common welfare.</p> - -<p>De Laville, sent forward with a dozen horsemen to reconnoitre, soon -returned, announcing that the city appeared to be in a complete state of -defence, that the roofs of the houses were covered with soldiers, that -the tocsin was pealing from all the churches, and the drums making a -frightful disturbance. At this moment a spy announced that a body of two -to three hundred Indians was apparently threatening the baggage, and the -count at once sent off ten men to reinforce the small garrison he had -left in the rear. This final duty accomplished, he ordered the company -to form a circle, and placed himself in the centre. Then he spoke in a -voice trembling with emotion.</p> - -<p>"Comrades," he said, "the hour to avenge ourselves for all the villainy -practised on us during the last four months, and the atrocious calumnies -spread about us, has at length struck. But let us not forget that we -are Frenchmen; and if we have been patient under insults, let us he -magnanimous after victory. We did not desire war; it was forced upon us, -and we accept it. But remember that we are fighting for the liberty of a -people, and that our enemies of today will be our brothers tomorrow. Let -us be terrible during the combat, merciful after the battle. One last -word, or rather a final prayer. Leave the Mexicans the responsibility -of firing the first shot, so that it may be evident that up to the last -moment we desired peace. Now, brothers, long live France!"</p> - -<p>"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted as they brandished their -weapons.</p> - -<p>"Each to his post!" the count commanded.</p> - -<p>The order was executed with marvellous precision. Don Louis drew out -his watch: it was ten o'clock. Then he unsheathed his sabre, wielded it -round his head, and turning to the company, every man in which had his -eyes fixed on the leader, he shouted in a sonorous voice,—</p> - -<p>"Forward!"</p> - -<p>"Forward!" the officers repeated.</p> - -<p>The column started in good order, marching at quick step, with trailed -arms.</p> - -<p>We have mentioned the bridge which alone gave admission to the city: -this bridge was barricaded, and at the other end was a house crowded -with soldiers from the cellars to the <i>azotea</i>. A silence of death -brooded over the plain. The Frenchmen marched on coolly, as if on -parade, with heads raised and flashing eyes. On arriving within musket -shot the walls were begirt with a line of fire, and a frightful -discharge scattered death among the Frenchmen. The company at once broke -into skirmishing order, and rushed onwards.</p> - -<p>At this moment an unheard-of, incredible thing was seen—a city of -10,000 souls, surrounded by walls, and defended by a numerous garrison, -attacked by 250 men fighting in the Indian way; that is, in skirmishing -order. The artillery, dragged by its gunners, advanced at the same -speed, and only stopped to load and fire.</p> - -<p>Even before the Mexicans had time to look round the Frenchmen were on -them like a whirlwind, attacked them at the bayonet's point, drove -back the defenders of the bridge, and entered without a check the -city, sweeping before them, in their irresistible attack, all that -opposed their passage. Then the real battle began. The Frenchmen found -themselves opposite four guns loaded with grape, which swept the whole -length of the street at the end of which they were; while to the right -and left, from windows and roofs, a shower of bullets pattered on them. -The position was becoming critical. The count dismounted, and turning to -his soldiers with the shout, "Who'll take the guns?" he rushed forward.</p> - -<p>"We, we!" the Frenchmen yelled, as they chased after him with unexampled -frenzy.</p> - -<p>The artillerymen were sabred at their guns, the muzzles of which were -immediately turned on the Mexicans. At this moment the count perceived, -as in a cloud, Valentine and his hunters, who were fighting like demons, -and massacring the Indians pitilessly, who tried in vain to resist them.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" Black Elk said with beatitude at every blow he dealt, -"it was a lucky idea of mine to come."</p> - -<p>"It really was," Belhumeur replied; and he redoubled his blows.</p> - -<p>Valentine had turned the city, and taking advantage of a forgotten -ladder, escaladed the wall, and, without striking a blow, made prisoners -the post stationed there, which was commanded by an officer.</p> - -<p>"Thanks for the ladder, comrade," he said to the latter with a grin; and -opening the gate of the city, he allowed the cavalry to enter.</p> - -<p>Still the Mexicans fought with the energy of despair. General Guerrero, -who flattered himself with the hope of giving the French a severe -lesson, surprised and terrified by their fury, no longer knew what -measures to take in order to resist these invincible demons, as he -called them, whom nothing could arrest, and who, without deigning to -reply to their enemies' fire, had only fought with the bayonet since -their first discharge.</p> - -<p>Driven in on all sides, the general concentrated his troops on the -Alameda, and protected the approaches by guns loaded with canister. In -spite of the enormous losses they had suffered, the Mexicans were still -more than six hundred combatants, resolved to defend themselves to the -death. The count sent Don Cornelio to Captain de Laville with orders to -charge and sabre the last defenders of the city, while he made a flank -movement with the infantry. The captain started immediately at a gallop, -overthrowing with his horse's chest all obstacles. His pace was so -hurried that he arrived alone in front of the enemy.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans, terrified at the extraordinary audacity of this man, -hesitated for a moment; but at the repeated orders of their chiefs they -opened their fire on de Laville, who seemed to mock them, and the balls -began whistling like hail past the ears of the intrepid Frenchman, -who remained calm and motionless in the midst of this shower of lead. -Valentine, frightened by the captain's boldness, doubled his speed, and -brought up all the cavalry.</p> - -<p>"Hang it, de Laville!" he exclaimed with admiration, "what are you doing -there?"</p> - -<p>"You see, my friend," the latter answered with charming simplicity, "I -am waiting for you."<a name="FNanchor_3_7" id="FNanchor_3_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_7" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<p>Electrified by these noble words, the French dashed on the Alameda, and -charged to the other end with shouts of "Long live France!" a shout to -which the count's infantry responded from the other side of the Alameda, -while attacking the Mexicans at the bayonet's point.</p> - -<p>There were a few moments of deadly struggling and a horrible carnage. -The count, in the height of the medley, fought like the meanest of his -soldiers, exciting them incessantly, and urging them forward. At last, -in spite of their desperate resistance, the Mexicans, pitilessly sabred -by the French, no longer able to organise any effectual defence, and -frightened by the ardour and invincible courage of their adversaries, -whom they regarded as demons, began to break and fly in every direction. -In spite of the fatigue of the horses, de Laville started in pursuit -with his cavalry.</p> - -<p>Hermosillo was taken—the Count de Prébois Crancé was victorious. -Stopping in the midst of the pile of corpses which surrounded him, he -drew his watch coldly, and consulted it. It was eleven o'clock, as the -count had told the envoys in the morning: he had become master of the -city at eleven o'clock exactly. The battle had lasted an hour.</p> - -<p>"Now, brothers," the count said, as he returned his sabre to the -scabbard, "the city is ours! Enough blood has been shed: let us think of -aiding the wounded. Long live France!"</p> - -<p>"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted with maddening delight.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_5" id="Footnote_1_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_5"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> We must be pardoned for laying such stress on the character -of the young chieftain of Guetzalli, who has doubtless been already -recognised, and whose name we are now authorised, to our great delight, -to reveal. After the hapless end of the Marquis de Pindray the colony of -Cocospera unanimously chose as his successor Monsieur O. de la Chapelle, -a young man whom his eminent qualifications recommended for all -suffrages. It is he who figures in our story under the pseudonym of de -Laville. Monsieur O. de la Chapelle died at an early age. This premature -end was deeply felt by all his friends, among whom the author, though he -knew him but very slightly, is happy to call himself, and to testify it -by showing the heroic part he played in the glorious expedition which -forms the subject matter of this work.—G.A.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_6" id="Footnote_2_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_6"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Wild boar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3_7" id="Footnote_3_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_7"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Fact.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>AFTER THE VICTORY.</h3> - - -<p>Never before had a more brilliant victory been gained by troops -numerically so weak, and under conditions apparently so unfavourable. -The Mexican array evacuated Hermosillo in the utmost disorder, -abandoning three hundred dead and wounded, baggage of every description, -guns, ammunition, and flags. The rout was complete.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero, shame on his brow and rage in his heart, fled at full -speed along the Ures road, pursued closely by the French cavalry. The -count had made a large number of prisoners, among whom were several -Mexican officers.</p> - -<p>The joy of the adventurers bordered on madness. Still the brilliant -advantages had not been gained without a sensible loss, regard being had -to the numerical strength of the army. It had lost twenty-two men—an -enormous amount, which evidenced the obstinacy of the fight, and the -courage with which the Mexicans had fought. Among the dead the count had -to regret several of his best-beloved officers, brave young fellows, who -had fallen at the head of their sections while urging their men on.</p> - -<p>The count, although his clothes were riddled with bullets, had not -received a scratch: it seemed as if a charm protected him, for no one -had spared his life less than himself during the fight. He had ever been -in the thickest of the action, in advance of his comrades, encouraging -them by word and deed, and only employing his sabre to ward off blows -that came too near him.</p> - -<p>So soon as the battle was over the count proceeded to the Cabildo, -whither the Mexican authorities were convened, in order to settle with -him as to the safety of the city. Don Cornelio had not left him during -the fight: he had done his duty bravely by his side.</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio," he said to him, "I am pleased with you; you behaved most -bravely. I wish to reward you by intrusting to you a mission of the -highest importance. Are you too tired to get on horseback?"</p> - -<p>"No, señor conde. Besides, you know that I am a thorough <i>jinete</i>."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Here are two letters, one for Don Rafaël, which you will -deliver in passing the Hacienda del Milagro: when you get in sight of La -Magdalena you will tear the envelope off the other, and carry it to the -address you will read on it; but in the event of your being stopped or -taken prisoner on the road, that letter must not be found on you, and no -one must know its contents. You understand me?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly, señor conde, and if necessary it shall be destroyed."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now get a fresh horse and start without the loss of a -moment: it is a question of life and death."</p> - -<p>"I start, Don Louis; you will hear of me again."</p> - -<p>These words were accompanied by a sinister smile, which passed unnoticed -by the count. Don Cornelio left the room, and five minutes later his -horse's hoofs could be heard echoing on the pavement.</p> - -<p>At this moment Valentine entered. The hunter's features, usually so -calm, were convulsed, and he seemed suffering from extreme agitation. He -looked around him on entering.</p> - -<p>"What are you looking for?" the count asked him; "and what is the -meaning of the state in which I see you?"</p> - -<p>"It means——" Valentine answered. "But stay, better so. Take a glance -at these papers which I seized in the house of General Guerrero."</p> - -<p>He handed the count a bundle of letters and other papers, which the -other rapidly read through.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed, stamping his foot passionately, "such great -ingratitude after so many acts of kindness! A thousand devils! this land -is, then, accursed, that treason should spring up under every blade of -grass."</p> - -<p>"Fortunately we have the proofs to hand. I will take on myself to arrest -the villain."</p> - -<p>"It is too late."</p> - -<p>"How too late?" the hunter exclaimed. "Where is he, then?"</p> - -<p>"He has set out on a mission of the highest importance, which I -intrusted to him for the leaders of the malcontents."</p> - -<p>"Confusion!" the hunter said; "what is to be done? It is plain that the -scoundrel will sell our secrets to the enemy."</p> - -<p>"Wait. I gave him a letter for Don Rafaël, which he cannot fail to -deliver."</p> - -<p>"That is true: if only to lull suspicion to sleep, he will do so. I will -be off to the hacienda at once."</p> - -<p>"Go, my friend: unfortunately I cannot accompany you."</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary. I swear that if this devil's own Don Cornelio falls -into my hands, I will crush him like the viper he is. Good-by."</p> - -<p>The hunter hurriedly left the Cabildo, and a few minutes later, followed -by Belhumeur, Black Elk, Curumilla, and Eagle-head, he was galloping at -full speed along the road to the hacienda.</p> - -<p>The count then occupied himself, before taking a moment's rest, in -organising the tranquillity and security of the city. As most of the -Mexican authorities had taken flight, he appointed others, had the dead -buried, and arranged an hospital for the sick, the direction of which he -gave to Father Seraphin, whose evangelic devotion was beyond all praise.</p> - -<p>Posts and main guards were established, and patrols received orders -to march about the city in order to maintain tranquillity—a useless -measure of precaution, for the inhabitants appeared as joyful as the -French. The streets were hung with flags, and on all sides could be -heard shouts of "Long live France! long live Sonora!" repeated with an -expression of indescribable satisfaction.</p> - -<p>When the count had discharged these imperious duties, his mind being no -longer over-excited by the necessity of the moment, nature, conquered -for an instant, gained the upper hand with an extreme of reaction, and -Don Louis fell back almost fainting into the chair where he had been -working without relaxation for nearly eight hours. He remained thus -without help until a late hour of the night, for he had not the strength -to call for assistance.</p> - -<p>At length Captain de Laville entered to make his chief a report about -the result of the pursuit of the Mexicans. He was terrified at the state -in which he found Don Louis; for the count was suffering from a violent -fever, attended by delirium. The captain immediately summoned the -company's surgeon, and the count was laid in a hastily-prepared bed.</p> - -<p>The surgeon could not be found, and a Mexican doctor came in his stead. -This man declared that the count was suffering from an attack of -dysentery, and made him drink a potion which he prepared at once. The -count fell into a species of lethargic sleep which lasted ten hours. -Fortunately the company's surgeon at length arrived. After a glance at -the count, and examining the few drops of the potion left in the glass, -the doctor immediately had eggs beaten in milk administered to the -count, and ordered all his limbs to be rubbed with hot napkins.</p> - -<p>"Why, doctor," the captain remarked to him, "what sort of treatment is -this? The physician assured me that the count had the dysentery."</p> - -<p>The doctor smiled sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said, "he has a dysentery; but do you know what the physician -gave him?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Belladonna; that is to say, poison."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the captain said in horror.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the surgeon continued. "Let this remain a secret between us -two."</p> - -<p>At this moment the physician entered. He was a plump little man, with -the look of a frightened cat. The captain seized him by the collar, and -dragged him into a corner of the room.</p> - -<p>"Look here!" he said to him, pointing to the glass the surgeon still -held in his hand. "Of what was that potion composed you gave the count?"</p> - -<p>The Mexican turned pale.</p> - -<p>"Why?" he stammered.</p> - -<p>"Poison, you villain!" the captain shouted violently.</p> - -<p>"Poison!" he exclaimed, raising his eyes and arms to heaven. "Could it -be possible? Oh, let us see!"</p> - -<p>He examined the glass with feigned attention.</p> - -<p>"It is true," he said after a moment. "<i>Por Dios,</i> what inadvertence!"</p> - -<p>The word appeared so precious to the Frenchmen that, in spite of their -anger and alarm, they could not prevent it, but burst into a loud laugh. -The little doctor took advantage of this attack of gaiety to escape very -quietly, and could never be found again, though carefully sought for: he -had probably left the city.</p> - -<p>Thanks to the intelligent and affectionate care of the surgeon, however, -the effects of the poison were neutralised. The count felt a little -better, and gave orders that the company should assemble at once in the -patio of the Cabildo. The command was rapidly obeyed, and within an hour -the company was drawn up under arms in the courtyard. The count came -down, leaning on the arm of Captain de Laville.</p> - -<p>"My comrades," he said, "I am ill, as you can see. Still I have called -you together to inform you of an engagement I have made in your name -with the inhabitants of Hermosillo. I declared that even if you walked -over piles of piastres and ounces, you would not stoop down to pick them -up. Was I wrong?"</p> - -<p>"No," they all exclaimed; "you were quite right."</p> - -<p>"We are no pirates, whatever they may say," the count continued, "and -the hour has arrived to prove it."</p> - -<p>"We will do so."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, comrades."</p> - -<p>The company was dismissed, and carefully kept its promise: not a -waist-buckle was stolen by these half-naked men, who for four months had -been suffering the most horrible privations.</p> - -<p>The count's condition, however, instead of becoming better, grew worse -daily, in spite of the anxious attentions of the doctor and Father -Seraphin, who had posted himself by his bed, and never left him. In Don -Louis the mind wore out the body. Since Don Cornelio's departure he had -received no news either of the Spaniard or Valentine. Two faithful men, -sent to the Hacienda del Milagro, had not returned, and neither Don -Rafaël nor Doña Angela gave a sign of life.</p> - -<p>This silence became incomprehensible. On the other hand, the situation -of the company was growing daily more serious. The count, master of a -powerful city, found himself more isolated than before; the pueblos that -should have risen did not stir; the man to whom the count had written, -and who had pledged himself to give the signal for revolt, gave no -reply to the appeal, and remained indifferent to the repeated entreaties -Don Louis made him.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately dysentery is one of those frightful diseases which -completely annihilate a man's faculties, and for a very long period -the count was incapable of attending to anything. Señor Pavo had come -at full speed from Guaymas to Hermosillo, ostensibly to felicitate the -count on his gallant exploit, but in reality to be able to betray him -with greater facility.</p> - -<p>Don Louis was alone, without friends in whom he could trust, lying -on a bed of pain, internally devoured by a mortal restlessness, and -a prey to a profound despair at seeing himself reduced to a state of -powerlessness, and losing the fruits of his toil and fatigues.</p> - -<p>Captain de Laville, the only man in whom he could have trusted at the -moment, was attacked by the same illness as his chief, and, like him, -was incapable of acting. Señor Pavo skilfully profited by this state -of affairs to sow seeds of disaffection among the Frenchmen. The count -was the soul of the company—the only tie that rendered it compact and -united: in his absence from his duties all went wrong.</p> - -<p>A system was then organised in the shade by Don Pavo. This system -consisted in continual demonstrations on the part of the adventurers, -who at every hour of the day came one after the other to lay before -the count the most absurd grievances, and threaten to leave him. At -last matters reached such a pitch that it was necessary to come to some -decision.</p> - -<p>Two courses offered themselves: the first, to give up the results of the -victory of Hermosillo, and retreat on Guaymas. This was suggested to -the count by the French representative, Señor Don Antonio Mendez Pavo. -The second was to await at Hermosillo, while holding their ground by -force and risking a siege, the succours which must speedily arrive from -California, where they were being rapidly organised. So greatly had the -news of the brilliant victory gained by the count electrified the minds -of the adventurers, and inflamed their imagination.</p> - -<p>These two courses were equally repugnant to the count. The first seemed -to him shameful; the second impracticable. Still the situation was -growing every day more and more intolerable, when at this moment a -strange event occurred, which, had we been writing a romance instead of -a history, would have seemed to us too startling for credibility.</p> - -<p>The company, incessantly excited by the hypocritical pity of Señor -Pavo, and the dark intrigues he set at work, had fallen into a state -of perfect insubordination towards the count, and almost open revolt. -Seeing that Don Louis was too ill to act vigorously, and incapable of -opposing anything they pleased to do, the men let him know that, unless -he consented to give the order for retreat, they would leave Hermosillo -and abandon him.</p> - -<p>The count was forced to yield. General Guerrero had pledged his word -that the retreat should not be disquieted, Don Louis succeeded in -obtaining hostages who responded for the safety of the sick he was -compelled to leave behind, and with a breaking heart, no strength or -courage left, he was borne away in a litter. A reaction took place -among the volunteers at the sight of their well-beloved chief, reduced -to this miserable state, and almost dead of sorrow. They pressed round -him, swearing obedience and fidelity, and promising him to fall to the -last man for him. A melancholy smile played round the pallid lips of -the dying man, for these proofs of devotion came too late. The count, -crushed by a succession of insults, had drunk the cup to the dregs: he -no longer put faith in his comrades.</p> - -<p>The retreat commenced. In spite of the general's solemn pledge, it was -an uninterrupted succession of skirmishes; but a final ray of glory -was reflected on the French. The adventurers, aroused by the smell of -powder, found all their courage once more to victoriously repulse the -attacks of the Mexicans, whom they compelled to retreat pitiably, and -give up any further annoyances.</p> - -<p>The company camped about three leagues from Guaymas, resolved to force -a passage, and enter that port the next day in spite of any opposition. -The count, slightly revived by the prospect of an approaching combat, -had fallen asleep after making all his preparations, when toward -midnight he was aroused by the arrival of a flag of truce.</p> - -<p>The envoys were Señor Pavo and a merchant of Guaymas, who came on behalf -of General Guerrero. They were bearers of an armistice for forty-eight -hours; and a letter from the general, who earnestly begged the count to -come to him in order to arrange the terms of peace.</p> - -<p>"I consent to the armistice," the count replied. "Let the general send -me an escort, and I will go to him."</p> - -<p>His companions objected.</p> - -<p>"Why not take your cavalry?" one of them said to him.</p> - -<p>"For what use?" he said with discouragement. "I am the only person they -care for: if a trap is set for me, I will fall into it alone."</p> - -<p>The adventurers insisted, but he remained inflexible.</p> - -<p>"We no longer understand one another," he said to them.</p> - -<p>Then he turned to the negotiators.</p> - -<p>"Return to Guaymas, gentlemen, and be good enough to tell General -Guerrero that I thank him, and am awaiting his escort."</p> - -<p>The escort arrived at daybreak, and the count set out, after a last and -melancholy glance at his comrades, who witnessed his departure with -aching hearts and tears in their eyes. Henceforth the divorce between -the count and the adventurers was accomplished.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero, on the count's entrance to Guaymas, ordered the -honours due to a commander-in-chief to be paid him. Don Louis smiled -with disdain. What did he care for these empty ceremonies?</p> - -<p>The count and the general had a lengthened conversation together. The -general had not yet given up his projects of seduction; but this time, -like the first, the count answered with a positive refusal.</p> - -<p>The company was henceforth surrendered defencelessly to the machinations -of Señor Pavo. This man lost no time, and by his advice the adventurers -sent as a deputation to the count two ignorant sailors, with orders to -come to a settlement with him at any price. These two emissaries were -selected by Señor Pavo, for the worthy man knew perfectly well what he -was about. The two sailors presented themselves at the count's house, -who sent out a message to them that he was engaged at the moment, and -begged them to wait a little while. The ambassadors, ruffled in their -self-esteem, and puffed up with the importance of the mission intrusted -to them, left the count's house immediately, swearing at his insolence, -and went straight to the palace of General Guerrero.</p> - -<p>The latter, advised beforehand, knew what would happen, and was -impatiently awaiting them. He ordered them to be admitted at once so -soon as they sent in their names, and received them most graciously: -then, when he had sufficiently intoxicated them with flattery, he made -them sign—that is to say, make a cross at the foot of—a treaty, in -which they recognised that, having been <i>deceived and abandoned in -a cowardly manner</i> by their chief, they pledged themselves to lay -down their arms and quit the country for a sum of <i>eleven thousand -piastres</i>.<a name="FNanchor_1_8" id="FNanchor_1_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_8" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> We must confess that General Guerrero made a capital -bargain, for the arms came into his possession. Oh! the Mexicans are -famous negotiators, and, above all, most crafty diplomatists.</p> - -<p>Unable to vanquish the company, the Mexicans bought it of two -scoundrels, by the intervention of a third, whose duty it was to defend -it.</p> - -<p>Thus the Atrevida Company had committed suicide. It effected its own -dissolution without even attempting to see once again that chief who had -been its idol, and whom it abandoned writhing on a bed of suffering.</p> - -<p>We must mention, to the honour of the French plenipotentiaries that, in -the treaty they signed, the liberty of the count was formally guaranteed.</p> - -<p>Now let us see by what extraordinary concourse of circumstances the -count, when in such a critical position, was thus abandoned by all his -friends. How was it that General Guerrero, his obstinate foe, had shown -himself so kind and almost generous toward Don Louis during the last -events we have narrated?</p> - -<p>We will proceed to explain this; but, in order to do so, we must take up -events further back, and return to Valentine and his comrades, whom we -left galloping at full speed along the road to the hacienda.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_8" id="Footnote_1_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_8"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> A little over £2000.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO.</h3> - - -<p>The road from Hermosillo to the Hacienda del Milagro is perfectly well -traced, straight and wide along the entire distance. Although the night -was gloomy and unlit by the moon, as the five horsemen galloped on side -by side, it would have been impossible for them to pass Don Cornelio -without seeing him, had they caught him up; but they reached the -hacienda without receiving any tidings of him.</p> - -<p>The road had been so trampled in every direction during the last few -days, both by French and Mexicans, that it was impossible for these -experienced hunters to distinguish or take up any imprint which could -serve to guide them in their researches. The traces of horses, wagons, -and men were so interlaced in each other, that they were completely -illegible, even to the most practised eye. Several times Valentine -tried, though in vain, to read this book of the desert. Hence, the -nearer the hunters drew to their destination, the more alarmed and -anxious they became.</p> - -<p>It was about eight in the morning when they reached the hacienda: they -had travelled the whole night through without stopping, save to search -for traces of the man they were pursuing. The hacienda was tranquil; the -peons were engaged in their ordinary labours; the ganado was grazing -at liberty on the prairies. When the hunters entered, Don Rafaël was -preparing to mount on horse, seemingly to take a ride round his farm. -A peon was holding a magnificent mustang, which champed its bit and -snorted impatiently at being held so long. When the hacendero perceived -the newcomers he ran toward them, playfully menacing them with his -chicote.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good -morning, gentlemen."</p> - -<p>The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at -all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafaël then noticed their gloomy and -embarrassed air.</p> - -<p>"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the -bearers of ill news?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am -mistaken!"</p> - -<p>"Speak—explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about -you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary."</p> - -<p>The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance.</p> - -<p>"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for."</p> - -<p>"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the -house, where we shall converse more at our ease."</p> - -<p>The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafaël into a vast apartment which -served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine -opposed the closing of the door.</p> - -<p>"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners."</p> - -<p>"Why such precautions?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you. Where are Doña Angela and Doña Luz at this moment?"</p> - -<p>"They are probably still asleep."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Tell me, Loyal Heart, have you received any visitor during -the last twenty-four hours?"</p> - -<p>"I have not seen a living soul since the departure of the Count de -Prébois Crancé."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the hunter said, "then a courier did not arrive last night?"</p> - -<p>"None."</p> - -<p>"So that you are ignorant of the deeds accomplished yesterday?"</p> - -<p>"Utterly."</p> - -<p>"You are not aware that the count fought a battle yesterday?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"That he took Hermosillo by assault?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?"</p> - -<p>"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?"</p> - -<p>"The most perfect truth."</p> - -<p>"In that case the count is victor?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo."</p> - -<p>"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all -your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness -to tell me why you asked them?"</p> - -<p>"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of -you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give -you a letter."</p> - -<p>"Me! That is strange. The courier was doubtlessly a native, an Indian?"</p> - -<p>"No, he was Don Cornelio Mendoza, a Spanish gentleman, whom you probably -remember."</p> - -<p>"Certainly—a jolly, excellent companion, who was continually strumming -the vihuela."</p> - -<p>"The same man," Valentine said ironically. "Well, this jolly, excellent -companion, who was continually strumming the vihuela, my dear Loyal -Heart, is simply a traitor who sold all our secrets to the enemy."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Valentine! you must be very sure ere you bring such an accusation -against a caballero."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately," the hunter said sadly, "the slightest doubt on the -subject is impossible; the count holds in his hands all the fellow's -correspondence with General Guerrero."</p> - -<p>"<i>Cuerpo de Cristo!</i>" Don Rafaël exclaimed, "do you know, my friend, -this is very serious?"</p> - -<p>"I am so fully of your opinion that, in spite of the fatigue that -overpowered me, I begged these gentlemen to accompany me, and started -at full gallop, hoping to surprise him on the road and seize him; for, -beside the letter he had to deliver to you, he had others of a most -compromising nature, addressed to several influential persons in the -province."</p> - -<p>"That is an awkward affair," Loyal Heart said with a pensive air: "it is -evident that the scoundrel, instead of coming here, has gone straight to -hand the papers to the general."</p> - -<p>"There is not, unfortunately, the least doubt of that."</p> - -<p>"What is to be done?" Don Rafaël muttered mechanically.</p> - -<p>There was a moment's silence: each reflected on the means to be employed -in order to neutralise the effects of this treachery. Curumilla and -Eagle-head rose, and prepared to leave the room.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" Valentine asked them.</p> - -<p>"While our brothers are consulting," the Araucano replied, "the Indian -chiefs will go on the discovery."</p> - -<p>"You are right, chief: go, go," the hunter said. "I do not know why," he -added mournfully, "but I have a foreboding of misfortune."</p> - -<p>The two Indians went out.</p> - -<p>"Do you know the contents of the letter the count wrote me?" Don Rafaël -asked presently.</p> - -<p>"On my faith, no; but it is probable that he told you of the victory, -and begged you to conduct Doña Angela to Hermosillo. In any case the -letter was most compromising."</p> - -<p>"As for that, I am very slightly alarmed, for General Guerrero will -think twice before he attacks me.</p> - -<p>"What is the use of this long deliberation, and such a loss of precious -time? We have only one thing to do, and that is to go to Hermosillo as -escort to Doña Angela," Belhumeur said.</p> - -<p>"In truth, that is the most simple," Valentine said in confirmation.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Rafaël remarked; "the count can only be pleased with that -course."</p> - -<p>"Come, let us carry out the plan without further delay," Belhumeur -continued. "While Black Elk and myself make all the preparations for -the journey, do you, Loyal Heart, go and inform Doña Angela of the -determination we have come to."</p> - -<p>"Do so, and, above all, make haste," Valentine said. "I do not know -why, but I should have liked to be off already."</p> - -<p>Without further words they separated, and the hunter remained alone. In -spite of himself Valentine was a prey to the most poignant uneasiness. -He walked in agitation up and down the room, stopping at times to listen -or look out of the windows, as if he expected to see an enemy rise. At -length, no longer able to endure the uncertainty, he went out.</p> - -<p>The two hunters were busily engaged in lassoing horses and saddling -them, while the peons were bringing in mules to carry the baggage. -Valentine felt his disquietude augmented with every moment. He helped -his comrades with feverish impatience, and urged each to make haste. An -hour passed away. All was then ready, and they only awaited Doña Angela, -who arrived, accompanied by Doña Luz and Don Rafaël.</p> - -<p>"At last!" Valentine exclaimed. "To horse, to horse! Let us start at -once!"</p> - -<p>"Let us go," his friends repeated.</p> - -<p>Each mounted; but suddenly a great noise was heard outside, and -Curumilla appeared with agitated features, and panting violently.</p> - -<p>"Fly, fly!" he shouted; "they are coming."</p> - -<p>"Forward!" Valentine exclaimed.</p> - -<p>But an insurmountable obstacle rose before them. At the moment they were -passing through the gate of the hacienda it was suddenly blocked up by -the cattle the peons were driving back from the fields, probably to -prevent them being carried off by marauders. The poor beasts pressed -into the gateway, each anxious to be first, while uttering lamentable -moans, and goaded behind by the peons. It was useless to hope getting -out before the ganado had entered, and there was no chance of clearing -the gateway by driving it back. Hence the fugitives were compelled to -wait, whether they would or not. Valentine was half mad with anger.</p> - -<p>"I knew it, I knew it," he muttered in a hoarse voice, and clenching his -fists in rage.</p> - -<p>At length, after nearly an hour (for Don Rafaël possessed numerous -herds), the gate was free.</p> - -<p>"Let us be off in Heaven's name!" Valentine shouted.</p> - -<p>"It is too late," Eagle-head said, appearing suddenly in the gateway.</p> - -<p>"Maldición!" the hunter yelled as he rushed forward.</p> - -<p>Valentine looked around him, and uttered a cry of alarm. The hacienda -was completely surrounded by nearly five hundred Mexican cavalry, in the -midst of whom General Guerrero could be distinguished.</p> - -<p>"Ah, the wretched traitor!" the hunter exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Come, let us not be discouraged," Loyal Heart said. "<i>Cuerpo de -Cristo!</i> it is not so long since I gave up desert life that I should -have forgotten all its stratagems. We will not give these troops time to -look about them. Let us charge, and make a hole through them."</p> - -<p>"No," Valentine said authoritatively; "close and bar the gate, -Belhumeur."</p> - -<p>The Canadian hastened to obey.</p> - -<p>"Stay," Don Rafaël said.</p> - -<p>"Loyal Heart," Valentine continued, "you are no longer the master to act -as you please, and throw yourself headlong into desperate enterprises. -You must live for your wife and your children; besides, can we expose -Doña Angela to the risk of being killed among us?"</p> - -<p>"That is true," he answered. "Pardon me; I was mad."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Doña Angela exclaimed, "what do I care about death if I am not to -see again the man I love?"</p> - -<p>"Señorita," the hunter said sententiously, "allow events to follow their -course. Who knows if things are not better so? For the present return to -the house, and leave us to manage this affair."</p> - -<p>"Come, my child, come," Doña Luz said to her affectionately; "your -presence is useless here, and perhaps it may soon become injurious."</p> - -<p>"I obey you, señora," the maiden said sadly; and she retired slowly, -leaning on the arm of Doña Luz, who lavished on her all the consolations -her heart dictated. Don Rafaël had given all his servants orders to arm, -and hold themselves in readiness to offer a vigorous resistance in case -the hacienda was attacked, an event which, from the orders given by the -general to his troops, might be expected at any moment. The peons of the -hacienda were numerous, and devoted to their master; hence the struggle -threatened to be serious.</p> - -<p>Suddenly repeated blows were struck on the gate. Valentine, who had -been thinking deeply for several moments, bent down to Don Rafaël's ear, -and whispered a few words.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the latter replied, "that is almost cowardice, Don Valentine."</p> - -<p>"You must," the hunter said obstinately.</p> - -<p>And while Loyal Heart proceeded very unwillingly to the gate, he quickly -entered the house. Don Rafaël opened a trap door in the gate, and asked -who was there, and what was wanted; then, to the great surprise of all, -after negotiating for a few moments with the men who demanded entrance -in so peremptory a manner, he ordered the gate to be unbarred. In an -instant it was thrown open, and the general appeared, accompanied by -several officers, with whom he rode boldly in.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting, general, but I did not know -it was you," Don Rafaël said to him.</p> - -<p>"Caramba! amigo," the general remarked with a smile as he looked round, -"you have a numerous garrison here, as far as I can judge."</p> - -<p>"After the late events that have taken place in Sonora the roads are -infested with marauders," Don Rafaël replied: "it is wise to take -precautions."</p> - -<p>The general shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Very good, caballero," he replied dryly; "but it does not please me -to see so many men armed without any legal motive. Lay down your arms, -gentlemen."</p> - -<p>The peons looked at their master; the latter bit his lips, but made -them a sign to obey. All the weapons were then thrown on the ground.</p> - -<p>"I am very vexed, Don Rafaël, but I am about to leave a garrison in your -hacienda. You and all the persons present are my prisoners. Get ready to -follow me to Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"Is that the reward for allowing you to enter my house?" Don Rafaël said -bitterly.</p> - -<p>"I should have entered in any case," the general replied sternly. "And -now send my daughter here at once."</p> - -<p>"Here I am, my father," the young lady said as she appeared at the head -of the steps.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela came down slowly into the courtyard, walked toward her -father, and stopped two paces from him.</p> - -<p>"What would you of me?" she said to him.</p> - -<p>"Give you the order to follow me," he answered dryly.</p> - -<p>"I can do no other than obey you. Still you know me, father: my -resolution is inflexible. I have in my hands the means to liberate -myself from your tyranny when it appears to me too heavy for endurance. -Your conduct will regulate mine. Now let us start."</p> - -<p>The only affection that remained warm and pure in the heart of the -ambitious man was his love for his daughter; but that love was immense -and unbounded. This man, who recoiled before no deed, however cruel it -might be, to attain the object he proposed to himself, trembled at a -frown from this child of sixteen, who, knowing the tyrannical power she -exercised over her father, abused it unscrupulously. On his side, Don -Sebastian knew the iron will and untamable character of his daughter. -Hence he trembled in his heart on listening to her cold declaration, -although he allowed nothing to be seen. He turned away with an air of -disdain, and gave orders for departure.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour later all the prisoners were <i>en route</i> for -Guaymas, and no one was left at the hacienda but General Don Ramon and -Doña Luz, who were watched by a garrison of fifty men, commanded by an -officer, who had orders not to let them communicate with anybody.</p> - -<p>Valentine, on seeing the general so speedily recovered from his defeat, -judged the position of affairs at a glance. With his usual perspicuity -he understood that, owing to Don Cornelio's treachery, the pueblos would -not rise, that the hacenderos who had pledged their word would keep -aloof, that the revolt would prove abortive, and that the count, ill and -abandoned by everybody, would probably soon be reduced to treat with the -man he had conquered. This was the reason why he urged Don Rafaël not -to attempt a useless resistance, which could only have compromised him; -and, at the same time, he persuaded Doña Angela to feign acceptance of -her father's conditions, and return with him.</p> - -<p>We see that the hunter had reasoned well, and that his previsions were -correct. Still he was mistaken in supposing that he would manage to -advise his foster-brother of all that had occurred. The orders given -by the general in reference to the prisoners were executed with such -extreme precision, that it was impossible even to tell the count of his -whereabouts. And now that we have recounted the events that took place -at the hacienda, we will approach the conclusion of this long drama.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE BOAR AT BAY.</h3> - - -<p>We must beg the reader to follow us to Guaymas, about a year after the -events described in the last chapter.</p> - -<p>A man dressed in a military garb, bearing considerable resemblance -to the Mexican uniform, was walking, with his arms behind his back, -up and down the sumptuously furnished room. This man appeared to be -deep in thought; his brows were drawn together; and at times he turned -an impatient glance toward a clock placed on a bracket. This man was -evidently expecting somebody who did not arrive, for his impatience and -ill-temper increased with every moment. He took up his hat, which he had -thrown on a sofa, probably with the intention of withdrawing, when a -door opened, and a servant announced,—</p> - -<p>"His Excellency Don Sebastian Guerrero."</p> - -<p>"At last," the visitor growled between his teeth.</p> - -<p>The general appeared. He was in full uniform.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my dear count," he said in an affectionate tone, "pardon -me for having kept you waiting so long, I had infinite difficulty in -getting rid of the troublesome people who bored me. At length I am -quite at your service, and ready to listen with proper attention to the -communications it may please you to make to me.</p> - -<p>"General," the count answered, "two motives bring me here today: in -the first place, the desire to obtain from you a clear and categorical -answer on the subject of the propositions I had the honour of making -to you a few days back; and next the complaints I have to make to you -on the matter of certain very grave facts which have occurred to the -prejudice of the French battalion, and of which I have not the least -doubt," he added with a certain tinge of irony in his voice, "you were -ignorant."</p> - -<p>"This is the first I hear of them, sir. Believe me that I am resolved -to do good and ample justice to the French battalion, of which I have -had only to speak in terms of praise since its organisation, not only -through the good conduct of the men without distinction, but also for -the services it has not ceased to render."</p> - -<p>"Those are handsome words, general. Why must they be so barren?"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, count, and I hope soon to prove to you the contrary. -But let this be for the present, and come to the grievances of which you -have to complain. Explain yourself."</p> - -<p>The two persons who were talking in this friendly manner and lavishing -smiles were General Guerrero and Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, the two -men we have seen in such bitter enmity. What had happened, then, since -the treaty of Guaymas? What reason was sufficiently powerful to make -them forget their hatred? What community of ideas could have existed -between them to produce a change so extraordinary and inexplicable?</p> - -<p>We will ask our readers' permission to explain this before going -further, the more so as the events we have to narrate throw a perfect -light on the Mexican character.</p> - -<p>The general, after the success of the treaty of Guaymas, and the way in -which, thanks to the treachery of Don Cornelio, the insurrection of the -pueblos was prevented, thought he had completely gained his cause, and -believed that he had got rid of the count for ever. The latter, sick -almost unto death, and incapable of connecting two ideas, had received -orders to leave Guaymas immediately. His friends, who were restored -to liberty after the signature of the treaty, hastened to join him. -Valentine had him carried to Mazatlan, where he gradually recovered; -then both set out for San Francisco, leaving Curumilla in Sonora, who -was ordered to keep them acquainted with the progress of events.</p> - -<p>The general had held up before his daughter as a merit the generosity -with which he had treated the count; then he had left her ostensibly -free to act as she pleased, hoping that with time she would forget her -love, and consent to second certain projects he did not as yet let her -see, but which consisted in marrying to one of the most influential -persons in Mexico. Still months had slipped away. The general, who built -on the count's absence, and, before all, the want of news about him, -to cure his daughter of what he called her mad passion, was greatly -astonished, when he one day began talking to her about his plans and the -marriage he had projected, to hear her answer,—</p> - -<p>"My father, I have told you that I will marry the Count de Prébois -Crancé: no other will obtain my hand. You yourself consented to that -union: hence I consider myself bound to him, and, so long as he lives, I -will remain faithful to him."</p> - -<p>The general was at first greatly taken aback by this answer; for, -although he was well aware of his daughter's firmness of character, -he was far from expecting such pertinacity. Still, after a moment, he -regained his presence of mind, and bending over to her, kissed her on -the forehead, saying, with pretended kindness,—</p> - -<p>"Come, you naughty child, I see I must do what you please, though I -confess it is a heavy sacrifice. Well, I will try. It will not depend on -me whether you see the man you love again."</p> - -<p>"Oh, father! can it be possible?" she exclaimed with a joy she could not -restrain. "Are you speaking seriously?"</p> - -<p>"Most seriously, wicked one; so dry your tears—re-assume your gaiety -and your bright colour of former days."</p> - -<p>"Then I shall see him again?"</p> - -<p>"I swear it to you."</p> - -<p>"Here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, here, at Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she exclaimed impetuously, as she threw her arms round his neck -and embraced him tenderly, at the same time melting into tears. "Oh, how -kind you are, my father, and how I will love you if you do that!"</p> - -<p>"I will do it, I tell you," he said, affected, in spite of himself, by -this love so true and so passionate.</p> - -<p>The general had already arranged his scheme in his head—the scheme -which we shall soon see unfolded in all its hideousness. Of the reply -his daughter had made him Don Sebastian only remembered one sentence: -"<i>So long as the count lives I will remain faithful to him.</i>"</p> - -<p>Poor Doña Angela had, without suspecting it, germinated in her father's -brain the most horrible project that can be imagined. Two days later -Curumilla started for San Francisco, bearer of a letter from the young -lady for the count—a letter destined to have an immense influence on -Don Louis' ulterior determination.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans had been so magnificently beaten by the French at -Hermosillo that they had kept up a most touching and respectful -recollection of them. General Guerrero, who, as the reader has been in -a position to see, was a man of imagination, had made a reflection full -of logic and good sense on this subject. He said to himself that if the -French had so thoroughly thrashed the Mexicans, who are very terrible -soldiers as we know, <i>a fortiori</i>, they would defeat the Indians, and, -if necessary, the Yankees, those gringos, as the Americans of the -South call them, whom they hold in mortal terror, and expect at any -moment to see invade Mexico. In consequence of this reasoning, General -Guerrero had formed at Guaymas a battalion entirely composed of French -volunteers, commanded by their own officers, and whose services were for -the present limited to acting as police of the port, and maintaining -order in the town.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately the commandant of the battalion, though an upright officer -and good soldier, was not exactly the man to be placed at the head of -these volunteers. His ideas, rather narrow and paltry, were not up to -the position he occupied, and grave misunderstandings soon broke out -between the Mexicans and the foreigners—misunderstandings probably -encouraged in an underhand manner by certain influential persons, but -which placed the battalion, in spite of the conciliatory temper of its -chief, and the attempts he made to restore harmony, in a very difficult -position, which naturally became more aggravated with each day.</p> - -<p>Two parties were formed in the battalion: one, hostile to the -commandant, spoke affectionately of the count, the memory of whom was -still maintained in Sonora, regretted his absence, and formed vows -for his return; the other, though not devoted to the commandant, yet -remained attached to the honour of the flag. But the devotion was -lukewarm, and there was no doubt, if any unforeseen event occurred, that -these men would let themselves be led away by circumstances.</p> - -<p>In this state of affairs General Alvarez <i>pronounced</i> against Santa -Anna, President of the Republic, and summoned the chiefs of all the -corps scattered through the provinces to revolt. General Guerrero -hesitated, or pretended to hesitate, ere declaring himself. Suddenly it -was heard with amazement, almost with stupor, that the Count de Prébois -Crancé had landed at Guaymas. This is what had occurred.</p> - -<p>Immediately after that conversation with his daughter, of which we have -quoted a part, the general paid a visit to Señor Don Antonio Mendez -Pavo. This visit was a long one. The two gentlemen conversed secretly -together, after which the general returned to his house rubbing his -hands.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile Don Louis was at San Francisco, sorrowful and gloomy, -ashamed of the result of an expedition so well begun, furious with the -traitors who had caused its failure, and burning—shall we confess -it?—in spite of Valentine's wise exhortations, to take his revenge. -From several quarters simultaneously influential persons invited the -count to undertake a second expedition. The money requisite for the -purchase of arms and enrolment of volunteers was offered him. Louis had -also had secret interviews with two bold adventurers, Colonel Walker and -Colonel Fremont, who at a later date was a candidate for the presidency -of the United States. These two men made him advantageous offers; but -the count declined them, owing to the omnipotent intervention of the -hunter.</p> - -<p>Still the count had fallen into a black melancholy. The man once so -gentle and benevolent had become harsh and sardonic. He doubted himself -and others. The treachery to which he had been a victim embittered his -character to such a degree that his best friends began to be seriously -apprehensive.</p> - -<p>He never spoke of Doña Angela—her name never rose from his heart to his -lips; but his hand frequently sought on his breast the relic she gave -him on their first meeting, and when he was alone he kissed it fondly -with many a tear. The arrival of Curumilla at San Francisco produced -a complete change; the count appeared to have suddenly recovered all -his hopes and all his illusions; the smile reappeared on his lips, and -fugitive rays of gaiety illumined his brow.</p> - -<p>Two men arrived soon after Curumilla, whose names we will not mention, -lest we should sully the pages of this book. In a few days these men, -doubtlessly following the instructions they had received, took complete -possession of the count's mind, and hurled him back into the torrent -from which his foster-brother had found such difficulty in drawing him.</p> - -<p>One evening the two were seated in a room of the house they occupied in -common, and smoking a pipe after dinner.</p> - -<p>"You will come with me, my brother, I trust?" the count said, turning to -Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Then you really mean to go?" the latter said with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"What are we doing here?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, it is true. My life is a burden to me, as yours is to you; -but we have before us the boundless desert, the immense horizon of the -prairies. Why not recommence our happy life of hunting and liberty, -instead of trusting to the fallacious promises of these heartless -Mexicans, who have already made you suffer so deeply, and whose infamous -treachery brought you to your present condition?"</p> - -<p>"I must," the count said with resolution.</p> - -<p>"Listen," Valentine went on. "You no longer possess that ardent -enthusiasm which sustained you on your first expedition. You lack faith. -You do not yourself believe in success."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, brother. I am more certain of, success now than I -was then; for I have as my allies the men who were formerly my most -obstinate foes."</p> - -<p>Valentine burst into a mocking laugh.</p> - -<p>"Do you still believe in that?" he said to him.</p> - -<p>The count blushed.</p> - -<p>"Well, no," he said. "I will conceal nothing from you. My destiny drags -me on. I know that I am proceeding, not to conquest, but to death. But -no matter; I must, I will see her again. Here, read!"</p> - -<p>The count drew from his breast the letter Curumilla brought him, and -handed it to Valentine; the latter read it.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, "I prefer your being frank with me. I will follow you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks! Good heavens!" he added sadly, "I do not deceive myself: I -know the old Latin proverb which says <i>Non bis in idem</i>: what is once -missed is so for ever. I do not allow myself to be deceived by the -hypocritical protestations of General Guerrero and his worthy acolyte, -Señor Pavo. I know perfectly well that both will betray me on the first -opportunity. Well, be it so. I shall have seen again the woman who -expects me, who summons me, who is all in all to me. If I fall I shall -have a tomb worthy of me. The road I have traced others happier than I -will follow, and bear civilisation to those countries which you and I -once dreamed of emancipating."</p> - -<p>Valentine could not restrain a sad smile at these words, which -completely revealed the count's character—a strange composite of the -most varying elements, and in which passion, pride, and enthusiasm waged -an unceasing contest.</p> - -<p>The next day Louis opened a recruiting office, and a week later embarked -on board a schooner with his volunteers. The voyage commenced with an -evil augury, for the adventurers were wrecked. Had it not been for -Curumilla, who saved him at the risk of his life, it would have been all -over with the count. The adventurers remained twelve days abandoned on a -rock.</p> - -<p>"The Romans would have seen a foreboding in our shipwreck," the -count said with a sigh, "and would have given up an expedition so -inauspiciously begun."</p> - -<p>"We should do wisely in following their example," Valentine said sadly: -"there is yet time."</p> - -<p>The count shrugged his shoulders in reply. A few days later they arrived -at Guaymas. Señor Pavo received the count most kindly, and proposed, -himself, to present him to the general.</p> - -<p>"I wish to make your peace," he said to him.</p> - -<p>Don Louis allowed him to do so. His heart beat at the thought that he -was possibly about to see Doña Angela again, but nothing of the sort -took place. The general was extremely gracious to the count, spoke to -him with feigned candour, and appeared ready to accept his propositions. -Don Louis brought with him two hundred men and arms, and placed his -sword at his disposal, if he intended to join the Governor-General -Alvarez. Don Sebastian, while not replying absolutely to these advances, -still allowed it to be seen that they were not displeasing to him; he -even went further, for he almost promised the count to give him the -command of the French battalion—a promise which, on his side, the count -feigned to hear with the greatest pleasure.</p> - -<p>This interview was followed by several others, in which, always -excepting the numberless protestations the general lavished on the -count, the latter could obtain nothing except a species of tacit -permission to take the command of the volunteers, in concert with the -chief of the battalion. This permission was more injurious than useful -to the count, however, as it rendered a great part of the Frenchmen -indisposed toward him, for they were angry at the general appointing -them a new leader.</p> - -<p>During the week the count had been at Guaymas the general had not -said a word to him about Doña Angela, and it had been impossible for -him to see her. On the day when we find him again at Don Sebastian's -house, matters had reached such a pitch between the inhabitants and -the French, that immediate repression was urgent in order to prevent -great calamities. Several Frenchmen had been insulted—two had even -been stabbed in the public streets; the <i>cívicos</i> and inhabitants made -growling threats against the volunteers; and there was in the air that -something which forebodes a great catastrophe, which no one, however, -can explain.</p> - -<p>The general pretended to feel deeply the insults offered the French. He -promised the count that prompt and full justice should be done, and the -assassins arrested. The truth was that the general, before striking the -great blow he was meditating, wished for the arrival of the powerful -reinforcements he expected from Hermosillo in order to crush the French, -and he only sought to gain time.</p> - -<p>The count withdrew.</p> - -<p>The next day the insults began again, and the French saw the assassins, -whom the general had promised to punish, walking impudently about the -streets. The battalion began to grow fearfully excited, and a fresh -deputation, at the head of which the count was placed, was sent to the -general. The count peremptorily demanded that justice should be done, -two cannon given to the battalion for its security, and that the cívicos -should be at once disarmed; for these men, drawn from the dregs of the -populace, occasioned all the disorders.</p> - -<p>Once again the general protested his kindly feeling toward the French, -and promised to deliver to them two guns; but he would not hear a -word about disarming the cívicos, alleging as his reason that such a -step might irritate the population and produce an ill effect. While -accompanying the Frenchmen to the very door of the saloon he told -them that, in order to prove the confidence he placed in them, he -would himself come without an escort to their barracks, and hear their -complaints.</p> - -<p>The step the general took was a bold one, and therefore sure to succeed, -especially with Frenchmen, who are good judges of bravery, and correct -appreciators of everything that is daring. The general kept his promise; -he really proceeded alone to the French quarters, in spite of the -recommendations of his officers; he even answered them in a way which -proves how thoroughly he was acquainted with the character of Frenchmen.</p> - -<p>A colonel, among others, demonstrated to him the imprudence of thus -placing himself defencelessly in the hands of men exasperated by the -vexations of every description from which they had suffered so long.</p> - -<p>"You do not know what you are saying, colonel. The Gauls in no way -resemble the Mexicans: with them the point of honour is everything. -I know very well that the question will be discussed of keeping me -prisoner; but there is one man who will never consent, and who will -defend me if necessary: that man is the Count de Prébois Crancé."</p> - -<p>The general judged correctly: all happened as he said. It was the -count who energetically opposed his arrest, which was already almost -resolved. The general left the barracks in the same way as he entered -them. No one dared to utter a word of reproach in his presence. On the -contrary, thanks to the honeyed eloquence with which he was gifted, he -succeeded so well in turning opinions in his favour, that every one -overwhelmed him with protestations of devotion, and an ovation was -almost offered him.</p> - -<p>The result of this audacious visit was immense for the general; -for, through the effect he had contrived to produce on the mass of -volunteers, a division commenced among them almost immediately after -his departure, and they no longer agreed. One party wished for peace at -any price; the others demanded war with loud shouts, insisting that he -was deceiving them, and that they would be once again the dupes of the -Mexicans.</p> - -<p>The latter were right, for they saw clearly; but, as ever happens, they -were not listened to, and in conclusion they came to a compromise, which -is always bad in such circumstances; that is to say, a committee was -appointed to come to an understanding with the government, and regulate -the affairs of the battalion.</p> - -<p>As may be seen, the mine was charged: a spark would be sufficient to -enkindle an immense fire.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE BEGINNING OF THE END.</h3> - - -<p>It was night. In a small house at Guaymas, Louis and Valentine were -conversing by the light of a meagre candle, which only spread a smoking -and trembling illumination. They were discussing the measures by which -to expedite the finale of the gloomy machinations in which General -Guerrero had managed to enfold them with diabolical cunning, while -Curumilla was peacefully sleeping in a corner of the room.</p> - -<p>"I foresaw it," Valentine said. "Now it is too late to draw back. We -must act energetically: if not, you are lost."</p> - -<p>"Eh, my friend? I am so in every way."</p> - -<p>"What! will you really break down when the hour of danger has pealed?"</p> - -<p>"I do not fear it: it will be welcome. I should wish to die, brother."</p> - -<p>"Come, be a man. Regain your courage, but make haste. Have you noticed -the arms and ammunition continually arriving? Believe me, we must make -an end of it, one way or other, as speedily as possible."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know as well as you that the general is deceiving us; but these -volunteers are not the men I had at Hermosillo. These fellows hesitate -and are afraid. Their commandant is incapable of acting: he is a -vacillating, irresolute man. With such people we can achieve nothing."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid so: still it is better to know at once on what you have to -depend than to remain any longer in this state of uncertainty."</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow the delegates will go and see the general."</p> - -<p>"Let them go to the deuce: they will be at least certain of obtaining a -categorical answer from him," Valentine said impatiently.</p> - -<p>At this moment two light taps were heard at the street door.</p> - -<p>"Who can arrive so late?" the count said. "I expect nobody."</p> - -<p>"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the -people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors."</p> - -<p>And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into -the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,—</p> - -<p>"Look, look! I am pursued!"</p> - -<p>Valentine rushed out.</p> - -<p>Although this woman was <i>tapada</i>—that is to say, her features were -completely hidden by a rebozo—the count recognised her at once. What -other woman but Doña Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, -in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting -into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all -those attentions which her condition demanded.</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. -"What has happened?"</p> - -<p>In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her -forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of -intense happiness.</p> - -<p>"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into -tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms.</p> - -<p>Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was -suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were -haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was -agitated by a convulsive tremor.</p> - -<p>"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, -explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me."</p> - -<p>"If I love you, poor cherished one of my heart!" she said with a sigh as -she laid her hand in his. "If I love you! Alas! I love you to death, Don -Louis; and this love will kill me."</p> - -<p>"Speak not so, my well-beloved angel! Dispel these gloomy thoughts: let -us only think of our love."</p> - -<p>"No, Don Louis, I have not come to you to speak of love: I have come to -save you."</p> - -<p>"To save me!" he said with feigned gaiety. "Do you believe me, then, to -be in great peril?"</p> - -<p>"Don Louis, you are running an immense risk. Take heed of my words. Do -not look at me so with a smile: tomorrow you will be a lost man. All the -measures are taken. I heard all: it is horrible! And that is the way I -learnt your return to Guaymas, of which I was ignorant. Then I ran off -madly, wildly to you, in order to say to you, 'Fly, fly, Don Louis!'"</p> - -<p>"Fly!" he repeated thoughtfully. "And you, Angela, must I lose you again -this time and for ever? No, I prefer death."</p> - -<p>"I will go with you; for am I not your affianced, your wife in the sight -of Heaven? Come, come, Don Louis, let us go—not lose a minute, a -second. Your black horse will carry us beyond pursuit in two hours. But -take your weapons, for I was followed by a man as I came here from my -father's house."</p> - -<p>She spoke with strange volubility, like a person talking in a fever. The -count knew not what resolution to follow, when suddenly a loud noise was -heard in the street, and the door, which was only leant to, flew wide -open.</p> - -<p>"Save me, save me!" the poor child exclaimed, a prey to indescribable -terror.</p> - -<p>Don Louis bounded on his pistols, and placed himself resolutely before -her.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you shall come, you villain!" Valentine's voice was heard outside. -"You shall not escape me this time. Come, walk in, or I'll quicken your -motions with my dagger."</p> - -<p>And with a vigorous effort the hunter entered the room, dragging after -him a man who made futile efforts to escape.</p> - -<p>"Shut the door, Louis," Valentine continued. "And now, my worthy spy, -show me your treacherous face, that I may be able to recognise you -again."</p> - -<p>Curumilla had left the corner in which he had hitherto been sleeping. -Without uttering a syllable he drew Doña Angela behind a mosquito net, -which completely concealed her, and then rejoined his friends, candle -in hand. All this while the prisoner offered an obstinate resistance to -prevent his features being seen; but he did not say a word, contenting -himself with uttering hoarse and indistinct exclamations of rage. At -length, after a long struggle, the stranger seemed to comprehend that -all his efforts would be in vain: he drew himself up, took off his -cloak, and crossed his arms on his chest.</p> - -<p>"Well, look at me, as you insist on doing so," he said with a sarcastic -accent.</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio!" the Frenchmen exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Myself, gentlemen. How have you been since I last had the pleasure of -seeing you?" he continued with serpent coolness.</p> - -<p>"Miserable traitor!" Valentine yelled as he rushed on him.</p> - -<p>But the count checked him.</p> - -<p>"Wait," he said.</p> - -<p>"I betrayed you, it is true," Don Cornelio replied. "What next? I had -probably a motive in doing so. I know you are going to say that you -did me many services. What does that prove, if you did me in a single -day more injury than all the good you did me during the course of our -relations?"</p> - -<p>"I did you an injury! You lie, you scoundrel!"</p> - -<p>"Señor conde," Don Cornelio said with a haughty air, "I would remind you -that I am a gentleman, and will not allow you to address me in the way -you are now doing."</p> - -<p>"This wretch is mad, on my soul!" the count said with a smile of pity. -"Let him go, brother; he is unworthy of our anger: he only merits our -contempt."</p> - -<p>"Not so," Valentine sharply objected. "This man is the general's tool: -we cannot let him go thus."</p> - -<p>"What shall we do with him? Sooner or later we must release him."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, but for the present we will hand him over to the care -of Curumilla."</p> - -<p>The Indian gave a nod of assent, and seizing Don Cornelio, led him -away. The latter allowed him to do so without offering the slightest -resistance.</p> - -<p>"We shall meet again, gentlemen," he said with a mocking smile.</p> - -<p>The Indian looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and drew him into -another room. Doña Angela then emerged from behind the curtain.</p> - -<p>"I am waiting for you, Don Louis," she said.</p> - -<p>The latter shook his head sadly.</p> - -<p>"Alas!" he said, "I cannot fly: my life is not my own. I have sworn to -my comrades not to abandon them. Were I to fly, I should be a traitor."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela went up to him and bent gracefully over him.</p> - -<p>"Farewell, Don Louis," she said. "You are acting as a caballero. Follow -your destiny. Your honour is as dear to me as to yourself. I wish it -to be unspotted. I no longer insist. Farewell! Give me a kiss on the -forehead: we shall not meet again till the day of our death."</p> - -<p>All at once a cry was heard in the street, so horrible that the three -persons shuddered with terror. The door opened, and Curumilla stalked -in: his face was calm, and his step as measured as usual.</p> - -<p>"You went out by the door of the corral then, chief?" Valentine asked -him.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"But what have you done with Don Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"Free," the Indian said.</p> - -<p>"What! free?" Don Louis exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"There must be something in the background," the hunter remarked. "Why -did you give him his liberty?"</p> - -<p>Curumilla drew his knife from his waist belt, and the blade was red with -blood.</p> - -<p>"You need no longer fear him," he said.</p> - -<p>"You have not killed him?" the three exclaimed simultaneously.</p> - -<p>"No," he said. "He is dumb and blind."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" they said with a gesture of horror.</p> - -<p>Curumilla had simply scooped out Don Cornelio's eyes with his scalping -knife, and torn out his tongue; then he led him to the other end of the -town, and abandoned him to his fate. Valentine and Don Louis considered -it useless to address any reproaches to the chief, which could not -repair the evil, and which, indeed, the Araucano would not have -understood; consequently they refrained from any observation.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, in spite of the count's entreaties, would not consent to -him accompanying her on her return home. She withdrew, after whispering -in his ear the parting recommendation,—</p> - -<p>"Take heed of tomorrow, Don Louis."</p> - -<p>The count smiled, and she flew away like a bird, leaving behind her very -sad and naked the little room which she had illumined for a short time -with her presence.</p> - -<p>"Come," the count said, as he fell hack in a butaca so soon as she was -gone, "it seems that tomorrow will bring the finale: all the better. -Still the man that takes me will have to pay dearly for it."</p> - -<p>The next day, as had been arranged, the delegates of the volunteers -waited on the general, who received them in his usual way, lavishing -protestations and promises on them. The delegates pressed for a -settlement, on which Don Sebastian, who was doubtlessly ready to deal -the blow he had so long meditated, changed his tone and dismissed -them, bidding them await his good pleasure. The delegates withdrew, -exasperated by the roguery of the man in whom they had been so weak -as to place confidence, and who now proved to them that he had been -deceiving them from the beginning.</p> - -<p>The volunteers were anxiously expecting the answer their delegates were -to bring them. When the latter described what had taken place their -exasperation reached its height: the cry "To arms!" was raised, and -everyone prepared for fighting. The chief of the battalion completely -lost his head.</p> - -<p>"Bid them form a square," the count said to him. The order was obeyed. -The count placed himself in the centre of the square, and raised his -hand to command silence.</p> - -<p>All were still: the moment was a solemn one, and all perceived it. In -spite of himself, a certain degree of hesitation was depicted on the -count's handsome face: not that he feared for himself personally, but he -felt that he was about to risk his last stake, and it would be decisive. -Everyone had his eyes fixed upon him.</p> - -<p>"You hesitate, count," an officer said to him. "Why did you join us, -then? Are you no longer the man of Hermosillo?"</p> - -<p>At this sharp remark a vivid blush suffused the count's cheek, and he -trembled with suppressed passion.</p> - -<p>"No," he exclaimed, "no, by heavens! I do not hesitate. My friends, -reflect: there is yet time. Remember that, the sword once drawn, we -become outlaws. What will you do?"</p> - -<p>"Fight—fight!" the volunteers shouted, waving their weapons -enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>The count drew himself up, unsheathed his sword, and brandished it over -his head.</p> - -<p>"You wish it?" he shouted.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes!"</p> - -<p>"Well, then, forwards! Long live France!"</p> - -<p>"Long live France!" the volunteers replied.</p> - -<p>The battalion, formed in four companies, resolutely left its -quarters, and proceeded at a quick step toward the Mexican barracks. -Unfortunately, as we have said, a dissension had sprung up among the -French. Many of them marched very unwillingly, being forced on by their -comrades. The chief of the battalion, too, though personally very brave, -was not the man suited to attempt a <i>coup de main</i> like the present one; -and the count, through excess of delicacy, and in order to maintain -unity of action, committed the fault of declining the command when -offered to him by the officers and men.</p> - -<p>The battalion proceeded toward the Mexican barracks by three different -roads. But General Guerrero had made his arrangements long before. He -had shut himself up in these barracks with three hundred troops of the -line. The neighbouring houses were crammed with cívicos, while four guns -commanded the only approaches. The Frenchmen only amounted to three -hundred men, one half of them discouraged, while the Mexicans were -nearly two thousand.</p> - -<p>Still the action began vigorously on all sides at once. The first charge -was admirable. The Mexican guns swept down the attacking party, and -effected a frightful carnage. Still the French held their ground, and -continued to advance, supported by the example of the count, who walked -fifteen paces in advance of the column, with a rifle in one hand and -a sword in the other, amid a hail-storm of bullets, shouting in his -powerful voice,—</p> - -<p>"Forward! forward!"</p> - -<p>All at once, the chief of the battalion, who ought to have supported the -attack on the right, seeing his company decimated by canister, lost his -head completely, and fell back in disorder on the French quarters. The -count tried in vain to rally the volunteers; disorder was beginning to -spread among them, and all his efforts were powerless.</p> - -<p>It was at this moment the count understood the fault he had committed -by not accepting the chief command. Still the Mexican guns no longer -fired, for the artillerymen were dead.</p> - -<p>"Forward! Charge with the bayonet!" the count shouted; and he rushed -onward, followed by Valentine and Curumilla, who did not remain an inch -behind. Some twenty volunteers dashed after him. The count rushed up -to the wall of the barracks, which he succeeded in scaling, and stood -upright on the summit, exposed to the whole of the enemy's fire.</p> - -<p>"Forward! forward!" he repeated.</p> - -<p>His hat, pierced by balls, was blown off his head, and several -bayonet-thrusts tore his clothes. A terrible hand-to-hand contest -commenced. Unfortunately there were only fifteen Frenchmen altogether. -After a heroic attempt to hold their ground they were compelled to give -way; but they fell back like lions, pace by pace, with their faces -turned to the foe, and not ceasing to fight. The count howled with -rage: tears of passion poured down his cheeks at seeing himself thus -abandoned. He wished to die. But in vain did he throw himself into the -thickest of the fight: his friends protected him, in spite of himself, -against the blows dealt at him. At length the route commenced. The count -broke his sword, after a glance of powerless fury at his enemies, whom, -had he been bravely supported, he would have conquered, and who thus -escaped him.</p> - -<p>Valentine and Curumilla dragged him down to the port; but the vessel -which brought him had set sail during the combat. Flight was impossible. -In this extremity only one house could offer a refuge to the conquered: -it was that of the French agent, and the volunteers flocked to it.</p> - -<p>Señor Pavo promised that all those who delivered their arms up to him -should be placed under the protection of the French flag. The count had -entered the house and thrown himself into a chair, insensible to all -that was said and done around him; but Valentine was watching.</p> - -<p>"A moment," he said. "Señor Pavo, will the life of Count de Prébois -Crancé be saved?"</p> - -<p>The Mexican looked craftily at the hunter, but made no answer.</p> - -<p>"No shuffling, sir," Valentine continued. "We want a distinct answer, or -we shall renew the engagement."</p> - -<p>As it was no longer possible to hesitate Señor Pavo spoke.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," he said in a clear and distinct voice, "on my honour I -swear to you that the life of Count Louis de Prébois Crancé shall be -spared."</p> - -<p>"We shall remember your words, sir," Valentine said sternly.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio Pavo hoisted a white flag as a signal of peace. Nearly the -whole battalion of volunteers had sought refuge at his house. The battle -was over; it had lasted three hours. The French had thirty-eight men -killed, and sixty-three wounded, out of three hundred combatants. The -Mexicans lost thirty-five men during the action, and had one hundred and -forty-seven wounded, out of about two thousand soldiers. The battle -had been warmly contested, and the conquerors paid dearly for a victory -which was the result of treachery.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE CATASTROPHE.</h3> - - -<p>Immediately after the combat a delicious comedy, began between Don -Antonio Pavo and General Guerrero. The latter would not listen to any -proposition tending to obtain for the French a written capitulation. He -confined himself to giving his word of honour as a general officer, that -if the arms were surrendered to him at once, <i>all</i> the rebels should -have their lives granted them. Don Antonio was constrained to yield -to the general's orders. The arms were surrendered, the French made -prisoners of war, and locked up.</p> - -<p>So soon as night fell, Colonel Suarez, accompanied by four other -officers, presented himself at the house of Don Antonio Pavo, demanding, -in the name of General Guerrero, that the Count de Prébois Crancé should -be immediately handed over to him. Don Antonio hastened to obey by -giving the count orders to quit his house. The latter, without replying, -contented himself with darting a glance of sovereign contempt at him, -and surrendered to the colonel. A quarter of an hour later he was in -solitary confinement. Of all the combatants only two had escaped, -Valentine and Curumilla, and that was only at the count's peremptory -order.</p> - -<p>We repeat it here, although the names are changed, and certain facts -have, been expressly altered, we are not writing a romance, but the -history of a man whose noble character must be dear to all his fellow -countrymen. There are, then, certain things which we cannot and ought -not to pass over in silence, though frequently in the course of this -long narrative we have softened down facts which we felt a repugnance to -display in all their horror.</p> - -<p>Despite the solemn promise made by Don Antonio Pavo in the presence of -all the volunteers, a few days after his illegal arrest the count was -told to prepare for trial. The Europeans were aroused by this disloyal -act, and several of them went to Don Antonio to remind him of his -promise, and incite him to keep it Then Don Antonio asserted that he -never made any promise, and that the affair in no way concerned him.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the preparations for the count's trial were actively -pushed on. All the officers of the battalion, including the commandant, -were interrogated, and all, with one exception, we are compelled to -confess, sought to throw the whole blame of their conduct on the count. -Not a single witness for the defence was examined; for what was the use -of it? The accused was condemned beforehand.</p> - -<p>When the count was arrested he still had in his waist belt the pistols -with which he marched into action. General Guerrero ordered that -they should be left him. He doubtless hoped that Louis, impelled by -despair, would, in a moment of terror, blow out his brains, and thus -spare himself the shame of signing the death warrant. But he was not -acquainted with the character of his enemy. The count possessed a mind -too strongly tried by that touchstone called misfortune to have recourse -to suicide, and tarnish the end of his career.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile Valentine had not been inactive. If he had consented -to preserve his liberty, it was only in the hope of saving his -foster-brother. Two or three days before the count's secret imprisonment -was altered, toward evening, the door of his cell opened. He turned his -head mechanically to see who entered, uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him. The newcomer was Valentine.</p> - -<p>"You—you here!" he said to him. "Oh, thanks for coming!"</p> - -<p>"Did you not expect me, brother?" the hunter asked.</p> - -<p>"I expected your visit, though I did not dare count on it. You must be -exposed to a thousand annoyances, and compelled to conceal yourself?"</p> - -<p>"I! Not a bit of it."</p> - -<p>"All the better; you cannot imagine how happy I am at seeing you. But -who is the person accompanying you?"</p> - -<p>In truth, Valentine was not alone; another person had entered the cell -with him, and was standing motionless against the door, which the jailer -locked again, after introducing the visitors.</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about that person at present," Valentine said; -"let us talk about business."</p> - -<p>"Be it so: speak."</p> - -<p>"You know that you will be condemned to death. I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"I presume so."</p> - -<p>"Good! Now listen to me, and, above all, do not interrupt me; for time -is precious, and we must profit by it. You understand that if I obeyed -you when you ordered me to escape, I did so because I suspected in what -way affairs would turn. Now the moment for action has arrived. All is -prepared for your flight; the jailers are bought—they will not see you -quit the prison. I have freighted a vessel. Take your hat, and come. In -ten minutes we shall be aboard, in half an hour under sail, and we will -leave Mexican justice to deal with you in your absence. Come, I have -managed capitally, I think, brother. You see that I have lost no time, -and all this is very simple."</p> - -<p>"Extremely simple indeed," the count replied with the utmost calmness. -"I thank you for what you have done for me."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, brother, it is not worth thanking for."</p> - -<p>The count laid his hand on his arm to interrupt him.</p> - -<p>"But," he continued, "I cannot accept your offer."</p> - -<p>"What!" Valentine exclaimed with a start of surprise. "What do you say, -brother? You must be jesting."</p> - -<p>"Not at all, brother. What I say is the truth. It is my inflexible will -to leave to the Mexican people the iniquity of my condemnation, the -indelible stain of my death. I will not fly: I cannot—I ought not; for -it would be an act of cowardice on my part. A soldier does not abandon -his post. A gentleman does not sully his escutcheon. A Frenchman has not -the right to dishonour his name. I die for a noble and grand idea—the -emancipation and regeneration of a people. That idea required a baptism -of blood to make it prosper and bear fruit at a later date. I give it -mine without regret—without a thought of self, gladly—I will say -almost with happiness. Brother, in a prison thoughts ripen quickly: it -is probably because a man is nearer the tomb there, and life appears to -him what it really is—a dream. I have thought much. I have reflected -deeply. I have weighed with the utmost impartiality the for and against -of the two questions, and I prefer death. I knew what you would attempt -for me. Your life has been one long devotion; but that devotion must -this night accomplish its greatest sacrifice in letting me die, and -not attempting to save me. A man like I am must not secure his life by -trickery. I pledged my head as the stake in the game I played. I lost, -and I pay my debt."</p> - -<p>"Brother, brother, do not speak so!" Valentine exclaimed with despair; -"you break my heart."</p> - -<p>"Reflect, my good Valentine, on the position in which I now stand. I am -tried contrary to the law of nations. Hence my position is a fine one; -my judges will endure all the disgrace of my condemnation. If I fly, -I shall be nothing more than any common adventurer—a pirate, as they -call me, prodigal of his companions' blood, and chary of his own. Must I -not acquit the debt I have contracted with all my friends, who died to -defend my cause? Come, brother, do not try to convince me, for it would -be useless. I repeat to you, my resolution cannot be shaken."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed again, with an outburst of passion he could -not repress, "you are determined to die. But do you reflect that, in -dying, you drag down with you to the grave another person? Do you -believe that she will consent to live when——"</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the count interrupted him in great agitation. "Do not speak -to me of her. Poor Angela! Alas! why did she love me?"</p> - -<p>"Why!" the person who accompanied Valentine, and had hitherto remained -motionless, exclaimed. "Because you are great, Louis; because your heart -is immense."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said with grief, "Angela! Brother, brother, what have you done?"</p> - -<p>The hunter made no reply, for he was weeping. His iron nature was -broken; the strong man wept like a child.</p> - -<p>"Do not reproach him for having brought me, Don Louis. I wished to -come—I insisted on accompanying him."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" the count replied with an ineffable sadness, "you break my -heart, poor darling child. In your presence all my resolution and -courage abandon me. Oh! why have you come to revive, by your presence, -regrets which nothing will be able to calm again?"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, Don Louis," she said with febrile energy. "You -believe me to be a weak woman, without courage. My love for you is too -true and too pure for me ever to advise you to do anything against your -honour or your glory. Just now, concealed in that obscure corner, I -listened eagerly to your words. I was happy at hearing you speak as you -did. I love you, Don Louis, oh, as man never was loved in this world! -But I love you for yourself, and not for myself. Your glory is as dear -to me as you are. Your memory must remain without a stain, as your life -has been unsullied. Don Louis, I, to whom you are all in all, the man -for whom I would sacrifice my life if necessary, I have come to say to -you, 'Dear count, die nobly, with head erect: fall like a hero! Your -memory will be revered as that of a martyr.'"</p> - -<p>"Yes, thanks, thanks for saying that to me, Angela," the count said as -he pressed her in his arms with passionate energy; "you restore me all -my energy."</p> - -<p>"And now farewell, count, to meet again soon."</p> - -<p>The count went up to Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Your hand, brother," he said to him. "Forgive me for not desiring to -live."</p> - -<p>The hunter threw himself into his brother's arms, and the two remained -thus enfolded for several minutes. At length the count liberated himself -from this loving prison by a heroic effort. Valentine left the cell, not -having the strength to utter a word, and supporting Doña Angela, who, in -spite of the courage she had displayed, felt on the point of fainting.</p> - -<p>The door closed again, and the count remained alone. He fell back -in his chair, leaned his elbows on the table, buried his face in his -hands, and remained in this position the whole night through. The next -morning, at an early hour, Don Louis was fetched to go to the court. The -interrogatory was over, and the pleading was about to begin.</p> - -<p>The count had chosen as his defender a young captain of the name of -Borunda, who during the siege of Hermosillo had been taken prisoner by -the French at the attack on the bridge head. Borunda had remembered the -generous manner in which the count had treated him at that period. His -pleading was what might be expected from the young and noble officer, -simple, pathetic, and imprinted with that eloquence which comes from -the heart, and nothing can equal. Assuredly the count would have been -acquitted, had not his death been decided beforehand.</p> - -<p>Don Louis, who during the entire discussion remained calm and apathetic, -listening to the false statements and calumnious imputations of the -witnesses without quivering, or addressing a reproach to those ingrates -who sacrificed him in this cowardly way, felt affected by his defender's -glowing language. He rose and held out his hand to him with inimitable -grace.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," he said to him. "I am happy at having found a man like -yourself among so many enemies. Your pleading was as it should be, and -money will not repay such words."</p> - -<p>Then, drawing from his finger the ring bearing his coat of arms, which -he had always worn since leaving France, he passed it on to the -captain's finger, adding,—</p> - -<p>"Accept this ring, and keep it in remembrance of me."</p> - -<p>The captain pressed his hand, but could not reply.<a name="FNanchor_1_9" id="FNanchor_1_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_9" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>The judges retired to deliberate. They returned at the expiration of -five minutes. Count Louis de Prébois Crancé, unanimously found guilty, -was condemned to be shot. The sworn interpreter of the court was then -called on by the president to translate the sentence to the condemned; -but then a strange incident occurred. This interpreter rose and -addressed the court.</p> - -<p>"No, gentlemen," he said resolutely; "I will not translate this unjust -sentence, which you will soon regret having pronounced."</p> - -<p>This energetic protest abashed the judges for an instant. The -interpreter was discharged on the spot. He was a Spaniard.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," the count then said with the greatest coolness, "I -understand your language sufficiently well to know that you have -condemned me to death. May Heaven pardon you, as I do!"</p> - -<p>He bowed to the judges with a smile, and withdrew as calm as he entered.</p> - -<p>The count was immediately placed in <i>capilla</i>. It is the fashion in -Spain and all Southern America for men condemned to death to be placed -in a room, at one end of which is an altar. Near the bed stands the -coffin in which the body of the condemned will be laid after the -execution. The walls are hung with black cloth, on which silver tears -and mournful inscriptions are sewn. This custom, which is very cruel in -our opinion, and is evidently a relic of the barbarous medieval times, -is probably intended to imbue the condemned with religious ideas.</p> - -<p>The count was in no way influenced by these mournful trappings, but -employed himself with the utmost tranquillity in setting his affairs -in order. The very day he was put in <i>capilla</i> Valentine entered his -cell, followed by Father Seraphin. He was the priest he would most -certainly have sent for to console him in his last moments, had he known -where to find him; but Valentine thought of everything. By his orders -Curumilla went on the search, and the worthy Indian soon discovered the -missionary, who, on learning the nature of the case, hastened to follow -him.</p> - -<p>Still the condemnation of the count had produced an extraordinary -emotion. While the cívicos and other bandits of the town indulged in -indecent joy, parading the streets with bands of music at their head, -the upper classes and sound portion of the population displayed extreme -sorrow. They spoke of nothing less than preventing the execution of the -sentence, and for some hours General Guerrero trembled lest his victim -should escape him.</p> - -<p>The Vice-Consul of the United States, indignant at this unjust sentence, -but not having the power to act officially, proceeded to Don Antonio -Pavo with the hope of inducing him to act energetically, and save the -count. Don Antonio refused. While protesting the sorrow he felt, nothing -could make him recall his refusal.</p> - -<p>Still Don Antonio understood that he could not refrain from paying a -visit to the count. Valentine was with him, as well as Father Seraphin. -The hunter had obtained leave to remain with his foster brother till -the last moment. The count received Don Antonio with an icy face. -He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders in contempt when -the latter tried to exculpate himself, and alleviate all that was -reprehensible in his conduct. The count handed him several papers, and, -interrupting him roughly in the midst of a very involved sentence, in -which he was trying to prove how innocent he was of all imputed to him, -said dryly,—</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, sir. I am willing, if it is of any use to you, to give -you a letter, in which I acknowledge that your conduct toward me was -always irreproachable; but on one condition——"</p> - -<p>"What is it, sir?" he asked eagerly.</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to be shot on my knees, and with my eyes bandaged. You -understand me, sir? I want to look death in the face. Go and arrange -that with the governor."</p> - -<p>"That favour shall be granted you, I can assure you, sir," he answered, -delighted at having been let off so easily.</p> - -<p>He went out and kept his word. What did the count's enemies care whether -he fell standing or on his knees, with eyes bandaged or not? Their great -object was that he should be dead. Still General Guerrero profited by -this opportunity to appear generous at a small cost.</p> - -<p>The next day but one Valentine brought Doña Angela with him: the maiden -had donned that monk's robe which she had already worn under critical -circumstances.</p> - -<p>"Is it for today?" the count asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Valentine answered.</p> - -<p>Louis took his foster-brother on one side.</p> - -<p>"Swear to me to protect that child when I am no longer here to do so."</p> - -<p>"I swear it!" Valentine said in a broken voice.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela heard the words. She smiled sadly as she wiped away a tear.</p> - -<p>"Now, brother, there is another oath I must obtain from you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, brother."</p> - -<p>"Swear to do what I ask you, whatever it may be."</p> - -<p>Valentine looked at his foster-brother: he saw such anxiety depicted on -his face that he let his eyes fall.</p> - -<p>"I swear it!" he said in a hollow voice.</p> - -<p>He had guessed what Don Louis was about to demand of him.</p> - -<p>"I do not wish you to avenge me. Believe me, brother, God will take that -vengeance on Himself, and sooner or later punish my enemies in a more -terrible manner than you can do. Do you promise to obey me?"</p> - -<p>"You have my word, brother," the hunter answered.</p> - -<p>"Thanks! Now let me say good-by to this poor girl."</p> - -<p>And he walked toward Doña Angela, who advanced to meet him. We will not -describe their conversation. They forgot everything during an hour to -live an age of joy by isolating themselves, and speaking heart to heart. -Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside, the door of the capilla opened, -and Colonel Suarez appeared.</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders, colonel," the count said, not giving the other -time to speak.</p> - -<p>He passed his fingers for the last time through his moustache, smoothed -his hair, took up his Panama straw hat, which he held in his hand, and -after taking a melancholy glance around, went out.</p> - -<p>Father Seraphin walked on his right; Doña Angela, with the hood over her -head, on his left. Valentine came next, tottering like a drunken man, in -spite of all the efforts he made, with haggard eyes, and face bathed in -tears. There was something heart-rending in the aspect of this man, with -the energetic features and bronzed face, a prey to such grief, which was -the more profound because it was silent.</p> - -<p>It was six in the morning, the sun had just risen, the dawn was -magnificent, the atmosphere was filled with perfume, nature seemed -rejoicing, and a man full of life, health, and intellect was about to -die—die brutally, struck by unworthy foemen.</p> - -<p>An immense crowd covered the place of execution, and the troops were -drawn up in battle array. General Guerrero, in full uniform, glistening -with precious stones, appeared at the head of the troops.</p> - -<p>The count walked slowly, talking with the missionary, and from time to -time addressing a word to the heroic girl, who refused to abandon him at -this supreme hour. He held his hat before his face to protect him from -the sunbeams, and fanned himself carelessly. On reaching the execution -ground he stopped, went in the direction of the firing party, threw his -hat on the ground, and waited.</p> - -<p>An officer read his sentence. When this was over, the count -affectionately embraced the missionary, did the same to Valentine, and -whispered in his ear,—</p> - -<p>"Remember!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the latter said in an inarticulate voice.</p> - -<p>Then came the turn of Doña Angela. They remained for a long time in a -close embrace, and then separated as if by mutual agreement.</p> - -<p>"Though separated on the earth, we shall soon be united in heaven. -Courage, my beloved!" she said with exaltation.</p> - -<p>He replied to her with a smile which had nothing earthly about it.</p> - -<p>Father Seraphin and Valentine fell back about fifteen paces, knelt down -on the ground, and folded their hands in prayer. Doña Angela, with the -cowl still over her face, placed herself only a few paces from the -general, who watched all the preparations for the execution with a -triumphant smile.</p> - -<p>The count looked around him to assure himself that his friends had -retired, took a step forward nearer the firing party, from which he was -only eight yards, and laying his hands behind his hack, with head erect, -a smile on his lips, and a resolute glance, he called out in a clear, -impressive voice,—</p> - -<p>"Come, my brave fellows, do your duty! Aim at the heart!"</p> - -<p>Then a strange event occurred. The officer stammered as he gave the -order to fire; and the soldiers, firing one after the other, did not hit -the sufferer.</p> - -<p>"Enough of this, caray!" the general shouted.</p> - -<p>The soldiers reloaded their muskets, and the order to fire was given -once more. A discharge burst forth like thunder, and the count fell with -his face to the earth.</p> - -<p>He was dead: progress counted one martyr more!</p> - -<p>"Farewell, father," a voice cried in the general's ear. "I keep my -promise."</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian turned in terror, for he had recognised his daughter's -voice.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela had fallen to the ground. Her father rushed toward her. It -was too late; he only pressed a corpse in his arms. His punishment had -already commenced.</p> - -<p>The count had scarce fallen ere Valentine rushed toward him, followed by -the missionary.</p> - -<p>"Let no one approach the body!" he said in a voice which made the -bravest recoil, and kneeling on his right, while the missionary placed -himself on the left, he prayed.</p> - -<p>Curumilla had disappeared.</p> - -<p>Those who tell us that the Count de Prébois Crancé was an adventurer, I -will merely ask what Hernando Cortez was on the day before the fall of -Mexico?</p> - -<p>In politics, as in everything else, the end justifies the means, and -success is only the consecration of genius.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_9" id="Footnote_1_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_9"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> We are delighted to be able to state that Captain Borunda, -in spite of the brilliant offers afterwards made him, would not consent -to part with this ring.—G.A.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="NOTE" id="NOTE">NOTE.</a></h4> - -<p>Several of our friends have remarked to us with truth that the work -of justice we have attempted in this work would be incomplete if we -insisted on concealing our characters under their pseudonyms. We will, -therefore, obey our friends' wishes. Who does not remember the heroic -episode of Count Gaston de Raousset-Boulbon's life? The incident that -terminated it was, in spite of the political preoccupations of the -moment, considered a public calamity.</p> - -<p>It is the expedition of this great soldier, who only lacked a lever to -overturn a world, that we have attempted to describe. Don Louis is the -count. By the side of Consul Calvo, General Yanès, and the Commandant -Lebourgeois-Desmarets, a sinister trinity fatal to the count, the -first two through a mean hatred, the third through jealousy, also grin -the ignoble and gloomy faces of Colonel Campusano and Cubillas, those -subaltern agents, the buzzards who were less hideously ferocious than -the men who urged them to action. Now let us mention hap-hazard the -names of the few men who remained faithful to the count at all risks. -In the first rank we will name Monsieur A. de la Chapelle, editor -in chief of the <i>Messager de San Francisco,</i> a private friend of -Raousset, who left him at his death the duty of avenging his memory, -and whom friendship inspired to write so fine a book; then Lenoir, -Gamier, Fayolle, and Lefranc, of whom the last three fell bravely -before Hermosillo; O. de la Chapelle, brother of the journalist, that -chivalrous chief of the Cocosperians; lastly, the Mexican captain, -Borunda, whose chivalrous pleading would have saved the count, had not -his death been resolved on.</p> - -<p>Twelve years have passed over the drama of Guaymas, and the hour has -arrived to do proper justice to the heroic victim of that unjustifiable -assassination. We, one of his obscurest friends, will be pleased if -our book, so incomplete as it may be, aids to any extent, however -slight, in effecting this rehabilitation so eagerly expected by all -honest hearts. We will add in conclusion, that the narrative has been -undertaken without any notes being prepared beforehand, and written -under the impression of ineffaceable memories, rather with the heart -than with the pen.</p> - - -<p style="margin-left: 75%; font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD.</p> - -<h4>THE END.</h4> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 42742-h.htm or 42742-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/4/42742/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Indian Chief - The Story of a Revolution - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: May 20, 2013 [EBook #42742] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - - - - -THE INDIAN CHIEF - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - -PREFACE. - -With this volume terminates the series in which Gustave Aimard has -described the sad fate of the Count de Raousset-Boulbon, who fell a -victim to Mexican treachery. In the next volume to be published, under -the title of the "Trail Hunter," will be found the earlier history of -some of the characters whose acquaintance the reader has formed, I trust -with pleasure, in the present series. - - L.W. - - - - CONTENTS. - - - I. THE INTERVIEW - II. THE MISSION - III. THE SPY - IV. THE EXPLOSION - V. THE FIRST POWDER BURNT - VI. REPRISALS - VII. GUETZALLI - VIII. THE ENVOY - IX. DONA ANGELA - X. THE AMBASSADORS - XI. THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN - XII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER - XIII. LA MAGDALENA - XIV. THE COCK-FIGHT - XV. THE INTERVIEW - XVI. FATHER SERAPHIN - XVII. THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE - XVIII. THE SURPRISE - XIX. THE FORWARD MARCH - XX. BEFORE THE ATTACK - XXI. THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO - XXII. AFTER THE VICTORY - XXIII. THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO - XXIV. THE BOAR AT BAY - XXV. THE BEGINNING OF THE END - XXVI. THE CATASTROPHE - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -The Jesuits founded in Mexico missions round which, with the patience -that constantly distinguished them, an unbounded charity, and a -perseverance which nothing could discourage, they succeeded in -collecting a large number of Indians, whom they instructed in the -principal and most touching dogmas of their faith--whom they baptized, -instructed, and induced to till the soil. - -These missions, at first insignificant and a great distance apart, -insensibly increased. The Indians, attracted by the gentle amenity of -the good fathers, placed themselves under their protection; and there -is no doubt that if the Jesuits, victims to the jealousy of the Spanish -viceroys, had not been shamefully plundered and expelled from Mexico, -they would have brought around them the majority of the fiercest _Indios -Bravos_, have civilised them, and made them give up their nomadic life. - -It is to one of these missions we purpose conducting the reader, a month -after the events we have narrated in a preceding work.[1] - -The mission of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles was built on the right -bank of the Rio San Pedro, about sixty leagues from Pitic. Nothing can -equal the grandeur and originality of its position. Nothing can compare, -in wild grandeur and imposing severity, with the majestically terrible -landscape which presents itself to the vision, and fills the heart with -terror and a melancholy joy, at the sight of the frightful and gloomy -rocks which tower over the river like colossal walls and gigantic -parapets, apparently formed by some convulsion of nature; while in the -midst of this chaos, at the foot of these astounding precipices, past -which the river rushes in impetuous cascades, and in a delicious valley -covered with verdure, stands the house, commanded on three sides by -immense mountains, which raise their distant peaks almost to the heavens. - -Alas! this house, formerly so smiling, so animated, so gay and -happy--this remote corner of the world, which seemed a counterpart of -Eden, where, morning and night, hymns of gratitude, mingling with the -cascade, rose to the Omnipotent--this mission is now dead and desolate, -the houses are deserted and in ruins, the church roof has fallen in, -the grass has invaded the choir. The terrified members of this simple -and innocent community, scattered by persecution, sought refuge in the -desert, and returned to that savage life from which they were rescued -with so much difficulty. Wild beasts dwell in the house of God, and -nothing is heard save the voice of solitude murmuring unceasingly -through the deserted houses and crumbling walls, which parasitic plants -are rapidly invading, and will soon level with the ground, covering them -with a winding sheet of verdure. - -It was evening. The wind roared hoarsely through the trees. The sky, -like a dome of diamond, flashed with those millions of stars which are -also worlds; the moon spread around a vague and mysterious light; and -the atmosphere, refreshed by a gusty breeze, was embalmed with those -desert odours which it is so healthy to respire. - -Still the night was somewhat fresh, and three travellers, crouching -round a large _brasero_ kindled amid the ruins, seemed to appreciate its -kindly warmth. These travellers, on whose hard features the changing -flashes of light were reflected, would have supplied a splendid subject -for an artist, with their strange costumes, as they were encamped there -in the midst of the wild and startling landscape. - -A little distance behind the principal group four hobbled horses were -munching their provender, while their riders, for their part, were -concluding a scanty meal, composed of a slice of venison, a few pieces -of _tasajo_, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with water -slightly dashed with refino to take off its hardness. - -These three men were Count Louis, Valentine, and Don Cornelio. Although -they ate like true hunters--that is to say, with good appetite, and not -losing a mouthful--it was easy to guess that our friends were engaged -with serious matters for thought. Their eyes wandered incessantly -around, consulting the shadows, and striving to pierce the darkness. -At times the hand stopped half way to the mouth--the lump of tasajo -remained in suspense: with their left hand they instinctively sought -the rifle that lay on the ground near them. They stretched forth their -necks, and listened attentively, analysing those thousand nameless -noises of the great American deserts, which all have a cause, and are an -infallible warning to the man who knows how to understand them. - -Still the meal drew to an end. Don Cornelio had seized his _jarana_; but -at a sign from Don Louis he laid it again by his side, wrapped himself -in his _zarape_, and stretched himself out on the ground. Valentine was -in deep reflection. Louis had risen, and, leaning against a wall, looked -cautiously out into the desert. A long period elapsed ere a word was -exchanged, until Louis seated himself again by the hunter's side. - -"'Tis strange," he said. - -"What?" Valentine replied abstractedly. - -"Curumilla's prolonged absence. He has left us for nearly three hours -without telling us the reason, and has not returned yet." - -"Have you any suspicion of him?" the hunter said with a certain degree -of bitterness. - -"Brother," Louis replied, "you are unjust at this moment. I do not -suspect; I am restless, that is all. Like yourself, I feel a too lively -and sincere friendship for the chief not to fear some accident." - -"Curumilla is prudent; no one is so well acquainted as he with Indian -tricks. If he has not returned, there are important reasons for it, be -assured." - -"I am convinced of it; but the delay his absence causes us may prove -injurious." - -"How do you know, brother? Perhaps our safety depends on this very -absence. Believe me, Louis, I know Curumilla much better than you do. -I have slept too long side by side with him not to place the utmost -confidence in him. Thus, you see, I patiently await his return." - -"But supposing he has fallen into a snare, or has been killed?" - -Valentine regarded his foster brother with a most peculiar look; then he -replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, and an air of supreme contempt,-- - -"He fallen into a snare! Curumilla dead! Nonsense, brother, you must be -jesting! You know perfectly well that is impossible." - -Louis had no objection to offer to this simple profession of faith. - -"At any rate," he continued presently, "you must allow that he has kept -us waiting a long time." - -"Why so? What do we want of him at this moment? You do not intend to -leave this bivouac, I fancy? Well, what consequence is it if he return -an hour sooner or later?" - -Louis made a sign of impatience, wrapped himself up in his zarape, and -lay down by Don Cornelio's side, after growling,-- - -"Good night." - -"Good night, brother," Valentine answered with a smile. - -Ten minutes later, Don Louis, despite his ill temper, overcome by -fatigue, slept as if he were never to wake up again. Valentine allowed -a quarter of an hour to elapse ere he made a move; then he rose gently, -crept up to his foster brother, bent over him, and examined him -attentively for two or three minutes. - -"At length," he said, drawing himself up. "I was afraid he would insist -on sitting up and keeping me company." - -The hunter thrust into his girdle the pistols he had laid on the ground, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and stepping carefully across the -stones and rubbish that burdened the soil, rapidly but noiselessly -retired, and speedily disappeared in the darkness. He walked in this way -for about ten minutes, when he reached a dense thicket. Then he crouched -behind a shrub, and, after taking a cautious survey of the surrounding -country, whistled gently thrice, being careful to leave an equal space -of time between each signal. At the expiration of two or three minutes -the cry of the moorhen was heard twice from the midst of the trees that -bordered the river's bank only a few paces from the spot where the -hunter was standing. - -"Good!" the latter muttered. "Our friend is punctual; but, as the -wisdom of nations says somewhere that prudence is the mother of surety, -let us be prudent: that can do no harm when dealing with such scamps." - -And the worthy hunter set the hammer of his rifle. After taking this -precaution he left the thicket in which he had been concealed, and -advanced with apparent resolution, but still without neglecting any -precaution to avoid a surprise, toward the spot whence the reply to his -signal had come. When he had covered about half the distance four or -five persons came forward to meet him. - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with -me. Attention!" - -Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the -nearest man. - -"Halt," he said, "or I fire!" - -"_Capo de Dios!_ you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. -"You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your -rifle--you see that we are unarmed." - -"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms -concealed about your person?" - -"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you -venture to doubt it?" - -The hunter laughed. - -"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see -before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my -friends." - -"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please." - -"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are -bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours." - -"As you please, Don Valentine: you shall arrange matters as you will. -Still, the first time we had a conference together, I found you much -more facile." - -"I do not deny it. Come alone, and we will talk." - -The stranger gave his companions a sign to stop where they were, and -advanced alone. - -"That will do," the hunter said as he uncocked his rifle, and rested the -butt on the ground, crossing his hands over the muzzle. - -The man to whom Valentine displayed so little confidence, or, to speak -more clearly, whom he doubted so greatly, was no other than General Don -Sebastian Guerrero. - -"There, now you must be satisfied. I think I have given you a great -proof of my condescension," the general said as he joined him. - -"You have probably your reasons for it," the hunter replied, with a -cunning look. - -"Sir!" the general haughtily objected. - -"Let us be brief and clear, like men who appreciate one another -correctly," Valentine said dryly. "I am neither a fool nor a man -infatuated with his own merits; hence frankness, reciprocal frankness, -can alone bring us to any understanding, if that be possible, though I -doubt it." - -"What do you suppose, then, sir?" - -"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is -all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, -Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to -solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at -night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great -advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see -that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor -the other." - -"Suppose that things are as you state?" - -"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts." - -"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you." - -"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have -proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters." - -"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of -rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid----" - -"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk -to be incurred." - -"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the -affair, and feel annoyed." - -"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save -you the trouble of an explanation?" - -"How so?" - -"Listen to me." - -The two men were standing just two paces apart, looking in each other's -eyes. Still Valentine, ever on his guard, was carefully watching, -though not appearing to do so, the four men left behind. - -"Speak!" the general said. - -"General, you wish simply to propose to me that I should sell my friend." - -Don Sebastian, at these words, pronounced with a cutting accent, -involuntarily gave a sign of surprise, and fell back a pace. - -"Sir!" - -"Is it true--yes or no?" - -"You employ terms----" the general stammered. - -"Terms have nothing to do with the matter. Now that you have discovered -Don Louis is not the accomplice you hoped to find, who would raise you -to the president's chair, and as you despair of changing his views, you -wish to get rid of him--that is natural." - -"Sir!" - -"Let me continue. For that purpose you can hit on nothing better than -buying him. Indeed, you are used to such transactions. I have in my -hands the proofs of several which do you a great deal of honour." - -The general was livid with terror and rage. He clenched his fists and -stamped, while uttering unconnected words. The hunter seemed not to -notice this agitation, and continued imperturbably,-- - -"Still you are mistaken in applying to me. I am no Dog-face, a fellow -with whom you made a famous bargain some years ago. I have dealt in -cattle, but never in human flesh. Each man has his speciality, and I -leave that to you." - -"Stay, sir!" the general exclaimed in a paroxysm of fury. "What do -you want to come to? Did you accept this interview for the purpose of -insulting me?" - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"You do not believe it," he said: "that would be too childish. I want to -propose a business transaction." - -"What!" - -"Or a bargain, if you prefer that term." - -"What is its nature?" - -"I can tell you in two words. I have in my possession various papers, -which, if they saw light, and were, handed to certain persons, might -cost you not only your fortune, but possibly your life." - -"Papers!" Don Sebastian stammered. - -"Yes, general; your correspondence with a certain North American -diplomatist, to whom you offered to deliver Sonora and one or two other -provinces, if the United Sates supplied you with the means to seize the -presidency of the Mexican Republic." - -"And you have those papers?" the general said with ill-restrained -anxiety. - -"I have the letters, with your correspondent's answers." - -"Here?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a laugh. - -"Then you will die!" the general yelled, bounding like a panther on the -hunter. - -But the latter was on his guard. By a movement as quick as his -adversary's, he seized the general by the throat, threw himself upon -him, and laid his foot on his chest. - -"One step further," he said coldly to the general's companions, who were -running up at full speed to his aid, "one step, and he is a dead man." - -Certainly the general was a brave man. Many times he had supplied -unequivocal proofs of a courage carried almost to temerity: still he -saw such resolution flashing in the hunter's tawny eye, that he felt a -shudder pass through all his limbs--he was lost, he was afraid. - -"Stop, stop!" he cried in a choking voice to his friends. - -The latter obeyed. - -"I could kill you," Valentine said; "you are really in my power; but -what do I care for your life or death? I hold both in my hands. Rise! -Now, one word--take care that you do nothing against the count." - -The general had profited by the hunter's permission to rise; but so -soon as he felt himself free, and his feet were firmly attached to the -ground, a revolution was effected in him, and he felt his courage return. - -"Listen in your turn," he said. "I will be as frank and brutal with you -as you were with me. It is now a war to the death between us, without -pity and without mercy. If I have to carry my head to the scaffold, the -count shall die; for I hate him, and I require his death to satisfy my -vengeance." - -"Good!" Valentine coldly answered. - -"Yes," the general said sarcastically. "Come, I do not fear you! I do -not care if you employ the papers with which you threatened me, for I am -invulnerable." - -"You think so?" the hunter said slowly. - -"I despise you; you are only adventurers: You can never touch me." - -Valentine bent toward him. - -"Perhaps not," he said; "but your daughter?" - -And, taking advantage of the general's stupefaction, the hunter uttered -a hoarse laugh and rushed into the thicket, where it was impossible to -follow him. - -"Oh!" the general muttered, at the expiration of a moment, as he passed -his hand over his damp forehead, "the demon! My daughter!" he yelled, -"my daughter!" - -And he rejoined his companions, and went off with them, not responding -to one of the questions they asked him. - - -[1] See "Gold-Seekers." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MISSION. - - -Valentine, after suddenly parting from the general as we narrated, did -not appear at all alarmed about pursuit; and if he hurried on at first, -he soon relaxed his speed. On arriving about a hundred yards from the -spot where his interview with Don Sebastian had taken place, he stopped, -raised his eyes to the sky, and seemed to consult his position. Then he -went on; but, instead of proceeding toward the mission, he turned his -back completely on it, and returned to the bank of the river, whence he -had before been retrograding. - -Although the hunter was walking at a quick pace, he seemed greatly -preoccupied, and looked mechanically around him. At times he stopped, -not to listen to any strange sound, but through the thoughts which -oppressed him, and robbed him of all sense of external things. Evidently -Valentine was seeking the solution of a problem that troubled him. - -At length, after about a quarter of an hour, he saw a faint light a -few paces ahead of him. It glistened through the trees, and seemed to -indicate an encampment. Valentine stopped and whistled softly. At the -same moment the branches of a shrub, about five yards from him, parted, -and a man appeared. It was Curumilla. - -"Well," Valentine asked, "has she come?" The Araucano bowed his head in -reply. The hunter made an angry gesture. - -"Where is she?" he asked. - -The Indian pointed to the fire the hunter had noticed. - -"Deuce take the women!" the hunter growled; "they are the least logical -beings in existence. As they let themselves ever be guided by passion, -they overthrow unconsciously the surest combinations." - -Then he added in a louder voice,-- - -"Have you not executed my commission, then?" - -This time the Indian spoke. - -"She will listen to nothing," he said; "she will see." - -"I knew it!" the hunter exclaimed. "They are all alike--silly heads, -only fit for mule bells; and yet she is one of the better sort. Well, -lead me to her. I will try to convince her." - -The Indian smiled maliciously, but made no reply. He turned away and led -the hunter to the fire. In a few seconds Valentine found himself on the -skirt of a vast clearing, in the centre of which, by a good fire of dead -wood, Dona Angela and her camarista, Violanta, were seated on piles of -furze. Ten paces behind the females, several peons, armed to the teeth, -leant on their long lances, awaiting the pleasure of their mistress. -Dona Angela raised her head at the sound caused by the hunter's -approach, and uttered a slight cry of joy. - -"There you are at last!" she exclaimed. "I almost despaired of your -coming." - -"Perhaps it would have been better had I not done so," he answered with -a stifled sigh. - -The young lady overheard, or pretended not to hear, the hunter's reply. - -"Is your encampment far from here?" she continued. - -"Before proceeding there," the hunter said, "we must have a little -conversation together, senora." - -"What have you to say to me that is so interesting, or rather, so -urgent?" - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -The young lady made a gesture signifying her readiness to hear something -which she knew beforehand would be disagreeable. - -"Speak!" she said. - -The hunter did not allow the invitation to be repeated. - -"Where did Curumilla meet you?" - -"At the hacienda, just as I was mounting to start. I only awaited him to -begin my journey." - -"He tried to dissuade you from this step?" - -"He did; but I insisted on coming, and compelled him to guide me here." - -"You were wrong, nina." - -"For what reason?" - -"For a thousand." - -"That is no answer. Mention one." - -"Your father, in the first place." - -"He has not yet arrived at the hacienda. I shall have got back before he -comes. I have nothing to fear on that side." - -"You are mistaken. Your father has arrived: I have seen him--spoken with -him." - -"You! Where? When?" - -"Here, scarce half an hour ago." - -"That is impossible," she said. - -"It is the fact. I will add that he wanted to kill me." - -"He!" - -"Yes." - -The young lady remained thoughtful for a moment; then she raised her -head, and shook it several times. - -"All the worse," she said resolutely. "Whatever happens, I will carry it -out to the end." - -"What do you hope from this interview, nina? Do you not know that your -father is our most inveterate foe?" - -"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections -when I sent my request to you." - -"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer -entertain. Believe me, nina, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return -as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if -he does not see you on his arrival?" - -"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don -Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine." - -"Think of the consequences of such a step." - -"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform -your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde." - -The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. -He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed -affectionately. - -"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. -Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not -entail frightful disaster!" - -"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us -start. You will see all end better than you anticipate." - -"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here." - -"I ask nothing better. I will only take Violanta with me." - -"As you please." - -At a sign from her mistress the camarista went up to the peons, who -were still motionless, and gave them orders not to leave the clearing -under any pretext before her return. Then, guided by Valentine, the two -females proceeded toward the camp of the filibusters, Curumilla forming -the rear guard. On arriving about a hundred yards from it Valentine -stopped. - -"What is the matter?" Dona Angela asked him. - -"I hesitate about troubling my friend's repose. Perhaps he will be angry -with me for having brought you to him." - -"No," she said, "you are deceiving me: that is not your thought at this -moment." - -He regarded her with amazement. - -"Good heavens!" she continued with animation, "do you fancy I do not -know what is troubling you now? It is to see a girl of my age, rich -and well born, take what your countrymen would call an improper step, -and which, were it known, would inevitably destroy her reputation. But -we Americans are not like your cold and staid European women, who do -everything by weight and measure. We love as we hate. It is not blood, -but the lava of our volcanoes that circulates in our veins. My love is -my life! I care naught for anything else. Remain here a few moments, -and let me go on alone. Don Louis, I am convinced, will understand -and appreciate my conduct at its just value. He is no common man, I -tell you. I love him. In a love so true and ardent as mine there is a -certain magnetic attraction which will prevent it being spurned." - -The young Mexican was splendidly lovely as she uttered these words. With -her head thrown haughtily back, her flashing eye and quivering lip, she -was at once a virgin and a Bacchante. Subdued, in spite of himself, by -the maiden's accent, and dazzled by her glorious beauty, the hunter -bowed respectfully before her, and said, with considerable emotion in -his voice,-- - -"Go, then; and may Heaven grant that, by your aid, my brother may be -again led to take an interest in life!" - -She smiled with an undefinable expression of archness and serenity, and -flew, lightly as a bird, into the thicket. Valentine and Curumilla, who -were near enough to the camp to see what occurred, though the sound of -voices could not reach them, resolved to wait where they were till their -presence became absolutely necessary. - -The encampment was in the same state as when the hunter quitted it to -go and meet the general. Don Louis and Don Cornelio were fast asleep. -Dona Angela remained for a moment silent, fixing on Don Louis a glance -in which an unbending resolution flashed. Then she stooped down gently -over him. But at the moment when she was about to lay her hand on his -shoulder to arouse him, a sudden sound caused her to tremble. She sprang -back, threw a startled glance around, and disappeared once again in the -thicket. - -Hardly had she retired ere the sound which smote on her ears, and -interrupted the execution of her project, became louder; and it was soon -easy to distinguish the cadenced sound of a large body of men on the -march, and the harsh creaking of cartwheels. - -"Your companions are arriving," Dona Angela said hurriedly to Valentine -as she rejoined him; "they are only a short distance from the mission. -Can I still count on you?" - -"Always," he answered. - -"I have changed my mind: I will not explain my views to the count in -this way, but in the presence of all of you, by the light of the sun. -You shall soon see me again in your midst. Good-by! I am going back to -the hacienda. Prepare the count for my visit." - -After making a parting sign to the hunter, and smiling on him, the young -girl remounted her horse, and set off at a gallop, followed by her -escort. - -"Yes, I will prepare Louis to receive her," the hunter muttered, as -he followed her with his eyes for a moment. "That child has a noble -heart: she really loves my foster brother. Who knows what will be the -consequences of this love?" - -And, after shaking his head two or three times dubiously he re-entered -the encampment, accompanied by Curumilla, whose Indian stoicism was -unshaken, and who seemed perfectly a stranger to all that was taking -place around him. - -Valentine awoke Louis. The latter sprang up at once. - -"Have you any news?" he asked. - -"Yes, the company is coming up." - -"Already! Oh, oh! it has pushed on. That is a good omen." - -"Shall we stay here long?" - -"No, two days at the most, or long enough to rest the men and cattle." - -"Perhaps it would be better to push on at once--" - -"I should like it as much as yourself, but it is impossible, as the -40,000 rations we ought to have found here have not yet arrived, and we -are forced to await them." - -"That is true." - -"I am the more annoyed at this oversight, because our provisions -are rapidly diminishing. Still, do not let our comrades see our -disappointment, but let us put on a good face. They know we went ahead -of them to make the commissariat arrangements, so let them fancy we have -succeeded." - -Valentine bowed in affirmation. The night was almost at an end; already -the sky on the horizon was beginning to be shaded with large white -strips of cloud; the stars had all disappeared one after the other; and -the sun was just about to rise. Curumilla threw a handful of dried wood -on the fire in order to make a flame, and neutralise the effect of the -icy night air. - -"_Caramba!_" Don Cornelio exclaimed, as he woke up suddenly; "I am -frozen; the nights are so cold." - -"Are they not?" Valentine said to him. "Well, if you want to warm -yourself, nothing is easier. Come along with me." - -"I am quite willing. Where are you going?" - -"Listen." - -"I am doing so. Stay!" he said at the expiration of an instant. "Can -that be the company?" - -"It is. But it is unnecessary for us to put ourselves out of the way, -for here they come." - -In fact, at this moment, the French advanced guard entered the mission. -According to the treaty made with the Atrevida Company, 40,000 rations -should have been prepared at the mission for the troop. The count -gave the command to Colonel Flores, with orders to push on, and, -accompanied by Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Cornelio, had gone on -ahead. Unfortunately the company had not carried out its engagements -with that loyalty the count had a right to expect. Instead of 40,000 -rations he had found scarce half, ranged with a certain degree of -symmetry in a ruined cabin. This breach of faith was the more injurious -to the interests of the expedition, because the count, owing to this -perfidious manoeuvre, found himself almost unable to push on, as he was -about definitively to leave the inhabited and cultivated plains to bury -himself in the desert. - -Indeed, since the company had left Guaymas, the ill-will of the Mexicans -had been so evident under all circumstances, that Don Louis had required -a superhuman energy and will of iron not to give way to discouragement, -and withdraw in the face of these obstacles raised in his path with -unparalleled animosity. Still, up to the present, the Mexicans had never -dared to break their engagements so boldly as now: hence they must -feel themselves very strong, or at least their precautions were so well -taken, and they felt so sure of success, that they raised the mask. - -Besides, the count had found no one at the mission to hand him over -the stores in the name of the company; and the persons who treated him -so unworthily had not deigned to weaken by an excuse the treachery of -which they were guilty at this moment. Don Louis foresaw, then, that -after such behaviour, the _denouement_ of the odious farce played by the -Mexicans was at hand, and he prepared to face the storm bravely. - -The mission was held in military fashion by the company; for they were -on the edge of the desert, and it was wise to begin a careful watch. -Cannon were planted at each angle of headquarters--sentinels placed at -regular distances; in short, this mission, sad and abandoned on the -previous day, seemed to have sprung magically into life again; the -rubbish was removed, and the old Jesuit church, more than half in ruins, -suddenly assumed the appearance of a fortress. - -When the count had given the necessary orders for the instalment of the -company, and was assured of their perfect execution, he inquired of -Colonel Flores how he had performed his duties as temporary chief. The -colonel, alone among the French, and feeling himself consequently in -the wolfs throat, was too crafty not to act ostensibly with the utmost -loyalty; hence on every occasion he offered proofs of goodwill, and -acted with a degree of circumspection by which Valentine, that eternal -doubter, was nearly duped, although he knew perfectly well the nature of -the Mexican character. - -Then the count withdrew with the hunter, and the two foster brothers -held a conversation, which, to judge by its length, and, above all, Don -Louis' thoughtful air when it was ended, must have been very important. -In fact, Valentine, accomplishing his pledge to Dona Angela, informed -the count of the events of the past night, not only telling him all that -had passed between him and the young lady, but also the details of his -interview with the general on the river bank. - -"You see, then," he said in conclusion, "that the situation is growing -more and more critical, and they mean war." - -"Yes, it is war; but so long as the least hope is left me, be assured, -brother, that I shall not give them the satisfaction of supplying a -pretext for a rupture." - -"You must play more cautiously than ever, brother. However, unless I am -greatly mistaken, we shall speedily know what we have to expect." - -"That is my opinion too." - -At this moment Don Cornelio appeared, accompanied by Curumilla. - -"I beg your pardon," he said to the hunter; "but I should feel obliged -by your putting matters right with the chief, who persists in telling me -that we are at this moment closely watched by an Indian war party." - -"What!" Valentine said, frowning. "What is that you say, Don Cornelio?" - -"Look here. While walking in the neighbourhood of the mission with the -chief, I picked up this----" - -"Let me see," Valentine said. - -Don Cornelio handed him a moccasin, which the hunter examined -attentively for several minutes. - -"Hum!" he then said, "this is serious. Where did you find it?" - -"On the river bank." - -"What do you think of it, chief?" Valentine said, turning to the -Araucano. - -"The moccasin is new--it has been lost. Curumilla has seen numerous -trails." - -"Listen," Don Louis said quickly. "Tell no one about this discovery: -we must distrust everything, for treachery is hovering around us, -and threatens us from all sides at once. While I strengthen our -intrenchments under pretext of a longer stay here, you, brother, will go -out to reconnoitre with the chief, and assure yourself of what we have -really to fear from the Indians." - -"Be quiet, brother: on your side, keep a good watch." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SPY. - - -It was about eight in the morning when Valentine and Curumilla left -Don Louis. The hunter had passed the whole night without closing an -eye. He felt fatigued: his eyelids, weighed down with sleep, closed -involuntarily. Still he prepared to make the researches his foster -brother had intrusted to him, when Curumilla, noticing his condition, -invited him to take a few hours' rest, remarking that he did not -absolutely want him in following up the trail he had noticed in the -morning, and that he would give him a good account of all he did. - -Valentine placed the most entire confidence in Curumilla. Many times, -during the course of their common existence, he had been in a position -to appreciate the sagacity, cleverness, and experience of the chief; -hence he needed but little pressing to consent to his proposition of -going out alone, and after giving him the warmest recommendations, he -wrapped himself up in his cloak, and fell off to sleep at once. - -He had enjoyed for about two hours a peaceful and refreshing nap when -he felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder. So light as the touch was, -it was sufficient to arouse the hunter, who, like all men habituated -to prairie life, maintained, if we may use the expression, a sense -of external things even during sleep. He opened his eyes, and looked -fixedly at the man who had come to disturb the rest he was enjoying, -while mentally consigning him to the deuce. - -"Well," he said, with the harsh accent of a man aroused at the -pleasantest moment of a dream, "what do you want of me, Don Cornelio? -Could you not select a more favourable moment to talk with me, for I -suppose what you have to say to me is not extremely important?" - -Don Cornelio (for it was really that gentleman who awoke Valentine) laid -his finger on his mouth, while looking suspiciously around, as if to -recommend caution to the hunter; then he leant over his ear. - -"Pardon me, Don Valentine," he said; "but I believe that the -communication I have to make to you is of the utmost importance." - -Valentine sprang up as if moved by a spring, and looked the Spaniard in -the face. - -"What is the matter, then?" he asked in a low and concentrated voice, -which, however, had something imperious about it. - -"I will tell you in two words. Colonel Flores (whose face, by the way, -does not at all please me) has been doing nothing but prowl round the -mission since the morning, inquiring what has been done and left undone, -gossiping with one or the other, and trying, above all, to discover -the opinion of our men as regards the chief. There was not much harm -in that, perhaps, but, so soon as he saw you were asleep, he learnt -that the count, who was engaged with his correspondence, had given -orders that he should not be disturbed for some hours. Upon this he -pretended, to retire to a half-ruined cabin situated at the outskirts -of the mission; but a few minutes after, when he supposed that no one -was thinking about him, instead of taking a siesta as he had given out, -he slipped away from the hut among the trees like a man afraid of being -surprised, and disappeared in the forest." - -"Ah, ah!" Valentine said thoughtfully, "what interest can that man have -in absenting himself so secretly?" Then he added, "Has he been gone -long?" - -"Hardly ten minutes." - -Valentine rose. - -"Remain here," he said. "In case the colonel returns during my absence, -watch him carefully; but do not let him suspect anything. I thank you -for not having hesitated to wake me. The matter is serious." - -Then, breaking off the conversation, the hunter quitted Don Cornelio, -and gliding along under the shadow of the ruins, so as to attract -no attention, entered the forest. In the meanwhile, Colonel Flores, -believing Valentine to be asleep, and knowing that the count was -writing, felt no apprehension about being followed. He walked rapidly -toward the river, not taking any trouble to hide his footsteps--an -imprudence by which the hunter profited, and which placed him at once on -the track of the man he was watching. - -The colonel soon arrived at the river. The most complete calm prevailed -around; the alligators were wallowing in the mud; the flamingoes were -fishing negligently: all, in a word, evidenced the absence of man. -Still, the colonel had scarce appeared on the bank ere an individual, -hanging by his arms from the branch of a tree, descended to the ground -scarce a couple of paces from him. At this unexpected apparition the -colonel recoiled, stifling a cry of surprise and alarm; but he had not -the time to recover from his emotion ere a second individual leaped in -the same fashion on the sand. Mechanically Don Francisco raised his eyes -to the tree. - -"Oh, oh!" the first arrival said with a coarse laugh, "you need not -take the trouble to look up there, Garrucholo; no one is left there." - -At the name of Garrucholo the colonel shuddered, and attentively -examined the two men who had presented themselves in so strange -a manner, as they stood motionless before him, and looked at him -derisively. The first of the two was a white man, as could be easily -recognised at the first glance, in spite of his bronzed complexion, -which was almost of the colour of brick. The clothes he wore were -exactly like those of the Indians. This interesting personage was armed -to the teeth, and held a long rifle in his hand. His comrade was a -redskin, painted and armed for war. - -"Eh?" the first speaker continued. "I fancy you do not recognise me, -boy. By God, you have a short memory!" - -This oath, and, above all, the strong accent with which the man -expressed himself in Spanish, although he spoke that language fluently, -were a ray of light for the colonel. - -"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead. - -"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not -forgotten me, companero." - -This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; -still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen. - -"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked. - -"And you?" the other answered boldly. - -"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained." - -"And mine too." - -"Ah!" - -"Hang it! I am here because you are so." - -"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, -will you?" - -"I am quite ready to do so, but the spot is badly selected for talking -Come with me." - -"I beg your pardon, Buitre, my friend. We are, as you said yourself, old -acquaintances." - -"Which means?" - -"That I doubt you excessively." - -The bandit began laughing. - -"A confidence that honours me," he said, "and of which I am deserving. -Did you find in the mission church the hilt of a dagger with an S -engraved on the pommel?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. That hilt signified, I think, that you were to take a walk -in this quarter?" - -"It did." - -"Well, the persons with whom you must converse are before you. Do you -now understand?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then let us have a talk; but as what we have to say only concerns -ourselves, and it is unnecessary to mix up in our business people who -have no concern with it, we will proceed to a spot where we shall have -nothing to fear from indiscreet ears." - -"Who the deuce do you expect will surprise you here?" - -"No one, probably; but, my esteemed friend, as prudence is the mother of -safety, I have become, since our last parting, extraordinarily prudent." - -"I'll go wherever you please." - -"Come on." - -The three men re-entered the forest. - -Valentine followed them pace by pace. They did not go far. On arriving a -certain distance from the river they stopped at the entrance of a large -clearing, in the centre of which rose an enormous block of green rock. -The three men clambered up, and, on reaching the top, lay down at their -ease on a species of platform. - -"There!" El Buitre said, "I believe we can talk here in perfect surety." - -Valentine was for an instant rather disappointed at this precaution -on the part of the bandits. Still he did not give in. The hunter was -accustomed to see material impossibilities arise before him of the same -nature as in the present case. After a few seconds' reflection he looked -around him with a malicious glance. - -"Now to see who is the most cunning," he muttered. - -He lay down on the ground. The grass grew tall, green, and close in -the clearing; and Valentine began crawling, with a slow and almost -imperceptible motion, in the direction of the rocks, passing through the -grass without imparting the slightest oscillation to it. After about a -quarter of an hour of this manoeuvre the hunter saw his efforts crowned -with success; for he reached a spot where it was possible for him to -rise, and whence he was enabled to overhear perfectly all that was said -on the platform, while himself remaining invisible. - -Unfortunately the time he had employed in gaining his observatory -prevented him hearing what were probably very important matters. At the -moment he began listening El Buitre was the speaker. - -"Bah, bah!" he said with that mocking accent peculiar to him, "I answer -for success. Even if the French are devils, each of them is not equal to -two men. Hang it all, let me alone!" - -"_Canarios!_ may I be hanged if I interfere at all in this affair! I -have done too much already," the colonel made answer. - -"You are always a trembler. How do you expect that men half demoralised, -fatigued by a long journey, can resist the combined and well-directed -attack of my brother's, this Apache chief's, band, supported as they -will be by the eighty scoundrels the Mexican Government has placed at my -disposal for this expedition?" - -"I do not know what the French will do; but you will, perhaps, learn -that they are stout fellows." - -"All the better--we shall have the more fun." - -"Take care not to have too much," El Garrucholo said with a grin. - -"Go to the deuce with your observations! Besides, I have a grudge -against their chief, as you know." - -"Bah! how can a man like you have a grudge against anyone in particular? -He only has a grudge against riches. Who are your men?" - -"_Civicos_--real bandits--regular game for the gallows. My dear fellow, -they will perform miracles." - -"What! civicos? The idea is glorious--the men whom the hacenderos pay -and support for the purpose of fighting the redskins." - -"Good Lord, yes, that is the way of the world. This time they will fight -by the side of the redskins against the whites. The idea is original, -is it not, especially as, for this affair, they will be disguised as -Indians?" - -"Better still. And the chief, how many warriors has he with him?" - -"I do not know; he will tell you himself." - -The chief had remained gloomy and silent during this conversation, and -the colonel now turned toward him with an inquiring glance. - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," the redskin said in his guttural -voice: "two hundred Apache warriors follow his war plume." - -El Garrucholo gave a significant whistle. - -"Well," he continued, "I maintain what I said." - -"What?" - -"You will receive an awful thrashing." - -El Buitre repressed with difficulty a gesture of ill-temper. - -"Enough," he said; "you do not know the Indians. This chief is one of -the bravest sachems of his tribe. His reputation is immense in the -prairies. The warriors placed under his orders are all picked men." - -"Very good. Do what you please: I wash my hands of it." - -"Can we at least reckon on you?" - -"I will execute punctually the orders I received from the general." - -"I ask no more." - -"Then nothing is changed?" - -"Nothing. Always the same hour and the same signal." - -"In that case it is useless for us to remain longer together. I will -return to the mission, for I must try to avoid any suspicion." - -"Go, and may the demon continue his protection to you!" - -"Thanks." - -The colonel left the platform. Valentine hesitated a moment, thinking -whether he should follow him; but, after due reflection, he felt -persuaded that all was not finished yet, and that he should probably -still obtain some precious information. El Buitre shrugged his -shoulders, and turning to the Indian chief, who was still impassive, -said,-- - -"Pride has ruined that man. He was a jolly comrade a few years back." - -"What will my brother do now?" - -"Not much. I shall remain in hiding here until the sun has run -two-thirds of its course, and then go and rejoin my comrades." - -"The chief will retire. His warriors are still far off." - -"Very good. Then we shall not meet again till the appointed moment?" - -"No. The paleface will attack on the side of the forest, while the -Apaches advance by the river." - -"All right! But let us be prudent, for a misunderstanding might prove -fatal. I will draw as near as possible to the mission; but I warn you -that I shall not budge till I hear your signal." - -"Wah! my brother will open his ears, and the miawling of the tiger-cat -will warn him that the Apaches have arrived." - -"I understand perfectly. One parting remark, chief." - -"I listen to the paleface." - -"It is clearly understood that the booty will be shared equally between -us?" - -The Indian gave a wicked smile. - -"Yes," he said. - -"No treachery between us, redskin, or, by God! I warn you that I will -flay you alive like a mad dog." - -"The palefaces have too long a tongue." - -"That is possible; but if you do not wish misfortune to fall on you, -profit by my words." - -The Indian only replied by a gesture of contempt: he wrapped himself in -his buffalo robe, and retired slowly. - -The bandit looked after him for a moment. - -"Miserable dog!" he muttered, "so soon as I can do without you I will -settle your account, be assured." - -The Indian had disappeared. - -"Hum! what shall I be after now?" El Buitre continued. - -Suddenly a man bounded like a jaguar, and, before the bandit could even -understand what was happening, he was firmly garotted, and reduced to a -state of complete powerlessness. - -"You do not know what to be after? Well, I will tell you," Valentine -remarked, as he sat down quietly by his side. - -The first moment of surprise past, the bandit regained all his coolness -and audacity, and looked impudently at the hunter. - -"By God! I do not know you, comrade," he said; "but I must confess you -managed that cleverly." - -"You are a connoisseur." - -"Slightly so." - -"Yes, I am aware of it." - -"But you have tied me a little too tightly. Your confounded reata cuts -into my flesh." - -"Bah! you will grow used to it." - -"Hum!" the bandit remarked. "Did you hear all we said?" - -"Nearly all." - -"Deuce take me if people can now talk in the desert without having -listeners!" - -"What would you? It is a melancholy fact." - -"Well, I must put up with it, I suppose. You were saying----" - -"I! I did not say a word." - -"Ah! I beg your pardon in that case; but I fancied you were -cross-questioning me. You probably did not tie me up like a plug of -tobacco for the mere fun of the thing." - -"There is some truth in your observation. I had, I allow, another -object." - -"What is it?" - -"To enjoy your conversation for a moment." - -"You are a thousand times too kind." - -"Opportunities for conversing are so rare in the desert." - -"That is true." - -"So you are on an expedition?" - -"Yes, I am: a man must be doing something." - -"That is true also. Be good enough to give me a few details." - -"About what?" - -"Why, this expedition." - -"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible." - -"Only think of that! Why so?" - -"I know very little." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me -to do a thing for me to refuse." - -Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a -bluish flash. - -"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?" - -"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin. - -"Oh, oh!" Valentine remarked. "Still I hope I shall alter your opinion." - -"Try it. Stay!" he added, suddenly changing his tone. "Enough of that -sort of farce. I am in your power--nothing can save me. Kill me--no -matter, I shall not say a word." - -The two men exchanged glances of strange expressiveness. - -"You are an idiot," Valentine answered coldly; "you understand nothing." - -"I understand that you want to know the secrets of the expedition." - -"You are a fool, my dear friend. Did I not tell you that I knew all?" - -The bandit seemed to reflect for a minute. - -"What do you want, then?" he said. - -"Merely to buy you." - -"Hum! that will be dear." - -"You do not say no?" - -"I never say no to anything." - -"I see you are becoming reasonable." - -"Who knows?" - -"At how much do you estimate your share of this night's booty?" - -El Buitre looked at him as if wishful to read the thoughts in his heart. - -"Hang it! that will mount high." - -"Yes, especially if you are hung!" - -"Oh!" - -"Everything must be foreseen in such a business." - -"You are right." - -"The more so as, if you refuse the bargain I offer you, I will kill you -like a dog." - -"That's a chance." - -"It is very probable. So take my word, let us bargain. Give me your -figure." - -"Fifteen thousand piastres," the bandit exclaimed; "not an ochavo less." - -"Pooh!" Valentine said, "that is little." - -"Eh?" he remarked in amazement. - -"I will give you twenty thousand." - -In spite of the bonds that held him the bandit gave a start. - -"Done!" he exclaimed; but in a moment added, "Where is the sum?" - -"Do you fancy me such a fool as to pay you beforehand?" - -"Hang it! I fancy----" - -"Nonsense! You are mad, compadre. Now that we understand one another, -let me undo you--that will freshen up your ideas." - -He took off the reata. El Buitre rose at once, stamped his foot to -restore the circulation, and then turning to the hunter, who stood -watching him laughingly, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of his -rifle, said,-- - -"At least you have some security to give me?" - -"Yes, and an excellent one." - -"What?" - -"The word of an honest man." - -The bandit made a gesture; but Valentine continued, not seeming to -notice it,-- - -"I am the man whom the whites and Indians have surnamed the -'Trail-hunter.' My name is Valentine Guillois." - -"What!" El Buitre exclaimed with strange emotion, "are you really the -Trail-hunter?" - -"I am," Valentine answered simply. - -El Buitre walked up and down the platform hastily, muttering in a -low voice broken sentences, and evidently a prey to intense emotion. -Suddenly he stopped before the hunter. - -"I accept," he said hurriedly. - -"Tomorrow you shall receive your money." - -"I will none of it." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Valentine, allow me to remain master of my secret for a few days; I -will then explain my conduct to you. Though I am a bandit, every feeling -is not yet dead in my heart; there is one which has remained pure, and -that is gratitude. Trust to me. Henceforth you will not have a more -devoted slave, either for good or evil." - -"Your accent is not that of a man who has the intention of deceiving. I -trust to you, asking no explanation of your sudden change of feeling." - -"At a later date you shall know all, I tell you; and now that we are -alone, explain to me your plan in all its details, in order that I may -help you effectively." - -"Yes," Valentine said, "time presses." - -The two men remained alone for about two hours discussing the hunter's -plan, and when all was settled they separated--Valentine to return to -the mission, and El Buitre to rejoin his companions, who were concealed -a short distance off. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXPLOSION. - - -During Valentine's absence facts of extreme gravity had occurred at the -mission. The Count de Prebois Crance had finished his correspondence, -and held in his hand the letters he had just written, while he gave -a peon, already mounted, his final instructions. At this moment -the advanced posts uttered the cry of "Who goes there?" which was -immediately taken up along the whole line. Louis felt his heart -contracted by this shout, to which he was, however, accustomed; a cold -perspiration beaded on his temples; a mortal pallor covered his face; -and he was forced to lean against a wall lest he should fall, so weak -did he feel. - -"Good heavens!" he stammered in a low voice, "what can be the matter -with me?" - -Let who can explain the cause of this strange emotion, this inner -presentiment which warned the count of a misfortune; for our part, we -confess our inability, and content ourselves with recording the fact. - -The count, however, wrestled with this extraordinary emotion, for which -there was no plausible reason. Owing to a supreme effort of the will, a -perfect reaction took place in him, and he became once more cold, calm, -and stoical, ready to sustain, without weakness as without bravado, the -blow by which he instinctively felt himself menaced. - -In the meanwhile an answer had been returned to the sentries' challenge, -and words exchanged. Don Cornelio came up to the count, his face quite -discomposed by astonishment, and himself a prey to the most lively -emotion. - -"Senor conde----" he said in a panting voice, and then stopped. - -"Well," the count asked, "what is the meaning of those challenges I -heard?" - -"Senor," Don Cornelio continued with an effort, "General Guerrero, -accompanied by his daughter, several other ladies, a dozen officers, and -a powerful escort, requests to be introduced to your presence." - -"He is welcome. At length, then, he consents to treat directly with me." - -Don Cornelio withdrew to carry out the orders he had received, and soon -a brilliant cavalcalde, at the head of which was General Guerrero, -entered the mission. The general was pale, and frowned: it was easy -to see that he with difficulty suppressed a dumb fury that filled his -heart. The adventurers, in scattered groups, and haughtily wrapped up -in their rags, regarded curiously these smart Mexican officers, so vain -and so glittering with gold, who scarce deigned to bestow a glance upon -them. The count walked a few paces toward the general, and uncovered -with a movement full of singular grace. - -"You are welcome, general," he said in his gentle voice; "I am happy to -receive your visit." - -The general did not even lift his finger to his embroidered hat, but, -suddenly stopping his horse when scarce two paces from the count,-- - -"What is the meaning of this, sir?" he exclaimed in an angry voice. "You -are guarded as if in a fortress! You have, Heaven pardon me! sentries -and patrols round your encampment, as if you were in command of a -regular army." - -The count bit his lips; but he restrained himself, and replied in a -calm, though grave voice,-- - -"We are on the edge of the _despoblados_ (deserts), general, and our -safety depends on our vigilance. Although I am not the commander of an -army, I answer for the safety of the men I have the honour of leading. -But will you not dismount, general, so that we may discuss more at our -ease the grave questions which doubtless bring you here?" - -"I will not dismount, sir, nor anyone of my suite, before you have -explained to me your strange conduct." - -Such a flash sparkled in the count's blue eye that, in spite of himself, -the general turned his head away. This conversation had taken place -under the vault of heaven, in the presence of the Frenchmen, who had -collected round the newcomers. The patience of the adventurers was -beginning to grow exhausted, and hoarse, mutterings were heard. With -a sign the count appeased the storm, and silence was immediately -re-established. - -"General," Don Louis continued with perfect calmness, "the words you -address to me are severe. I was far from expecting them, especially -after the way in which I have acted since my landing in Mexico, and the -moderation I have constantly displayed." - -"All that is trifling," the general said furiously. "You Frenchmen have -a honeyed tongue when you wish to deceive us. But, by heavens, I will -teach you differently! You are warned once for all." - -The count drew himself up, and a feverish flush suffused his cheeks. He -put on again the hat he had hitherto held in his hand, and looked the -general boldly in the face. - -"I would observe, Senor Don Sebastian Guerrero," he said, in a voice -broken by emotion, which he attempted in vain to check, "that you -have not returned me my salute, and that you employ strange language -in addressing a gentleman at least as noble as yourself. Is this the -boasted Mexican courtesy? Come to the facts, caballero, without holding -language unworthy of yourself or me; explain yourself frankly, that I -may know, once for all, what I have to hope or fear from these eternal -tergiversations, and the continued treachery of which I am the victim." - -The general remained for a moment thoughtful after this rude apostrophe. -At length he made up his mind, removed his hat, saluted the count -graciously, and suddenly changed his manner. - -"Pardon me, caballero," he said; "I was so far carried away by my temper -as to employ expressions which I deeply regret." - -The count smiled disdainfully. - -"Your apologies are sufficient, sir," he said. - -At the word "apologies" the general quivered, but soon regained command -of himself. - -"Where do you desire that I should communicate to you the orders of my -Government?" - -"At this spot, sir. I have, thanks to Heaven, nothing to hide from my -brave comrades." - -The general, though evidently annoyed, dismounted. The ladies and -officers who accompanied him did the same. The escort alone remained -on horseback, with their ranks closed up. At an order from Don Louis -several tables were produced, and instantaneously covered with -refreshments, of which the French officers began to do the honours with -the grace and gaiety that distinguish their nation. The general and the -count seated themselves on butacas, placed in the doorway of the mission -church, near a table, on which were pen, ink, and paper. - -There was a lengthened silence. It was evident that neither wished to be -the first to speak. The general at length opened the conversation. - -"Oh, oh!" he said, "you have guns with you?" - -"Did you not know it, general?" - -"My faith, no!" - -And he added, with a sarcastic smile,-- - -"Do you intend to pursue the Apaches with such weapons?" - -"At the present moment less than ever, general," Don Louis answered -dryly. "I do not know of what use this artillery will be to me. Still it -is good, and I am convinced that it will not betray me in the hour of -need." - -"Is that a menace, sir?" the general asked significantly. - -"What is the use of threatening when you can act?" the count said -concisely. "But that is not the question, for the present at least. I -am awaiting your pleasure, sir, to explain to me the intentions of your -Government with regard to me." - -"They are kind and paternal, sir." - -"I will wait till you have told me them ere I express any opinion." - -"This is the message I am charged to deliver to you." - -"Ah! have you a message for me?" - -"Yes." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"The message is quite paternal." - -"I am certain of it. Let us see what your Government's intentions are." - -"I should have wished them better, but I consider them acceptable in -their present form." - -"Be kind enough to communicate them to me, general." - -"I was anxious to come myself, senor conde, in order to lessen by my -presence any apparent bitterness these proposals might contain." - -"Ah!" the count remarked, "propositions are made to me; in other words, -and speaking by the card, conditions which it is desired to impose on -me. Very good." - -"Oh, conde, conde, how badly you take what I say to you!" - -"Pardon me, general, you know that I do not speak your magnificent -Spanish very well; still I thank you from my heart for your kindness in -accepting the harsh mission of communicating these propositions to me." - -This was said with an accent of fine raillery which completely -discountenanced the general. - -"I would observe, general, that we are now only a few leagues from the -mine, and the alternative offered me is most painful, especially after -the evasive answers constantly made to me and the persons I sent with -full powers to treat personally with the authorities of the country." - -"That is true; I can comprehend that. Colonel Flores, whom you sent -to me a few days back, will have told you how pained I felt at all -that is happening. I lose as much as yourself. Unfortunately, you will -understand me, my dearest count, I must obey, whether I like it or not." - -"I understand perfectly," Louis answered ironically, "how deeply pained -you must feel." - -"Alas!" the general said, more embarrassed than ever, and who began to -regret in his heart that he was not accompanied by a larger force. - -"Well, as it is useless to prolong this position indefinitely, as it is -so cruel for you, explain yourself without further circumlocution, I -beg." - -"Hum! Remember that I am in no way responsible." - -The fact is the general was afraid. - -"Go on--go on!" - -"The propositions are as follow:--You are enjoined----" - -"Oh! that is a harsh term," Louis observed. - -The general shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say that he had -nothing to do with drawing up the document. - -"Well, then," the count said, "we are enjoined----" - -"Yes, First. Either to consent to give up your nationality as -Frenchmen----" - -"Pardon me," the count interrupted, and laid his hand on the general's -arm, "an instant, if you please. As I see that what you are commissioned -to communicate to me interests all my comrades, it is my duty to invite -them to be present at the reading of these propositions; for you have -them in writing, I believe?" - -"Yes," the general stammered, turning livid. - -"Very good. Buglers!" the count shouted in a high and imperative voice, -"sound the assembly." - -Ten minutes later the whole company was ranged round the table, at -which the general and the count were seated. Don Louis looked carefully -around, and then noticed the Mexican officers and ladies, who, curious -to know what was going on, had also drawn nearer. - -"Chairs for these ladies and caballeros," he said. "Pray excuse me, -senoras, if I do not pay you all the attention you deserve; but I am -only a poor adventurer, and we are in the desert." - -Then, when all had taken their seats,-- - -"Give me a copy of these proposals," he said to the general; "I will -read them myself." - -The general obeyed mechanically. - -"Gentlemen and dear comrades," Don Louis then said in a sharp voice, -in which, however, a scarcely suppressed anger could be noticed, "when -I enrolled you at San Francisco, I showed you the authentic documents -conferring on me the ownership of the mines of the Plancha de Plata, did -I not?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers shouted with one voice. - -"You read at the foot of those documents the names of Don Antonio -Pavo, President of the Mexican Republic, and of General Don Sebastian -Guerrero, present here at this moment. You then knew on what conditions -you enlisted, and also the engagements the Mexican Government entered -into with you. Today, after three months' marching and counter-marching; -after suffering without a murmur all the annoyances it pleased the -Mexican Government to inflict on you; when you have proved, by your good -conduct and severe discipline, that you were in every way worthy to -fulfil honourably the mission that was intrusted to you; when, finally, -in spite of the incessant obstacles continually raised in your path, you -have arrived within less than ten leagues of the mines, do you know what -the Mexican Government demands of you? Listen: I will tell you, for you -are even more interested than myself in the question." - -A thrill of curiosity ran through the ranks of the adventurers. - -"Speak--speak!" they shouted. - -"You have three alternatives:--First. You are enjoined to resign your -French nationality, and become Mexicans, and will be permitted to -work the mines, without any pay, under the supreme command of General -Guerrero, whose aide-de-camp I shall become." - -An Homeric burst of laughter greeted this proposition. - -"The second--let us have the second!" some shouted. - -"_Sapristi!_" others remarked, "these Mexicans are not fools to wish to -have us for their countrymen." - -"Go on--go on!" the remainder howled. - -The count gave a sign, and silence was re-established. - -"Secondly. You are ordered to take out cards of surety if you wish to -remain Frenchmen. By means of such cards you can go anywhere: still, -as foreigners, you will be forbidden any possession--that is to say, -working--of the mines. You have quite understood me, I presume?" - -"Yes, yes! The last one--the last one!" - -"I did not fancy the Mexicans were such funny fellows," a soldier -remarked. - -"Thirdly. I personally am ordered to reduce the company to fifty men, to -hand over my command to a Mexican officer, and on that condition you can -at once take possession of the mines." - -When the captain had ended his reading there was such an explosion of -laughter, shouts, and yells, that for nearly a quarter of an hour it -was almost impossible to hear anything. At length the count succeeded -in restoring some degree of order and silence, though with considerable -difficulty. - -"Such are the paternal intentions of the Mexican Government as regards -us. What do you think of them, my friends? Still, I implore you, do -not allow yourselves to be carried away by your just indignation, -but reflect deeply on what you think it your duty to do for your own -interests. As for myself, my resolution is formed--it is immutable; and -even if it cost my life, I shall not alter it. But you, my friends, my -brethren, your private interests cannot be mine; hence do not sacrifice -yourselves through friendship and devotion to me. You know me well -enough to put faith in my words. Those among you who wish to leave me -will be free to do so: not only will I not oppose their departure, but I -shall bear them no ill will. The strange position in which we are placed -by the ill faith of the Mexicans imposes on me obligations and a line of -conduct to which you can refuse to submit without disgrace. From this -moment I release you from every engagement with me. I am no longer your -chief, but I will ever be your friend and brother." - -These words had scarce been uttered ere the adventurers, through an -irresistible impulse, overthrowing all in their way, rushed toward the -count, surrounded him with shouts and cries, lifted him in their arms, -and showered on him assurances of their complete devotion. - -"Long live the count! Long live Louis! Long live our chief! Death to the -Mexicans! Down with the traitors!" - -Their effervescence assumed proportions which threatened to become -dangerous to the Mexicans at the moment in the camp. The exasperation -was at its height. Still, owing to the influence the count exerted over -his comrades, and the energetic conduct of the officers, the tumult -gradually died out, and all returned nearly to the normal condition. - -General Guerrero, at first alarmed by the effect produced on the French -by the untoward propositions of which he had constituted himself the -bearer, soon reassured himself, however, especially on seeing with -what abnegation and loyalty the count protected him against the just -indignation of his companions. Nearly sure of running no risk, owing to -the noble character of the man he had so unjustly deceived, he resolved -to strike the final blow. - -"Caballeros," he said in that honeyed voice peculiar to the Mexicans, -"permit me to address a few words to you." - -At this request the tumult was on the point of recommencing: still the -count succeeded in producing a stormy silence, if we may be allowed to -employ the phrase. - -"General, you can speak," he said to him. - -"Gentlemen," Don Sebastian went on, "I have only a few words to add. -The Count de Prebois Crance has read you the conditions the Mexican -Government imposes, but he was unable to read to you the consequences of -a refusal to obey those conditions." - -"That is true, sir. Be good enough, therefore, to make them known to us." - -"It is a terrible duty for me to fulfil; still I must do so for your -benefit, caballeros." - -"Come to the point!" the adventurers shouted. - -The general unfolded a paper, and after a moment of hesitation he read -as follows, with a voice which, spite of all his efforts, slightly -trembled:-- - -"Count Don Louis de Prebois Crance, and all the men who remain faithful -to him, will be regarded as pirates; placed without the pale of the law, -and arrested as such; tried by a military commission, and shot within -twenty-four hours." - -"Is that all, sir?" the count asked coldly. - -At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the -proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree. - -"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have -nothing further to add?" - -"I regret, senor conde----" - -"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call -me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons -that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the -satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor -the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here -as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your -departure." - -The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen -death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to -prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders -for immediate departure. At this moment Dona Angela, suddenly emerged -from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked -forward, majestically robed in her _rebozo_, her eye flashing with a -sombre fire. - -"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was -silent, and regarded her with astonishment. - -"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you----" - -"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, senor conde. -As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious -treachery of which you are a victim, I--a woman, the daughter of your -most implacable enemy--declare openly before all, that you, count, are -the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy -country. You are misunderstood--insulted; and the epithet of pirate is -attached to your name. Well, pirate--be it so. Don Louis, I love you! -Henceforth I am yours--yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. -As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will -pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you." - -The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, -and raised his eyes to heaven. - -"Dona Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and -whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love." - -"Now, my father, let us go," she said to the general, who was half -mad with rage, and who yet did not dare give way to his passion; and -turning for the last time to the count, she said, "Good-by, Don Louis! -My betrothed, we shall soon meet again." - -And she left the camp, accompanied by the enthusiastic shouts of the -adventurers. - -The Mexicans marched out with drooping heads and a blush on their -foreheads. In spite of themselves they were ashamed of the infamous -treachery they had dealt out to men whom they had earnestly summoned, -whom they had deluded during four months with false promises, and whom -they were now preparing to rush upon like wild beasts. - -Scarce two hours after these events occurred Valentine re-entered the -camp. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE FIRST POWDER BURNT. - - -The emotion caused by the general's visit gradually calmed down. The -Frenchmen, so long the sport of Mexican bad faith, experienced almost -joy at seeing themselves at length liberated from the inextricable web -of trickery which had encompassed them. With that carelessness which -forms the basis of the national character, they began laughing and -jibing at the Mexicans generally, and especially at the authorities of -the country, of whom they had to complain so greatly, though without -daring to offer the least observation, through respect for their chief. -Full of confidence in the count, without calculating that they were only -a handful of men abandoned to their own resources, without help or -possible protection, more than six thousand leagues from their country, -they indulged to the fullest extent of their imagination in the wildest -dreams, discussing among themselves the most extraordinary and daring -plans, without ever supposing, in their candid filibustering simplicity, -that even the least extravagant of their dreams was impossible to -realise. - -Louis would not allow the ardour of his volunteers to be chilled. After -consulting with his officers, to whom he submitted his plans, which they -accepted enthusiastically, by Valentine's advice he ordered a general -assembly of the company. The bugles at once sounded, and the adventurers -collected around headquarters. - -"Gentlemen," the count said, "you see in what a position the breach of -faith of the Mexican authorities has placed us; but this position, in my -opinion, is far from being desperate. Still I must not conceal from you -that it is extremely grave, and, from certain information I have from -a good source, it threatens to become still more so. We have two modes -in which to act. The first is to proceed by forced marches to Guaymas, -seize a vessel, and embark ere our enemies have thought about opposing -our departure." - -A long murmur of dissatisfaction greeted these words. - -"Gentlemen," the count continued, "it was my duty to submit this -proposition to you, and you will discuss it amongst yourselves. If -it does not suit you, no more need be said. And now for the second. -Mexico, since its emancipation, has languished in a state of the most -scandalous barbarism. It would be grand to regenerate this people, or -at least attempt it. The American emigration from the United States -is at this moment invading California, leaving other emigrants no -means, I will not say of prospering, but even of keeping on a footing -of equality with the Yankees. We are here in Sonora, 200 resolute -Frenchmen, well armed and disciplined. Let us seize a large town to have -a basis of operations; then we will summon to us the French emigrants -from California and all America. Let us emancipate Sonora, make it free -and strong, civilise it in spite of itself, and not only shall we have -created an outlet for French immigration, but have regenerated a people -and formed a colony which will advantageously balance American influence -on these shores, and oppose a dyke to its incessant encroachments. -We shall have acquired a claim to the gratitude of our country, and -have avenged ourselves on our enemies in the way Frenchmen revenge -themselves; that is to say, by responding to their insults by kindness. -Such, gentlemen, are the two sole methods we can select which would -be worthy of men like us. Weigh my words carefully; reflect on my -propositions; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you will inform me of your -intentions through the channel of your officers. Remember one thing -before all, comrades, and that is, you must maintain strict discipline -among yourselves. Obey me passively, and place unbounded faith in me. -If you fail in one of the duties I impose on you at this moment, we -are all lost; for the struggle will become impossible, and consequently -our enemies will gain an easy victory over us. In conclusion, brethren, -accept my word that whatever may be the circumstances in which we find -ourselves--however magnificent the offers that may be made me--I will -never abandon you. We will perish or succeed together." - -This speech was greeted as it deserved to be; that is to say, with -an enthusiasm impossible to describe. The count then withdrew with -Valentine. - -"Alas, brother!" he said to him, with an expression of heart-rending -sorrow, "the die is now cast. I, Count de Prebois Crance, am a rebel, a -pirate: I am at open war with a recognised power, with a constitutional -Government. What can I do with the few men I command? I shall perish -in the first battle--the combat is senseless. I shall be ere long the -laughing stock of the world. Who could have predicted this when I left -San Francisco, full of hope, to work those mines which I shall never -see? What has become of my fair dreams, my seductive hopes?" - -"Do not allow yourself to be downcast, brother," Valentine answered. -"At present, above all, you need all your intellect and all your energy -to fulfil worthily the task accident imposes on you. Remember that from -this intellect and this energy depends the safety of two hundred of your -countrymen, whom you have sworn to lead back to the seashore; and you -must keep your oath." - -"I will die with them. What more can they demand?" - -"That you should save them," the hunter replied sternly. - -"That is my most anxious desire." - -"Your position is a fine one--you are not so alone as you fancy." - -"How so?" - -"Have you not the French colony of Guetzalli, founded by the Count de -Lhorailles?" - -"Yes," Louis answered sadly; "but the count is dead." - -"He is; but the colony exists, and is prosperous. You will find there -fifty to sixty resolute men, who ask no better than to join you, even if -merely through the spirit of adventure." - -"Fifty men are very few." - -"Nonsense! They are more than you need when dealing with Mexicans. -Do one thing more: prepare an insurrection among the half savage -population, whose alcaldes pine secretly at their secondary position, -and the species of vassaldom into which the Mexican Government forces -them." - -"Oh, oh!" Louis said, "that is a good idea. But where is the man who -will undertake to visit this people, and negotiate with the alcaldes of -the Pueblos?" - -"I will, if you like." - -"I did not dare ask it. Thank you. I, for my part, will prepare -everything in order to begin with a terrible blow, which will startle -the Mexican Government by giving it an idea of our strength." - -"Good! Before all, do not forget that, until fresh orders, the war you -undertake must be an uninterrupted succession of daring blows." - -"Oh! you may be at ease. Now that the Mexicans have lifted the mask, -and forced me to defend myself, they will learn to know the men they -have so long despised, and whom they fancied cowards because they were -good-hearted." - -"Has Colonel Flores left?" - -"No, not yet." - -"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext." - -"Why so?" - -"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from -the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more -important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican -colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched." - -"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to -be taken?" - -"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced." - -The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were -busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun -carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of -laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all -their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of -dealing and receiving blows. - -Colonel Flores wandered about rather sadly in the midst of the -confusion: his position was becoming difficult, and he felt it. Still -he did not know how to prolong his stay among the Frenchmen, now that -war was declared, and the interests of the company of which he was -the delegate were completely laid aside; and thus the only plausible -reason he could allege for remaining was cut away. Since the Frenchmen's -arrival in Mexico the double character played by the colonel brought him -handsome sums: his profession of spy, rendered easy by the confiding -frankness of the adventurers, had been to him a source of enormous -profit, and people do not give up without pain a lucrative engagement. - -Thus the colonel's brow was anxious, for he racked his brains in -vain for a plausible excuse to offer the count. In the height of his -diplomatic combinations Valentine came to him, and told him, with the -most innocent air possible, that Don Louis was seeking for him, and -wished to speak with him. The colonel shuddered at the news: he thanked -the hunter, and hastened to the count. Valentine looked after him with -an ironical smile; and, certain that Louis would detain him long enough -by his side, he commenced the execution of the plan he had prepared. - -While all this was occurring night had set in--a gloomy and sad night, -without a star in the sky. The clouds shot rapidly across the sickly -disc of the moon, and intercepted its rays. The wind lamented sadly as -it whistled through the branches of the trees, which dashed against each -other with a lugubrious sound. In the mysterious depths of the forest -could be heard growls and savage yells, mingled with the dashing of the -cascade and the monotonous clashing of the pebbles rolled on the bank by -the river. It was one of those nights in which nature seems to associate -herself with human sorrows, and lament at the crimes for which her -gloomy shadows serve as a veil. - -By Valentine's orders the trees had been cut down for a distance of -fifty yards round the camp, in order to clear the ground, and deprive -the enemy of the chance of creeping up to the intrenchments unseen. -On the space thus left free enormous fires were kindled at regular -intervals. These fires, whose tall flames illumined the prairie for a -considerable distance, formed a brilliant circle round the camp, which -was itself plunged in complete obscurity. Not the slightest light -flashed in the mission. The intrenchments appeared to be deserted--not -a sentry could be seen. The mission had fallen back into the silence of -solitude--all was calm and tranquil. - -But this calm concealed the tempest. In the shadow palpitated the -anxious hearts of the men who, with ear on the watch, and finger on the -trigger, awaited motionless the arrival of their enemies. The hours, -however, passed away slowly one after the other, and nothing justified -the apprehensions expressed by Valentine as to a speedy attack. - -The count was walking up and down the church which served as his -retreat, listening anxiously to the slightest sounds that interrupted -the silence at intervals. At times he turned an angry and impatient look -upon the desert country, but nothing stirred--the same calm continued -ever to oppress nature. Wearied by this long and enervating delay, -he quitted the church, and proceeded toward the intrenchments. The -adventurers were at their posts, stretched on the ground, each man with -his hand on the trigger. - -"Have you seen or heard nothing yet?" the count asked, though he knew -beforehand the answer he would receive, and rather for the purpose of -deceiving his impatience than with any other object. - -"Nothing," Don Cornelio answered coldly, who happened to be close to him. - -"Ah! it is you," the count said. "And Colonel Flores, what have you done -with him?" - -"I followed your instructions, commandant. He is asleep." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Spaniard smiled. - -"I guarantee that he will sleep at least till sunrise," he said. "I -managed matters well." - -"Very good; in that case we have nothing to fear from him." - -"Nothing at all." - -"Has anyone seen Don Valentine or the Indian chief?" - -"No; they both went out at sunset, and have not reappeared since." - -While speaking thus the two men were looking out, and their eyes -attentively examined the plain: hence they made a gesture of surprise, -almost of alarm, on suddenly perceiving a man who seemed to emerge from -the ground, and rose between them like a phantom. - -"_Valgame Dios!_" the superstitious Spaniard said as he crossed himself, -"what is this?" - -The count quickly drew a revolver from his girdle. - -"Do not fire," the newcomer said as he laid his hand on the count's arm. - -"Curumilla!" the count exclaimed in surprise. - -"Silence!" the Araucano commanded. - -"Where is Valentine?" - -"He sent me." - -"Then the redskins will not attack us this night?" - -Curumilla regarded the count with amazement. - -"Does not my brother see them?" he said. - -"Where?" the count asked in astonishment. - -"There!" Curumilla answered, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the plain. - -Don Louis and Don Cornelio looked out for several instants with the most -sustained attention; but, in spite of all their efforts, they perceived -nothing. The plain was still just as naked, lighted up by the ruddy -glare from the braseros: here and there alone lay the trunks of the -trees felled during the day to leave an open prospect. - -"No," they said at length, "we see nothing." - -"The eyes of the white men are closed at night," the chief muttered -sententiously. - -"But where are they?" the count asked impatiently. "Why did you not warn -us?" - -"My brother Koutonepi sends me for that purpose." - -The name of Koutonepi--that is to say, the Valiant--had been given to -Valentine by the Araucanos on his arrival in America, and Curumilla -never called him otherwise. - -"Then make haste to teach us, chief, that we may foil the accursed -stratagem which these demons have doubtlessly invented." - -"Let my brother warn his brothers to be ready to fight." - -The word ran immediately along the line from one to the other. Curumilla -then tranquilly shouldered his rifle, and aimed at a trunk of a tree -rather nearer the intrenchments than the rest. - -Never did a shot produce such an effect. A horrible yell rose from -the plain, and a swarm of redskins, rising, as if moved by a spring, -from behind the stems of trees that sheltered them, rushed toward the -intrenchments, bounding like coyotes, uttering fearful yells, and -brandishing their weapons furiously. - -But the Frenchmen were prepared for this attack: they received the -Indians at the bayonet point without recoiling an inch, and answering -their ferocious yells with the unanimous shout of "VIVE LA FRANCE!" - -From this moment war was, _de facto_, declared. The French had smelled -powder, and the Mexicans were about to learn, at their own expense, what -rude enemies they had so madly brought on themselves. - -Still the redskins, led and animated by their chief, fought with -extraordinary obstinacy. The majority of the Frenchmen who composed -the company were ignorant of the way of fighting with the Indians, and -it was the first time they had come into collision with them. While -valiantly resisting them, and inflicting on them terrible losses, they -could not refrain from admiring the audacious temerity of these men, -who, half naked and wielding wretched weapons, yet rushed upon them with -invincible courage, and only fell back when dead. - -Suddenly a second band, more numerous than the first, and composed -entirely of horsemen, burst on to the battlefield, and sustained the -efforts of the assailants. The latter, feeling themselves supported, -redoubled their yells and efforts. The medley became terrible: the -combatants fought hand to hand, lacerating each other like wild beasts. - -The French bugles and drums sounded the charge heartily. - -"A sortie--a sortie!" the adventurers shouted, ashamed at being thus -held in check by enemies apparently so insignificant. - -"Kill, kill!" - -The Indians responded with their war cry. - -An Indian chief, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and with his body -naked to the waist, curveted in the front rank of his men, dropping -with his club every man that came within reach of his arm. Twice he -had made his steed leap at the barricades, and twice he scaled them, -though unable to clear them completely. This chief was Mixcoatzin. His -black eye flashed with a sombre fire; his arm seemed indefatigable; -and everyone withdrew from this terrible enemy, who was apparently -invincible. - -The sachem redoubled his boldness, incessantly urging on his men, and -insulting the whites by his shouts and ironical gestures. - -Suddenly a third troop appeared on the battlefield, which, owing to -the braziers, was as light as day. But this troop, composed, like -the second, of horsemen, instead of joining the Indians, formed a -semicircle, and charged them furiously, shouting,-- - -"_A muerte_--_a muerte!_" - -Valentine's powerful voice at this moment rose above the tumult of -battle, and even reached those he wished to warn. - -"Now is the time!" he shouted. - -The count heard him. Turning then to fifty of the adventurers who -bad remained inactive since the beginning of the action, chafing and -trailing their arms,-- - -"It is our turn, comrades!" he shouted as he drew his long sword. Then, -opening the wicket, he bounded boldly into the _melee_, followed by his -party, who rushed after him with shouts of joy. The Indians were caught -between two fires--a thing which rarely happens--and compelled to -fight in the open. Still they were not discouraged, for Indian bravery -surpasses all belief. Finding themselves surrounded, they resolved to -die bravely sooner than surrender; and though not nearly so well armed -as their enemies, they received their attack with unlessened resolution. - -But the Indians, on this occasion, had not to do with Mexicans, and soon -discovered the difference. The charge of the Frenchmen was irresistible: -they passed like a tornado through the redskins, who, in spite of their -resolution, were compelled to give ground. But flight was impossible. -Recalled by the voices of their chiefs, who, while themselves fighting -bravely, did not cease to urge them to redouble their efforts, they -returned to the combat. The struggle then assumed the gigantic -proportions of a horrible carnage. It was no longer a battle, but a -butchery, in which each sought to kill, caring little about falling -himself, so long as he dragged down his foeman with him. - -Valentine, the greater part of whose life had been spent in the desert, -and who had frequently encountered the Indians, had never before seen -them display so great animosity, and, above all, such obstinacy; for -usually, when they suffer a check, far from obstinately continuing a -fight without any possible advantageous result for themselves, they -retire immediately, and seek safety in a hurried flight; but this time -their mode of fighting was completely changed, and it seemed that the -more they recognised the impossibility of victory, the more anxious they -felt to resist. - -The count, ever in front of his comrades, whom he encouraged by his -gestures and voice, tried to approach Mixcoatzin, who, still curveting -on his black horse, performed prodigies of valour, which electrified -his men, and threatened, if not to change the face of the combat, at -any rate to prolong it. But each time that chance brought him in front -of the chief, and he prepared to rush upon him, a crowd of combatants, -driven back by the changing incidents of the fight, came between them, -and neutralised his efforts. - -For his part, the sachem also strove to approach the count, with whom he -burned to measure himself, persuaded that, if he succeeded in killing -the chief of the palefaces, the latter would be struck with terror, and -abandon the battlefield. - -At length, as if by mutual agreement, the white men and Indians fell -back a few paces, doubtlessly to prepare for a final contest; and it -was then that, for the first time since the combat, the count and the -sachem found themselves face to face. The two men exchanged a flashing -glance, and rushed upon each other furiously. Neither of the chiefs had -firearms: the sachem brandished his terrible club, and the count waved -his long sword, which was reddened to the hilt. - -"At last!" the count shouted, as he raised his weapon over his head. - -"Begging dog of the palefaces," the Indian said with a grin, "you bring -me, then, your scalp, that I may attach it to the entrance of my cabin!" - -They were only two paces from each other, each awaiting the favourable -moment to rush on his enemy. On seeing their chiefs ready to engage, the -two parties rushed forward impetuously, in order to separate them and -recommence the combat; bat Don Louis, with a gesture of supreme command, -ordered his companions not to interfere. The adventurers remained -motionless. On his side, Mixcoatzin, seeing the noble and gallant -courtesy of the count, commanded his comrades to keep back. The redskins -obeyed, and the question was left to be decided between Don Louis and -the sachem. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -REPRISALS. - - -The two enemies hesitated for a moment; but suddenly the sachem bounded -forward. The count remained motionless; but at the moment the Indian -reached him, with a movement rapid as thought, he seized the nostrils of -the chief's horse with the left hand, so that it reared with a shriek of -pain, and thrust his sword into the Indian's throat: the latter's lifted -arm fell down, his eyes opened widely, a jet of blood poured from the -gaping wound, and he rolled on the ground, uttering a yell of agony, -and writhing like a serpent. The count placed his foot on the chief's -chest, and nailed him to the ground. Then he shouted to his comrades in -a powerful voice,-- - -"Forward--forward!" - -The adventurers responded by a shout of triumph, and rushed once -more on the redskins. But the latter no longer awaited their attack. -Terrified by the death of Mixcoatzin, one of their most revered sachems, -a panic seized upon them, and they fled in every direction. Then began -a real manhunt, with all its hideous and atrocious interludes. As we -have said, the Indians were surrounded: flight had become impossible. -The adventurers, exasperated by the long contest they had been obliged -to sustain, pitilessly massacred their conquered enemies, who would have -implored mercy in vain. The distracted Indians ran hither and thither, -sabred as they passed, transfixed by bayonets, and trampled underfoot -by the horses, which, as cruel as their masters, and intoxicated by the -sharp odour of blood, stamped on them frenziedly. The corpses were piled -up in the centre of the fatal circle which incessantly closed in around -them. - -Their courage and strength all exhausted, the wretched redskins had -thrown away their arms, and, with their hands crossed on their chests, -they gave up any further struggle for life, and awaited death with that -gloomy calmness of despair and stoicism which characterises their race. - -The count had wished for a long time to arrest this horrible carnage; -but, in the intoxication of victory, his orders were not so much -disobeyed as unheard. Still the Frenchmen stopped, struck with -admiration at the sight of the stoical resignation displayed by their -brave enemies, who disdained to ask mercy, and prepared to die worthily, -without any weakness or bravado. The Frenchmen hesitated, looked at -one another, and then raised their bayonets. The count profited by this -truce, and rushed before his men, brandishing in the air his sword, -reddened to the hilt. - -"Enough, comrades," he shouted, "enough! We are soldiers, not hangmen or -butchers. Leave to the Mexicans all cowardly acts, and remain what you -have ever been--brave and clement men. Mercy for these poor wretches!" - -"Mercy--mercy!" the Frenchmen shouted as they brandished their weapons -above their heads. - -At this moment the sun rose gloriously in a flood of vapour. It was a -scene at once imposing and full of sublime horror which the battlefield -offered--still smoking with the last explosions of the firearms, covered -with corpses, and in the midst of which thirty disarmed men appeared to -bid defiance to a circle of men stained with blood and powder, and whose -features were contracted by passion. - -The count then returned his sword to its scabbard, and walked -slowly toward the Indians, who watched his approach restlessly; for -they understood nothing of what had just occurred. The Indians are -implacable, and clemency is unknown to them. In the prairies the only -law is _va victis_. The redskins, being pitiless, never implore the -mercy of their foes, and endure unmurmuring the harsh law which it may -please their conquerors to mete out to them. - -The adventurers had piled their arms, and had already forgotten all -their rancour: they were laughing and talking gaily together. Valentine -and Curumilla had rejoined the count. - -"What is your intention?" the hunter asked. - -"Have you not guessed it?" Louis replied. "I pardon them." - -"All?" - -"Of course," he said with surprise. - -"Then you will restore them to liberty?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum!" the hunter said. - -"Do you see anything to prevent it?" - -"Possibly." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I see no harm in your forgiving the Indians, for that may produce -a good effect among the tribes, especially as the redskins have an -excellent memory, and will long remember the severe lesson they received -this night." - -"Well?" - -"But," the hunter went on, "all those men are not Indians." - -"What do you mean?" - -"That there are disguised Mexicans among them." - -"You are certain of that?" - -"Yes, the more so because I was warned by the man who commands the -horsemen that proved such useful auxiliaries to you." - -"But are not those horsemen Apaches?" - -"You are mistaken, my dear friend: they are white men, and what is more, -_civicos_; that is to say, men paid and enrolled by the hacenderos to -chase the Indians. You see how honourably they carry out their duties; -but that must not astonish you, for you are sufficiently well acquainted -with the manners of this country to find that perfectly natural, I have -no doubt." - -Louis stopped thoughtfully. - -"What you tell me confounds me," he muttered. - -"Why so?" the hunter replied carelessly. "It is, on the contrary, most -simple. But we have not to trouble ourselves about the horsemen at -present--they are beside the question." - -"Certainly. Indeed, I owe them my thanks." - -"They will save you the trouble, and I too. Let us only deal with the -men down there." - -"Then you are sure there are white men among them?" - -"Quite sure." - -"But how to recognise them?" - -"Curumilla will undertake that." - -"What you tell me is strange. For what purpose are these men leagued -with our enemies?" - -"We shall soon know that." - -They then went on, and stood by the group. Valentine made a sign to -Curumilla: the chief then approached the Indians, and began examining -them attentively in turn, the count and Valentine watching him with -considerable interest. The Araucano was as cold and gloomy as usual--not -a muscle of his face quivered. On seeing him examine them thus, the -Indians could not refrain from shuddering: they trembled at the sight of -this dumb and unarmed man, whose piercing glance seemed to try and read -their hearts; Curumilla laid his finger on an Indian's chest. - -"One!" he said, and passed on. - -"Come out!" Valentine said to the redskin. - -The latter stood apart. - -Curumilla pointed out in this way nine in succession, and then rejoined -his comrades. - -"Is that all?" Valentine asked. - -"Yes," he answered. - -"Disarm those men, and bind them firmly," the count commanded. - -His orders being obeyed, Don Louis then walked up to the Apaches. - -"My brothers may take their arms and mount their horses again," he -said. "They are valiant warriors. The palefaces have appreciated their -courage, and esteem them. My brothers will return to their villages, and -tell the old men and sages of their nation that the palefaces who have -conquered them are not cruel men, like the ferocious Yoris, and that -they desire to bury the hatchet so deeply between themselves and the -Apaches, that it may never be found again for ten thousand years." - -An Indian advanced from the group, and saluted majestically. - -"Strong Heart is a terrible warrior: he is a jaguar during the combat, -but he becomes an antelope after the victory. The words his breast -breathes are inspired in him by the Great Spirit--the Wacondah loves -him. My nation was deceived by the Yoris. Strong Heart is generous--he -has pardoned. Henceforth there will be friendship between the Apaches -and the warriors of Strong Heart." - -The redskins, according to their custom, had, with that poesy which -distinguishes them, given Don Louis the name of Strong Heart. - -After this address on the part of the Indian, who was a celebrated -chief, and known as the White Buffalo, there was an interchange of good -offices between the adventurers and Apaches. Their horses and arms were -returned to them, and the ranks were opened to let them pass. When they -had disappeared in the forest, El Buitre ordered his men to wheel, and -retired in his turn. Don Louis for a moment had the idea of recalling -this auxiliary, who had been so useful to him during the action; but -Valentine opposed it. - -"Let those men go, brother," he said to him. "You must not have any -public relations with them." - -Don Louis did not insist. - -"Now," Valentine went on, "let us finish what we have so well begun." - -"That is right," the count answered. - -The order was at once given to bury the dead and attend to the wounded. -The Frenchmen had suffered a serious loss: they had ten men killed and -twenty odd wounded. It is true that the majority of these wounds were -not mortal; still the victory cost dearly: it was a warning for the -future. - -Two hours later the company, assembled by the bugle call, ranged -themselves silently in the mission square, in the centre of which Don -Louis, Valentine, and three officers were gravely seated at a table, on -which lay sundry papers. Don Cornelio was writing at a smaller table. -The count had summoned his comrades, and appointed a court martial, of -which he was president, in order to try the prisoners captured during -the fight. Don Louis rose amidst a solemn silence. - -"Bring forward the prisoners," he said. - -The men previously pointed out by Curumilla appeared, led by a -detachment of adventurers, and were freed from their bonds. Although -they still wore the costume of Apache warriors, they had been compelled -to wash themselves, and remove the paint that disguised them. These men -appeared not so much to repent of their detected roguery, but merely -ashamed of being made a public spectacle. - -"Bring in the last prisoner," Don Louis commanded. - -At this order the adventurers looked round in surprise, not -understanding what the count meant, for the nine Mexicans were all -present. But at the expiration of a moment their surprise was changed -into anger, and a dull murmur ran along their ranks like an electric -current. - -Colonel Flores had made his appearance. He was unarmed, and his head -bare; but his face, stamped with boldness and defiance, had a gloomily -malicious expression, which gave him a most unpleasant appearance. -Curumilla accompanied him. The count made a sign, and silence was -re-established. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the colonel asked in a haughty tone. - -Don Louis did not allow him to continue. - -"Silence!" he said in a firm voice, turning a flashing glance upon him. - -Subdued, in spite of himself, by the count's accent, the colonel blushed -and remained silent. Don Louis continued:-- - -"Brothers and comrades," he said, "unfortunately for us, circumstances -have placed us in an exceptional situation. On all sides treachery -surrounds us. By falsehood after falsehood, trick upon trick, they -have led us onto this desert, where we are abandoned to ourselves, far -from all help, and having our courage alone to count upon to save us. -Yesterday Don Sebastian Guerrero, believing himself at length sure of -the success of his infamous plans, which he has so long been forming -against us, decided on raising the mask. He declared us outlaws, and -branded us with the disgraceful epithet of pirates. Scarce two hours -after his departure we were attacked by Indians. Our enemies' measures -were well calculated, and were within an ace of success. But God was on -the watch, and saved us this time again. Now, do you know the man who -made himself the generals right arm, and carried into effect the odious -treachery of which we were so nearly the victims? - -"This man," he said, pointing with his finger with an expression of -crushing contempt, "is the villain who, since our departure from -Guaymas, has attached himself to us, and never left us. He pretended -to love and defend us, that he might surprise our secrets, and sell -them to our enemies. It is the wretch whom we treated as a brother--to -whom we offered the most delicate and enduring attention. It is the -man, lastly, who assumes the title of colonel, and name of Francisco -Flores, and who lied in doing so; for he is a nameless half-breed, -surnamed El Garrucholo, ex-lieutenant of El Buitre, that ferocious -brigand who commands a _cuadrilla_ of salteadores that has desolated -Upper Mexico for several years. Look at him! Now that he is detected, -he trembles--villain that he is; for he knows that the supreme hour of -justice has rung for him." - -In fact, at this terrible revelation, thus made in the presence of all, -the bandit's boldness suddenly gave way, and an expression of hideous -terror contracted his features. - -"See," the count continued, "the men whom our enemies are not ashamed -to employ against us; and yet they treat us as pirates! Well, we accept -this brand, brothers; and these bandits who have fallen into our hands -shall be judged according to the summary law of pirates." - -The adventurers warmly applauded their chief's address. Besides, all -recognised the truth and logic of his remarks. In the critical situation -in which they found themselves they could forgive nothing: clemency -would have been culpable weakness. They could only regain their position -by boldness and energy, by terrifying their foes, and compelling them -to treat with them. The count sat down again. - -"Don Cornelio," he said, "read to the accused the charges brought -against him." - -The Spaniard rose, and began a long charge against the colonel, -supported by numerous letters written by Don Francisco, or received by -him from various persons, principally General Guerrero, which clearly -and indubitably proved the colonel's guilt. Don Cornelio finished by -describing the interview on the previous day between Don Francisco, El -Buitre, and the Apache chief. The adventurers listened to this long -enumeration of crimes and felonies in the most profound silence. When -Don Cornelio had ended the count addressed the colonel. - -"Do you recognise the truth of the charge brought against you?" - -The bandit raised his head: his mind was made up, and he shrugged his -shoulders contemptuously. - -"Of what use to deny?" he said. "It is all true." - -"Then you confess that you have betrayed us since the first moment we -met?" - -"_Canarios!_" he said, with a mocking smile, "you are mistaken, senor -conde. I betrayed you even before I knew you." - -At this cynical declaration no one present could repress a start of -horror. - -"Does what I say astonish you?" the bandit continued boldly. "Why so? -I consider my conduct perfectly natural. What are you to us Mexicans -but strangers? You are leeches, who come to our country to suck the -brightest of our blood; that is to say, to gorge yourselves with our -riches, deride our ignorance, turn into ridicule our manners and -customs, and impose on us your tastes, and what you call your Western -civilisation. By what right do you seize on all that is dear to us? -You are only ferocious beasts, to destroy whom all measures are -justifiable. If we are not the stronger in the sunshine, well, we have -the night. Loyalty and frankness would ruin us, so we employ falsehood -and treachery. What next? Who is wrong--who is right? Who will dare to -be judge between us? No one. I have fallen into your hands: you are -going to kill me. Very good. I shall be assassinated, but not condemned -by you, for you have no authority by which to try me. What more do you -want? Act as you think proper: it does not trouble me. He who sows the -wind reaps the whirlwind. I have sown trickery--I have reaped treason. -It is but just. I am about to die. Well, you have no right to inflict on -me this death which I have deserved. Your verdict will be a murder, I -repeat." - -After pronouncing these words he folded his arms on his chest, and -boldly surveyed his auditors. In spite of themselves the adventurers -felt moved by a species of admiration for the savage resolution of -this man, with his feline and crafty manner, who had suddenly revealed -himself in so different a light from that in which they had hitherto -known him. In speaking with such brutal frankness the bandit had, as -it were, raised himself in the eyes of all. His roguery appeared less -vile; he inspired a sort of sympathy in these brave men, for whom -courage and virtue are the first two virtues. - -"Then you do not even try to defend yourself?" Don Louis said -sorrowfully. - -"Defend myself," he said in amazement, "for having acted as I thought -it my duty to do, and as I should act again if you were such fools as -to pardon me! Come, caballeros, that is not common sense. Besides, if I -defended myself, I should to a certain extent recognise the competency -of your tribunal, and I absolutely deny it; so, believe me, you had -better finish with me--the sooner the better, both for you and me." - -The count rose, took off his hat, and, addressing the adventurers, said -in a solemn voice,-- - -"Friends and comrades, on your soul and conscience, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered in a hollow voice. - -"What punishment has this man merited?" the count continued. - -"Death!" the adventurers replied simultaneously. - -The count then turned to the colonel. - -"Don Francisco Flores, otherwise called El Garrucholo, you are condemned -to the penalty of death." - -"Thanks!" he said, with a graceful bow. - -"But," the count continued, "as you are convicted of treason, and must -suffer the death of traitors--that is, be shot in the back--taking into -consideration the uniform you wear, which is that of the Mexican army, -which we do not wish to disgrace in your person, you will be first -degraded: the judgment will be executed immediately after." - -The bandit shrugged his shoulders. - -"What do I care?" he said. - -At a sign from the count a non-commissioned officer stepped from the -ranks, and the degradation commenced. El Garrucholo endured this -frightful humiliation without turning pale: the bandit had in him -completely gained the mastery over the caballero, and, as he said, he -cared little about being degraded--that is to say, dishonoured---because -honour to him was as nothing. When the subaltern had returned to the -ranks the count again addressed the condemned man. - -"You have five minutes to commend your soul to God," he said to him. -"May He be merciful to you! You have nothing more to expect in this -world from men." - -The bandit burst into a hoarse laugh. - -"You are all fools!" he shouted. "What have I in common with God, if -really He exist? I had better recommend myself to the demon, into whose -clutches I shall fall, if what the monks say is true." - -At this frightful blasphemy the adventurers gave a start of terror; but -El Garrucholo did not seem to notice it. - -"I have," he continued, "only one favour more to ask of you." - -"Speak!" the count replied, suppressing a gesture of disgust. - -"I wear round my neck, hanging by a steel chain, a little velvet bag, -containing a blessed relic, which my mother gave me, telling me it would -bring me good fortune. Since my birth this scapulary has never left me. -I desire it to be buried with me. Perhaps it will be of use to me down -there where I am bound." - -"What you desire shall be done," the count answered. - -"Thanks!" he said with evident satisfaction. - -Strange anomaly of the Mexican character! This people is credulous and -superstitious, without faith and without belief--a childish people, too -long enslaved, and too quickly liberated, which has not had the time -either to forget or to learn. - -"The picket!" the count commanded. - -Eight men, commanded by a corporal, stepped from the ranks. The bandit -knelt, with his back turned to the executioners. - -"Present--fire!" - -El Garrucholo fell, shot in the back, not uttering a sigh: he was stark -dead. His body was covered with a zarape. - -"Now," the count said coldly, "for the rest." - -The nine prisoners were brought up to the table: they were trembling, -for the summary justice of the adventurers filled them with terror. -A great noise was at this moment heard a short distance off, mingled -with shouts and imprecations; and suddenly two females, mounted on -magnificent horses, galloped into the middle of the square, when they -stopped. They were Dona Angela and her waiting maid, Violanta. - -Dona Angela's hair was dishevelled; her features were animated, -probably by the speed at which she had come; and her eyes flashed -flames. She remained for a moment motionless amid the crowd surprised -at her sudden appearance. But, seeming suddenly to form a supreme -resolution, she raised her head haughtily, and addressed the attentive -adventurers, who were struck with admiration at so much boldness united -to such beauty. - -"Listen!" she said in a piercing voice. "I, Dona Angela, daughter of the -Governor of Sonora, have come here to protest boldly, in the sight of -all, against the treachery of which my father makes you the victims. Don -Louis, chief of the French pirates, I love you! Will you accept me as -your wife?" - -A thunder of applause greeted these strange words, which were uttered -with extraordinary animation. Don Louis slowly drew nearer the maiden, -as if fascinated and attracted by her glance. - -"Come," he said to her, "come, as you do not fear to ally yourself to -misfortune." - -The girl uttered a scream of joy that resembled a yell; and abandoning -her reins, she bounded like a panther, and fell into the arms of the -count, who pressed her frenziedly against his manly breast. Then, after -a moment, still holding her in his embrace, he proudly raised his head, -and looked commandingly around. - -"This lady is the wife of the chief of the pirates, my brothers. Love -her as a sister: she will be our palladium--our guardian angel." - -The intoxication of the adventurers cannot be described: it was -madness. This strange scene appeared to them a dream. The count then -turned to the prisoners, who awaited their sentence in tremor. - -"Begone!" he said to them. "Go and narrate what you have seen. Dona -Angela pardons you." - -The prisoners left the square, uttering benedictions innumerable. The -poor fellows, after all that had passed in their presence, regarded -themselves as dead men. Valentine drew near the maiden. - -"You are an angel," he said to her in a low voice. "Will you persevere?" - -"I am his to the tomb," she answered with a feverish energy. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -GUETZALLI. - - -Were we writing a romance there are many details we would leave in the -shade, many facts we should pass over in silence. Unfortunately we -are only historians, and, as such, compelled to the most scrupulous -exactitude. - -In the first episode of this history we related how the Count de -Lhorailles, at the head of 150 Frenchmen, selected from the colony of -Guetzalli, which he had founded, let himself be led in pursuit of the -Apache Indians into the great Del Norte desert; and how, after wandering -about with his party in the midst of this ocean of shifting sand, and -seeing his bravest comrades fall around him, he had blown out his -brains, while, in a few hours after his death, the few Frenchmen who -survived this great disaster succeeded in emerging from the desert and -regaining the road to the colony. - -The Frenchmen left at Guetzalli beheld the arrival of the relics of -the expedition with stupor, and the news of the Count de Lhorailles' -death completed their demoralisation. Abandoned without chiefs, so far -from their country, in the midst of an enemy's territory, exposed at -any moment to the attacks of the Apaches, they gave way to despair, and -seriously revolved the question of leaving the colony and returning to -the seacoast. The Count de Lhorailles, who founded the settlement, was, -in fact, the soul of it. He dead, his companions felt in themselves -neither the necessary energy nor strength to continue his work--a -work which, indeed, they knew but imperfectly, for the count had no -confidants among the men who had joined him. Jealous of his power, and -naturally of a reserved temper, he had never confided to anyone his -plans or his projects. - -The Frenchmen who had followed him--for the most part greedy -adventurers, devoured by that inextinguishable thirst for gold which had -made them give up everything to go to America--had been cruelly deceived -in their hopes, when, on disembarking in Mexico, that classic land of -riches, the count, instead of leading them to gold or silver mines, -which they would have worked and filled their pockets abundantly, took -them to the Mexican frontier, and forced them to, till the soil. - -Thus, when the first moment of stupor had passed, each colonist, -acting under the impression of his own will, began his preparations for -departure, in his heart well pleased at seeing an exile thus terminated -which was beset by dangers, while offering none of the advantages -of the situation. It was all over with the colony; but fortunately, -wherever a number of Frenchmen are assembled, when the indispensable -man disappears, another immediately arises, who, impelled by the -circumstances, reveals himself suddenly to the great amazement of his -comrades, and frequently of himself. - -Among the colonists at Guetzalli was a young man scarce thirty years -of age, but gifted with an ardent imagination and a far from common -intellect. This young man, whose name was Charles de Laville, had left -Europe, impelled rather by a certain restlessness of character and -secret curiosity than by a desire to acquire the boasted riches of -San Francisco. In that city, to which he proceeded with his brother, -an older and more earnest man than himself, chance had made him -acquainted with the Count de Lhorailles. The count exercised, perhaps -unconsciously, an irresistible influence even over those who knew him -superficially. When ho organised his expedition he had no difficulty in -taking with him Charles de Laville, who followed him in spite of his -brother's wise recommendations. - -The count, who was a connoisseur in his fellow-men, appreciated at its -full value the honourable and disinterested character of Charles de -Laville. Thus he was the only one of all his companions with whom he -at times spoke almost freely, and imparted to him some of his plans. -He knew that the young man would never turn this confidence against -him, but that, on the contrary, under all circumstances, he would aid -him to the utmost of his power. When the count was on the point of -starting on that disastrous expedition from which he was fated never to -return--an expedition which de Laville obstinately opposed--it was to -the latter gentleman that he intrusted the government and management of -the colony during his absence, persuaded that in his hands the affairs -of Guetzalli could not but prosper. De Laville accepted the confidential -situation against his will. It was a heavy burden for him, so young and -inexperienced, to maintain an active surveillance over men to whom any -restraint, however slight, was insupportable, and who only obeyed with a -secret murmur the will of the count, for whom they experienced a respect -mingled with fear. - -Still, against his expectations, and perhaps his hopes, Charles de -Laville succeeded, in a very short time, not only in securing the -unmurmuring obedience of his countrymen, but also in gaining their -love. It was owing to this influence which he contrived to gain over -the colonists that, when the remnants of the expedition arrived at -Guetzalli, he succeeded in restoring some degree of order in the colony, -arousing the courage of his comrades, and taking the proper defensive -measures in the probable event of an Apache attack. - -He gave the first outburst of grief time to calm; he waited the -subsidence of the exaggerated anger of one party, and the equally -exaggerated fears of another; and when he perceived that, excepting the -profound discouragement that had seized on all, and made them desire -a speedy retreat, their minds were beginning to regain their ordinary -lucidity, he summoned the colonists to a general meeting. The latter -eagerly obeyed, and assembled in the large courtyard in front of the -main building. When de Laville was assured that all the colonists were -assembled, and anxiously awaiting the communication he had to make to -them, he claimed a few moments' attention and took the word. - -"Gentlemen," he said, with that facility of speech he possessed in an -eminent degree, "I am the youngest, and certainly the most inexperienced -of all present; hence it would not become me to speak at this moment, -when such grave interests, and of such great importance, occupy us. -Still, perhaps, the confidence the Count de Lhorailles was kind -enough to place in me will authorise me in taking the present step of -addressing you." - -"Speak, speak--you are worthy of that confidence!" the colonists shouted -tumultuously. - -Thus encouraged, the young man smiled pleasantly and continued:-- - -"It is true that a great disaster has fallen on us: many of our -companions have perished miserably in the great Del Norte desert. The -count who brought us here, our chief, is dead too. I repeat it, it is an -immense loss for us generally, and for the welfare of the colony. But -is the misfortune, though so terrible, irreparable? Ought we, through -this death, to lose all our courage, and abandon a task which is scarce -commenced? I do not think so, nor do you." - -At these words a few slight murmurs were heard. The young man looked -calmly around his audience, and silence was re-established as if by -enchantment. - -"No," he continued forcibly, "you do not think so yourselves. You are -undergoing at this moment the influence of the catastrophe that has -overwhelmed us: discouragement has seized upon you. It must be so; but -you will soon reflect on the consequences of the act you are meditating, -and the chance that will result from it for yourselves. What! two -hundred Frenchmen--that is to say, the bravest men in existence--would -fly through fear of the lances and arrows of those Apaches whom it is -their mission to hold in check? What would the Mexicans think, in whose -opinion you have stood so high up to the present day? What would your -brethren in California say? In the sight of all you would have lost -honour and reputation; for you would have betrayed your duties, and not -forced that name and title of Frenchmen, of which you are so proud, to -be respected in these savage countries." - -At these rude words, uttered with that accent which comes from the -heart, so suited to move the masses, the colonists began, in spite of -themselves to regard the question under a different light, and feel -inwardly ashamed of the flight they meditated. Still they were not yet -convinced, the more so as the position remained the same; that is to -say, excessively critical. Thus the shouts, murmurs, and objections -crossed each other with extreme rapidity, each wishing to offer his -advice, and have his opinion accepted, as generally happens in popular -meetings. One of the colonists succeeded with great difficulty in -gaining the word, and addressed the young man. - -"There is truth in what you say to us, M. Charles: still we cannot -remain in our present situation--a situation which becomes daily more -aggravated, and threatens soon to grow insupportable. What is the remedy -for the evil?" - -"The remedy is easy to find," the young man answered quickly. "Is it my -place to point it out to you?" - -"Yes, yes!" all exclaimed. - -"Well, then, I consent. Listen to me." - -There was immediately profound silence. - -"We are two hundred strong--resolute and intelligent men. Can we not -find among us, then, a chief worthy of commanding us? We have lost the -man who has hitherto guided us; but must we say that, since he is dead, -no one can take his place? That supposition would be absurd. The Count -de Lhorailles was not immortal. We must have expected to lose him sooner -or later, and unfortunately that foreseen catastrophe has occurred -ere it was expected. Is that a reason to let ourselves be demoralised -and downcast? No; let us raise our heads again, regain our courage, -and elect as our chief the man who offers us the best guarantees of -intelligence and loyalty. Such a man may be easily found among you. -Come, comrades, let us have no delay, but vote on the spot. When our -chief is nominated and recognised by all, we shall no longer fear perils -or sufferings, for we shall have a head to guide us, and an arm to -support us." - -These words raised the joy and enthusiasm of the colonists to the -highest pitch. They broke up into groups of three or four, and agitated -the question eagerly of the chief they should select. - -During this period, de Laville, apparently indifferent to what was -passing, re-entered the house, leaving his companions full and entire -liberty to act as they pleased. We will observe that the advice given -by the young man was disinterested on his part: he had no intention of -taking upon himself the heavy responsibility of a command which he did -not at all desire. His object in urging the Frenchmen to elect a chief -had been to prevent the ruin of the colony, which had been founded -scarce a year, which, owing to their combined efforts and toil, was -beginning to give good results, and which, if the colonists did not -disperse, would soon enter on a career of prosperity, and repay them a -hundredfold for their troubles and fatigue. - -The discussion among the colonists was lengthy: in all the groups -orators were speaking warmly; in short, there seemed no chance of an -agreement. Still, by degrees, the effervescence calmed down; the parties -drew nearer; and under the influence of a few men more intelligent or -better disposed than the rest, the discussion went on more regularly and -seriously. At length, after many disputes, the colonists were unanimous, -and selected one among them to tell Charles de Laville the result of -their deliberations. The man selected entered the house, while the -colonists arranged themselves with some degree of order before the gate. - -Charles, as we have said, did not trouble himself at all about what -was going on outside. The death of the count, to whom, in spite of -the latter's eccentric character, he was really attached, had not -only saddened him, but broken the last ties that attached him to this -forgotten nook of earth, where he believed that there was nothing left -for him to do. He therefore only awaited the election of the new chief -to bid good-by to the members of the company, and then separate from -them. When the man delegated by the colonists entered the room where he -was, he raised his head, and looked earnestly at him. - -"Well," he asked him, "have we a new chief at last?" - -"Yes," the other answered laconically. - -"Who is he?" the young man asked with some curiosity. - -"Our comrades will tell you, M. Charles," he replied. "They have -authorised me to ask you to have the kindness to be present at the -election, and thus sanction it." - -"That is only right," he said with a smile. "I forgot that, up to the -present, I have been your chief, and that I must hand over to the leader -you have selected the power the count delegated to me. I follow you." - -The other bowed without a word, and both left the house. When they -appeared in the gateway, the colonists, hitherto silent, uttered a -formidable shout, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs in signs -of joy. The young man turned quite surprised to his companion, but the -latter merely smiled. After this explosion of shouts of welcome, silence -was at once restored. Then the delegate removed his hat, and after -bowing respectfully to the young man, who was all confused, and hardly -knew which way to look, said in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"Charles de Laville, we, the colonists of Guetzalli, after assembling, -in accordance with your advice, to proceed to the election of a new -chief, have recognised that you alone combine all the conditions -necessary worthily to fill that post to which the confidence of the -chief we have lost called you. In consequence, wishing to honour in you -the memory of our deceased chief, at the same time as we desire to prove -to you our gratitude for the way in which you have governed us since you -have been at our head, we unanimously appoint you captain of Guetzalli, -persuaded that you will continue to command us with as much nobility, -intelligence, and justice as you have hitherto displayed." - -Then, taking from one of the colonists the charter which united all the -members of the colony, and which the count had made them all sign when -he enlisted them, he unfolded it. - -"Captain," he said, "this charter-party, read in a loud voice by me, -will be immediately sworn to by all. Will you swear on your side to -protect us, to defend us, and give us good and loyal justice toward and -against all?" - -The young man took off his hat, extended his arm toward the crowd, and -said in a firm voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -"Long live the captain!" the colonists shouted enthusiastically. "The -charter--the charter!" - -The reading commenced. After each article the colonists answered in one -voice,-- - -"I swear it." - -There was something imposing in the aspect of this scene. These men, -with their energetic features and bronzed faces, thus assembled in -the heart of the desert, surrounded by the grand scenery, swearing in -the face of heaven unbounded devotion and obedience, bore a striking -likeness to the famous filibusters of the sixteenth century preparing to -attempt one of their bold expeditions, and swearing on the charter in -the hands of Montbars the exterminator, or any other renowned chief of -Tortoise Island. - -When the reading was completed a fresh outbreak of shouts closed this -simple ceremony of the election of a chief of adventurers in the deserts -of the New World. This time--accidentally, perchance--the choice of -all had fallen on the most worthy. Charles de Laville was really the -only man capable of repairing the disasters of the late expedition, -and leading the colony back to that prosperous path on which it was -progressing previously to the death of Lhorailles. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE ENVOY. - - -The election over, all, in appearance, returned to the old routine, or -at least seemed to re-assume its normal condition. Still it was not so. -The Count de Lhorailles, in dying, had borne with him the hopes of the -adventurers, whom he had only kept together through his resolute and -enterprising character. With his fall, matters began to change, and -difficulties spring up. - -The Mexican authorities, in whom the indomitable will of the count had -alone inspired an apparent kindness toward the colonists, whom they -had never liked to see establish themselves on the territory of the -Republic, no longer apprehending the vengeance of the man they had -learned to fear while learning to know him, very gently and craftily -inaugurated a system of minor annoyances, which was already beginning to -render the position of the French difficult, and would soon cause it to -be intolerable, unless the latter employed an energetic remedy for this -state of things, which grew hourly worse. On the other hand, though the -colony was so remote from the seaboard, rumours of what was going on -in the rest of the world reached it at intervals. Emigrants in troops -passed through Guetzalli: all were proceeding to California, for that -was the promised land at the moment. - -All these emigrants--gambusinos, or Mexican adventurers--only dreamed -of inexhaustible placers and mines of immense wealth. The gold -fever--that horrible malady which the English so well stigmatised by -energetically calling it the "metallic gold fever"--was at its height. -From all corners of the world, Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, Americans, -Polynesians, adventurers of every description, settled like swarms of -ill-omened locusts on this country, which was destined to prove fatal to -them, and swallow them up after unheard-of sufferings. - -In this impious crusade of the vilest appetites the watchword was -"Gold--gold!" These men, who abandoned country, family, everything, in -a word, had only one desire--to amass gold. It was a hideous sight. -And these bands succeeded each other at the colony, with their eyes -obstinately fixed on the horizon, and only replying two words to the -questions asked them: "California--placers." In order to conquer this -metal king all means would be good to them: nothing would check them. -They were ready for anything--to commit the most odious crimes, the most -infamous treachery, the most ignoble acts of cowardice. - -Unfortunately for the colonists, the adventurers who passed near their -abode all belonged to the most ignorant, corrupted, and ferocious -classes of Mexico. In spite of themselves, the Frenchmen, whose object -had been, at the outset, to work the mines, felt the desire aroused in -them to return to the Eldorado they had left, and demand their share -of the spoil. A man, however strong he may be, cannot with impunity -hear the word "gold" constantly buzzing in his ears. In the strange -connection of these four letters there is an immense attractive power, -which sharpens up avarice, and arouses all the evil instincts. - -The colonists of Guetzalli were honest and frank adventurers. The -majority had quitted Europe with the desire of enriching themselves -rapidly in that mysterious country about which they heard such marvels. -Subdued by the ascendency the count had managed to acquire over them, -they had tacitly accepted the position made for them, and, by the aid -of habit, had gradually come, not to forget their past desires, but to -consider them as mocking chimeras and unrealisable dreams. The events -which afterwards happened in the colony, and the golden halo suddenly -spread abroad by California, gave a body to these dreams, and enkindled -their covetousness to the highest pitch. - -Charles de Laville followed with a shudder the progress of this moral -disorganisation of the colony. He understood in his heart that the enemy -he must conquer, in order to become once more master of his companions, -was that old adventurous leaven which still fomented in their hearts, -and caused them to hate the calm and peaceful life they led, instead -of that agitated existence, with its strange interludes, to which they -secretly aspired, perhaps without suspecting it themselves. For it is a -singular anomaly in the human heart that these men, who wished for gold -at any price, who coveted it with unequalled frenzy, and who, to possess -it, braved the most terrible perils, and suffered the most horrible -misery, did not care for it when they possessed it, but regarded it with -disdain, and threw it uncounted on the tables of the gambling houses, -or of places still more infamous. It might be said that the gold so -painfully amassed burned their fingers, and they were anxious to get rid -of it. And that was true, especially in the case of the French. Gold -with them had no value except in proportion to the difficulties they met -with in acquiring it. True adventurers in the fullest sense of the term, -what they loved was not the gold for itself, but the struggles it cost -them, and the energy and courage they must expend in its research. - -Charles was thoroughly acquainted with the character of the men he -commanded He knew that, in order to keep them with him, it would be -sufficient to supply an outlet for this superabundance of sap, this -vivacity of imagination, which filled the hearts and heads of these -extraordinary men. But how to obtain this result? What means should -he employ? Charles racked his brains in vain: the spark did not -strike--there was no light he could throw on the matter. - -About this time two Frenchmen, who had formed part of the count's -last expedition, and who were believed long ago dead, reappeared at -Guetzalli. Great was the amazement of all on seeing them, although so -haggard, half naked, and scarce able to stand; but still greater grew -that amazement when, two days after their return, on finding themselves -slightly recovered, owing to the kind attentions shown them, and able to -speak, they commenced the incredible narrative of their adventures. - -What had happened to them may be told in fewer words than the men -employed. The frightful hurricane that assailed the count's band had -surprised them some distance from the spot where their companions had -taken refuge, and rendered it impossible to rejoin them. They sheltered -themselves as well as they could during the tempest; but when it was -over, they perceived, to their horror, that every trace, every footmark, -had disappeared. - -Before them, behind them, and around them extended the desert, gloomy, -naked, and desolate. As far as their eye could reach they perceived -on all sides sand---sand everywhere and always. Then they believed -themselves lost; despair took possession of them; and they fell back on -the ground, resolved to await death, which would doubtless soon arrive -to put an end to their misery. They remained thus side by side, with -drooping heads and lacklustre eyes, in that state of complete apathy -which seizes on the strongest men after great catastrophes, suspends in -them the inward feeling of self, and interrupts their thoughts. - -How long did they remain in this condition? They were unable to tell. -They no longer lived, they no longer felt--they vegetated. They were -suddenly aroused from this extraordinary listlessness by the appearance -of a band of Apache Indians, who galloped round them, uttering ferocious -yells, and brandishing their long lances with an air of defiance and -menace. The Indians seized them, as they were incapable of offering the -slightest resistance, and led them to one of their villages, where they -kept them in a state of the most disgraceful and humiliating slavery. - -But the energy of the two adventurers, for an instant crushed, soon -gained the mastery again over their hearts. With extreme patience, -skill, and dissimulation they made the preparations for their flight. We -will not enter into any details as to the manner in which they succeeded -in escaping from the watchfulness of their guardians, and managed at -length to reach the colony by a roundabout road, crushed with fatigue, -and half dead with hunger, but arrive at once at the most important -point in their narrative. - -These men declared to the colonists that the village to which the -Apaches led them was built within gunshot of a placer of incalculable -value--that this placer was extremely easy to work, as the gold was on -the surface. As a proof of their veracity they showed several nuggets -of the finest gold, which they had managed to secure, and pledged -themselves to lead to this placer, which was not more than ten days' -journey from the colony, any of the adventurers who would consent to -take them as guides, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for -their toil and fatigue by the rich harvest they would obtain. - -This recital greatly interested the colonists. Charles de Laville, in -particular, lent a lively attention to it. He made the men repeat their -story several times, and they did not once vary from their original -statement. The captain had at length found the means he had been vainly -searching so long. Now he was certain not only that his comrades would -not abandon him, but that they would obey him blindly in all that he -thought proper to order them. The same day he informed the colonists -that he was preparing an expedition to go in search of the placer, -dislodge the Indians, and work it for the profit of all the paction. - -The news was received with transports of joy, and de Laville immediately -began carrying out his plan. Although the number of colonists had -greatly diminished (for frequent desertions had taken place), still -Guetzalli counted nearly two hundred colonists. It was of the utmost -importance to the gold-seekers to keep up the colony, as the only place -whence they could obtain provisions when at the mine; for, as we have -said, Guetzalli, as the advanced post of civilisation, had been founded -on the extreme limit of the desert. This position, chosen originally in -order to oppose the Indians more effectually, and stop their periodical -incursions upon the Mexican territory, became precious in the present -instance, through the facility it afforded the adventurers for supplying -themselves with all they needed without having recourse to strangers; -and this enabled them also to keep the discovery of the placer secret, -at any rate long enough, owing to the distance of the _pueblos_ from -the frontier, to render it impossible for the Mexican Government to -interpose and demand the lion's share, according to its usual custom. - -The captain did not wish to strip the colony thoroughly, for he must -leave it in a respectable position, and safe from a sudden attack on -the part of the Apaches and Comanches, those implacable foes of the -white men, ever on the watch, and ready to profit by their slightest -oversight. De Laville therefore decided that the expedition should -be composed of eighty well-mounted and well-armed men, and that the -others should remain behind to protect the colony. Still, to avoid any -dissension or jealousy among his comrades, the captain declared that -lots should decide who were to go in search of the placer. - -This expedient, which rendered everybody equal, was warmly approved, -and they proceeded to draw lots. The process was extremely simple: the -name of each adventurer was written on a roll of paper and thrown into -a vessel, whence a boy drew them one by one. Of course the eighty names -that came out first would be the members of the expedition. Thus, as the -arrangement was most simple, and at the same time perfectly fair, no one -had a right to complain. - -All was done as was agreed. Chance, as so frequently happens, favoured -the captain by selecting the most energetic and enterprising men. -Then all eagerly prepared for the departure; that is to say, they -collected provisions of every description, got together mules, and made -the tools required for working the mine. Still, in spite of all the -activity displayed by the captain, nearly a month elapsed ere all was in -readiness. - -The frightful catastrophe to which the Count de Lhorailles had fallen -a victim in the great Del Norte desert, which the adventurers would -have to cross in going to the placer, was a serious warning to de -Laville to act with the utmost prudence, and leave nothing to chance. -Hence, without listening in the slightest degree to the impatient -insinuations of his comrades, who urged him to press on the departure -of the expedition, he watched with the most scrupulous attention the -construction of the carts intended to convey the provisions, and allowed -no detail, however trifling, to escape his careful eye; for he knew that -the loss of an hour in the desert, produced by the breaking of a screw, -a tire, or a trace, might cause the death of the men placed under his -orders. - -At last all was ready, and the day for starting settled. Within -forty-eight hours the expedition would leave Guetzalli, when, at about -five in the evening, just as the captain, after giving a final glance at -the wagons already loaded and arranged in the courtyard, was about to -re-enter his house, the sentry on the isthmus announced the arrival of a -stranger. As soon as the captain felt assured that it was a white man, -and that he wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer, he ordered his -admission to the colony. The barrier was at once raised, and the colonel -(for he wore the insignia of that rank) entered Guetzalli, followed by -two lanceros, who served as his escort, and a mule bearing his baggage. - -The captain advanced to meet him. The colonel dismounted, threw the -reins to a lancero, and bowed politely to the captain, who returned the -salute with equal courtesy. - -"With whom have I the honour of speaking?" he asked the stranger. - -"I am," the latter answered, "Colonel Vicente Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, Governor-General of the province of -Sonora." - -"I am delighted, Senor Don Vicente, at the chance afforded me of making -jour acquaintance. You must be fatigued with the long journey you have -had to this place, so I trust you will not refuse to accept some modest -refreshment." - -"I accept most gladly, caballero," the colonel answered with a bow; "the -more so because I have ridden so fast that I have scarce rested a minute -since leaving Pitic." - -"Ah! you come from Pitic?" - -"As the bird flies. I have been only four days covering the ground." - -"Hum! you must be terribly fatigued in that case, for it is a long -distance, and, as you did me the honour to inform me, you have travelled -very rapidly. Be kind enough to follow me." - -The colonel bowed in reply, and the captain introduced him into a room -where refreshments of every description had been prepared. - -"Sit down, Don Vicente," the captain said as he drew forward a chair. - -The colonel fell back into the butaca offered him with a sigh of -satisfaction, whose meaning only those who have ridden thirty leagues -at a stretch can understand. For some minutes the conversation between -the captain and his guest was interrupted, for the colonel ate and -drank with an avidity which, judging from the well-known sobriety of the -Mexicans, proved that he had fasted a long time. De Laville examined him -thoughtfully, asking himself mentally what reason was so important as to -induce Don Guerrero to send a colonel to Guetzalli, and spite of himself -he felt a vague uneasiness weighing on his heart. At length Don Vicente -drank a glass of water, wiped his mouth, and turned to the captain. - -"A thousand pardons," he said, "for having behaved so unceremoniously to -you; but now I will confess to you that I was almost dead of inanition, -having eaten nothing since eight o'clock last evening." - -The captain bowed. - -"You do not, of course, intend to return this evening?" he asked him. - -"Pardon me, caballero, if it be possible, I shall start again in an -hour." - -"So soon?" - -"The general ordered me to make the greatest speed." - -"But your horses are half dead." - -"I count on your kindness to supply me with fresh ones." - -Horses were plentiful at the colony: there were more than the colonists -could use, and hence de Laville would have found no difficulty in -granting the colonel's request. Still his guest's manner seemed so -little natural, and he fancied he detected something so mysterious -about him, that he felt his alarm increased, and said,-- - -"I do not know, colonel, whether, in spite of my lively desire to be -agreeable to you, it will be possible for me to fulfil your request; for -horses are extremely scarce here at this moment." - -The colonel made a sign of annoyance. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, "that would vex me greatly." - -At this moment a peon discreetly opened the door, and handed the captain -a paper, on which a few words were written in pencil. The young man, -after apologising, opened the paper and quickly read it. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he crumpled the paper in his hands with -considerable agitation, "he here! What can be the matter?" - -"Eh?" the colonel said curiously, who had not understood the meaning of -this sentence spoken in French. - -"Nothing," the other answered; "a mere personal matter." Then turning to -the peon, he said, "I am coming." - -The peon bowed and left the room. - -"Colonel," de Laville continued, addressing his guest, "permit me to -leave you for an instant." - -And without waiting for a reply he left the room hurriedly, closing the -door carefully after him. This brusque departure totally discountenanced -the colonel. - -"Oh!" he muttered, repeating in Spanish, though unconsciously, what the -captain had said in French. "What can be the matter?" - -As he was a true Mexican, fond of knowing everything, and, above all, -of discovering anything people wished to keep secret from him, he rose -gently, walked to the window, pulled the mosquito curtain aside, and -looked out curiously into the yard. But it was labour in vain: the -courtyard was deserted. He then returned on tiptoe to his seat, and -began carelessly rolling a papelito, while muttering half aloud,-- - -"Patience! The man who knows how to wait always gains his end. I shall -obtain the clue to this mystery sooner or later." - -This aside having doubtlessly consoled him for the disappointment he had -experienced, he philosophically lit his cigarette, and soon disappeared -in the midst of a dense cloud of smoke which issued from his mouth and -nostrils simultaneously. We will leave the worthy colonel enjoying this -amusement at his ease, and follow de Laville, in order to explain to the -reader the meaning of the exclamation that escaped from him on reading -the paper which the peon so unexpectedly handed to him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -DONA ANGELA. - - -Before relating, however, what took place at Guetzalli between de -Laville and the colonel, we must return to the adventurers' encampment. - -Louis, still holding the maiden pressed to his breast, carried her to -the interior of the hut of branches which his comrades had built for -him at the entrance of the church. On arriving there he laid her in a -chair, and seated himself on a stool. There was a long silence, during -which both reflected deeply. A strange phenomenon took place in Louis' -heart. In spite of himself he felt hope returning to his soul: he -inhaled life through every pore--a desire to live came back to him. He -thought of the future--that future he had wished to destroy in himself, -by choosing as his mode of suicide the mad and rash expedition at the -head of which he had placed himself. - -The heart of man is made up of strange contrasts. The count had wrapped -himself up in his grief; he had, as it were, settled it in his mind, -living with it and through it, making it in his own eyes an excuse for -justifying the line of conduct he had traced for himself, or rather -which his foster brother had made him adopt, only desiring and accepting -the bitterness of life, and disdainfully rejecting the joy and happiness -it contains. Now, though unable to account for the extraordinary -revolution that had taken place in him, he instinctively felt that grief -he had so nurtured and petted growing: less, and ready to disappear, to -make room for a gentle and dreamy melancholy, which, before he thought -of wrestling with it and tearing it from his heart, had put forth such -powerful roots that he felt it had seized on his whole being. - -This new feeling was love. All passions are in the extreme, and, above -all, illogical. Were they not so, they would no longer be passions. Don -Louis loved Dona Angela. He loved her with the love of a man who has -reached the confines which separate youth from age; that is, furiously -and frenziedly. He loved her and hated her at the same time; for he -was angry with this new love, which caused him to forget the old, and -revealed to him that the heart of man may at times slumber, but never -die. The empire the maiden held over him was the stronger and more -powerful, because physically and morally she afforded the most striking -contrast to Dona Rosaria, the gentle creature with angel's wings, the -count's first love. Dona Angela's majestic and severe beauty, her -impetuous and ardent character--all in her had seduced and subjugated -the count. Hence he was angry at the power he had unconsciously allowed -her to gain over his will, and blamed as a weakness unworthy of his -character the reaction which this love had effected in his heart, by -obliging him to recognise that it was still possible for him to be happy. - -Louis was far from forming an exception in the great human family. -All men are alike. When they have arranged their existence under the -influence of any feeling, either of joy or grief, they take pleasure in -the continual development of that feeling, convert it into a portion -of their being, and intrench themselves behind it as in an impregnable -fortress; and when, by some sudden blow, the edifice they have taken -such pains to construct falls in ruins, they feel angry with themselves -for not having known how to defend it, and, as a natural consequence, -blame the innocent cause of this great overthrow. - -While reflecting, the count had let his head sink on his breast, -isolating himself in his thoughts, and plunging deeper and deeper -into his sombre reverie, following instinctively the incline on which -his mind was at the moment gliding. He raised his eyes, and fixed on -Dona Angela a glance in which all the feelings that agitated him were -reflected. The maiden was lying back, with her face buried in her hands: -the tears were slowly dropping between her fingers, and resembled a dew -of pearls. She was weeping gently and noiselessly: her breast heaved -convulsively, and she seemed a prey to intense grief. The count turned -pale. He rose hurriedly, and walked toward her. - -At this sudden movement Dona Angela let her hands sink, and regarded -Don Louis with such a gentle expression of resigned grief and true -love, that the count felt a thrill of happiness flush through his body. -Exhausted, overcome, he fell on his knees, murmuring in a panting and -broken voice,-- - -"Oh! I love you--I love you!" - -The maiden half rose from her seat, bent over him, and regarded him for -a long time pensively. Suddenly she fell into his arms, laid her head -on his shoulder, and began sobbing. The count, alarmed by this grief, -the cause of which it was impossible for him to discover, gently put her -back on her chair, sat down by her side, and took her hand, which he -held between his own. - -"Why these tears?" he asked her tenderly. "Whence comes this grief that -oppresses you?" - -"No, I am not weeping. Look!" she replied, trying to smile through her -tears. - -"Child, you conceal something from me--you have a secret!" - -"A secret! That of my love. Did I not tell you that I love you, Louis?" - -"Alas! and I, too, love you," he replied sorrowfully. "And yet I cannot -think of that love without alarm." - -"Why so if you love me?" - -"If I love you, child! For you and your love I would sacrifice -everything." - -"Well?" she said. - -"Alas, child! I am an accursed man. My love is deadly, and I tremble." - -"What greater joy than to die for the man I love?" - -"I am proscribed--a pirate, an outlaw." - -She drew herself up proudly and haughtily, with frowning brow, dilated -nostrils, and flashing eye. - -"You are truly noble, Don Louis!" she almost shrieked in her excitement. -"You have dreamed of the regeneration of an enslaved people. What do -I care for the names given you, my friend? The day will come when -brilliant justice will be done you." Then growing gradually calmer, she -smiled tenderly. "You are proscribed, my poor darling," she said gently; -"and is it not woman's mission in this world to support and console? The -struggle you are about to undertake will be terrible. Your project is -almost a madman's for grandeur and boldness: perhaps you will succumb -in this struggle. You need, not a counsellor or a brother, but a woman -friend whose soul understands yours; from whose heart your heart keeps -no secrets; who consoles you, and cries 'Courage!' when you allow -despair to master you, and when, like a vanquished Titan, you feel ready -to retire. That faithful, devoted friend, ever watchful over you and for -you, I will be, Don Louis--I who will never leave you, and who, if you -fall, will fall by your side, struck by the same blow that crushed you." - -"Thanks, child; but I am not worthy of such sublime devotion. Think of -the painful existence you create for yourself--think of the pleasant -calm and peaceful life you leave behind you, to affiance yourself to -grief, perchance to death." - -"What do I care for that? Death will be welcome if it come by your side. -I love you!" - -Don Louis hesitated. - -"Think," he said presently, "of the immense grief of your father, whom -you abandon--your father who loves you so dearly, and has only you----" - -She laid her hand quickly on his lips. - -"Be silent--be silent!" she screamed in a heart-rending accent. "Do not -speak of my father. Why do you say that to me? Why augment my despair? -I love you, Don Louis--I love you! Henceforth you are everything to -me--fortune, parents, friends--all, I tell you. From the day when I -first saw you, powerful and terrible as the exterminating angel, my -heart fled toward yours. Something, a presentiment perhaps, revealed -to me that our two destinies were for ever enchained to each other. -When I saw you again my heart had divined you, but I remained in the -shadow, for you did not need me; but now times are changed. You are -betrayed, tracked, abandoned, by those whose interest it would have -been to support you. The country you have come to deliver renounces -you. My father, whose life you saved, has become your most implacable -foe, because you spurned his offers, and would not serve his paltry -and shameful ambition. Well, I, intrenching myself in my heart as in a -fortress, have in my turn renounced my country, abandoned my father, -and, like a true daughter of the Mexican volcanoes, feeling lava -instead of blood coursing in my veins, bounding with indignation at -the numberless acts of treachery which have begirt you on all sides--I -have forgotten everything, even that modesty innate in maidens, and -defying that world which I abhor and despise, because it rejects you, I -have come to you to love you--to render sweeter the few days which are -perhaps still left you to live; for I do not deceive myself as to the -future any more than you do, Don Louis. And when the fatal hour arrives, -when the hurricane bursts above your head, I shall be there to support -you by my presence, to encourage you by my boundless love, and to die in -your arms!" - -There is in the woman who really loves, and whom passion masters, so -grand a magnetic attraction, a poesy so powerful, that the man with -the greatest self-restraint feels, in spite of himself, a species of -voluptuous dizziness, and suddenly finds his reason desert him, only to -see that love he inspires, and of which he is proud. - -"But you wept, Angela," the count said. "Your tears are still flowing." - -"Yes," she continued energetically, "I wept--I still weep. Well, cannot -you guess why, Don Louis? It is because I am a woman, after all; because -I am weak, and, in spite of all my will and all my love, my rebellious -nature is struggling with my heart; and because, in order to follow you, -and give myself up to you, I despise all that a woman ought to remember -under such circumstances, confined as she is by the miserable claims -of a puny civilisation, a slave to stupid proprieties, and compelled -constantly to hide her feelings in order to play an infamous comedy. -That is why I wept--why I still weep. But what matter these tears, my -well-beloved? There is as much joy as shame in them, and they prove to -you the triumph you have gained over me." - -"Angela," the count answered nobly, "I will deceive neither your love -nor your confidence. Your happiness will not depend on me." - -She gave him a glance of sublime abnegation. - -"Nothing but your love!" she said gently. "I want nothing but that. What -do I care for aught else?" - -"But I care that the woman who has given up all for me should not sink -in public opinion, and be scandalised." - -"What will you do?" - -"Give you my name, my child--the only property left me. At any rate, if -you are the companion of a pirate," he said bitterly, "no one shall -reproach you with being his mistress. In the eyes of the world, I swear -it to you, you shall be his wedded wife." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in mad delight. - -"Good, brother!" Valentine said as he entered the hut. "I will take on -myself to have your union blessed by a simple-hearted priest, to whom -the Gospel is not a dead letter, and who understands Christianity in all -its gentle and touching grandeur." - -"Thanks, Don Valentine." - -"Call me brother, madam; for I am so to you, as I am his brother. You -are a noble creature, and I thank you for the love you bear Don Louis. -And now," he added, with a smile, "there will be a struggle between us: -there are two of us to love him." - -The count, his eyes filled with tears, but not finding words to express -all he felt, held out his hands to these two beings, who were so good -and so devoted, with an emotion that came from the heart. - -"Now," Valentine said gaily, to change the conversation, "let us talk -about business." - -"Business!" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said with a laugh, "it seems to me that, for the -moment, what we have on hand is sufficiently important for us to trouble -ourselves about it." - -"That is true," Louis answered; "but can we, in the presence of this -lady----" - -"That is true: I did not think of that. I am so little accustomed to -society, I trust the lady will pardon me." - -"Permit me, gentlemen," she said with a smile: "a woman is often a good -counsellor, and under present circumstances I believe I can be of some -use to you." - -"I do not doubt it," the hunter said politely; "but----" - -"But you do not believe a word of it," she laughingly interrupted, her -petulant character gaining the upper hand again. "However, you shall -judge for yourselves." - -"We are listening," the count said. - -"My father is at this moment making great preparations: his object -is to crush you before you are prepared to undertake a campaign. All -the Indios Mansos capable of bearing arms are called out, and an -extraordinary levy of troops is ordered through the whole of Sonora." - -"Ah, indeed!" Louis observed. "Those are tremendous preparations." - -"That is not all. Is there not somewhere near here a French colony?" - -"Yes, there is," the count said, suddenly becoming serious; "the colony -of Guetzalli." - -"My father intends to send there, if he has not done so already, his -aide-de-camp, Colonel Suarez." - -"For what purpose?" - -"I suppose to neutralise, by the brilliant promises made to the -colonists, the assistance you might expect from them." - -Louis became pensive. - -"We must make up our minds," Valentine said sharply, "while the -company is preparing, to open the campaign speedily. We must send some -safe person to Guetzalli. As the colonists are French it is impossible -for them not to make common cause with us in a quarrel like that -which compels us to take up arms, and which concerns them as much as -ourselves." - -"You are right, brother. No more delay; but let us act vigorously. You -will accompany me to Guetzalli." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It is only two days' journey at the most from here. It is always best -to manage one's own business; and besides, nobody can obtain from the -colonists so much as I can." - -"How so?" - -"That is too long a story to tell you now. It is enough for you to know -that, on a recent occasion, I rendered rather a great service to the -colony, which I hope they have not yet had time to forget."[1] - -"Oh, oh! if that be the case, I no longer object. In truth, no one can -have a better hope of succeeding in the negotiation than yourself. Let -us go, then; and may Heaven aid us!" - -"Let us go," Louis answered. - -"Well," Dona Angela said with a smile, "did I not say I should be a good -counsellor?" - -"I never doubted it, madam," the hunter replied gallantly. "Besides, it -could not be otherwise, as my brother assured us that you would be our -guardian angel." - -Don Louis, after handing the command over to the first lieutenant, and -recommending the greatest activity and vigilance, announced to his -comrades his temporary absence, though he did not reveal to them the -object of his journey, in order not to discourage them in case his -negotiation failed; and at sunset, followed only by Valentine, and after -saying farewell to Dona Angela once more, he left the mission, and -started at a gallop on the road to Guetzalli. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE AMBASSADORS. - - -The paper which the peon handed to Captain de Laville, and which caused -him to feel such emotion, only contained one name; but it was a name -well known at Guetzalli--that of the Count de Prebois Crance. The -Guetzallians had heard vague rumours of the French expedition formed at -San Francisco for the purpose of working the inexhaustible mines of the -Plancha de Plata. They knew, too, of the company's arrival at Guaymas; -but since then they had received no news, and were completely ignorant -of the events that had occurred. - -The captain had not the remotest idea that the Count de Prebois was the -leader of that expedition; but, from several words Louis had let fall -during his stay at the hacienda, he suspected him of fostering certain -projects against the Mexican Government. This was the reason why, on -receiving the paper, his first impulse was to exclaim, "He here! What -can be the matter?" - -He proceeded at once to the count, persuaded that the latter, outlawed -for some reason by the Mexican Government, had come to demand an asylum -from him. Colonel Suarez' unexpected visit coincided strangely with the -count's arrival, and confirmed him in his notion; for he supposed, with -some appearance of truth, that the colonel was ordered to enforce on him -not to receive the exile, or, if he received him into the colony, to -hand him over at once to the Mexican authorities. Fearing lest he might -commit some error prejudicial to the count, he had hurriedly left the -colonel alone, in order to come to an understanding with his compatriot, -as from the first moment he had resolved not only not to surrender him, -but not to abandon him if he claimed his aid. - -The reader sees that, although the captain's hypothesis was false, it -bordered on the truth in several points. - -Don Louis and Valentine, seated on butacas, were smoking and talking -together, while drinking, to refresh themselves, a decoction of -tamarinds, when the door opened, and the captain appeared. The three men -shook hands affectionately, and then de Laville, making the others a -sign to sit down again, began the conversation at once. - -"What good wind brings you to Guetzalli, my dear count?" he said. - -"Hum!" the latter said. "If you asked what _cordonazo_, you would be -nearer the truth, my dear De Laville; for never has a more terrible -hurricane assailed me than threatens at this moment." - -"Oh, oh! do tell me about it I need hardly say, I suppose, I am quite at -your service." - -"Thank you; but, before all, one word. Who has taken the Count de -Lhorailles' place in the government of the colony?" - -"Myself," the young man modestly replied. - -"By Jove! I am delighted to hear that," the count said frankly, "for no -one was more worthy than you to succeed him." - -"My dear sir!" he said in confusion. - -"On my word, captain, I tell you honestly what I think: all the worse if -it wounds you." - -"Far from that," the young man remarked with a smile. - -"Then all is for the best. I see that my interests will not be -imperilled in your hands." - -"You may feel assured of it." - -"Permit me to introduce to you my most intimate friend, my foster -brother, whose name you must often have heard, and with whom I should -be glad for you to be better acquainted: in one word, he is the French -scout whom the Indians and Mexicans have surnamed the 'Trail-hunter.'" - -The captain rose hurriedly, and held out his hand to the hunter. - -"What!" he said with considerable emotion, "Are you Valentine Guillois?" - -"Yes, sir," the hunter replied with a modest bow. - -"Oh, sir!" the young man exclaimed warmly, "I am delighted to form -your personal acquaintance. Everybody respects and cherishes you here, -because you maintain that title of Frenchman, of which we are all so -proud. Thanks, count, thanks; and now, by heavens, ask of me anything -you please, and I shall not know how to repay the pleasure you have -caused me. - -"Good heavens!" the count replied; "for the present I will only ask you -a very simple matter. You will soon be visited, if he has not already -arrived, by an aide-de-camp of General Guerrero." - -"Colonel Suarez?" - -"Yes." - -"He is here." - -"Already?" - -"He has only been here an hour." - -"He has told you nothing?" - -"Not yet: we have not spoken together." - -"All the better. Would you mind placing us where it would be possible -for us to overhear your conversation, and not be seen?" - -"That is very simple. Adjoining the room where he is waiting for me is a -recess, only covered by a curtain; but we can manage it better still." - -"How?" - -"Does he know you?" - -"Me?" - -"Yes. Does he know you by sight?" - -"No." - -"You are sure of that?" - -"Quite." - -"Nor this gentleman either?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Very good: let me manage it. I will arrange it all; and now to talk of -yourself." - -"It is unnecessary." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is probable the colonel will tell you more than I could." - -"Ah, ah! then you fancy he has come on your account?" - -"I am certain of it." - -"Very good. Now, do not trouble yourself about anything, but let me -arrange it all." - -"Agreed." - -"I will be with you again directly." - -And he left the room. - -The colonel was still in the same position as when we left him. He had -lighted a considerable number of husk cigarettes, and the nicotine was -beginning to act gently on his brain; his eyelids were drooping; in -short, he was just on the point of going to sleep. The sudden entrance -of the captain aroused him from this state of torpor, and he raised his -head. - -"Pray pardon my having left you alone so long," the young man said; "but -an unforeseen event----" - -"You are quite excused," the colonel answered politely. "Still I should -have been charmed had you thought of advising the Count de Lhorailles -of my arrival, for the affair that brought me here admits of no delay." - -The captain regarded the Mexican with surprise. - -"How!" he said, "the Count de Lhorailles?" - -"Certainly: it is to him alone that I must communicate the dispatches of -which I am bearer." - -"But the Count de Lhorailles has been dead for nearly a year. Were you -not aware of the fact?" - -"My word, no, sir, I confess." - -"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to -the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him -at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to -take his place." - -"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, -or was assassinated on the road." - -"I fear it." - -"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post." - -"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do -not measure men by age or height." - -"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With -whom have I the honour of speaking?" - -"With Don Carlos de Laville." - -The colonel bowed. - -"I will, then, with your permission, caballero, communicate my -dispatches to you." - -"A moment, sir," the captain said quickly. "I cannot listen to you -unless I have by my side two of the principal men in the colony." - -"For what object?" - -"That is the law." - -"Do so, then." - -The captain struck a bell, and a peon entered. - -"Ask the two gentlemen waiting in the green room to come here," he said. - -The peon went out. - -"What! the two persons who are waiting?" the colonel said suspiciously. - -"Yes. As I presumed, colonel, that you were the bearer of dispatches, -I warned these two persons in order to detain you as short a time as -possible." - -"In that case permit me to return you my thanks, for I am really -terribly pressed for time." - -At this moment the door opened, and the count and Valentine came in. -The colonel bent a piercing glance upon them, to try to discover with -what sort of men he would have to deal; but it was impossible to read -anything in their cold and rigid countenances, which seemed hewn out of -marble. - -"Gentlemen," the captain said, "Colonel Don Suarez, aide-de-camp to -General Don Sebastian Guerrero, military governor of the State of -Sonora. Colonel Suarez, two of my countrymen." - -The three men bowed stiffly. - -"Now, gentlemen," the captain continued, "pray be seated. The colonel is -the bearer of dispatches he wishes to communicate to us, and they are -probably important, as the colonel has not stopped even between Pitic -and this place. We are ready to listen to you, colonel." - -Like all men accustomed to double dealing and underhand schemes, the -colonel possessed an infallible instinct for scenting treachery. In the -present case, although all was being done ostensibly with the greatest -frankness, and he was a thousand leagues from suspecting the truth, -he guessed that he was being cheated, although it was impossible to -perceive the secret object they had in view. Still he had no subterfuges -he could employ: he must obey his instructions, and he decided on doing -so, much against the grain, after bending on the two strangers a second -glance, by which he sought to read their very hearts' thoughts, but -which had no better result than the first. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "you have doubtlessly not forgotten the numberless -acts of kindness with which the Mexican Government has overwhelmed you." - -"Overwhelmed is the word," de Laville interrupted him with a smile. "Go -on, colonel." - -"The Government is ready to make still greater sacrifices for you, if -necessary." - -"_Caspita!_" the young man again interrupted him, "we will spare it the -trouble. The kindnesses of the Mexican Government generally cost us very -dearly." - -A discussion commenced in this tone of raillery had not the slightest -chance of resulting in an amicable arrangement. Still the colonel did -not break down, his mind was made up. He cared little for the result, -for he knew perfectly well that those who sent him would not hesitate to -disavow him according to circumstances. - -"Hum!" he said, "the following proposal is made you." - -"I beg your pardon, colonel, but before telling us the proposals, -perhaps it would be better to explain to us the reasons that induce the -Government to offer them," de Laville observed. - -"Good heavens, sir! you must know the reasons as well as I do." - -"Pardon me, but we are completely ignorant of them, and would feel -greatly obliged by your telling them to us." - -The count and Valentine were as motionless as statues, and these two -gloomy faces disturbed the colonel in an extraordinary manner. - -"The reasons are very simple," he stammered. - -"I do not doubt it, but be good enough to mention them." - -"This letter," he said, handing a sealed paper to the captain, "will -explain the matter fully." - -De Laville took the paper, read it through hurriedly, and then crumpled -it up passionately in his hand. - -"Colonel," he then said in a firm voice, "the Government of Sonora -forgets that the colony of Guetzalli only contains Frenchmen; that is to -say, no traitors. We have retained our nationality, although established -in this country; and if the Mexican laws will not protect us we will -appeal to our minister at Mexico, and, if necessary, contrive to protect -ourselves." - -"These threats, sir----" the colonel interrupted. - -"They are not threats," the young man continued energetically. "General -Guerrero insults us by inviting us not merely to abandon one of our -countrymen, who is in every respect worthy of our support, through his -loyalty, courage, and nobility of character, but also by proposing to us -to hunt him down like a wild beast, and deliver him over. The general -menaces us with outlawry if we assist the count, whom he brands as a -pirate and a rebel. Let him do so if he please. This letter you have -handed me will be carried by a sure man to Mexico, and handed to our -minister, with a detail of all the annoyances we have suffered from the -Mexican authorities ever since our settlement here." - -"You are wrong, sir," the colonel answered, "to take the proposal made -you in this way. The general is very well disposed toward you. I doubt -not that he will consent to grant you great advantages if you will -only obey him. What do you peaceful colonists care for this rebellious -count, whom I dare say you never heard of? Your own interests demand -that you should turn against him. This man is a villain, to whom nothing -is sacred. Since his arrival in our country he has committed the most -odious crimes. Take my advice, sir; do not obstinately choose a wrong -path, but prove to the Government all your gratitude for the favours you -have received by abandoning this villain." - -The captain had listened calmly and coldly to the Mexican's long -diatribe, holding in check by a glance the count and his companion, who -found it very difficult not to burst out and treat this man in the way -he deserved. When the colonel at length ceased, the captain looked at -him with sovereign contempt. - -"Have you finished?" he said dryly. - -"Yes," the other answered in confusion. - -"Very good. Now, thanks to Heaven, we have nothing more in common. Be -good enough to mount your horse and leave the colony immediately. As for -General Guerrero, tell him that I will give him an answer myself." - -"I will retire, sir. Do you intend to give this answer soon?" - -"Within twenty-four hours. Begone!" - -"I will report our conversation word for word to the general." - -"I shall be glad of it. Good-by till we meet again, sir." - -"What! do you intend to take your answer personally?" - -"Perhaps so," de Laville answered mockingly. - -The colonel went out all abashed by his reception, and followed by the -three men, who did not let him out of sight, and walked by his side, -so as to prevent him communicating with anyone. His horse was waiting -in the courtyard, held by one of the orderlies. The colonel mounted and -rode off rapidly, for he was anxious to leave the colony. On reaching -the isthmus gate he, however, turned round, and looked back for some -time. - -"Who can those two men be?" he muttered. - -And he dug his spurs in his horse's sides. When he had disappeared in -the windings of the road the captain seized Don Louis' hand, and pressed -it affectionately. - -"And now, my dear count," he said to him, "speak. What can I do for you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN. - - -The count returned the young man's affectionate pressure, but shook his -head sorrowfully and remained silent. - -"Why do you not answer me?" the captain asked him. "Do you doubt my -willingness to be of service to you?" - -"It is not that," the count said sadly. "I know that your heart is noble -and generous, and that you will not hesitate to come to my aid." - -"Whence arises this hesitation, then?" - -"Friend," the count answered with a melancholy smile, "I reproach myself -at this moment for having come to find you." - -"For what reason?" - -"Need I tell you? This land you cultivate, only a few years back, was -a virgin forest, serving as a lurking place for wild beasts: now, -thanks to your labour and intelligence, it has been metamorphosed into -a fertile and cultivated plain; numerous flocks feed in your prairies; -the desolation and neglect of this frontier have disappeared to make -room for the incessant toil of civilisation. This colony of Guetzalli, -founded with so much trouble, bedewed with so much blood, prospers, and -is beginning to repay amply the toil and perspiration it cost you. The -day is at hand when, stimulated by your example, other colonists will -come to join you, and, by aiding you to repulse the Indios Bravos into -their impenetrable deserts, will for ever protect the Mexican frontiers -from the depredations of the savages, and restore to this magnificent -country its pristine splendour. - -"Well?" the captain remarked. - -"Well," the count continued, "is it fitting for me, a stranger, a man to -whom you owe nothing, to drag you into a contest without any probable -issue--to mix you up in a quarrel which does not concern you, and in -which you have everything to lose, so that tomorrow the land you have, -after so many efforts, torn from desolation, should fall back into its -primitive barbarism? In a word, my friend, I ask myself by what title -and by what right I should drag you down in my fall." - -"By what title and right? I will tell you," the young captain said -nobly. "We are here six thousand leagues from our country, on the -extreme limits of the desert, having no protection to hope, or help to -seek, other than from ourselves. At such a distance from their country -all Frenchmen must consider each other as brothers, and be responsible -for each other. All must resent an insult offered to a Frenchman. It is -because we are few in number, and consequently exposed to the insults -of our enemies, that we ought to defend one another, and demand that -justice should be done us. By acting thus we not only protect our own -honour, but defend our country, and guard from any insult that title of -Frenchmen of which we are justly proud." - -"You speak well, captain," Valentine interrupted him. "Your words are -those of a man of heart. It is abroad that patriotism must be strong and -inflexible. We have no right to allow wretched enemies to lower that -national honour which our brothers in France have intrusted to us; for -each of us here represents our beloved country, and must at his risk and -peril make it be respected by all, no matter under what circumstances." - -"Yes," the captain answered quickly, "the Mexican Government, by -insulting the Count de Prebois Crance, by breaking all its engagements -with him, and betraying him in so cowardly a fashion, has not insulted -a Frenchman, an individual, or nameless adventurer, but the whole of -France. Well, France must reply to it, and, by heavens! we will pick -up the glove thrown to us. We will fight to avenge our honour; and if -we succumb, we shall have fallen nobly in the arena, and believe me, -gentlemen, our blood will not have been shed in vain: our country will -pity while admiring us, and our fall will create us avengers. Besides, -my dear count," he added, "you are in no way a stranger to the colony -of Guetzalli; for did you not lend us the support of your arm and your -counsels under critical circumstances? It is our turn now, and we shall -only pay our debts after all." - -The count could not refrain from smiling. - -"Well," he said with emotion, "be it so: I accept your generous -devotion. Any further resistance would not only be ridiculous, but might -appear in your eyes ungrateful." - -"Very good," the captain said gaily; "we are now beginning to understand -each other. I was certain that I should end by convincing you." - -"You are a charming companion," the count retorted; "it is impossible to -resist you." - -"By Jove! you arrive at the very moment to obtain speedy help." - -"How so?" - -"Just imagine that two days later you would not have found me at home." - -"Impossible!" - -"Did you not notice, on your arrival, the wagons and carts arranged in -one of the courts you crossed?" - -"I did." - -"I was on the point of starting, at the head of eighty picked men, to go -and work certain mines we have heard about." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"Yes; but for the present the expedition will remain _in statu quo_, for -the band I intended to lead into the desert will join you, or at least I -presume so." - -"What! you presume so?" - -"Yes, because I cannot dispose of the band, or change the object of the -expedition, without the general assent." - -"That is true," said the count; and his features grew solemn. - -"But do not feel alarmed," the captain continued; "we shall easily -obtain that assent when the colonists know what interests I propose to -serve." - -"May Heaven grant it!" - -"I guarantee success. You have, I suppose, all the stores necessary for -entering on a campaign?" - -"Nearly so; but I regret to say that all my arrieros have deserted me, -and left my camp furtively." - -"The deuce! and naturally they took their mules with them?" - -"All, without exception; and this renders it very embarrassing to move -my baggage and draw my guns." - -"Good, good! We will provide for all that. I have here, as you saw, -excellent wagons; I am also well supplied with mules; and there are in -the colony men perfectly capable of leading them." - -"You will render me no slight service." - -"I hope to render you others far greater than that." - -The three men had returned to the room in which the conference with -Colonel Suarez had taken place. The captain struck the bell, and a peon -entered. - -"This evening, after _oracion_, at the end of the day's labour, the -colonists will assemble in the patio to hear an important communication -I have to make to them," he said. - -The domestic bowed. - -"Bring the dinner," the captain added. Then, turning to his guests, -he said, "I presume you will dine with me, for you cannot start again -before tomorrow?" - -"That is true. Still we expect to be off before sunrise." - -"Where is your camp?" - -"At the mission of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles." - -"That is close by." - -"Oh! some thirty leagues at the most." - -"Yes, and the position is very strong. You do not intend, though, to -stay there long?" - -"No; I mean to strike a heavy blow." - -"You are right: you must cause the terror of your name to precede you." - -At this moment the peons brought in the dinner. - -"To table, gentlemen," the captain said. - -The meal was, as might be expected in this extreme frontier, excessively -frugal. It was only composed of venison, maize tortillas, red beans, -and pimiento, the whole washed down with pulque, mezcal, and Catalonian -refino, the strongest spirit in the known world. The guests had a true -hunter's appetite; that is to say, they were nearly dead of hunger, for -the count and Valentine had eaten nothing for thirty hours. Hence they -vigorously attacked the provisions placed before them. - -The peons had retired immediately after bringing in the dinner, so as -to leave the party full liberty for conversation. Hence, so soon as the -rough edge was taken off their appetite, the discussion was begun again -exactly where it left off, which always occurs with men whose minds are -preoccupied by any difficult project. - -"So," the captain asked, "war is decidedly declared between you and the -Mexican Government?" - -"Without remedy." - -"Although the cause you sustain is just, as you are fighting for the -maintenance of a right, still you will inscribe something on the banner -you display?" - -"Of course. I inscribe the only thing which can guarantee me the -protection of the people through whom I pass, and make the oppressed and -the malcontents flock to me." - -"Hum! what is it?" - -"Only four words." - -"And they are?" - -"_Independencia de la Sonora._" - -"Yes, the idea is a happy one. If a particle of nobility and generosity -is left in the hearts of the inhabitants of this unhappy country (which, -however, I confess to you I greatly doubt), those four words will -suffice to produce a revolution." - -"I hope so, without daring to count on it. You know, like myself, the -Mexican character--a strange composite of all good and bad instincts, -about which it is impossible to form a decided opinion." - -"Why, my dear count, the Mexicans are like every people that has been -for a long time enslaved. After remaining children for ages, they grew -too fast, and had the pretension of being men, when they scarcely began -to comprehend their emancipation, or were in a position to derive any -benefit from it." - -"Still we will attempt to galvanise them. The revolutionary race is, -perhaps, not completely extinct in this country, and what remains will -be sufficient to enkindle the sacred flame in the hearts of all." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"Hasten onwards, so as not to let myself be attacked, which always -implies inferiority, if not timidity." - -"That is true." - -"How many men do you expect to be able to give me?" - -"Eighty horsemen, commanded by myself, as I told you." - -"Thanks! But when will these horsemen (who, by the way, will be very -useful to me, as I possess so few at the moment) be able to join me?" - -"This evening they will be granted you, and in two days they will reach -the mission." - -"Could you send off the mules, wagons, and muleteers tomorrow with me?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. I will set out at once for Magdalena: it is a large pueblo, -commanding the two roads from Ures and Hermosillo." - -"I know it." - -"Proceed there direct, for that will save a loss of time." - -"Agreed. I shall arrive there at the same time as yourself, which will -be the more easy as I shall send off my baggage to your head quarters." - -"Very good." - -"You intend, then, to act energetically?" - -"Yes; I mean to try a grand stroke. If I succeed in taking one of the -three capitals of Sonora I shall have gained the campaign." - -"Such an enterprise is surely rash." - -"I know it; but in my position I dare not calculate -consequences--boldness alone can and must save me. - -"You are right, and I will not add a word. But now let us proceed to the -meeting, for our men are assembled. In their present temper I am certain -that the request I am about to make of them will be granted without -difficulty." - -They went out. As the captain had announced, all the colonists were -assembled in the courtyard, broken up into scattered groups, eagerly -discussing the reasons which caused their assemblage. When the captain -appeared, accompanied by his two friends, silence was immediately -established, curiosity closing the mouths of the most talkative. - -The Count de Prebois Crance was known to most of the colonists: his -appearance was consequently hailed with sympathetic greetings, for -each retained in his memory the recollection of the services he had -rendered when Guetzalli was so rudely assailed by the Apaches. The -captain cleverly availed himself of this goodwill, on which he had, -indeed, built, in order to explain his request clearly to the colonists, -while accounting for the causes which obliged the count to come and seek -allies at Guetzalli. - -The men would not have been the hearty adventurers they really were, -had they received such a request coldly. Seduced, as was natural, by -the strangeness and even the temerity of the enterprise proposed to -them, they consented to range themselves under the count's banner with -enthusiastic shouts and delight. The first expedition projected, and for -which all the preparations had been made, was completely forgotten, and -the only question was the enfranchisement of Sonora. Had the count asked -for two hundred men, he would certainly have obtained them on the spot -without the slightest difficulty. - -Captain de Laville, delighted at the prodigious success he had achieved, -warmly thanked his comrades, both in the count's name and his own, and -immediately began getting ready to start. The wagons were carefully -inspected to see that they were all in order, and were then laden with -all the articles requisite for the coming campaign. At about an hour -before sunrise all was ready for starting; the wagons were loaded, and -horses attached; the mules, carefully selected, were intrusted to steady -men. - -Louis and Valentine mounted; the captain accompanied them about a league -from the company; and then they parted, agreeing to meet again three -days later at La Magdalena. - -Mules and wagons progress very slowly in Mexico, where there are in -reality no roads, and where you are generally forced to cut a path with -the axe. Louis and his foster brother, whose presence was imperatively -demanded at the mission, felt in despair at this slowness. In this -extremity the count resolved to leave the caravan, and push on ahead. -In consequence they left the arrieros, after recommending the greatest -diligence to them, and burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, set -out at full speed for the mission. - -The American horses, descended from the old Arabs of the conquerors -of New Spain, have several incontestable advantages over ours. In the -first place they are temperate: a little alfalfa in the morning, after -washing their mouths out, enables them to go a whole day without food, -drink, or rest. These horses seem indefatigable, and, indeed, they have -only one pace--the gallop; and at the end of the day, after going twenty -leagues at that pace, they have not turned a hair, and do not display -the slightest fatigue. - -As our two horsemen were mounted on crack steeds, they reached the -mission in a comparatively very short period. At the first barricade a -man was waiting for them: it was Curumilla. - -"Someone is waiting for you," he said. "Come." - -They followed him, asking each other with a glance what reason could be -so important as to draw such a long sentence from Curumilla. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FATHER AND DAUGHTER. - - -The adventurers' camp had completely changed its character: it had lost -the peaceful appearance of the early days, and assumed a warlike air, -perfectly in accordance with the present aspect of affairs. At each -issue from the mission, a gun, guarded by a detachment, was pointed at -the open country, while piled muskets formed a long row, in front of -which a guard walked up and down. Sentries posted at regular distances -watched the approaches, while advanced posts, established in sure -positions, prevented any attempt at a surprise. - -In the interior of the camp the greatest activity prevailed; the camp -forges smoked, and re-echoed the hasty blows of the smiths; further -on, carpenters were cutting into shape whole trees; the armorers were -inspecting and repairing arms; in short, everybody was working eagerly, -in order to get everything prepared with the least possible delay. - -The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the -camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the -adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached -headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the -melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance _del Rey Rodrigo_, smote -their ears. - -"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to -ask some information from Don Cornelio." - -"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to -obtain it from Curumilla." - -"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words -exchanged by the friends. - -"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile. - -Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a -_jacal_ of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before -which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming -his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his -eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a -shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them. - -"_Capa de Dios!_" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, -caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you." - -"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously. - -"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on -horseback?" - -"No, no, we will join you." - -And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the -count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs -ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding -his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at -the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses. - -"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools -scattered about. - -"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the -count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?" - -"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have -brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, -however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not -wish to talk with you about those matters." - -"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?" - -"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered -me to watch over Dona Angela--a singular commission enough for me." - -"How so?" - -"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I -dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero." - -"I thank you for it." - -"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the -commandant." - -"Ah, ah! And you know the contents of the letter?" - -"It was simply a request for a safe-conduct to remain in the camp." - -"Ah! and who was it signed by?" - -"Father Seraphin." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed quickly, "Father Seraphin, the French -missionary, the sainted man whom the Indians themselves have christened -the 'Apostle of the Prairies?'" - -"Himself." - -"That is strange," the hunter muttered. - -"Is it not?" - -"But," said the count, "Father Seraphin does not need a safe-conduct to -stay with us as long as he pleases." - -"Of course," Valentine confirmed him, "we shall always be happy, myself -in particular, to profit by his advice." - -"The worthy father did not request the safe-conduct for himself: he is -very well aware that his visit could only be agreeable to us." - -"Ah! For whom, then?" - -"For a person for whom he would be bail during the period of his stay -among us, but whose name he kept secret." - -"Hum! that is not clear." - -"That is what I thought, so I urged the commandant to refuse." - -"Well?" - -"He granted the safe-conduct, alleging a reason which, by the way, is -not so illogical--that the man for whom the safe-conduct is requested is -evidently a friend or an enemy, and in either case it is good to know -him, so as eventually to treat him as he deserves." - -The two Frenchmen could not refrain from laughing at this singular -logic. - -"Well, and what is the result of all this?" the count continued. - -"The result is that Father Seraphin arrived this morning at the mission, -accompanied by a person carefully wrapped up in a large cloak." - -"Ah, ah! And this person?" - -"You can guess a thousand times before finding out." - -"I think it would be better for you to tell me at once." - -"I believe so too. Well, prepare yourself to hear something incredible. -This person is no one less than Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"The general!" the count exclaimed as he bounded in his chair. - -"Do not confound persons. I did not say General, but Don Sebastian -Guerrero." - -"A truce with nonsense, Don Cornelio! Let us talk seriously, for what -you say deserves it." - -"I am serious, Don Louis. The general has come here in his private -capacity. In a word, it is the father of Dona Angela who is at this -moment in our camp, and not the Governor of Sonora." - -"I am beginning to understand," the count said in a hollow voice, as he -walked in agitation up and down the jacal. "And what took place between -father and daughter? Do not be afraid to tell me everything. I will keep -the mastery over myself." - -"Nothing at all has passed, Don Louis, thanks to Heaven!" - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, for the simple reason that Dona Angela, by my advice, refused to -receive her father's visit during your absence." - -"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and -fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard. - -"By my advice, yes." - -"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general----" - -"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, -though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance -that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge." - -"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these -difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above -all, great perspicacity." - -Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let -his eyes fall modestly. - -"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count. - -"Leave Dona Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, -dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the -missionary to her. Go: I follow you." - -The Spaniard went out at once to fulfil his orders. - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine said, so soon as he found -himself alone with the count. - -"In two days." - -"And you march?" - -"On La Magdalena." - -"Good! I will now ask your leave to go away, accompanied by Curumilla." - -"What! you wish to leave me?" the count exclaimed with regret. - -The hunter smiled. - -"You do not understand me, brother," he answered. "The Indian chief -and myself are almost useless here. How could we serve you? In no way; -while I am convinced we can make excellent scouts. Leave us to explore -the road, at the same time as we try to destroy, or at least lessen, -the prejudices which the calumnies so sedulously spread about you have -produced against everybody who bears the name of Frenchman." - -"I did not dare ask you to render me that service; but now, as you offer -it so frankly, I will not be so foolish as to refuse it. Go, brother. -Act as you please: all you do will be right." - -"Then farewell! I shall start immediately." - -"Without taking a moment's rest?" - -"You know that I never feel fatigue. Come, courage! We shall meet again -at La Magdalena." - -The two friends embraced, and then quitted the jacal. On the threshold -they separated, after a last pressure of the hand, Valentine going to -the right, the count to the left. - -A guard of ten men defended the approaches to headquarters, and a -sentinel was pacing, with shouldered musket, before the door of the -mission church, the count's temporary residence. On arriving at his -house Don Louis saw Don Cornelio, accompanied by two persons, one -of whom wore a clerical garb. They had stopped, and were apparently -waiting. The count hurried on. Although he had never, till this moment, -seen Father Seraphin, he recognised him by the portraits Valentine had -drawn. - -He was still the man with the angelic glance, the delicate and marked -features, the intelligently gentle countenance, whom we have presented -to our readers in another work; but the apostolate is severe in America. -Years count there as triple for missionaries really worthy of the title; -and Father Seraphin, though hardly thirty years of age, already bore on -his body and face traces of that precocious decrepitude to which those -men fall victims who sacrifice themselves, without any thought of self, -to the welfare of humanity. His back was beginning to bend, his hair was -turning white on his temples, and two deep wrinkles furrowed his brow. -Still the vivacity of his glance seemed to contradict this apparent -weakness, and prove that if his body had grown enfeebled in the contest, -the soul had ever remained equally young and powerful. - -The three men bowed politely. The count and the missionary, after -exchanging an earnest glance, shook hands with a smile. They had -understood each other. - -"You are welcome, sir," the count said, addressing the general, -"although I am surprised that you place such confidence in _pirates_, as -you call us, as to confide yourself so entirely to our honour." - -"The law of nations, sir," the general replied, "has certain recognised -rules which are respected by all men." - -"Excepting by those who are placed without the pale of society and the -common law of humanity," Don Louis remarked dryly. - -The missionary interposed. - -"Gentlemen," he said in his sympathetic voice, "between you there is no -enmity at this moment: there is only a father who claims his daughter -from a gentleman who, I feel convinced, will not refuse to restore her -to him." - -"Heaven forbid, my father," the count said quickly, "that I should -attempt to retain this man's daughter against her will, even were he a -thousandfold a greater enemy than he is." - -"You see, general," the missionary observed, "that I was not mistaken as -to the count's character." - -"Dona Angela came alone, impelled by her own will, into my camp: she is -respected and treated with all the attention she merits. Dona Angela -is free to act as she pleases, and I recognise no right to influence -her. As I did not carry her off from her father, as I did nothing to -attract her hither, I cannot restore her, as this gentleman appears to -demand. If Dona Angela is willing to return to her friends, nobody will -oppose it; but if, on the contrary, she prefers to remain here under the -protection of my brave comrades and myself, no human power will succeed -in tearing her from me." - -These words were pronounced in a peremptory tone, which produced a -marked impression on the two hearers. - -"However, gentlemen," the count continued, "what we say between -ourselves has no value so long as Dona Angela has not pronounced herself -in one way or the other. I will have the honour of leading you to -her. You will have an explanation with her, and she will tell you her -determination. Still, permit me to warn you that, whatever that decision -may be, both yourselves and myself are bound to submit to it." - -"Be it so, sir," the general said dryly: "perhaps it is as well that way -as any other." - -"Come, then," the count continued. - -And he preceded them to the hut which served as the maiden's private -residence. - -Dona Angela, seated on a butaca, and having Violanta at her feet, was -engaged with her needlework. On seeing her father and the persons who -accompanied him enter, a vivid blush purpled her cheeks, but almost -immediately she turned pale as death. Still she contrived to subdue the -emotion she felt, rose, bowed silently, and sat down again. The general -regarded her for a moment with a mingled expression of tenderness and -anger; then turning suddenly to the missionary, he said in a stifled -voice,-- - -"Speak to her, my father; I do not feel the strength to do so." - -The maiden smiled sadly. - -"My good padre," she said to the missionary, "I thank you for the -useless attempt you are making on me today. My resolution is formed: -nothing will alter it--it is impossible. I will never return to my -family." - -"Unhappy child!" the general exclaimed with sorrow, "what reason urged -you to abandon me thus?" - -"I do all justice to your kindness and tenderness toward me, father," -she answered with a melancholy air. "Alas! that unbounded tenderness -and the liberty you ever allowed me to enjoy are perhaps the cause of -what happens today. I do not wish to reproach you. My destiny has taken -possession of me: I will endure the consequences of the fault I have -committed." - -The general frowned and stamped his foot on the ground passionately. - -"Angela, my well-beloved child!" he continued bitterly, "reflect that -the scandal occasioned by your flight will dishonour you for ever." - -A contemptuous smile played round the maidens pallid lips. - -"What do I care?" she said. "The world in which you live is no longer -mine. All my joy and sorrow will be henceforth concentrated here." - -"But I, your father--you forget me, then, and I am no longer anything to -you?" - -The girl hesitated: she remained silent, with downcast eyes. - -"Dona," the missionary said gently, "God curses children who abandon -their father: return to yours. There is still time: he holds out his -arms to you---he calls you. Return, my child. A parent's heart is an -inexhaustible well of indulgence. Your father will forgive you: he has -already done so." - -Dona Angela shook her head, but made no further reply. The general and -the missionary regarded each other with disappointment, while Don Louis -stood a little in the rear, his arms folded on his breast, with sunken -head and thoughtful air. - -"Oh!" the general muttered with concentrated passion, "ours is an -accursed race!" - -At this moment Don Louis drew himself up, and walked a few paces forward. - -"Dona Angela," he said with marked significance, "was it really your own -will that brought you here?" - -"Yes," she answered resolutely. - -"And you have really decided on obeying neither the orders nor -entreaties of your father?" - -"Yes," she said again. - -"Then you renounce for ever your position in society, and your fortune?" - -"Yes." - -"You also renounce the protection of your father, who is your natural -guardian, and has every human and divine claim on you--you renounce his -affection?" - -"Yes," she murmured in a low voice. - -"Then it is now my turn;" and bowing to the general, he continued, -"Sir, whatever may be the hatred that sunders us--whatever may happen -at a later date--the honour of your daughter must remain pure and -unspotted." - -"In order to secure that result," the general said bitterly, "someone -must consent to marry her." - -"Yes. Well, I, the Count de Prebois Crance, have the honour of asking -you for her hand." - -The general fell back in amazement. - -"Do you really ask that seriously?" he said. - -"Yes." - -"Reflect that, while thanking you for your request, I consider it a -fresh aggrievance." - -"Be it so." - -"That this marriage will in nowise prevent the measures I intend taking -against you." - -"What do I care?" - -"And you still consent to give her your hand?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. You shall have my answer in four days." - -"At La Magdalena, then." - -"Be it so." The general turned to his daughter. "I do not curse you," -he said, "for God himself cannot free a child from its father's -malediction. Farewell! Be happy." - -And he rushed out, followed by the missionary. - -"My father," the count said, "I shall expect you at La Magdalena." - -"I shall be there, sir," Father Seraphin replied sadly, "for I foresee -that there will be tears to dry up." - -"Good-by, sir," the general said. - -"Good-by till we meet again," the count answered with a bow. - -The general and the missionary then mounted and set out, escorted by a -strong detachment of adventurers, who were to accompany them through the -outposts and pickets of the French company. The count looked after them -for a long time, and then walked back slowly to his room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LA MAGDALENA. - - -The village of La Magdalena occupies an important military position, for -it commands the three roads that lead to Ures, Hermosillo, and Sonora, -the chief cities of the State, and is nearly at an equal distance from -all three. This pueblo, in itself of but slight consideration, enjoys, -however, a certain reputation in the country, owing to the beauty of its -situation and the purity of the air breathed there. - -La Magdalena forms a species of parallelogram, one side of which -carelessly mirrors its white houses in the limpid waters of the Rio -San Pedro, a confluent of the Gila. Dense woods of palma Christi, -styrax, Peru trees, and mahogany form an insurmountable barrier against -the burning winds of the desert, while refreshing and perfuming the -atmosphere, and serve as a refuge for thousands of blue jays, cardinals, -and loros, which chatter gaily under the foliage, and enliven the -enchanting landscape--this ravishing oasis, placed there by the hand of -nature, as if to make the traveller returning from the prairie forget -the sufferings and fatigues of the desert. - -The festivities in honour of the patron saint at La Magdalena are the -most frequented and joyful of all Sonora. As they last several days, the -hacenderos and campesinos flock in for a hundred miles round. During -this _fete_, at which rivers of pulque and mezcal flow, there is one -succession of jaranas, montes, and bull baits; in a word, amusements of -every description, which no crime ever saddens, in spite of the great -concourse of strangers. The Mexicans are not wicked; they are only badly -educated, headstrong, and passionate children, but nothing more. - -Three days after the events we narrated in our previous chapter, the -Pueblo de la Magdalena, at the most animated period of its annual -festival, was in a state of more than ordinary agitation and excitement, -evidently not produced by the festival; for the people had suddenly -broken off their sports, and rushed, laughing and pressing, to one of -the ends of the pueblo, where, according to the few words whispered by -the gossips, something out of the way was taking place. - -In fact, bugles soon sounded a call, and a band of armed men debouched -on the pueblo, marching in good order, and to military tunes. First came -an advanced guard of a dozen well-mounted men; then came a company of -men formed in squads of about thirty each, bearing among them a large -banner, on which was inscribed, "Independencia de la Sonora." Behind -this band came two guns drawn by mules, then a squadron of cavalry, -immediately followed by a long file of wagons and carts. The march was -closed by a rearguard of twenty horsemen. - -This small _army_, about three hundred strong, marched through the -pueblo with heads raised and bold glances, passed the double row of -spectators, and stopped, at a signal from the chief, about one hundred -yards in front of the village, at a triangle formed by the meeting of -three roads. Here the troops were ordered to bivouac. - -It is almost needless to tell the reader that this _army_ was the -Atrevida Company. The good conduct of the band, and its martial air, -had gained the favour of the population of the pueblo through which -they marched so boldly. During the passage handkerchiefs and sombreros -were waved, and cries of "Bravo!" were heard. The count, on horseback -a few paces ahead of the main body, had not ceased for a moment bowing -gracefully to the right and left, and these salutes had been returned -with usury all along the village. - -So soon as the order to bivouac was given, each set to work, and in less -than two hours the adventurers, skilfully employing all within their -reach, had established the most graceful and picturesque encampment -that can be imagined. Still, as the count regarded himself as being -in an enemy's country, nothing was neglected not only to protect the -camp from a surprise, but also to place it in a respectable state of -defence. By the aid of the wagons and carts, reinforced by palisades, -the adventurers formed a barricade, still further defended by a ditch, -the earth from which was thrown up on the other side as a breastwork. In -the centre of the camp, on a small mound, rose the chiefs tent, before -which the guns were planted; and from its summit floated the flag to -which we have already alluded. - -The arrival of the French was a piece of good fortune for the Sonorians -whom the festival had attracted to La Magdalena. Indeed, for several -days they had been expected hourly; and the inhabitants, in spite of the -proclamations of the Mexican Government, which represented the French as -plunderers and bandits, had taken no further precautions against them -than to go and meet them, and receive them with shouts of welcome--a -characteristic fact which clearly proved that public opinion was not at -all deceived as to the meaning of the French pronunciamiento, and that -each knew perfectly well on which side were right and justice. - -When the camp was formed the authorities of the pueblo presented -themselves at the gate, asking, in the name of their fellow citizens, -permission to visit the Frenchmen. The count, delighted with this -measure, which was of good augury for the relations he hoped presently -to establish with the inhabitants, at once gave the requisite permission -with the best grace possible. - -De Laville had joined the count at about ten miles from the pueblo, at -the head of eighty horsemen, which supplied the army with a respectable -body of cavalry. Don Louis, having long been acquainted with the captain -of Guetzalli, appointed him Chief of the Staff, and intrusted to him -the annoying details of duty. De Laville eagerly accepted this mark of -confidence; and the count, thenceforward free to occupy himself with the -political portion of the expedition, retired to his tent, in order to -reflect on the means to be employed by which to bring over to his side -the population among which he now was. - -Since the day General Guerrero presented himself at the mission, -accompanied by Father Seraphin, the count, through a feeling of -propriety, had not seen Dona Angela again, over whom he watched, -however, with the utmost solicitude. The young lady appreciated this -delicacy, and, for her part, had not attempted to see him. She had -journeyed from the mission to La Magdalena in a closed palanquin, and a -tent had been erected for her at no great distance from the count's. - -The permission requested by the authorities had scarce been granted ere -the adventurers' camp was visited by all the inhabitants. The mob, eager -to see more nearly these bold men who, though in such small number, did -not fear to declare war openly against the Government of Mexico, rushed -in a body to the place occupied by them. The adventurers received their -guests with that gaiety which distinguishes Frenchmen, and in a few -hours gained the goodwill of the Sonorians, who, the more they saw of -them, the more they wished to see, and who never grew weary of admiring -their recklessness, and, above all, their imperturbable conviction of -the success of the expedition. Night was setting in, the sun was rapidly -sinking on the horizon, when Don Cornelio, who performed the duties of -aide-de-camp to the count, raised the curtain of his tent, and announced -to him that a field officer, who stated he had a message for him, asked -to speak with him. Don Louis gave the order for his introduction. The -envoy entered, and the count at once recognised in him Colonel Suarez. -On his side, the colonel made a gesture of surprise at seeing the man he -had met at Guetzalli, though he had not succeeded in finding out who he -was. Don Louis smiled at the colonel's astonishment, bowed politely, and -begged him to be seated. - -"I am requested, sir, by General Guerrero," the colonel said after the -usual compliments, "to deliver a letter to you." - -"I have already been told so, colonel," the count answered. "I presume -that you are acquainted with the contents of the letter?" - -"Nearly so, sir; for I have several words to add to it in the course of -conversation." - -"I am ready to hear you." - -"I will not waste your time, sir. In the first place here is the letter." - -"Very good," the count said, taking it and laying it on the table. - -"General Don Sebastian Guerrero," the colonel continued, "accepts the -offer you did him the honour of making him for the hand of his daughter: -still he desires that the nuptial ceremony should take place as soon as -possible." - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -"He desires also that this ceremony, at which he hopes to be present -with a large party of his relations and friends, should be celebrated at -La Magdalena by Father Seraphin." - -"I have a few observations to make on that subject, colonel." - -"I am listening to you, caballero." - -"I willingly consent that Father Seraphin should marry us; but the -ceremony will not take place at La Magdalena, but here in my camp, which -I cannot and will not leave." - -The colonel knit his brows. The count continued without seeming to -notice it:-- - -"The general can be present at the ceremony, with as many relations and -friends as he pleases; but as, unfortunately, we do not stand on such -good terms to each other as I should wish, and as I must take care of my -own safety, as much as he does of his, the general will be good enough -to send me ten hostages selected among the most influential persons -in the State. These hostages will be treated by me with the greatest -honour, and restored to the general one hour after the nuptial blessing -and the departure of the guests from the camp. But I must warn your -general that, if the slightest treachery is attempted against myself or -one of the men I have the honour of commanding, these hostages will be -immediately shot." - -"Oh!" the colonel exclaimed, "you distrust General Guerrero, sir, and -put no faith in his honour as a caballero." - -"Unfortunately, sir," the count replied dryly, "I have learned at my -own expense what the value is of the honour of certain Mexicans. I -will, therefore, enter into no discussion on that subject. Such are my -conditions. The general is at liberty to accept or refuse them; but I -pledge you my word of honour that I shall make no change." - -"Very well, sir," the colonel answered, intimidated in spite of himself -by the count's resolute accent, "I will have the honour of transmitting -these harsh conditions to the general." - -Don Louis bowed. - -"I doubt whether he will accept them," the colonel continued. - -"He can do as he pleases." - -"But is there no other way of settling the difference?" - -"I do not see any." - -"Well, in the event of the general accepting, how shall I let you know -it, so as to lose as little time as possible?" - -"In a very simple mode, sir--by the arrival of Father Seraphin and the -delivery of the hostages." - -"And, in that case, when will the ceremony take place?" - -"Two hours after the hostages have reached my camp." - -"I will retire, sir, and submit your reply to my superior officer." - -"Do so, sir." - -The colonel retired, and the count, who fancied himself sure of the -acceptance of his ultimatum, immediately gave the necessary orders for -the construction of the cabin intended to serve as a chapel. After this -he wrote a note, which was handed to Dona Angela through the medium of -Don Cornelio. This note, which was very laconic, contained the following -lines:-- - - "MADAM, - - "I have received your father's answer: it is favourable. - Tomorrow, in all probability, the ceremony of our marriage will - take place. I watch over you and myself. - - "The Count de PREBOIS CRANCE." - -After sending off this note the count wrapped himself in a cloak, and -went out to visit the posts, and assure himself that the sentries were -keeping good guard. The night was bright and clear; the sky studded with -an infinite number of brilliant stars; the atmosphere perfumed with a -thousand sweet odours; at intervals the strains of the guitars, borne on -the breeze, rose from the pueblo, and died out at the count's ear. The -camp was silent and gloomy; the adventurers, who had retired under their -leafy jacales, were enjoying that rest so necessary after a day's march; -the horses, hobbled pell-mell with the mules, were devouring their -alfalfa; the sentries, with shouldered muskets, were walking slowly -around the intrenchments with their eyes fixed on the plain. - -The count, after walking about for some time, and convincing himself -that everything was in the most perfect order, was induced by the -melancholy and mysterious softness of the night, to lean on the -breastwork; and, with his eye fixed on vacancy, not looking at or -probably seeing anything, he gradually gave way to his dreams, yielding -unconsciously to the mysterious influence of the objects that surrounded -him. From time to time, as the sentries called to each other, he -mechanically raised his head; then he would yield again to the flood of -thought that fell on him, and was so absorbed in himself that he seemed -to be asleep; but it was not so. - -For several hours he had been thus leaning over the breastwork, without -a thought of retiring, when he suddenly felt a hand lightly laid on -his shoulder. This touch, light as it was, sufficed to recall him -from the ideal worlds in which his imagination was galloping, and to -a consciousness of his present situation. The count stifled a cry of -surprise and turned round. A man was holding on to the outside of the -breastwork, his head scarce emerging over the top. It was Curumilla. - -The chief had a finger laid on his lips, as if to recommend prudence to -the count. The latter made a sign of pleasure on recognising the Indian, -and quickly bent down to him. - -"Well?" he said with his mouth to his ear. - -"You will be attacked tomorrow." - -"You are sure of it?" - -The Indian smiled. - -"Yes," he said. - -"When?" - -"At night." - -"What hour?" - -"An hour before moonrise." - -"By whom?" - -"Palefaces." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Good-by." - -"Are you off again?" - -"Yes." - -"Shall I see you again?" - -"Perhaps." - -"When?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And Valentine?" - -"He will come." - -The Indian, doubtlessly fatigued with having talked so much, contrary to -his habits, although the sentences he uttered were of no extraordinary -length, slipped down the breastwork again, and said no more. Louis -looked after him, and saw him crawl away on his knees, and disappear -without producing the slightest sound. The scene had taken place so -rapidly, the Indian's flight had been so silent, that the count was on -the point of regarding it as an hallucination; but suddenly the hoot of -the owl, twice repeated, rose in the air. - -This signal had long been agreed on between Valentine and the count. He -understood that Curumilla, while warning him that he was safe, sent him -from a distance a last recommendation to silence. He tossed his head -sadly, and returned to his tent pensively, muttering in a low voice,-- - -"Another piece of treachery!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE COCK-FIGHT. - - -In marching on La Magdalena the count had a double object: in the first -place, that of meeting the rich hacenderos and alcaldes of the pueblos -dissatisfied with the Mexican Government, and try to draw them over to -his side by the brilliant prospects of independence he offered them; -secondly, by his strategic position at the village, to alarm General -Guerrero, and keep him constantly on the alert by a simultaneous feint -of aggressive movements on each of the three Sonorian capitals. - -The general, so soon as war was declared, had appealed to the population -with that pompous and verbose Mexican eloquence which only deceives -the foolish. The inhabitants, who were perfectly indifferent about the -Government, and cared but little to interfere in the general's private -quarrels, which he tried in vain to metamorphose into a national -question, had remained quietly at home, and had in no way responded to -their chiefs so-called patriotic appeal, the more so because, during the -four months since the French landed in Sonora, and had been traversing -the country, their conduct toward the population had been ever -exemplary, and not the smallest complaint had been made against them. - -The general, disappointed at the ill success of his machinations, then -changed his batteries. He proceeded to forced enlistments: next, not -satisfied with that, he treated with the Hiaquis and Opatas Indians, -in order to increase his army. He also wished, at the outset, to enrol -the Apaches; but the rude lesson the French had read the latter had -disgusted them with war, and they retired to their deserts without -listening to any new proposition. - -Still General Guerrero had succeeded in collecting an imposing force. -His army amounted to nearly 12,000 men--an enormous number, if we -think of the few combatants his enemy could draw up in time. The -general, we must do him the justice to say, in spite of his incessant -braggadocio, and the continual marches and countermarches he performed, -had an instinctive respect for his enemy, or, if you like it better, a -perfectly reasonable fear, which incited him to prudence, and prevented -him ever coming too close to the French outposts. He contented himself -with actively watching the count's movements, and holding the three -roads in such a way as to be able easily to concentrate his troops on -the point menaced by the adventurers. - -It is a singular fact that the Americans of the South have never been -able, after so many centuries, and though they are nearly descended -from the Spaniards, to dispel that superstitious terror with which the -European conquerors inspired them on their landing. The deeds of those -heroic adventurers are still in every mouth, and during the war of -independence it frequently happened that a handful of Spaniards put to -flight, merely by showing themselves, masses of Mexican insurgents. The -most convincing proof of our assertion we can produce is that, at this -very moment, three hundred French adventurers, isolated in the centre of -a country they did not know, and the majority of whom did not even speak -the language, held in check an army of 12,000 men, commanded by chiefs -who were esteemed good soldiers, and not only made Sonora tremble, but -even the Federal Government in Mexico itself. - -The boldness and temerity of the enterprise attempted by the count -increased, were that possible, the terror he inspired. This expedition -was so mad, that sensible men could not imagine that the count was -not backed up by secret, though powerful allies, who only awaited an -opportunity to declare themselves. This terror was carefully kept -up by the count's spies and scouts. The boldness of his movements, -the decision with which he acted, and finally, the occupation of La -Magdalena without a blow being struck, heightened the apprehensions of -the Government, and increased its indecision as to the intentions of the -chief, or, as they called him, the _Cabecilla_. - -It was about five in the morning when the curtain that closed the -count's tent was raised from the outside, and a man entered. Don Louis, -startled by this sudden apparition, rubbed his eyes and seized his -pistols, saying in a firm voice,-- - -"Who is there?" - -"I, of course," the new arriver said. "Who would dare enter in this way -except me?" - -"Valentine!" the count exclaimed with a shout of joy, and throwing -down his pistols. "You are welcome, brother: I have been expecting you -impatiently." - -"Thank you," the hunter said. "Did not Curumilla announce my return this -very night?" - -"Yes," the count said with a laugh; "but you know how easy it is to talk -with the chief." - -"That is true. Well, I have brought you the information he omitted to -give you, and perhaps it is all for the best." - -The count had dressed himself; that is to say, he put on his coat and -zarape, for he had thrown himself on his bed in his clothes. - -"Take a stool," he said, "and let us talk." - -"I prefer going out." - -"As you please," Don Louis answered, suspecting that his friend had -peculiar reasons for acting thus. They left the tent together. - -"Captain de Laville," the hunter said, addressing the young man, who was -walking up and down before the tent, "an escort of ten horsemen, a horse -for myself, and another for the chief, if you please." - -"At once?" - -"Yes, if it be possible." - -"Of course it is." - -"We are going to leave the camp, then?" Louis said when they were alone. - -"We are going to La Magdalena," the hunter made answer. - -"The moment is a most unfortunate one." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am expecting the general's answer." - -"In that case you can come," the hunter said with a malicious smile, -"for you will not receive that reply. The colonel's mission was only a -bait to lull your vigilance to sleep." - -"Oh, oh! are you certain of what you assert?" - -"By Jove!" - -At this moment the escort appeared. Louis and Valentine mounted. It was -hardly six in the morning; the country was deserted; at each puff of -wind the trees shook their branches, which were damp with the abundant -bright dew, and caused a gentle shower which rustled on the bushes; the -sun sucked up the dense vapour that rose from the ground; and the birds, -hidden in the foliage, woke up singing. The two friends, slightly in -advance of their escort, rode pensively side by side, with the bridle on -their horses' necks, and gazing vacantly at the magnificent landscape -which lay expanded before them. The first houses of the pueblo, gaily -enframed in clumps of floripondios and vines, were visible from a -turning in the road. Don Louis raised his head. - -"Well," he said, as if answering his own thoughts, "I swear this shall -be the last time that General Guerrero mocks me thus. It is plain that -Colonel Suarez only came to my camp to see for himself in what condition -we were." - -"For nothing else." - -"Where are we going now?" - -"To a cockfight." - -"A cockfight!" the count said in surprise. - -The hunter looked at him significantly. - -"Yes," he said to him, "you know, perhaps--or, if you do not, I will -tell you--that the finest cockfights take place annually at La Magdalena -at the period of the festival." - -"Ah!" Louis said indifferently. - -"I am certain that it will interest you," Valentine continued with a -cunning air. - -The count perfectly well understood that his friend only spoke to him -in this way in order to foil any eavesdroppers who might be about, and -was silent, for he felt certain that all would be cleared up ere long. -Besides, the little party were at this moment entering the pueblo, -the houses of which were beginning to open, in which the dwellers, -hardly awake, saluted them as they passed with joyous and friendly -smiles. After passing slowly through two or three streets, at a sign -from Valentine the detachment stopped before a house of rather mean -appearance, and which had nothing about it to recommend it to the -attention of strangers. - -"It is here," the hunter said. - -They stopped and dismounted. Valentine then gave the leader of the -escort strict orders to remain mounted with his men, and not stir till -the count's return; then he tapped discreetly at the door, which was -immediately opened. They entered, and the door was closed without their -seeing anybody. They were scarcely in the house ere the hunter led his -companion into a cuarto, the door of which he opened with a key he drew -from his pocket. - -"Follow my example," he said as he took off his vicuna hat and zarape, -which he exchanged for a cloak and a broad-brimmed straw hat. The count -imitated him. - -"Now come." - -They wrapped themselves carefully in their cloaks, pulled their hats -over their eyes, and left the house by a door cleverly hidden in the -wall, which communicated with the adjoining house, through which -they passed without meeting anybody, and found themselves once more -in the street. But during the few minutes they remained in the house -the appearance of the pueblo had completely changed. The streets were -now thronged with people coming and going: at each step children and -leperos were letting off fireworks with shouts of delight and bursts -of laughter. Through the whole of Spanish America, and especially in -Mexico, no at all respectable festival goes off without crackers and -fireworks: letting off squibs is the acme of joy. We will repeat on this -head a rather characteristic anecdote. - -Some time after the Spaniards had been definitively expelled from -Mexico, King Ferdinand one morning asked a rich Mexican who had sought -refuge at the court of Spain,-- - -"What do you imagine your countrymen are doing at this moment, Don Luis -de Cerda?" - -"Sire," the Mexican replied gravely, as he bowed to the king, "they are -letting off squibs." - -"Ah!" the king said, and passed on. - -A few hours later the king accosted the gentleman again: it was two in -the afternoon. - -"And now," he asked him gaily, "what are they engaged in?" - -"Sire," the Mexican said with no less gravity than on the first -occasion, "they continue to let off squibs." - -The king smiled, but made no reply. At nightfall, however, he again -addressed the same question to the gentleman, who answered with his -imperturbable coolness,-- - -"May it please your Majesty, they are letting off more squibs than ever." - -This time the king could not contain himself, but burst into a fit of -laughter--a very remarkable circumstance, for this prince was never -renowned for the jollity of his character. - -The Mexicans have three passions;--playing at monte, witnessing -cockfights, and letting off squibs. We believe that the third is the -most deeply rooted in them; and the quantity of powder consumed in -Mexico in the shape of squibs is incalculable. Hence squibs were being -let off in all the streets and on all the squares of La Magdalena. -At each step crackers exploded beneath the feet of our two friends, -who, however, long accustomed to Mexican habits, did not attach the -slightest importance to the fireworks, but continued their progress in -perfect coolness, clearing a way as well as they could through the dense -crowd of Indians, half-breeds, Negroes, Zambos, Spaniards, Mexicans, and -North Americans. At length they turned into a lane about half way down -the Calle San Pedro. - -"Halloh!" Louis said, "are we really going to see a cockfight?" - -"Of course," Valentine said with a smile. "Let me alone. I told you it -would interest you." - -"Go on, then," the count said with a careless shrug of his shoulders. -"Deuce take you and your absurd ideas!" - -"Good, good!" Valentine replied with a laugh. "We shall see; but we have -arrived." - -And without any more words they entered the house. - -There is no amusement in Mexico, save perhaps monte or fireworks, which -excites interest to such a degree as a cockfight; and this interest is -not confined merely to a certain class of society. In this respect there -is no difference between the President of the Republic and the most -humble citizen, between the generalissimo and the lowest leper, between -the highest dignitary of the Church and the most obscure sacristan: -whites, blacks, half-castes, and Indians the whole population rushes -with unequalled frenzy to this bloody spectacle which is so full of -interest to them. - -The pit is arranged in the following way:--Behind a house a large yard -is selected, in the centre of which rises a circular amphitheatre, -from fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The wall of this amphitheatre is -never less than twenty feet high: it is built with brick, and carefully -covered with hard stucco inside and out. Five rows of seats rising above -each other complete the interior of the building. Until the opening -of the doors no one knows what birds are entered; but, so soon as the -public are admitted, the cocks are brought in. The bettors bring one -each, which are then intrusted to the care of the trainer who makes the -preliminary arrangements. These, however, are very simple. The cocks are -armed with artificial spurs made of polished steel, about four inches in -length, by half an inch wide at the base, slightly curved at the end, -and terminating in a sharp point, while the upper side of the spur is -sharpened. These spurs are firmly attached to the legs of the cocks by -straps. When thus prepared for the contest, the cocks are taken into the -pit by the trainers, who hold them up in the air, and submit them to -the inspection of the spectators, who then make their bets. The money -thus risked on the life of a bird is incredible, and men often ruin -themselves by betting. - -At the moment when the Frenchmen entered, the amusement had long before -begun, so that all the best places were taken, and the pit filled with -spectators pressing against each other. As, however, our friends had by -no means come to take an active part in the amusement, they modestly -seated themselves on the wall of the arena, where a band of ragged -leperos had taken refuge, too poor to bet, but who regarded with envious -eye and scarce-suppressed passion the happy favourites of fortune -who were moving about beneath them with shouts and exclamations. The -tumult was at its height, and all eyes were fixed on the pit, where--an -extraordinary circumstance--one cock had defeated nine others in -succession. - -The Frenchmen cleverly profited by the effervescence of the spectators -to pass on unnoticed, and reach the places they had selected. After -a minute Valentine lit a maize pajilla, and bent over to his foster -brother's ear. - -"Wait for me here," he said; "I shall return in a moment." - -Louis bowed in assent. Valentine rose with a nonchalant air, leaped -carelessly over the benches, and, with cigar in mouth, mingled among -the spectators who crowded the approaches to the pit. The count looked -after him for a few moments, but then lost him in the crowd. His eyes -then turned to the pit; and so great is the attraction offered by -this singular and cruel spectacle, that the count involuntarily grew -interested in what was going on before him, and even took a certain -pleasure in it. - -The combats followed in rapid succession, each offering different but -exciting incidents. The count began to find his foster brother's absence -protracted, for he had left him for nearly an hour, when all at once he -saw himself standing before him. - -"Well?" he asked him. - -"Well," Valentine answered in Castilian, "it appears that I was right, -and that Senor Rodrigo's cocks are achieving marvels. Come and see it -more closely. I assure you that it is curious." - -The count rose without replying, and followed him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Owing to their disguise, but, above all, the interest everybody took in -the cockfight, the Frenchmen succeeded in leaving the amphitheatre as -they had entered it; that is to say, without attracting any attention. -When they reached a sort of dark passage leading to the interior of the -house, Valentine stopped. - -"Listen, to me, Louis," he said, gluing his mouth, as it were, to his -friend's ear. "The moment has arrived for you to learn why I brought you -hither." - -"I am listening." - -"Since I left you at the mission, as you may suppose, I have not been -inactive. I have gone about the country, have entered into relations -with all the richest and most respected inhabitants, and have succeeded -in making them comprehend how important it was for them to join and -support you. The festival of La Magdalena offered us a favourable -opportunity for meeting without attracting the attention of the Mexican -Government, and arousing its apprehension. The only house in which a -large body of persons can meet without exciting notice is indubitably -that in which there is a cockpit. I therefore made an appointment here -for this moment with the malcontents, who are numerous. They are all men -who, by their fortunes or position, enjoy a high degree of consideration -in the State which we wish to revolutionise, and possess great -influence. I will introduce you to them: they are awaiting your arrival. -You will explain to them your intentions, and they will tell you on what -conditions they will consent to join you. Remember, however, brother, -that you are dealing with Mexicans. Set no more confidence in their -words or promises than they deserve. Be sure that success alone will -gain them; that if you fail they will abandon you remorselessly, and be -ready to deliver you up if they fancy they can derive any advantage from -such an act of infamy. Now, if what I tell you does not suit you, you -can retire, and I will undertake to dismiss them without compromising -you in any way." - -"No!" the count answered resolutely, "it is too late now: to hesitate or -recoil would be cowardly. I must go on at all risks. Announce me to our -new friends." - -"Come on, then." - -They walked to the end of the passage, where a closed door checked their -progress. Valentine tapped thrice at equal intervals with the hilt of -his machete. - -"Who is there?" a voice asked from inside. - -"The man expected a long time, though you did not dare hope that he -would come," Valentine answered. - -"He is welcome," the voice added. - -At this moment the door opened, the two men entered, and it closed -again on them immediately. They then found themselves in a large room -with whitewashed walls, and the floor of beaten earth. The furniture -consisted of benches, on which were seated some fifty men, some of whom -wore an ecclesiastical garb. Curtains of red serge placed before the -windows took off the glare, while at the same time preventing anyone -outside seeing what was going on. On the entrance of the count and -Valentine, all rose and uncovered themselves respectfully. - -"Caballeros," Valentine said, "according to my promise, I have the -honour to present to you the Count de Prebois Crance, who has consented -to accompany me in order to hear the propositions you have to make to -him." - -All bowed ceremoniously to the count, and he returned their bows with -that grace and amenity peculiar to him. A man of a certain age, with an -elegant and intelligent face, and dressed in the magnificent costume of -the rich hacenderos, advanced and addressed the hunter. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said with a slightly ironical accent, "I believe -you have made a small mistake." - -"Be good enough to explain, Senor Don Anastasio," the hunter replied. "I -do not understand the words you have done me the honour to address to -me." - -"You said, sir, that the count had done us the honour of coming to hear -the propositions we had to make to him." - -"Well, sir?" - -"That is just where the mistake lies, Don Valentine." - -"How so, Senor Anastasio?" - -"It appears to me that we have no propositions to make to the count, but -that we, on the contrary, should listen to his." - -A murmur of assent ran through the audience. Don Louis saw it was time -to interfere. - -"Gentlemen," he said, bowing gracefully to the hacenderos, "will you -allow me to have a frank explanation with you? I am convinced that -when I have done so any misunderstanding will be removed, and we shall -comprehend each other perfectly." - -"Speak, speak, senor!" they said. - -"Gentlemen," he went on, "will not here enter into any personal details. -I will not tell you how or why I arrived at Guaymas--in what way the -Government of Mexico, after breaking all the promises it made me, ended -by declaring me an enemy of the country, placed me without the pale of -society, and carried its impudence so far as to treat me as a pirate, -and set a price on my head, as if I were a bandit or wretched assassin; -for that would cause the loss of precious moments, and be a gratuitous -abuse of your patience, as you all know thoroughly what has occurred." - -"Yes, senor conde," the hacendero who had already spoken interrupted -him, "we know the facts to which you allude: we deplore them, and blush -for the honour of our country." - -"I thank you, gentlemen, for these marks, of sympathy: they are very -sweet to me, as they prove that you are not mistaken as to my character. -I will come to facts without further circumlocution." - -"Hear, hear!" the audience murmured. - -The count waited a few moments, and when silence was completely restored -he continued:-- - -"Gentlemen, Sonora is the most fertile and richest country not only of -Mexico, but of the whole universe. By its position at the extremity -of the centre of the Confederation, from which it is divided by lofty -mountains and vast despoblados, Sonora is a country apart, destined, -in a speedy future, to separate itself from the Mexican Confederation. -Sonora is sufficient for itself. The other provinces supply it with -nothing; on the contrary, Sonora supports and enriches them with the -surplus of its produce. But Sonora, owing to the system of oppression -under which it groans, is, properly speaking, only a vast desert. The -greater part of its territory is uncultivated, for the Government of -Mexico, which knows so well how to squeeze it, and seize the productions -of its soil, and the gold and silver of its mines, is impotent to -protect it against the enemies that surround it--the Indios Bravos, -whose incursions, annually becoming more insolent, threaten to grow -even more so, unless a speedy remedy is applied, and the evil uprooted. -I said, at the outset, that within a short period Sonora would be -separated from the Mexican Confederation. Let me explain myself. This -will happen inevitably, but in two different ways, according to the -advantage the inhabitants will derive from it. Sonora is menaced by -powerful enemies other than the Indians. These enemies are the North -Americans, those Wandering Jews of civilisation, whose axes you may hear -felling the trees of the last forests that separate you, and who will -soon invade and occupy your country, unless you take care; and it will -be impossible for you to offer the slightest resistance to this unjust -conquest, for you have no support to expect from your Government, which -consumes all its energies in the purposeless and universal contests of -the cabecillas, who seize on the power in turn." - -"Yes, yes," several persons exclaimed, "that is true; the count is -right." - -"This conquest with which you are menaced is imminent--it is inevitable; -and then what will happen, gentlemen? What has happened wherever the -Yankees have succeeded in planting themselves. You will be absorbed by -them: your language, customs, even your religion, all will be submerged -in this flood. See what has occurred in Texas, and shudder at the -thought of what awaits you soon!" - -A thrill of anger ran through the assembly at these words, of which each -recognised the justice in his heart. The count went on:-- - -"You have a means to escape this frightful evil; it is in your hands--it -depends on you alone." - -"Speak, speak!" was shouted on every side. - -"Declare your independence loudly, frankly, and energetically. Separate -yourselves boldly from Mexico, form the Sonorian Confederation, and call -to your aid the French emigrants in California. They will not remain -deaf to your appeal: they will come to help you not only in conquering, -but also in maintaining your independence against your enemies within -and without. The Frenchmen whom you adopt will become your brothers: -they have the same religion, almost the same habits as yourselves; in -a word, you belong to the same race. You will easily understand each -other. They will erect an impassable barrier against North American -invasion, make the Indians respect your frontiers, and compel the -Mexicans to recognise the right you have proclaimed of being free." - -"But," one of the company objected, "if we call the French to our aid, -what will they ask of us in return?" - -"The right of cultivating your lands which lie fallow," the count -answered energetically; "of bringing to you progress, the arts, and -industry; in one word, of peopling your deserts, enriching your towns, -and civilising your villages: that is what the French will ask. Is it -too much?" - -"No, certainly, it is not," Don Anastasio said amid a murmur of assent. - -"But," another objected, "who guarantees us that, when the moment -arrives to settle our accounts with the colonists we have summoned -to our aid, they will faithfully fulfil the promises they have made -us, and not insist, in their turn, on dictating laws to us, by taking -advantage of their number and strength?" - -"I, caballeros, I, who in their name will treat with you, and assume the -responsibility of everything." - -"Yes, the prospective of which you allow us a glimpse is seductive, -caballero," Don Anastasio answered in the name of all. "We recognise the -truth of the facts you tell us. We know only too well how precarious -our position is, and what great dangers menace us; but a scruple causes -us to refrain at this moment. Have we the right to plunge our unhappy -country, already half ruined, in the horrors of a civil war, when in -this unfortunate land nothing is prepared for an energetic resistance? -The Government of Mexico, so weak for good, is powerful for evil, -and it will manage to find troops to reduce us if we revolt. General -Guerrero is an experienced officer--a cold and cruel man, who will -recoil before no extremity, however terrible its nature, to stifle in -blood any attempt at insurrection. In a few days he has succeeded in -collecting a powerful army to conquer us: each of your soldiers, in the -coming contest, will have to fight against ten. However brave the French -may be, it is impossible for them to resist such an imposing force. A -battle lost, and all is over with you. Any armed opposition will become -impossible, and you will drag us down in your fall if we help you; and -we have the more to fear, because our position is not like yours. We are -sons of the country: we have in it our families and fortunes. We have, -therefore, everything to lose; while you, on the other hand, supposing -you are beaten, and your enterprise completely fails, have a means of -safety we cannot employ, in flight. These considerations are serious. -They oblige us to act with the greatest prudence, and reflect deeply, -before determining to shake off the detested yoke of Mexico. Do not -believe, caballero, that we speak thus through cowardice or weakness. -No, it is solely through the fear of failure, and the loss, in the -shipwreck, of the few shreds of liberty which, through policy, they -have not yet dared to tear from us, and which they possibly only need a -pretext to assail." - -"Gentlemen," the count answered, "I appreciate at their full value the -motives you have been good enough to lay before me. Still, permit me to -observe that, however serious the objections may be you do me the honour -of laying before me, we are not here to discuss them. The object of our -meeting is an offensive and defensive alliance between yourselves and -me, is it not?" - -"Certainly," most of the audience exclaimed, surprised by the count's -sudden change of position, and led to speak, perhaps involuntarily, more -hurriedly than they had intended. - -"Well," the count continued, "let us not waste our time, like those -tradesmen who boast to each other about the quality of their wares. Let -us go straight to our object, frankly, clearly, and like men of honour. -Tell me, without any concealment, on what conditions you consent to form -an alliance with me and give me your support, and the number of men I -can count on when the right moment arrives." - -"That is the right way to speak, senor conde," Don Anastasio replied. -"Well, to a question so clearly asked, we will answer no less clearly. -We do not doubt (Heaven forbid we should!) either the courage or -strategic skill of your soldiers: we know that the French are brave. -Still your band is not large: up to the present it has no support, and -only possesses the patch of ground on which it is encamped. Establish a -solid base of operations--seize, for instance, one of the three chief -cities of Sonora--then you will no longer be adventurers, but really -soldiers; and we shall no longer fear to treat with you, because your -expedition will have gained consistency--in one word, have become -earnest." - -"Very good, gentlemen; I understand you," the count answered coldly. -"And, in case I succeed in carrying one of the cities you mention, I can -count on you?" - -"Body and soul." - -"And how many men will you place at my disposal?" - -"Six thousand in four days--the whole of Sonora in a week." - -"You promise it?" - -"We all swear it!" they exclaimed enthusiastically. - -But this enthusiasm could not produce a flash or smile on the count's -face. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "within a fortnight I give you the meeting in -one of the three chief cities of Sonora; and then, as I shall have -accomplished my obligations, I shall call on you to keep yours." - -The Mexicans could not restrain a gesture of astonishment and admiration -at these noble words. The count, though no longer young, was still -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms. -Each of his phrases left a memory. All present came in turn to press -his hand, and renew individually their protestations of devotion, after -which they left the room. The count and Valentine remained alone. - -"Are you satisfied, brother?" the hunter asked him. - -"Who could be strong enough to galvanise this people?" the count -muttered with a mournful shrug of his shoulders, and rather answering -his own thoughts than the question his friend had addressed to him. The -two men went to fetch their zarapes. They found their escort where they -had left it, and retired slowly through the crowd, who saluted them as -they passed with shouts of "_Vivan los Franceses!_" - -"If I come to be shot some day," the count said bitterly, "they will -only have to alter one word." - -Valentine sighed, but made no reply. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -FATHER SERAPHIN. - - -Dona Angela had just awakened: a sportive sunbeam, passing indiscreetly -over her charming face, had made her open her eyes. She was lying half -extended in her hammock, with her head supported on her right arm, and -was pensively looking at the swan's-down slipper which she was idly -balancing on her dainty little foot. Violanta, seated at her foot on -a stool, was busily arranging the various articles of her mistress's -toilette. At length Dona Angela shook off her careless languor, and a -smile played on her coral lips. - -"Today," she said, as she raised her head coquettishly. - -This one word contained the maiden's thoughts, her joy, love, -happiness--her whole life, in fact. She fell back in a reverie, yielding -herself up unconsciously to the delicate and busy services of her -waiting-maid. The sound of a footstep was heard outside, and Dona Angela -raised her head quickly. - -"Someone is coming," she said. - -Violanta went out, but returned almost immediately. - -"Well?" - -"Don Cornelio requests permission to say two words to the senorita," the -camarista answered. - -The maiden frowned with an air of vexation. - -"What can he want again?" she said. - -"I do not know." - -"That man displeases me singularly." - -"I will tell him that you cannot receive him." - -"No," she said quickly, "let him enter." - -"Why, if he displeases you?" - -"I prefer seeing him. I do not know why, but that man almost terrifies -me." - -The waiting maid blushed and turned her head away, but recovered almost -immediately. - -"Still he is entirely devoted to Don Louis and yourself, senorita." - -"Do you think so?" she said, fixing a piercing glance on her. - -"Well, I suppose so; his conduct up to the present has been most -honourable." - -"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Still there is something at the bottom -of my heart which tells me that this man hates me. I experience, on -seeing him, an insurmountable feeling of repulsion. This is something -inexplicable to me; but, though everything seems to prove to me that I -am wrong, still, whether right or wrong, there is at times an expression -in his glance which makes me shudder. The only thing a man cannot -disguise is his look, for it is the reflex of his soul, and God has -decreed it so, in order that we may put ourselves on our guard, and -recognise our enemies. But he is doubtlessly tired of waiting. Let him -come in." - -Violanta hastened to execute her mistress's orders. Don Cornelio entered -with a smile on his lips. - -"Senorita," he said, after a graceful bow, which the maiden returned -without leaving her hammock, "pardon me for daring to trouble your -solitude; but a worthy priest, a French missionary, desires that you -will grant him the favour of a few minutes' interview." - -"What is the missionary's name, Senor Don Cornelio?" - -"Father Seraphin, I believe, senorita." - -"Why does he not address himself to Don Louis?" - -"He intended to do so in the first instance." - -"Well?" - -"But," Don Cornelio continued, "at sunrise Don Louis left the camp, -accompanied by Don Valentine; and though it is now near midday, he has -not yet returned." - -"Ah! Where did Don Louis go to at so early an hour?" - -"I cannot tell you, senorita. All that I know for certain is, that he -proceeded in the direction of La Magdalena." - -"Has anything new occurred?" - -"Nothing I am aware of, senorita." - -There were a few moments of silence, during which Dona Angela was -reflecting. At length she continued: - -"And do you not suspect what this missionary wishes to say to me, Don -Cornelio?" - -"In no way, senorita." - -"Beg him to come in. I shall be happy to see and converse with him." - -Violanta, without giving Don Cornelio time to reply, raised the curtain -that closed the entrance of the jacal. - -"Come in, my father," she said. - -The missionary appeared. Dona Angela greeted him respectfully, and -pointed to a chair. - -"You wish to speak with me, my father?" she said. - -"Yes, madam," he replied with a bow. - -"I am ready to listen to you." - -The missionary looked round in a way that Don Cornelio and the waiting -maid understood, for they went out at once. - -"Cannot what you have to say to me be heard by that girl, who is devoted -to me?" - -"Heaven forbid, madam, that I should try to lessen the confidence you -place in that person, but allow me to give you a little piece of advice." - -"Pray do so." - -"It is often dangerous to confide your secret thoughts to persons in a -lower station than yourself." - -"Yes, that may be true in theory, my father, but I will not discuss it. -Be kind enough to explain to me the reason of your visit." - -"I am grieved, madam, at having hurt your feelings without wishing it. -Pardon an observation which you considered indiscreet, and may Heaven -grant that I am deceived!" - -"No, my father, no; I did not consider your remark indiscreet. But I am -a spoiled child, and it is my place to ask your forgiveness." - -At this moment the sound of horses was heard in the camp. Violanta -raised the curtain. - -"Don Louis has arrived," she said. - -"Let him come hither at once," Dona Angela exclaimed. - -The missionary gazed on her with an expression of gentle pity. A few -minutes later Don Louis and Valentine entered the jacal. The hunter -walked up to the missionary, and pressed his hand affectionately. - -"Have you come from the general, my father?" the count asked him quickly. - -"Alas, no!" he answered. "The general is unaware of my coming; for had -he known of it, he would probably have tried to oppose it." - -"What do you mean? Speak, in Heaven's name!" - -"Alas! I am about to redouble your agony and your sorrow. General -Guerrero never intended to bestow on you this lady's hand. I cannot tell -you what I have seen or heard, for my office forbids it; but I am a -Frenchman, sir--that is to say, your fellow countryman--and I believe -my duty orders me to warn you that treachery surrounds you on all sides, -and that the general is trying to lull your vigilance by fallacious -promises, in order to surprise you and finish with you." - -Don Louis let his head sink on his chest. - -"In that case, sir," he said presently, "with what object have you come -here?" - -"I will tell you. The general wishes to get back his daughter, and, to -effect that, all means will be good. Permit me to draw your attention to -the fact that, under present circumstances, the lady's presence here is -not only a danger for you, but also an ineffaceable stain on her honour." - -"Sir!" the count exclaimed. - -"Deign to listen to me," the missionary continued coldly. "I do not -doubt either your honour or the lady's; but you have no power, to my -knowledge, to impose silence on your enemies, and stop the immense flood -of calumny they pour out on you and her. Unhappily your conduct seems to -justify them." - -"But what is to be done? What means shall I employ?" - -"There is one." - -"Speak, my father." - -"This is what I propose. You intend to marry this lady?" - -"Certainly; you know that is my dearest wish." - -"Let me finish. The marriage must not be celebrated here; for such a -ceremony, performed in the midst of a camp of adventurers, without -witnesses, would seem a mockery." - -"But----" - -"It must take place in a city, in the presence of the entire population, -in the broad sunshine, to the sound of the bells and cannon, which, -traversing the air, will tell all that the marriage has really taken -place." - -"Yes," Valentine remarked, "Father Seraphin is right; for then Dona -Angela will no longer marry a pirate, but a conqueror, with whom terms -must be made. She will not be the wife of an adventurer, but of the -liberator of Sonora, and those who blame her today will be the first to -sing her praises." - -"Yes, yes, that is true!" the maiden cried with fire. "I thank you, my -father, for coming. My duty is laid down: I will accomplish it. Who will -dare to attack the reputation of her who has married the saviour of her -country?" - -"Still," the count remarked, "this is only a palliative, after all. -The marriage cannot take place yet. A fortnight, perhaps a month, will -elapse ere I have rendered myself master of a city. Till then Dona -Angela must remain in the camp where she has hitherto been." - -All eyes were anxiously turned to the missionary. - -"No," he said, "if the young lady will allow me to offer her a shelter." - -"A shelter!" she said with an inquiring glance. - -"Very simple and most unworthy to receive her, doubtlessly," he -continued, "but where at least she will be in safety, in the midst of a -family of honourable and good persons, to whom it will be a delight to -receive her." - -"Is the shelter you offer me, my father, very far from here?" the maiden -asked quickly. - -"Twenty-five leagues at the most, in the direction in which the French -expedition must proceed on its march into Sonora." - -Dona Angela gave a cunning smile at having been so well understood by -the good priest. - -"Listen, my father," she said with that resolution which was one of the -principal features of her character. "Your reputation reached me long -ago, and I know that you are a holy man. Even if I did not know you, -the friendship and respect Don Valentine professes for you would be to -me a sufficient guarantee. I trust myself in your hands. I understand -how unsuitable my presence in the camp now, at any rate, is. Take me -wherever you please. I am ready to follow you." - -"My child," the missionary said with charming unction, "it is God who -inspires this determination. The grief you will feel at a separation of -a few days at the most will double the happiness of a reunion which no -one will dare any longer to oppose--which will not only raise you again -in the public opinion, which it is always precious to preserve, but -also give your reputation a lustre which it will be hopeless to try and -tarnish." - -"Go, then, as it must be so, Dona Angela," the count said. "I intrust -you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse -ere we are again together." - -"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater -courage the agony of absence." - -"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked. - -"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us -get over it at once." - -"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, -Dona Angela--you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by -heavens, I love you as a sister!" - -Dona Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. -The latter continued:-- - -"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort----" - -"For what?" the priest asked simply. - -"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the -enemy's marauders." - -"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us -than an escort, which is often compromising." - -"For you, I grants but, my father, you do not remember that you will -travel with two females who must be immediately recognised." - -"That is true," he said simply; "I did not think of it." - -"What is to be done, then?" - -Dona Angela began laughing. - -"Gentlemen, you are really troubled by a very trifling matter. The good -father said an instant back, that the gown is the best safeguard, for -friend and foe will respect it under all circumstances." - -"That is true," the missionary said in confirmation. - -"Well, it is extremely simple. If Father Seraphin has no objection, -my waiting maid and myself will put on novices' robes, under which it -will be easy for us to disguise ourselves so cleverly that no one can -recognise us." - -Father Seraphin seemed to be reflecting profoundly for a few moments. - -"I see no serious obstacles to this disguisement," he at length -observed: "under the circumstances it is permissible, as it will serve a -good object." - -"But where shall we find monks' robes?" the count objected, half -seriously, half laughing. "I must confess that my camp is completely out -of them." - -"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La -Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during -that time Dona Angela will complete her preparations for departure." - -No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an -hour after, Dona Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don -Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed -under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a -warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by -Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a -secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for -serious thought, could they have seen it. - -"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. -"A priest is a very weak escort in the present times." - -"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that." - -"Oh! you always think of everything, brother." - -"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will -soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be -surprised." - -"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through -Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair." - -"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for -we have hardly the requisite time for action." - -"Have you any plan?" - -"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be -awfully taken in." - -"On my word, I trust to you with the greater pleasure because we have -been a long time already at La Magdalena, and I wish to begin my forward -march seriously." - -"Very good. Can you spare me fifty adventurers?" - -"Take as many as you like." - -"I only want fifty resolute men accustomed to desert warfare. For that -purpose I shall take Captain de Laville, and recommend him to select -from among the men he brought with him from Guetzalli the boldest and -most clever." - -"Do so, my friend. As for myself, I will carefully watch over the camp, -and double the patrols." - -"That precaution can do no harm. So now good-by till tomorrow." - -"Farewell!" - -They separated, and Don Louis returned to his tent. - -At the moment Valentine reached Captain de Laville's jacal he saw Don -Cornelio quitting the camp with an indifferent air, and mechanically -looked after him. In a moment he lost him out of sight behind a clump -of trees, but all at once saw him reappear but mounted this time, and -setting off full gallop in the direction of the pueblo. - -"Eh, eh?" Valentine muttered with a thoughtful air. "What can Don -Cornelio have to do in such haste at La Magdalena? I will ask him." - -And he entered the jacal, where he found the captain, with whom he -immediately began discussing the plan he had formed to foil the intended -surprise on the part of the Mexicans. As we shall see this plan carried -out presently, we will say nothing about it here, but go and rejoin -Father Seraphin and Dona Angela. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE QUEBRADA DEL COYOTE. - - -It is especially at night, about two hours after sunset, that American -scenery assumes grand proportions. Under the influence of the first -night shadows the trees seem to put on majestic forms; the animated -silence of the desert becomes more mysterious; and man experiences -involuntarily a feeling of undefinable respect, which contracts his -heart, and fills him with superstitious dread. At that hour the waters -of the rivers flow with hoarse murmurings; the heavy and sinister flight -of the birds of night agitates the air with a fluttering of evil augury; -and the wild beasts, aroused in their hidden dens, salute the darkness -with long howlings of joy, for at night they are incontestably the kings -of the desert, for man is deprived of his greatest strength--the power -of the eye. - -Father Seraphin was riding by the side of the two females along the foot -of a lofty mountain, whose wooded slopes were lost in the black depths -of the Barrancas. Since leaving the camp they had not stopped once. They -were following at this moment a narrow path traced by mules, which wound -with countless turnings along the sides of the mountain. This path was -so narrow that two horses could scarce go along side by side; but the -steeds on which our travellers were mounted were so sure-footed, that -the latter proceeded without any hesitation along a road on which no -other animal would have ventured in the darkness. - -The moon had not yet risen; not a star glistened in the cloud-laden sky; -the darkness was dense; and, under the circumstances, this was almost -fortunate; for had the travellers been able to see the spot where they -were, and the way in which they were suspended, as it were, in space at -a prodigious height, possibly their courage would have failed them, and -their heads grown dizzy. Father Seraphin and Dona Angela were riding -side by side: Violanta was a few paces behind. - -"My father," the young lady said, "we have now been travelling for -nearly six hours, and I am beginning to feel fatigued. Shall we not halt -soon?" - -"Yes, my child, in an hour at the most. In a few moments we shall leave -this path, and cross a defile called the Quebrada del Coyote: at the end -of that pass we shall spend the night in a poor house, which is now not -more than two miles off." - -"You say we are going to pass through the Coyote defile. We are, then, -on the road to Hermosillo?" - -"Quite true, my child." - -"Is it not imprudent for us to venture on this road, which my father's -troops command." - -"My child," the missionary said gently, "in good policy we must often -risk a great deal in order to secure greater tranquillity. We are not -only on the road to Hermosillo, but we are going to that very city." - -"What! to Hermosillo?" - -"Yes, my child. In my opinion it is the only spot where you will be -completely safe from your father's search, as he will never think of -looking for you there, and cannot imagine that you are so near him." - -"That is true," she said after a moment's reflection. - -"The plan is a bold one, and hence must succeed. I believe, in truth, -that Hermosillo is the only spot where I can be safe from the pursuit of -those who have an interest in finding me." - -"I will take care, besides, to recommend you to the persons to whom I -shall intrust you; and, for greater security, I will leave you as little -as possible." - -"I shall be greatly obliged to you, my father, for I shall feel very sad -and lonely." - -"Courage, my child! I have faith in Don Louis. Heaven must protect his -expedition, for the work he has undertaken is grand and noble, as it has -for its object the emancipation of an entire country." - -"Believe me, my father, I am happy to hear you speak thus. The count may -fail; but in that case he will fall like a hero, and his death will be -that of a martyr." - -"Yes, the count is a chosen vessel. I believe, like yourself, my child, -that if his contemporaries do not do him the justice which is his -due, posterity at least will not confound him with those filibusters -and shameless adventurers for whom gold alone is everything, and who, -whatever may be the title they assume, are in reality no more than -highway robbers. But the road is growing wider--we are about to enter -the pass. This spot does not enjoy a very good reputation, so keep by my -side. Although I believe that we have nothing to fear, it is always well -to be prudent." - -In fact, as the missionary stated, the path had suddenly widened out: -the two sides of the mountain, which had, for some distance, been -gradually drawing together, now formed two parallel walls, at the most -only forty yards apart. It was this narrow gorge which was known as -the Quebrada del Coyote. It was about half a mile in length; but then -it suddenly grew wider, and opened on a vast _chaparral_, covered with -thickets and fields of dahlias; while the mountains separated to the -right and left, not to meet again till eighty leagues further on. - -At the moment when the travellers entered the pass the moon broke out -from the clouds in which it floated, and lighted up this dangerous pass -with its mournful and sickly light. This gleam, weak as it was, could -not fail to be agreeable to the travellers, as it allowed them to look -around and see where they were. They pressed on their wearied steeds, -in order to arrive more speedily at the end of the gloomy gorge in -which they were. They had gone on for about ten minutes, and had nearly -reached the centre of the pass, when the neighing of a horse smote their -ears. - -"We have travellers behind us," the missionary said with a frown. - -"And in a hurry, as it seems," Dona Angela added. "Hark!" - -They stopped to listen. The noise of hurried galloping reached their -ears. - -"Who can these men be?" the missionary murmured, speaking to himself. - -"Travellers like ourselves, probably." - -"No," Father Seraphin remarked, "travellers would not go at such a pace: -they are doubtlessly persons in pursuit of us." - -"That is not probable, my father: no one is aware of our journey." - -"Treachery has the eye of the lynx and the ear of the opossum, my dear -child. It is incessantly on the watch: everything is known--a secret is -no longer one when two persons know it. But time presses: we must make -up our minds." - -"We are lost if they are enemies!" Dona Angela exclaimed with terror. -"We have no help to expect from any one." - -"Providence is on the watch, child. Place confidence in her: she will -not abandon us." - -The noise of horses rapidly approaching came nearer, and resembled -the grumbling of thunder. The missionary drew himself up: his face -suddenly assumed an expression of indomitable energy which would have -been thought impossible for such gentle features; his voice, usually so -pleasant and sonorous, became quick, and almost harsh. - -"Place yourselves behind me, and pray," he said; "for, if I am not -greatly mistaken, the meeting will be dangerous." - -The two females obeyed mechanically. Dona Angela believed herself lost: -alone with this poor priest, any resistance must be impossible. The -missionary collected the reins in his left hand, attached them to the -pommel of his saddle, and awaited the shock with his face turned to -the newcomers. He had not long to wait: within scarce five minutes ten -horsemen appeared at full gallop. When twenty paces from the travellers -they halted as firmly as if their horses' hoofs were suddenly fixed in -the ground. - -These men, as far as it was possible to distinguish in the doubtful and -tremorous light of the moon, were dressed in the Mexican garb, and their -faces were covered with black crape. Doubt was no longer possible: these -sinister horsemen were really in pursuit of our travellers. There was an -instant of supreme silence--a silence which the missionary at length -resolved to break. - -"What do you want, gentlemen?" he said in a loud and firm voice. "Why -are you pursuing us?" - -"Oh, oh!" a mocking voice said, "the dove assumes the accent of the -gamecock. Senor padre, we have no intention to injure you; we only wish -to do you a service by saving you the trouble of guarding the two pretty -girls you so cleverly have with you." - -"Go your way, sirs," the priest continued, "and do not trouble -yourselves about what does not concern you." - -"Come, come, senor padre," the first speaker went on, "surrender with -a good grace: we should not like to fail in the respect due to you. -Resistance is impossible--we are ten against you alone: besides, you are -a man of peace." - -"You are cowards!" the missionary shouted. "Retire! A truce to mockery, -and let me continue my journey in peace." - -"Not so, senor padre, unless you consent to leave us your two -companions." - -"Ah, ah! that is it? Well, then, we must fight, gentlemen. It seems to -me that you are strangely mistaken about me. Yes, I am a missionary, -a man of peace; but I am also a Frenchman, and you appear to have -forgotten that. You must understand that I will not suffer the slightest -insult to the persons, whoever they may be, whom Heaven has placed under -my protection." - -"And with what will you defend them, Mr. Frenchman?" the stranger asked -with a grin. - -"With these," the missionary coldly replied as he drew a brace of -pistols from his holsters, and set the hammers with a resolute air. - -The bandits hesitated involuntarily. The missionary's action was so -clear, his voice so firm, his presence so intrepid, that they felt -themselves tremble; for they understood that they had a brave-hearted -man before them, who would sooner die than yield an inch. The Mexicans -do not respect much; but we must do them the justice of saying that they -have an unbounded reverence for the priest's gown. The missionary was -not a man like some who may be unfortunately met with, especially among -the clergy of North and South America. His reputation for virtue and -goodness was immense along the whole Mexican frontier: it was a serious -matter to insult him, much more to threaten him with death. Still the -strangers had advanced too far to give way. - -"Come, padre," the man who had hitherto been spokesman said, "do not -attempt any useless resistance. At all risks we will carry off these -women." - -And he made a movement as if to advance. - -"Stop! One step further, and you are a dead man. I hold in my hands the -life of two." - -"And I of two others," a rough voice exclaimed; and a man, suddenly -emerging from a thicket, bounded forward like a jaguar, and placed -himself intrepidly by the missionary's side. - -"Curumilla!" the latter exclaimed. - -"Yes," the chief answered, "it is I. Courage! Our friends are coming up." - -In fact a dull and continued sound could be heard rapidly increasing. -The strangers had not yet paid attention to it, as they were so engaged -by their discussion with the missionary. Still the situation was -growing complicated. Father Seraphin saw that, so long as a pistol was -not fired, he should remain almost master of the situation, certain, -from Curumilla's words, as he was of seeing speedy help arrive. His -resolution was at once formed: all he wanted was to gain time, and he -attempted it. - -"Come, gentlemen," he said, "you see that I am no longer alone: God has -sent me a brave auxiliary; hence my position is no longer so desperate. -Will you parley?" - -"Parley!" - -"Yes." - -"Be quick." - -"I will try to be so, as I presume, from the way in which you stopped -me, you are salteadores. Well, look you. You have me almost in your -power, or at least you think so. Remember that I am only a poor -missionary, and that what I possess belongs to the unhappy. How much -do you want for my ransom? Answer. I am ready to make any sacrifice -compatible with my position." - -Father Seraphin might have spoken thus for a long time, for the -strangers were no longer listening: they had noticed the approaching -sound, and were beginning to grow nervous. - -"Maldicion!" the man who had hitherto spoken said, "that demon has -mocked us." - -He dug his spurs into his horses flanks; but the noble animal, instead -of bounding forward, reared up almost straight with a snort of pain, and -then fell in a heap. Curumilla had cut its back sinews with a blow of -his machete. After this exploit the Indian uttered a loud cry for help, -which was answered by a formidable hurrah. - -Still the impulse had been given, and the bandits rushed forward with a -ferocious yell. The missionary discharged his pistols, rather for the -purpose of hastening the advent of his unknown friends than of wounding -his enemies, which was easy to see; for no one fell, and the two parties -were so close that it was almost impossible to miss the mark. - -At the same instant five or six horsemen rushed on the strangers like -a whirlwind. A frightful medley began, and the bullets whistled in -every direction. The missionary had dismounted, and, compelling the two -females to do the same, he led them a few paces in the rear, in order to -protect them from the shots. But the struggle was not a long one: within -five minutes the bandits fled at full speed, pursued by nearly all the -newcomers, and leaving four of their men stretched on the ground. - -After a chase of a few minutes, however, the horsemen giving up a -pursuit which they saw was useless, returned and joined the missionary. -The latter, forgetting the unjust aggression he had just escaped, was -already seeking to succour the unhappy men who had fallen victims to -the trap they had laid for him: he went piously from one to the other, -in order to offer them assistance if there were still time. Three were -dead: the fourth was gasping and rolling on the ground in convulsions -of death. The missionary raised the veil that concealed his face, and -uttered a cry of surprise on recognising him. At this cry the dying man -opened his eyes, and fixed a haggard glance on Father Seraphin. - -"Yes, it is I," he said in an expiring voice. "I have only what I -deserve." - -"Unhappy man!" the missionary replied, "Is that what you swore to me?" - -"I tried to do it," he continued. "A few days back I saved the man you -recommended to me, father." - -"And I," the missionary said sorrowfully, "you owe your life to me, and -yet tried to kill me?" - -The dying man made a gesture of energetic denial. - -"No," he exclaimed, "never! Look you, my father: there are accursed -natures in the world. El Buitre was a wretched bandit. Well, he dies as -he lived: that is just. Good-by, father! Well, I saved your friend, the -hunter. Ah, ah!" - -While saying this the wretch had sat up. Suddenly he was seized with a -convulsion, and rolled on the ground: he was dead. The missionary knelt -down by his side and prayed. All present, moved involuntarily, took off -their hats piously, and remained silent by his side. All at once shouts -and firing were heard, and a numerous baud of horsemen galloped down the -pass. - -"To arms!" the men shouted, leaping into their saddles hurriedly. - -"Stay," Curumilla said; "they are friends." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -Employing our privilege as romancers, we will go back a little way, -and return to Don Cornelio, whom Valentine looked after with such -astonishment when he saw him leave the camp in such an unusual manner. - -In the first place we will say a few words about Don Cornelio, that -joyous and careless gentleman whom, in the first part of this history, -we saw so impassioned for music generally, and the romance del Rey -Rodrigo in particular. At the present time he was greatly changed: he no -longer sang--the chords of his jarana no longer vibrated under his agile -fingers; a deep wrinkle crossed his brow; his cheeks had grown pale; -and he frowned incessantly under the pressure of gloomy thoughts. What -could have happened? What powerful cause had thus changed the Spaniard's -character? - -This cause might be easily guessed. Don Cornelio loved Dona Angela. -He loved her with all his strength--we will not say with a true and -sincere love, for it was not love at all that he felt for her: another -sentiment, less noble, but perhaps more lively, had craftily entered the -gentleman's heart by the side of love. - -This sentiment was avarice. We previously stated that Don Cornelio was -under the influence of a fixed idea. This idea had led the Spaniard to -America. The hidalgo wished to make his fortune by a marriage with a -lady young, rich, and fair, but, before all, rich. A fixed idea is more -than a passion, more than a monomania: it is the first stage of madness. -Many times had Don Cornelio been deceived in his attempts on rich -American women, whom he sought to dazzle, not by his luxury (for he was -poor as Job, of lamentable memory), but by his personal advantages; that -is to say, his beauty and wit. His meeting with Dona Angela decided his -fate. Persuaded that the young lady loved him, he began to love her, for -his part, with the frenzy of the drowning man, for whom such a love was -the only chance of salvation. - -When he perceived his error it was too late. We will do him the justice -of conceding that the poor gentleman had struggled valiantly to tear -from his heart this insensate passion. Unfortunately all his efforts -were futile, and, as ever happens under such circumstances, forgetting -all he owed to Don Louis, who had saved him not only from misery, but -also from death, he felt for the count an intense hatred, the more -tenacious because it was dumb and concentrated; and, by a natural -feeling, he turned one half of that hatred on Dona Angela, although the -young lady and the count had only been the instruments, throughout the -affair, of that fatality which was so bitter against him. - -Thus, with extreme patience and unexampled hypocrisy, Don Cornelio -prepared his vengeance against these two beings, who had never done him -aught but kindness, and watched with the perfidy of a wild beast the -opportunity to destroy them. This opportunity would not be difficult to -find in a country where treachery is the order of the day, and forms the -basis of all combinations and transactions, of whatever nature they may -be. - -Don Cornelio had entered into relations with the enemies of the count, -and surrendered to them the secrets the latter allowed to let slip in -his presence. He had so arranged as to make his two foes fall into a -trap from which they could not escape, and in wreathing round them a -net from which extrication would be impossible. And now that we have -explained Don Cornelio's feelings to the reader we will proceed with our -narrative. - -The Spaniard had succeeded in drawing over to his side Dona Angela's -waiting maid. Thus Violanta betrayed her mistress to the profit of Don -Cornelio, by whom she believed herself beloved, and who, had led her -to fancy that he would marry her some day. From the camarista, who had -remained on the listen, the Spaniard learned all that was said in the -jacal between Father Seraphin, the count, and the young lady: the order -he afterwards received to go to La Magdalena and purchase the gowns -dissipated all his doubts, and he resolved to act without loss of time. - -It was by his advice that the Mexicans were to attempt to attack -the camp that very night: hence he knew where to find them. Taking -advantage, therefore, of a moment when everybody was too busy with his -own affairs to think about what others were doing, he glided silently -out of the camp, like a man taking a morning's walk, gained a clump of -trees behind which a horse was hidden, and rode off at full speed across -country, after taking a scrutinising glance around to assure himself -that he was not watched. - -He galloped thus for several hours, not seeming to follow any regular -road, dashing straight on, and paying no attention to obstacles, or not -checking the speed of his horse. Still, gradually his thoughts, at -first gloomy and sad, assumed a different direction: he attached the -bridle to his saddle-bow, and for the first time for many a day his -fingers began straying mechanically over the resonant strings of his -jarana, which he always wore in a sling, and brought with him; then, -yielding unconsciously to the influence of the surrounding scenery, he -began singing in a loud voice that couplet of the romance which bore a -certain degree of reference to his present position:-- - - "Amada enemiga mia, - De Espana segunda Elena, - O isi yo naciera ciego! - O itu sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto y hora - Que al mundo me dio mi estrella: - Pechos que me dieron leche - Mejor sepulcro me dieran - Pagara----"[1] - -"Deuce take the owl singing at this hour!" a rough voice said, harshly -interrupting the virtuoso. "Who ever heard such an infernal row?" - -Don Cornelio looked around. The darkness was profound. A tall man with -crafty air, and mustachios turned up, was examining him impudently while -tapping the hilt of a long rapier. - -"Eh, eh!" the Spaniard said with great composure, "Is that you, captain? -What are you doing here?" - -"Waiting for you, Cristo." - -"Well, here I am." - -"That is fortunate. When do we start?" - -"All is changed." - -"Eh?" - -"Lead me first to your encampment, where I will explain it all to you." - -"Come." - -Don Cornelio followed him. This captain, whom the reader has doubtless -recognised, was the old soldier of the war of independence whom we had -the honour of presenting to him under the name of Don Isidro Vargas, the -confidential tool of General Guerrero, to whom he was attached like the -blade to the hilt. - -The Spaniard, drawing his horse after him by the bridle, entered a -large clearing lighted up by a dozen fires, round which were crouched -a hundred men with sinister faces and irregular accoutrements, but all -armed to the teeth. These bandits, whose ferocious appearance would have -delighted a painter, illumined as they were by the fantastic flames of -the braseros, were gambling, drinking, and quarrelling, and did not -seem to notice Don Cornelio's arrival. The latter made a gesture of -disgust on seeing them, but hobbled his horse near theirs, and rejoined -the captain, who had already seated himself by a fire evidently made -specially for him, as not one of the worthy people he had the honour of -commanding came near it. - -"Now I will hear you," the captain said so soon as he saw his comrade -stretched out comfortably at his side. - -"What I have to say will not take long." - -"Let me hear it, at any rate." - -"In two words, this is the matter: our expedition of this evening is -useless--the bird has flown." - -The captain, according to his habit in any moment of nervous excitement, -rapped out a frightful oath. - -"Patience!" the Spaniard went on. "This is what has happened." - -And he described the way in which Father Seraphin had left the camp, -accompanied by the young lady. On hearing it the worthy captain's face -brightened. - -"Come," he said, "all is for the best. What will you do?" - -"Give me El Buitre and ten resolute men. The priest must pass through -the Quebrada del Coyote: on arriving there I promise to strip him." - -"And what shall I do during that time?" - -"Whatever you like." - -"_Mil rayos!_ since I am here, I will remain; but I shall quit this -encampment at daybreak, and after leaving a party to beat up the -country, I will join the general at Ures." - -"Then he is at Ures at this moment?" - -"Yes, temporarily." - -"Very good; then you will see me there with my prisoners." - -"Agreed." - -"And now make haste; I must start at once." - -The captain rose, and while Don Cornelio was drawing his horse's girths -tighter, he gave orders to ten of his men to prepare for an expedition. -Within five minutes the little party left the clearing under the orders -of the Spaniard, and took up the missionary's trail. The reader knows -already what took place in the pass, which was not more than two leagues -from the spot where the bandits lay in ambush. We will, therefore, leave -Don Cornelio, and confine our attention to Captain Vargas. - -"On my word," the captain said to himself when the Spaniard had left -him, "I prefer that matters should end thus. There are only blows to be -gained from those confounded Frenchmen, deuce take them! Now we shall be -quiet for the whole night, so we will go to sleep." - -The captain was not so safe as he imagined, though, and the night was -not destined to be so quiet as far as he was concerned. On leaving the -camp Valentine explained to his comrades the nature of the expedition -they were going on, and recommended them to play Indian; that is to say, -employ craft. On entering the forest in which Captain Vargas was hidden, -the Frenchmen had heard the sound of horses, and seen the bandits under -the Spaniard's command flash past in the darkness like a baud of black -shadows. Not wishing to defer the execution of his plans, and possibly -surrender the substance for the shadow, the hunter contented himself -with sending an intelligent man after the party, in order to know what -became of it; and the Frenchmen, after dismounting, crept into the -forests like reptiles. - -Nothing was more easy than to surprise the Mexicans. The latter believed -themselves so safe that they had not even taken the precaution to post -sentries round their bivouac, who might warn them in case of danger. -Huddled pell-mell round the fires, the greater part were asleep, or -already, plunged in that seeming lethargy which precedes sleep. As for -the captain, he was wrapped up carefully in his cloak, and, with his -feet to the fire and his head on a saddle, was fast asleep. - -The adventurers reached the centre of the clearing without the slightest -sound betraying their approach. Then, in accordance with the orders -they had received, they seized the firelocks and sabres placed near -each of the sleepers, formed a pile of them, and then cut the picket -ropes of the horses, which they drove off with blows of the chicote. -At the terrible noise produced by the headlong course of the horses, -which spread in every direction, snorting and neighing, the Mexicans -awoke. They remained for an instant as if petrified at the sight of the -adventurers, who surrounded them on all sides with levelled muskets. -By an instinctive movement they felt for their arms, but they had been -removed. - -"_Con mil rayos y mil demonios!_" the captain shouted, as he stamped his -foot furiously, "we are taken like rats in a trap." - -"Hilloh!" Valentine said with an ironical laugh, "you are no longer -majordomo, then, Senor Don Isidro Vargas?" - -"And you," he answered with a grin of rage, "as it seems, are no longer -a dealer in novillos, Senor Don Valentine?" - -"What would you?" he said cunningly. "Trade is so very bad." - -"Hum! not very bad with you, it seems." - -"Hang it! you know men do what they can;" and turning to de Laville, he -said, "My dear captain, all these caballeros have reatas: be good enough -to employ them in binding them tightly." - -"Eh, Senor Don Valentine?" the ex-majordomo shouted. "You are not -merciful to us." - -"I! What an error, Don Isidro! Still, as you know, war has certain -necessities. I am taking my precautions--that is all." - -"What do you intend to do with us?" - -"You shall see, for I do not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of a -surprise; and, by the way, how do you find what I have just done to you? -It is as good as what you were preparing for us, I think?" - -Captain Vargas could find no reply: he contented himself with gnawing -his fingernails, after assuring himself, by a glance all around, that -flight was as impossible as resistance. At this moment the man whom -Valentine sent off to watch the scouting party returned, and whispered a -few words in his ear. The hunter turned pale: he looked at the Mexican -captain in a way that made him shudder, and then addressed his party. - -"Tell off ten men to mount at once," he said sharply. "Captain de -Laville, you will answer to me on your head for these bandits, whom -I leave in your hands. Return to the camp quietly. I will join you, -probably, on the road. The first who attempts to escape, blow out his -brains pitilessly. You understand me?" - -"You may be at ease: it shall be done. But what has happened?" - -"The bandits we saw going off on our arrival intend to attack Father -Seraphin." - -"Death and the devil! you must make haste." - -"I intend to do so. Good-by! Woe to you scoundrels! If a hair falls from -the missionary's head you shall be all shot," he added, turning to his -terrified prisoners. - -And with this fearful promise he went off, followed by the few -adventurers chosen to accompany him. On entering the pass the hunter met -the fugitives, on whom he rushed. Unfortunately the latter had seen them -first; and they succeeded in escaping by abandoning their horses, and -clambering like cats up the almost perpendicular sides of the mountain. -Valentine, without losing time in a futile pursuit, hastened to join the -missionary. - -"Ah!" the latter exclaimed on seeing him, "my friend, my dear Valentine, -had it not been for Curumilla, we were lost." - -"And Dona Angela?" - -"Thanks be to Heaven, she is saved." - -"Yes," she said, "thanks to Heaven and to these caballeros, who arrived -just in time to protect us." - -One of the strangers approached. - -"Pardon me, sir," he said in excellent French, "but you are the French -hunter of whom so much is said--Valentine Guillois, I think?" - -"Yes, sir," Valentine answered with surprise. - -"My name, sir, is Belhumeur." - -"I know you, sir: my foster brother has often mentioned you as his best -friend." - -"I am delighted that he has kept me in such pleasant memory. Allow me to -present to you Don Rafael Garillas de Saavedra." - -The two men bowed and shook hands. - -"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked. - -"Is not that the best form of introduction?" - -"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed. - -"I will myself return with you, senor padre," Don Rafael said. "I -intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way -of seeing him and securing his friendship." - -"And what is that way?" - -"By offering a shelter to Dona Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which -belongs to me." - -"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafael, for not having -thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady." - -"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the -hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don -Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?" - -"One!" he said. "What is it?" - -"For ever!" - -"Come, I will not recall my word," he said with a good-humoured laugh. -"You are an angel: I shall end by loving you madly." - -"Let us go!" she exclaimed. - -"Will you not join our party, Belhumeur?" Valentine asked. - -"Certainly; for I wish to speak with Don Louis." - -"That is it," Don Rafael observed. "I will escort the padre with Black -Elk and Eagle-head. Senor Don Valentine, Belhumeur will serve as your -guide to the Hacienda del Milagro." - -"By Jove!" Valentine said with a laugh, "you will probably see me before -you expect." - -"Come whenever you please: you will ever be welcome." - -After exchanging affectionate farewells the two parties turned their -back on each other, and left the gorge by opposite roads. - - -[1] Enemy whom I adore, of Spain the second Helen, oh that I were born -blind, or you born without beauty! Accursed be the day and hour when my -star caused me to be born! Breasts that nourished me, better to have -given me death. You will pay---- - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE FORWARD MARCH. - - -The sun had risen nearly an hour when Valentine, and the band he -commanded, joined Captain de Laville and the prisoners again at about -two leagues from La Magdalena. The Mexicans were marching with bowed -heads, and hands fastened behind their backs, between two files of -French horsemen, with their rifles on the thigh, and finger on the -trigger. The captain was slightly in advance of his men, conversing with -the old Mexican officer, whose legs had been tied under his horse's -belly, owing to an attempt at escape he had made. - -In the rear came the prisoners' horses, easily recaught by the -adventurers, and loaded with the muskets, sabres, and lances of their -ex-masters. When the two bands united they went on more rapidly. -Valentine, had he wished it, could have reached the camp before sunrise; -but it was important for the success of the expedition, at the head of -which the count had placed himself, that the population of La Magdalena, -at this moment increased tenfold by the strangers who, owing to the -festival, had flocked in from all parts of Sonora, should understand -that the French had not undertaken an expedition so feather-brained as -was supposed, or at least as the Mexican Government wished it to be -supposed, and therefore the prisoners would march into camp in broad -daylight. - -The count, warned by Curumilla, whom the hunter sent on in advance, -determined to give great importance to this affair, and display a -certain degree of ostentation: consequently the whole army was under -arms; and the flag, planted in front of the count's tent to the sound -of bugles and drums, was saluted by the shouts of the adventurers. As -the count had foreseen, the inhabitants of La Magdalena rushed to the -camp to witness the sight the count prepared for them; and the road was -soon covered by curious persons on horse and on foot, hurrying to be the -first to arrive. When the head of the detachment reached the camp gates -it stopped at a signal from Valentine, and a bugler sounded a call. At -this summons an officer came out. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted. - -"France!" Captain de Laville, who had advanced a few paces, replied. - -"What corps?" the officer continued. - -"The liberating army of Sonora!" - -An immense shout, raised by the populace, drowned the words. - -"Enter," the officer said. - -The barrier was raised, the drums began beating, the bugles sounding, -and the marching past began. There was something really grand in this -scene, so simple in itself, but which made the heart beat more rapidly -when you examined the resolute air of this handful of men, left to -themselves without succour, six thousand leagues from their country, who -so proudly sustained the name of France, and who, at the beginning of -the campaign, without firing a shot, returned with a hundred prisoners -captured at the moment they were preparing to surprise the camp. - -The Sonorians, under an involuntary emotion, regarded the Frenchmen -with a respectful timidity, mingled with admiration, and, far from -pitying the fate of their compatriots, they overwhelmed them with -yells and jests. So great is the influence of courage and energy -on these primitive races! When the prisoners were collected in the -middle of the camp square the count approached them, surrounded by -his staff and some of the chief inhabitants of La Magdalena, who -followed him instinctively, carried away by their enthusiasm. It was -really a holiday. Floods of light inundated the landscape; a gentle -breeze refreshed the atmosphere; the bugles played merry tunes; the -drums rattled; and the assembled populace uttered shouts of joy, while -waving handkerchiefs and hats. The count smiled, for he was momentarily -happy. The future appeared to him less gloomy and sad. He examined the -prisoners for a moment with a pensive eye. - -"I have come to Sonora," he at length said in a piercing voice, "to give -liberty to the people of this country. I have been represented to you -as a cruel and faithless man. Begone! You are free! Go and tell your -countrymen how the chief of the pirates avenges the calumnies spread -abroad about him. I do not even ask of you the promise not to bear -arms against me again. I have on my side something which is stronger -than all the soldiers who can be opposed to me--the hand of God, which -guides me; for He wishes that this country should be at length free and -regenerated. Unfasten those men, and restore them their horses." - -The order was immediately obeyed, and the people greeted this generous -resolution with shouts and ebullitions of joy. The prisoners hastened -to quit the camp, though not before they had displayed by energetic -protestations, their gratitude for the count's generosity. Don Louis -then turned to Captain Isidro. - -"As for you, captain," he said gravely, "you are one of the few lions -left from that war of independence which overthrew the Spanish power. We -are brothers, for we both serve the same cause. Take back your sword: a -brave man like you must always wear it at his side." - -The captain looked at him gloomily. - -"Why can I no longer hate you?" he replied. "I should have preferred an -insult to your generosity. Now I am no longer free." - -"You are so, captain. I ask from you neither friendship nor gratitude. -I have acted as I thought it my duty to do. Let us each follow our own -road, but let us try not to meet again." - -"Your hand, caballero; and now a word." - -"Speak." - -"Take care of the persons in whom you place confidence." - -"Explain yourself." - -"I can say no more, or I should be a traitor myself." - -"Oh, ever, ever the same treachery!" the count muttered, growing -thoughtful. - -"And now farewell, caballero. If I am forbidden to wish the success of -your plans, at least I will do nothing against them; and if you do not -see me among the ranks of your friends, I shall not be in those of your -enemies." - -The old captain bounded into his seat, made his horse perform a few -graceful curvets, and after bowing to the company, started at a gallop. - -The remainder of the day was one continued festival. The count had -succeeded: his generous conduct to the prisoners bore its fruits. The -French adventurers had risen enormously in the opinion of the Sonorians. -The count had already acquired a great influence in the country, and -several persons began to prognosticate a successful issue for the -expedition. - -At nightfall Don Louis convoked all the chiefs of the army to a secret -council of war. By a providential accident, the count, who would -doubtlessly have permitted Don Cornelio to be present at the council, -owing to the confidence he placed in him, had sent that gentleman to -La Magdalena to buy several horses he required. This commission, by -preventing the Spaniard's presence at the council, insured its secrecy. - -Don Cornelio had succeeded by a miracle in escaping the hunter's -pursuit, and had re-entered the camp unnoticed about two hours before -the arrival of the prisoners. He had killed his horse, but was this time -at least safe himself, for no one dreamed of suspecting him; and even -had it been the case, nothing would have been easier for him than to -establish an _alibi_. - -At eight in the evening the roll call sounded, the camp gates were -closed, and the officers proceeded to head quarters; that is to say, the -jacal inhabited by the count. A row of sentries, set about ten paces -distant from the hut, so as to be themselves out of hearing distance, -had orders to fire on the first person who attempted to enter the place -of meeting without orders. - -The count was seated at a table, on which a road map of Sonora was laid -out. The assembly was composed of some fifteen persons, among whom were -Valentine, Curumilla, Captain de Laville, and Belhumeur, who was too -intimate a friend of the count to be excluded from a conference of such -an important nature. When all had arrived the door was shut, and the -count rose. - -"Comrades," he said in a firm voice, though suppressed, lest he should -be heard outside, "our expedition is about to commence in reality: -what we have done up to the present is nothing. I have several times -sounded, either myself or through my spies, the intentions of the -richest hacenderos or campesinos of this State. They seem very well -disposed toward us; but let us not be deceived by fallacious promises. -These people will do nothing as long as our expedition does not rest on -a solid base of operations; in other words, we must seize on a city. If -we succeed, our cause is gained, for the whole country will rise for us. -I have led you to this place because La Magdalena forms the extremity of -an angle at which three roads debouch, each leading to one of the chief -cities of Sonora; and it is one of those cities we must carry. But which -shall it be? That is the question. All three are crammed with troops: -in addition, General Guerrero holds the roads leading to them, and he -has sworn," the count added with a smile, "to make only one mouthful of -us, if we dare to take one step in advance. But that disquiets you but -very slightly, I suppose: let us, therefore, return to the important -question. Captain de Laville, be good enough to give us your opinion." - -The captain bowed. - -"I am inclined for Sonora," he said. "It is a new city, I grant, but -it bears the name of the country we propose to deliver, and that is an -important consideration." - -Several officers spoke in turn, and the majority ranged themselves on -the side of Captain de Laville. The count then turned to Valentine. - -"And what is your opinion, brother?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said, "I am no great hand at talking, as you know, -brother," he answered. "Still I have a certain knowledge of warfare, -which may perhaps inspire me rightly. You want a rich and manufacturing -city, in order to protect the opulent inhabitants of the country from -any sudden attack, and whence you can effect your retreat without -danger, if too numerous forces try to crush you. Is it not so?" - -"Indeed, the city we seize must combine these three conditions as far as -possible." - -"There is only one which combines them." - -"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said. - -"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. -It is the _entrepot_ of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very -rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen -leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming -from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if -we are compelled to fight our retreat." - -The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers. - -"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must -not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an -experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would -result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated -imposing forces there." - -"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans -will learn to know us at the first blow." - -All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the -_army_ should march on Hermosillo. - -"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the -three roads. We must put them off the scent." - -"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make -demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the -move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am -afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men." - -Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on -a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was -said around him. - -"Let the chief speak," Valentine said; "his words are worth their weight -in gold." - -Everyone was silent. - -"Curumilla," the chief said, "knows a crossroad which abridges the -distance, and of which the Mexican general is ignorant. Curumilla will -guide his friends." - -The chief then took up his calumet again, and sat down once more as -if it were nothing. From this moment the discussion was at an end. -Curumilla, according to his custom, had cut the knot by removing the -most dangerous obstacle. - -"Comrades," the count said, "the wagons and guns are horsed. Wake -up your men, and break up the camp silently. The inhabitants of La -Magdalena, on getting up tomorrow morning, must not know what has become -of us." - -Then taking Captain de Laville and Valentine one side,-- - -"While I am going along the crossroad under the chiefs guidance, you, -captain, will proceed in the direction of Ures; and you, brother, will -march on Sonora. Get near enough to be seen, but do not engage in any -skirmish; fall back, and join me again at once. We can only conquer our -enemies by the rapidity of our movements." - -"But in case we cannot join you on the road," Valentine objected, "what -place will you appoint for our meeting?" - -"The Hacienda del Milagro, four leagues from Hermosillo," Belhumeur -said. "Headquarters will be there." - -"Yes," the count said, furtively pressing the Canadian's hand. - -The meeting broke up, and each went to execute the orders he had -received. The camp was broken up in the utmost silence, and the most -minute precautions were taken to allow none of the movements to -transpire outside. The bivouac fires were left lighted; in short, -nothing was touched which could cause any suspicion of a hurried -departure. - -At about eleven in the night the two parties, under Valentine and -Captain de Laville, set out in different directions: the count soon -followed them with the main body and the baggage, so that by midnight -the camp was entirely deserted. Curumilla had not deceived the count. -After about two hours' march he made the troops wheel to the right, and -entered a narrow path, in which there was just room for the vehicles, -and the whole company disappeared in the infinite windings of a true -wild beast's track, in which it was impossible to suppose that an armed -body, accompanied by numerous and heavy wagons and field pieces, would -ever venture. - -Still, when the first obstacles were overcome, this road, which appeared -so difficult, offered no serious causes for delay, and the Frenchmen -pushed on rapidly. Two days after they were rejoined by the detachments -which had operated on their flank. Captain de Laville and Valentine had -been completely successful in deceiving the general, whose advanced post -still continued to guard the roads, little suspecting that they had been -turned. - -This march lasted nine days, through numberless difficulties, over -shifting sand which fled beneath the feet, under a parching heat with -no water, and, during the last two days, with no provisions or forage. -But nothing could lessen the courage of the men, or destroy their -inexhaustible gaiety: they went on bravely, keeping their eyes fixed on -their chief, who went on foot before them, consoling and encouraging -them. On the evening of the ninth day they saw in the distance, in -the centre of a well-wooded landscape, the outlines of a considerable -hacienda. It was the first house they had come across since leaving La -Magdalena. - -"What hacienda is that?" Don Louis asked Belhumeur, who walked by his -side. - -"The Hacienda del Milagro," the Canadian answered. - -The Frenchmen uttered a shout of joy: they had arrived. They had marched -sixty leagues in nine days, along almost impracticable roads. - -Curumilla had kept his promise. Thanks to him, the column had not been -molested. - - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -BEFORE THE ATTACK. - - -When within gunshot of the hacienda the count commanded a halt. - -"De Laville," he said to the captain, "push on ahead, and occupy the -hacienda in force: we shall have our headquarters there." - -"What is the use of that?" Belhumeur asked. "Did you not put faith in -my words, then? Don Rafael and his family will be delighted to receive -you and greet you with open arms." - -The count smiled, and bent down to the Canadian's ear. - -"My friend Belhumeur," he said to him in a low voice, "you are a -child who will understand nothing. I take these precautions which -grieve you so much, not for my own sake, but on behalf of our friends. -Supposing, as may be unfortunately the case, that we are beaten by the -Mexicans--what will happen then? That Don Rafael will inevitably fall -a victim to the sympathy he has evinced for us; while, by acting as I -do, he bows to force, and the Mexican authorities will be unable, in -spite of all their desire, to render him responsible for our stay at his -house." - -"That is true," the Canadian answered, struck by the logic of this -reasoning. - -"Still," Don Louis continued, "in order to avoid any misunderstanding, -you will accompany the captain, and while he is talking loudly you can -whisper to our friends what the reason is." - -Five minutes later the detachment started at a gallop, followed -presently by the rest of the column. All took place as the count had -arranged. Warned by Belhumeur, Don Rafael protested energetically -against the forced occupation of the hacienda, and feigned only to yield -to superior force. The estate was definitively occupied, and Don Rafael -mounted with some of his servants, in order to go and meet the column; -but, by the count's orders, it did not stop at the hacienda, but pushed -on and camped about two leagues from Hermosillo. - -The count and Rafael met, not like strangers to each other, but as old -friends delighted at meeting again, and entered the hacienda, conversing -in a low voice. Before dismounting, the count sent off couriers and -scouts in every direction, in order to have certain news about the -enemy; and only keeping with him an escort of eight men, he sent the -others to the bivouac, and entered the hacienda. - -Don Ramon, Don Rafael's father, and Dona Luz, that amiable woman -whose touching history we told in a previous story,[1] were waiting, -surrounded by their servants, the arrival of the Frenchmen at the door -of the hacienda. - -"You are welcome, valiant combatants for the independence of Sonora," -General Don Ramon said as he held out his hand to the count. - -The latter leaped from his horse. - -"May God grant that I may be as fortunate as you have been, general!" -he replied with a bow. Then, turning to Dona Luz, "Pardon me, madam," -he said to her, "for having come to trouble your peaceful retreat: your -husband is alone to blame for the indiscretion I am committing at this -moment." - -"Senor conde," she answered with a smile, "do not make such excuses: -this house and all it contains belong to you. We see your arrival with -joy--we shall witness your departure with sorrow." - -The count offered his arm to Dona Luz, and they entered the hacienda. -But the count was restless--his glance wandered incessantly. - -"Patience!" Don Rafael said to him with a meaning smile; "you will -see her. It would have been imprudent for her to appear sooner, so we -prevented her." - -"Thanks!" the count said; and the cloud which obscured his noble face -disappeared at once. - -The interview of the two lovers was as it should be; that is to say, -calm, affectionate, and deeply felt. The count warmly thanked Father -Seraphin for the protection he had accorded the maiden. - -"Ere long," Dona Luz said, "all your torments will be ended, and you -will be able to yield to the passionate emotions of your heart without -constraint." - -"Yes," the count answered pensively, "tomorrow will probably decide my -fate, and that of the woman I love." - -"What do you mean?" Don Rafael exclaimed. - -The count looked anxiously around him: he saw that he could speak, and -that those who pressed toward him were sincere friends. - -"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall attack Hermosillo and take it, or fall -dead in the breach." - -All present were in a state of stupor. Don Rafael made Black Elk a sign -to stand outside the door to keep off all comers, and then returned to -the count. - -"Have you really that idea?" he asked him. - -"Were it not so, should I be here?" he said simply. - -"But," Don Rafael continued urgently, "Hermosillo is an inclosed town -with strong walls." - -"I will force them." - -"It has a garrison of 1200 men." - -"Ah!" he said indifferently. - -"For two months the militia have been exercised daily." - -"Militia!" he replied with a disdainful air. "I suppose, at any rate, -they are numerous?" - -"About 3000 men." - -"All the better." - -"General Guerrero, who has at length discovered that his flank was -turned, has thrown himself into the city with 6000 Indians, and is -awaiting other reinforcements." - -"That is the reason, my friend, why I must attack at once. I have -already, according to your calculation, opposed to me 11,000 men, -intrenched behind good walls. The longer I wait, the more numerous they -will grow; and if I do not take care," he added with a laugh, "that army -will end by growing so considerable that it will be impossible for me to -destroy it." - -"You are perhaps unaware, my friend, that Hermosillo is surrounded by -market gardens, which render the approaches almost impracticable?" - -"Believe me, my good friend," the count replied carelessly, "I shall -enter by the gates." - -The company gazed on the count with an amazement akin to terror. They -looked at each other, and seemed to be asking whether they had not to -deal with a maniac. - -"Pardon me, my friend," Don Rafael continued, "but I think you said that -you intended to attack tomorrow?" - -"Certainly." - -"But supposing your troops have not arrived?" - -"What! my troops not arrived? Did not you see them march past the -hacienda an hour ago?" - -"Yes, I saw a small detachment pass--your vanguard, of course." - -"My vanguard!" the count exclaimed with a laugh. "No, my good friend, -that small detachment forms my entire _army_." - -Don Rafael, Don Ramon, and, the other persons present were men of -recognised courage. On several occasions they had sustained giant -combats against enemies tenfold in number; in short, they had furnished -proof of the most extravagant courage and most insane temerity. But -the count's eccentric proposition of going coolly with a handful of -adventurers to take a city defended by 10,000 men seemed to them so -extraordinary and so incredible, that they remained dumb for a moment, -hardly knowing whether they were awake or suffering from a frightful -nightmare. - -"Tell me, my friend," Don Rafael exclaimed, his arguments quite -exhausted, "how many men can you deploy in line?" - -"Hang it! not many," the count said with a smile, "I have invalids: -still I can dispose of about two hundred and fifty, and I hope they -will be sufficient." - -"Yes," Dona Angela said enthusiastically, "they will be sufficient, for -the cause these men defend is holy, and God will protect them." - -"Don Rafael," the count said simply, "have you ever heard of what is -called the _furia Francese?_" - -"Yes, but I confess to you that I do not exactly understand what it is." - -"Well," he added, "wait till tomorrow, and when you have seen this -formidable army crushed, destroyed, and dispersed like autumn leaves -by the wind; when you have been present at the capture of Hermosillo, -you will know what _furia Francese_ is, and understand the prodigies -of valour which history has recorded, and Frenchmen perform almost in -sport." - -The conversation ended here, and they proceeded to the dining room, -where the refreshments, of which the count stood in such need, had been -prepared. So soon as they rose from table the count asked leave to -retire to the apartment prepared for him, and begged Father Seraphin to -follow him. They remained for a long time shut up, talking ear to ear. -When the missionary came out his eyes were red, and traces of tears -furrowed his pale cheeks. The count pressed his hand. - -"So, then," he said, "in case of a mishap----" - -"I will be there, count, trust me;" and he retired slowly. - -During the evening, and, indeed, far into the night, the count listened -to the reports of his scouts and spies: the news they brought coincided -in every respect with the information imparted by Don Rafael. General -Guerrero had hurried to Hermosillo, where he was securely intrenched. - -Valentine and Curumilla were the last to arrive; but they were not the -bearers of bad news. Valentine, at the head of a party of foragers, had, -by Curumilla's advice, advanced along the Guaymas road, and surprised a -convoy of provisions and ammunition intended for the Mexicans. This had -been taken to the camp by the hunter's care, and was warmly welcomed -by the Frenchmen, whose stock of food, as we have seen, was entirely -exhausted. Captain de Laville, for his part, had surprised three or four -of the enemy's patrols, which had imprudently advanced too far. The -count sent Curumilla to the captain with orders to take advantage of -the darkness of the night to advance, and push on his advanced posts to -within a gun-shot and a half of the town. - -When alone with Valentine he spread out a plan of Hermosillo on the -table, and both bending over it, began studying it attentively. We have -already described Hermosillo several times: we will limit ourselves to -saying that the market gardens by which that city is surrounded are -inclosed with walls, behind which it is easy to place _tirailleurs_, -whom the nature of the ground enables to fall back from post to post, -constantly protected by the walls, which are about three feet in -thickness, and built of _adobas_. In addition, on the side on which -the count was marching, a wide and deep ditch, which could only be -traversed by means of a bridge, at the end of which a strong body of -troops was doubtless posted, formed an almost impregnable defence. - -As may be seen from our description, Hermosillo is far from being -an open town, which can be seized without striking a blow; and, in -attempting to carry it at the head of 250 men, the Count de Prebois -Crance, if he succeeded, might justly flatter himself on having -accomplished one of the greatest exploits of modern times. - -General Guerrero, according to the reports of the scouts, and the -Mexican officers under his command, affected a superb contempt for these -naked-footed Frenchmen, as they called them, and promised to give them -so rough a lesson that they would not feel disposed to begin again. -Curumilla, however, had brought back a piece of news which could not -fail to give the count hopes. In spite of the immense preparations he -had made, against the company, General Guerrero had been so surprised -by the news of its hurried march on Hermosillo, and the daring manner -in which it had turned its advanced posts, that, in his hurry to go to -the aid of the menaced city, he had been constrained to leave behind him -the greater part of his forces, and the city, in reality, only contained -twelve or fifteen hundred defenders, doubtlessly a very large number, -but much less than the count had expected to find. - -Curumilla had peacefully entered the city. His being an Indian served as -his safeguard, and he had seen, visited, and examined everything. This -news the Araucano brought back on reporting to the count the execution -of the orders sent through him to Captain de Laville. The count and the -hunter rubbed their hands, and hastened to make their final arrangements. - -Among the hacenderos present at the conference of La Magdalena was one -whose influence was immense upon the pueblos. It was the man who, in -the name of his countrymen, had assured the count that, so soon as an -important town had fallen into the hands of the French, the signal for -revolt should be given, and the country roused in a few days, in order -to effect a decisive diversion. Don Louis, not wishing to lose a moment, -and in the certainty of success, wrote him a letter in which, after -announcing to him the fall of Hermosillo, he urged him to be ready to -support him, and give the signal for insurrection. - -We mention this fact to prove not only that the count believed himself -sure of succeeding, but also foresaw everything with that sublime -intuition only possessed by men of genius. - -The letter written, and the last arrangements made, the count and -Valentine left the room. It was about two in the morning: the sky was -gloomy, and warm gusts coming from the desert bowed down the leafy -crowns of the trees. - -The two foster brothers went down into the patio, where all the -inhabitants of the hacienda had assembled to salute the count on his -departure. Dona Angela, wrapped up in a long white dressing gown, with -pallid face and eyes filled with tears, looked like a phantom in the -glare of the torches shaken by the peons. The escort had mounted and sat -motionless. Curumilla held the horses of the two Frenchmen. When they -appeared, all raised their hats and saluted with a deep and respectful -bow. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," Don Rafael said to him. "May Heaven grant you the -victory!" - -"May Heaven grant you the victory," Don Ramon repeated, "for you are -fighting for the independence of a people!" - -"Never were more fervent prayers offered up than we shall make for you, -Don Louis," Dona Luz then said. - -The count felt his heart contract. - -"I thank you all," he said with much emotion. "Your wishes do me good: -they prove to me that among the Sonorians there are some who comprehend -my noble object. Thanks once again." - -Dona Angela came up to the count. - -"Don Louis," she said to him, "I love you. Do your duty." - -The count bent down to her, and imprinted a kiss on her pale forehead. - -"Dona Angela, my affianced!" he said with a tenderness impossible to -render, "you will see me again either a conqueror or a corpse." - -And he made a move as if to depart. At this moment Father Seraphin came -to his side. - -"What!" he said with surprise, "do you accompany me, my father?" - -"I am going where duty calls me, sir," the missionary replied with that -angelic simplicity which was so characteristic of him--"where I shall -find pain to console, misfortunes to alleviate. Let me follow you." - -Louis pressed his hand silently, and after bowing once again to the -friends he was leaving, perhaps for ever, he gave the signal for -departure, and the cavalcade soon disappeared in the darkness. - -Dona Angela remained cold and motionless in the doorway so long as she -could hear the horses' hoofs echoing on the road. When every sound had -died away in the distance a long-restrained sob burst from her. - -"Heavens, heavens!" she exclaimed in despair, and stretching out her -hands to the sky. Then she fell back in a fainting fit. Dona Luz and Don -Rafael hastened to her aid, and carried her into the hacienda, where -they eagerly tried to restore her to consciousness. Belhumeur tossed his -head several times, and prepared to shut the gate of the hacienda. - -"Not yet," a voice said to him; "let us go out first." - -"Eh, what?" he said. "Where the deuce do you want to go at this hour, -Black Elk? - -"To tell you the truth," the hunter answered, "I am almost a Frenchman, -since I am a Canadian, and so I am going to help my countrymen." - -"Halloh!" Belhumeur exclaimed, struck by these words, "that's not a bad -idea. By Jove! you shall not go alone; I will accompany you." - -"All the better; then there will be three of us." - -"How three? Who else is coming with us?" - -"Eagle-head, by Jove! The chief says there are down there some Indians, -enemies of his nation, whom he should like to have a set-to with." - -"Let us be off, then. I believe that the count will be pleased to have -three fighting men more, like us, in his company." - -"By Jove! I should think so," Belhumeur said. - -"I do not care," Black Elk remarked, "whatever you may say, he is a fine -fellow. What do you think about him, you who know him, eh?" - -"Tough as hickory," the Canadian answered intrepidly. - -Without further commentary the three bold hunters mounted and proceeded -in the track of the count. - - -[1] See "The Trappers of Arkansas." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE CAPTURE OF HERMOSILLO. - - -Although the horses ridden by the count's escort were good, the hunters -were mounted on such fast mustangs that they caught up Don Louis within -twenty minutes of his leaving the hacienda. On hearing hurried footfalls -behind them, the Frenchmen, not knowing who could be coming like a -tornado after them, bravely wheeled round; but Belhumeur prevented any -misunderstanding by making himself known. - -"You are welcome, you and your companions, Belhumeur," the count said to -him. "But what urgent reason compels you to gallop so late along the -roads?" - -"A service I want to ask of you, Don Louis," the Canadian frankly -replied. - -"A service! Speak, my friend: whatever it may be, if it depends on me, -it is granted before asking." - -"What I want _does_ depend on you." - -"What is it?" - -"My comrades and myself wish to have the honour of fighting by your side -tomorrow." - -"Is that the service you had to ask of me, Belhumeur?" - -"Yes, and no other." - -"Then you are mistaken, my friend: you mean to say a service to render -me. I heartily accept your proposition, and thank you for it cordially." - -"Then that is arranged. You admit us into your ranks?" - -"By Jove! I should be mad not to do so." - -Belhumeur informed his friends of the success of his negotiation, and -they rejoiced at it as if they had received the handsomest possible -present. After this slight incident, the party, increased by the three -new recruits, went onwards. The Frenchmen trotted on in the darkness -like a troop of silent phantoms, bending over the necks of their horses, -eagerly questioning the sounds that rose from the desert, and sounding -the gloom in order to obtain some sign that they were approaching their -comrades. - -Captain Charles de Laville, though still very young, seemed predestined -for the part he was playing at this moment. His glance was infallible, -both as superior chief and as a subordinate leader: he not only -understood with extreme rapidity the orders he received, but seized -their meaning and carried them out with rare intelligence.[1] The -count had not been in error for a moment about de Laville's brilliant -qualities. Hence he had made him a favourite, and, whenever he had a -difficult duty to intrust to anyone, he gave it to him, certain that -he would perform it with honour. The success surpassed his hopes on -this occasion; for De Laville executed the advance movement with such -precision and in such profound silence that the count almost found -himself up with the rear before he suspected he was anywhere near it. - -In order to march more rapidly, and not be in any way detained, the -captain had left his wagons and baggage at a deserted rancho about a -league from the city, under the guard of the invalids, who, although -too weak to fight in the ranks of the company, could yet, behind -intrenchments, offer a sufficiently lengthened resistance to allow their -comrades to come to their assistance. - -The count passed through the ranks, saluted in an affectionate voice by -his men, and placed himself at the head of the column. For two months -past the fatigue Don Louis had endured, and the constant state of -excitement in which events kept him, had seriously injured his health; -and it was only by his energy and will that he succeeded in conquering -his illness and keeping upright. He understood that if he gave way all -was lost: hence he wrestled with his sufferings, and though a fever -devoured him, his face remained calm, and nothing revealed to his -comrades the sufferings he endured with the courage of a stoic. Still he -suddenly felt himself attacked by such a feeling of weakness, that had -not Valentine, who guessed his condition, and watched over him like a -mother, held him in his arms, he must have fallen from his horse. - -"What is the matter, brother?" the hunter asked him affectionately. - -"Nothing," he answered, as he passed his hand over his forehead, which -was dank with icy perspiration and fatigue; "but," he added, "it has -gone off now." - -"Take care, brother," he said to him with a sad shrug of his shoulders: -"you do not nurse yourself enough." - -"Eh? Can I do it? But be not alarmed. I know what I want: the smell of -powder will restore me. Look, look! we have reached our destination at -last." - -In fact, by the first rays of the sun, which rose majestically above the -horizon, Hermosillo, with its white houses glistening, now was visible -about a cannon shot off. An immense shout of joy from the whole company -greeted the so-ardently-desired appearance of the city. The order to -halt was given. The city was silent--it seemed deserted: not a sound was -heard within its walls. So calm, quiet, and dumb was it, that you might -have fancied that you had before you that city in the Arabian Nights -which a wicked enchanter struck with his wand and plunged into eternal -sleep. - -The country was deserted. Only here and there the fragments of arms, -uniforms, sandals, the footsteps of horses, and the furrows of carts -indicated the recent passage of General Guerrero's troops. The count -examined the city for a while with the utmost attention, in order to -make his final arrangements, when suddenly two horsemen appeared on -the bridge to which we have already alluded, and galloped toward the -company, waving a flag of truce. - -"Let us see what these persons want," the count said. - -And he galloped up to them. - -"What do you want, gentlemen, and who are you?" he said when he came up -to them. - -"We wish," one of them said, "to speak with the Count de Prebois Crance." - -"I am the count. Be good enough to tell me what brings you here." - -"Monsieur le comte, I am a Frenchman," the first speaker said. - -"I recognise you, sir. Your name is Thollus, I believe, and you are a -merchant at Hermosillo." - -"Quite correct, monsieur le comte. My companion is Senor ----" - -"Don Jacinto Jabali,[2] a _juez de letras_, I suppose, or something of -that sort, a great friend of General Guerrero. Well, gentlemen, I do not -exactly see what we can have in common." - -"Pardon me, sir, we are sent to you by Senor Don Flavio Agustado, -Prefect of Hermosillo, in order to make certain propositions to you." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said, champing his moustache. "Are you really?" - -"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in -an insinuating tone. - -"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I -hardly think so for me." - -"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these -conditions, it is possible----" - -"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit -yourself of your mission--that is only too proper; still, make haste, -for I am pressed for time." - -M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his -companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a -rock of granite before him. - -"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I -have the honour to represent----" - -"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him -impatiently. - -"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an -attempt on the city," the negotiator continued--"offers you, I say, the -sum of----" - -"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more -would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, -I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, -sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer -of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman--I -disown you as such." - -"Still, monsieur le comte----" the poor fellow stammered, completely -taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look. - -"Enough!" the count interrupted him; and drawing his watch from his -pocket, he said in a peremptory tone, which admitted of no reply, and -terrified the negotiators. "It is now eight o'clock. Go and tell your -prefect that in two hours I shall attack the city, and at eleven shall -be master of it. Begone!" - -And with a gesture of supreme contempt he ordered them to retire. The -unlucky envoys did not wait to hear the order repeated; they turned back -at once, and regained the city with hanging heads. The count galloped -up to the head of the column, where the officers were assembled -slightly in advance of the ranks, impatiently awaiting the result of the -conference. - -"Gentlemen," the count said to them on coming up, "get ready to fight." - -The news was greeted with a shout of joy, which had the effect of -increasing the speed of the negotiators, in whose ears it echoed -like a death knell. After this the count, with extreme simplicity -and clearness, pointed out to each officer the post he must occupy -during the action. He placed the whole of the cavalry under the orders -of Captain de Laville; selected Don Cornelio, who had only rejoined -the company on the previous evening, as his aide-de-camp; and, at -Valentine's request, he placed under the latter's orders the Canadian -hunters and the Indians, with authority to act as he thought proper, and -in whatever way he considered most advantageous to the common welfare. - -De Laville, sent forward with a dozen horsemen to reconnoitre, soon -returned, announcing that the city appeared to be in a complete state of -defence, that the roofs of the houses were covered with soldiers, that -the tocsin was pealing from all the churches, and the drums making a -frightful disturbance. At this moment a spy announced that a body of two -to three hundred Indians was apparently threatening the baggage, and the -count at once sent off ten men to reinforce the small garrison he had -left in the rear. This final duty accomplished, he ordered the company -to form a circle, and placed himself in the centre. Then he spoke in a -voice trembling with emotion. - -"Comrades," he said, "the hour to avenge ourselves for all the villainy -practised on us during the last four months, and the atrocious calumnies -spread about us, has at length struck. But let us not forget that we -are Frenchmen; and if we have been patient under insults, let us he -magnanimous after victory. We did not desire war; it was forced upon us, -and we accept it. But remember that we are fighting for the liberty of a -people, and that our enemies of today will be our brothers tomorrow. Let -us be terrible during the combat, merciful after the battle. One last -word, or rather a final prayer. Leave the Mexicans the responsibility -of firing the first shot, so that it may be evident that up to the last -moment we desired peace. Now, brothers, long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted as they brandished their -weapons. - -"Each to his post!" the count commanded. - -The order was executed with marvellous precision. Don Louis drew out -his watch: it was ten o'clock. Then he unsheathed his sabre, wielded it -round his head, and turning to the company, every man in which had his -eyes fixed on the leader, he shouted in a sonorous voice,-- - -"Forward!" - -"Forward!" the officers repeated. - -The column started in good order, marching at quick step, with trailed -arms. - -We have mentioned the bridge which alone gave admission to the city: -this bridge was barricaded, and at the other end was a house crowded -with soldiers from the cellars to the _azotea_. A silence of death -brooded over the plain. The Frenchmen marched on coolly, as if on -parade, with heads raised and flashing eyes. On arriving within musket -shot the walls were begirt with a line of fire, and a frightful -discharge scattered death among the Frenchmen. The company at once broke -into skirmishing order, and rushed onwards. - -At this moment an unheard-of, incredible thing was seen--a city of -10,000 souls, surrounded by walls, and defended by a numerous garrison, -attacked by 250 men fighting in the Indian way; that is, in skirmishing -order. The artillery, dragged by its gunners, advanced at the same -speed, and only stopped to load and fire. - -Even before the Mexicans had time to look round the Frenchmen were on -them like a whirlwind, attacked them at the bayonet's point, drove -back the defenders of the bridge, and entered without a check the -city, sweeping before them, in their irresistible attack, all that -opposed their passage. Then the real battle began. The Frenchmen found -themselves opposite four guns loaded with grape, which swept the whole -length of the street at the end of which they were; while to the right -and left, from windows and roofs, a shower of bullets pattered on them. -The position was becoming critical. The count dismounted, and turning to -his soldiers with the shout, "Who'll take the guns?" he rushed forward. - -"We, we!" the Frenchmen yelled, as they chased after him with unexampled -frenzy. - -The artillerymen were sabred at their guns, the muzzles of which were -immediately turned on the Mexicans. At this moment the count perceived, -as in a cloud, Valentine and his hunters, who were fighting like demons, -and massacring the Indians pitilessly, who tried in vain to resist them. - -"Good heavens!" Black Elk said with beatitude at every blow he dealt, -"it was a lucky idea of mine to come." - -"It really was," Belhumeur replied; and he redoubled his blows. - -Valentine had turned the city, and taking advantage of a forgotten -ladder, escaladed the wall, and, without striking a blow, made prisoners -the post stationed there, which was commanded by an officer. - -"Thanks for the ladder, comrade," he said to the latter with a grin; and -opening the gate of the city, he allowed the cavalry to enter. - -Still the Mexicans fought with the energy of despair. General Guerrero, -who flattered himself with the hope of giving the French a severe -lesson, surprised and terrified by their fury, no longer knew what -measures to take in order to resist these invincible demons, as he -called them, whom nothing could arrest, and who, without deigning to -reply to their enemies' fire, had only fought with the bayonet since -their first discharge. - -Driven in on all sides, the general concentrated his troops on the -Alameda, and protected the approaches by guns loaded with canister. In -spite of the enormous losses they had suffered, the Mexicans were still -more than six hundred combatants, resolved to defend themselves to the -death. The count sent Don Cornelio to Captain de Laville with orders to -charge and sabre the last defenders of the city, while he made a flank -movement with the infantry. The captain started immediately at a gallop, -overthrowing with his horse's chest all obstacles. His pace was so -hurried that he arrived alone in front of the enemy. - -The Mexicans, terrified at the extraordinary audacity of this man, -hesitated for a moment; but at the repeated orders of their chiefs they -opened their fire on de Laville, who seemed to mock them, and the balls -began whistling like hail past the ears of the intrepid Frenchman, -who remained calm and motionless in the midst of this shower of lead. -Valentine, frightened by the captain's boldness, doubled his speed, and -brought up all the cavalry. - -"Hang it, de Laville!" he exclaimed with admiration, "what are you doing -there?" - -"You see, my friend," the latter answered with charming simplicity, "I -am waiting for you."[3] - -Electrified by these noble words, the French dashed on the Alameda, and -charged to the other end with shouts of "Long live France!" a shout to -which the count's infantry responded from the other side of the Alameda, -while attacking the Mexicans at the bayonet's point. - -There were a few moments of deadly struggling and a horrible carnage. -The count, in the height of the medley, fought like the meanest of his -soldiers, exciting them incessantly, and urging them forward. At last, -in spite of their desperate resistance, the Mexicans, pitilessly sabred -by the French, no longer able to organise any effectual defence, and -frightened by the ardour and invincible courage of their adversaries, -whom they regarded as demons, began to break and fly in every direction. -In spite of the fatigue of the horses, de Laville started in pursuit -with his cavalry. - -Hermosillo was taken--the Count de Prebois Crance was victorious. -Stopping in the midst of the pile of corpses which surrounded him, he -drew his watch coldly, and consulted it. It was eleven o'clock, as the -count had told the envoys in the morning: he had become master of the -city at eleven o'clock exactly. The battle had lasted an hour. - -"Now, brothers," the count said, as he returned his sabre to the -scabbard, "the city is ours! Enough blood has been shed: let us think of -aiding the wounded. Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the adventurers shouted with maddening delight. - - -[1] We must be pardoned for laying such stress on the character of the -young chieftain of Guetzalli, who has doubtless been already recognised, -and whose name we are now authorised, to our great delight, to reveal. -After the hapless end of the Marquis de Pindray the colony of Cocospera -unanimously chose as his successor Monsieur O. de la Chapelle, a young -man whom his eminent qualifications recommended for all suffrages. It is -he who figures in our story under the pseudonym of de Laville. Monsieur -O. de la Chapelle died at an early age. This premature end was deeply -felt by all his friends, among whom the author, though he knew him but -very slightly, is happy to call himself, and to testify it by showing -the heroic part he played in the glorious expedition which forms the -subject matter of this work.--G.A. - -[2] Wild boar. - -[3] Fact. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AFTER THE VICTORY. - - -Never before had a more brilliant victory been gained by troops -numerically so weak, and under conditions apparently so unfavourable. -The Mexican array evacuated Hermosillo in the utmost disorder, -abandoning three hundred dead and wounded, baggage of every description, -guns, ammunition, and flags. The rout was complete. - -General Guerrero, shame on his brow and rage in his heart, fled at full -speed along the Ures road, pursued closely by the French cavalry. The -count had made a large number of prisoners, among whom were several -Mexican officers. - -The joy of the adventurers bordered on madness. Still the brilliant -advantages had not been gained without a sensible loss, regard being had -to the numerical strength of the army. It had lost twenty-two men--an -enormous amount, which evidenced the obstinacy of the fight, and the -courage with which the Mexicans had fought. Among the dead the count had -to regret several of his best-beloved officers, brave young fellows, who -had fallen at the head of their sections while urging their men on. - -The count, although his clothes were riddled with bullets, had not -received a scratch: it seemed as if a charm protected him, for no one -had spared his life less than himself during the fight. He had ever been -in the thickest of the action, in advance of his comrades, encouraging -them by word and deed, and only employing his sabre to ward off blows -that came too near him. - -So soon as the battle was over the count proceeded to the Cabildo, -whither the Mexican authorities were convened, in order to settle with -him as to the safety of the city. Don Cornelio had not left him during -the fight: he had done his duty bravely by his side. - -"Don Cornelio," he said to him, "I am pleased with you; you behaved most -bravely. I wish to reward you by intrusting to you a mission of the -highest importance. Are you too tired to get on horseback?" - -"No, senor conde. Besides, you know that I am a thorough _jinete_." - -"That is true. Here are two letters, one for Don Rafael, which you will -deliver in passing the Hacienda del Milagro: when you get in sight of La -Magdalena you will tear the envelope off the other, and carry it to the -address you will read on it; but in the event of your being stopped or -taken prisoner on the road, that letter must not be found on you, and no -one must know its contents. You understand me?" - -"Perfectly, senor conde, and if necessary it shall be destroyed." - -"Very good. Now get a fresh horse and start without the loss of a -moment: it is a question of life and death." - -"I start, Don Louis; you will hear of me again." - -These words were accompanied by a sinister smile, which passed unnoticed -by the count. Don Cornelio left the room, and five minutes later his -horse's hoofs could be heard echoing on the pavement. - -At this moment Valentine entered. The hunter's features, usually so -calm, were convulsed, and he seemed suffering from extreme agitation. He -looked around him on entering. - -"What are you looking for?" the count asked him; "and what is the -meaning of the state in which I see you?" - -"It means----" Valentine answered. "But stay, better so. Take a glance -at these papers which I seized in the house of General Guerrero." - -He handed the count a bundle of letters and other papers, which the -other rapidly read through. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, stamping his foot passionately, "such great -ingratitude after so many acts of kindness! A thousand devils! this land -is, then, accursed, that treason should spring up under every blade of -grass." - -"Fortunately we have the proofs to hand. I will take on myself to arrest -the villain." - -"It is too late." - -"How too late?" the hunter exclaimed. "Where is he, then?" - -"He has set out on a mission of the highest importance, which I -intrusted to him for the leaders of the malcontents." - -"Confusion!" the hunter said; "what is to be done? It is plain that the -scoundrel will sell our secrets to the enemy." - -"Wait. I gave him a letter for Don Rafael, which he cannot fail to -deliver." - -"That is true: if only to lull suspicion to sleep, he will do so. I will -be off to the hacienda at once." - -"Go, my friend: unfortunately I cannot accompany you." - -"It is unnecessary. I swear that if this devil's own Don Cornelio falls -into my hands, I will crush him like the viper he is. Good-by." - -The hunter hurriedly left the Cabildo, and a few minutes later, followed -by Belhumeur, Black Elk, Curumilla, and Eagle-head, he was galloping at -full speed along the road to the hacienda. - -The count then occupied himself, before taking a moment's rest, in -organising the tranquillity and security of the city. As most of the -Mexican authorities had taken flight, he appointed others, had the dead -buried, and arranged an hospital for the sick, the direction of which he -gave to Father Seraphin, whose evangelic devotion was beyond all praise. - -Posts and main guards were established, and patrols received orders -to march about the city in order to maintain tranquillity--a useless -measure of precaution, for the inhabitants appeared as joyful as the -French. The streets were hung with flags, and on all sides could be -heard shouts of "Long live France! long live Sonora!" repeated with an -expression of indescribable satisfaction. - -When the count had discharged these imperious duties, his mind being no -longer over-excited by the necessity of the moment, nature, conquered -for an instant, gained the upper hand with an extreme of reaction, and -Don Louis fell back almost fainting into the chair where he had been -working without relaxation for nearly eight hours. He remained thus -without help until a late hour of the night, for he had not the strength -to call for assistance. - -At length Captain de Laville entered to make his chief a report about -the result of the pursuit of the Mexicans. He was terrified at the state -in which he found Don Louis; for the count was suffering from a violent -fever, attended by delirium. The captain immediately summoned the -company's surgeon, and the count was laid in a hastily-prepared bed. - -The surgeon could not be found, and a Mexican doctor came in his stead. -This man declared that the count was suffering from an attack of -dysentery, and made him drink a potion which he prepared at once. The -count fell into a species of lethargic sleep which lasted ten hours. -Fortunately the company's surgeon at length arrived. After a glance at -the count, and examining the few drops of the potion left in the glass, -the doctor immediately had eggs beaten in milk administered to the -count, and ordered all his limbs to be rubbed with hot napkins. - -"Why, doctor," the captain remarked to him, "what sort of treatment is -this? The physician assured me that the count had the dysentery." - -The doctor smiled sorrowfully. - -"Yes," he said, "he has a dysentery; but do you know what the physician -gave him?" - -"No." - -"Belladonna; that is to say, poison." - -"Oh!" the captain said in horror. - -"Silence!" the surgeon continued. "Let this remain a secret between us -two." - -At this moment the physician entered. He was a plump little man, with -the look of a frightened cat. The captain seized him by the collar, and -dragged him into a corner of the room. - -"Look here!" he said to him, pointing to the glass the surgeon still -held in his hand. "Of what was that potion composed you gave the count?" - -The Mexican turned pale. - -"Why?" he stammered. - -"Poison, you villain!" the captain shouted violently. - -"Poison!" he exclaimed, raising his eyes and arms to heaven. "Could it -be possible? Oh, let us see!" - -He examined the glass with feigned attention. - -"It is true," he said after a moment. "_Por Dios,_ what inadvertence!" - -The word appeared so precious to the Frenchmen that, in spite of their -anger and alarm, they could not prevent it, but burst into a loud laugh. -The little doctor took advantage of this attack of gaiety to escape very -quietly, and could never be found again, though carefully sought for: he -had probably left the city. - -Thanks to the intelligent and affectionate care of the surgeon, however, -the effects of the poison were neutralised. The count felt a little -better, and gave orders that the company should assemble at once in the -patio of the Cabildo. The command was rapidly obeyed, and within an hour -the company was drawn up under arms in the courtyard. The count came -down, leaning on the arm of Captain de Laville. - -"My comrades," he said, "I am ill, as you can see. Still I have called -you together to inform you of an engagement I have made in your name -with the inhabitants of Hermosillo. I declared that even if you walked -over piles of piastres and ounces, you would not stoop down to pick them -up. Was I wrong?" - -"No," they all exclaimed; "you were quite right." - -"We are no pirates, whatever they may say," the count continued, "and -the hour has arrived to prove it." - -"We will do so." - -"Thank you, comrades." - -The company was dismissed, and carefully kept its promise: not a -waist-buckle was stolen by these half-naked men, who for four months had -been suffering the most horrible privations. - -The count's condition, however, instead of becoming better, grew worse -daily, in spite of the anxious attentions of the doctor and Father -Seraphin, who had posted himself by his bed, and never left him. In Don -Louis the mind wore out the body. Since Don Cornelio's departure he had -received no news either of the Spaniard or Valentine. Two faithful men, -sent to the Hacienda del Milagro, had not returned, and neither Don -Rafael nor Dona Angela gave a sign of life. - -This silence became incomprehensible. On the other hand, the situation -of the company was growing daily more serious. The count, master of a -powerful city, found himself more isolated than before; the pueblos that -should have risen did not stir; the man to whom the count had written, -and who had pledged himself to give the signal for revolt, gave no -reply to the appeal, and remained indifferent to the repeated entreaties -Don Louis made him. - -Unfortunately dysentery is one of those frightful diseases which -completely annihilate a man's faculties, and for a very long period -the count was incapable of attending to anything. Senor Pavo had come -at full speed from Guaymas to Hermosillo, ostensibly to felicitate the -count on his gallant exploit, but in reality to be able to betray him -with greater facility. - -Don Louis was alone, without friends in whom he could trust, lying -on a bed of pain, internally devoured by a mortal restlessness, and -a prey to a profound despair at seeing himself reduced to a state of -powerlessness, and losing the fruits of his toil and fatigues. - -Captain de Laville, the only man in whom he could have trusted at the -moment, was attacked by the same illness as his chief, and, like him, -was incapable of acting. Senor Pavo skilfully profited by this state -of affairs to sow seeds of disaffection among the Frenchmen. The count -was the soul of the company--the only tie that rendered it compact and -united: in his absence from his duties all went wrong. - -A system was then organised in the shade by Don Pavo. This system -consisted in continual demonstrations on the part of the adventurers, -who at every hour of the day came one after the other to lay before -the count the most absurd grievances, and threaten to leave him. At -last matters reached such a pitch that it was necessary to come to some -decision. - -Two courses offered themselves: the first, to give up the results of the -victory of Hermosillo, and retreat on Guaymas. This was suggested to -the count by the French representative, Senor Don Antonio Mendez Pavo. -The second was to await at Hermosillo, while holding their ground by -force and risking a siege, the succours which must speedily arrive from -California, where they were being rapidly organised. So greatly had the -news of the brilliant victory gained by the count electrified the minds -of the adventurers, and inflamed their imagination. - -These two courses were equally repugnant to the count. The first seemed -to him shameful; the second impracticable. Still the situation was -growing every day more and more intolerable, when at this moment a -strange event occurred, which, had we been writing a romance instead of -a history, would have seemed to us too startling for credibility. - -The company, incessantly excited by the hypocritical pity of Senor -Pavo, and the dark intrigues he set at work, had fallen into a state -of perfect insubordination towards the count, and almost open revolt. -Seeing that Don Louis was too ill to act vigorously, and incapable of -opposing anything they pleased to do, the men let him know that, unless -he consented to give the order for retreat, they would leave Hermosillo -and abandon him. - -The count was forced to yield. General Guerrero had pledged his word -that the retreat should not be disquieted, Don Louis succeeded in -obtaining hostages who responded for the safety of the sick he was -compelled to leave behind, and with a breaking heart, no strength or -courage left, he was borne away in a litter. A reaction took place -among the volunteers at the sight of their well-beloved chief, reduced -to this miserable state, and almost dead of sorrow. They pressed round -him, swearing obedience and fidelity, and promising him to fall to the -last man for him. A melancholy smile played round the pallid lips of -the dying man, for these proofs of devotion came too late. The count, -crushed by a succession of insults, had drunk the cup to the dregs: he -no longer put faith in his comrades. - -The retreat commenced. In spite of the general's solemn pledge, it was -an uninterrupted succession of skirmishes; but a final ray of glory -was reflected on the French. The adventurers, aroused by the smell of -powder, found all their courage once more to victoriously repulse the -attacks of the Mexicans, whom they compelled to retreat pitiably, and -give up any further annoyances. - -The company camped about three leagues from Guaymas, resolved to force -a passage, and enter that port the next day in spite of any opposition. -The count, slightly revived by the prospect of an approaching combat, -had fallen asleep after making all his preparations, when toward -midnight he was aroused by the arrival of a flag of truce. - -The envoys were Senor Pavo and a merchant of Guaymas, who came on behalf -of General Guerrero. They were bearers of an armistice for forty-eight -hours; and a letter from the general, who earnestly begged the count to -come to him in order to arrange the terms of peace. - -"I consent to the armistice," the count replied. "Let the general send -me an escort, and I will go to him." - -His companions objected. - -"Why not take your cavalry?" one of them said to him. - -"For what use?" he said with discouragement. "I am the only person they -care for: if a trap is set for me, I will fall into it alone." - -The adventurers insisted, but he remained inflexible. - -"We no longer understand one another," he said to them. - -Then he turned to the negotiators. - -"Return to Guaymas, gentlemen, and be good enough to tell General -Guerrero that I thank him, and am awaiting his escort." - -The escort arrived at daybreak, and the count set out, after a last and -melancholy glance at his comrades, who witnessed his departure with -aching hearts and tears in their eyes. Henceforth the divorce between -the count and the adventurers was accomplished. - -General Guerrero, on the count's entrance to Guaymas, ordered the -honours due to a commander-in-chief to be paid him. Don Louis smiled -with disdain. What did he care for these empty ceremonies? - -The count and the general had a lengthened conversation together. The -general had not yet given up his projects of seduction; but this time, -like the first, the count answered with a positive refusal. - -The company was henceforth surrendered defencelessly to the machinations -of Senor Pavo. This man lost no time, and by his advice the adventurers -sent as a deputation to the count two ignorant sailors, with orders to -come to a settlement with him at any price. These two emissaries were -selected by Senor Pavo, for the worthy man knew perfectly well what he -was about. The two sailors presented themselves at the count's house, -who sent out a message to them that he was engaged at the moment, and -begged them to wait a little while. The ambassadors, ruffled in their -self-esteem, and puffed up with the importance of the mission intrusted -to them, left the count's house immediately, swearing at his insolence, -and went straight to the palace of General Guerrero. - -The latter, advised beforehand, knew what would happen, and was -impatiently awaiting them. He ordered them to be admitted at once so -soon as they sent in their names, and received them most graciously: -then, when he had sufficiently intoxicated them with flattery, he made -them sign--that is to say, make a cross at the foot of--a treaty, in -which they recognised that, having been _deceived and abandoned in -a cowardly manner_ by their chief, they pledged themselves to lay -down their arms and quit the country for a sum of _eleven thousand -piastres_.[1] We must confess that General Guerrero made a capital -bargain, for the arms came into his possession. Oh! the Mexicans are -famous negotiators, and, above all, most crafty diplomatists. - -Unable to vanquish the company, the Mexicans bought it of two -scoundrels, by the intervention of a third, whose duty it was to defend -it. - -Thus the Atrevida Company had committed suicide. It effected its own -dissolution without even attempting to see once again that chief who had -been its idol, and whom it abandoned writhing on a bed of suffering. - -We must mention, to the honour of the French plenipotentiaries that, in -the treaty they signed, the liberty of the count was formally guaranteed. - -Now let us see by what extraordinary concourse of circumstances the -count, when in such a critical position, was thus abandoned by all his -friends. How was it that General Guerrero, his obstinate foe, had shown -himself so kind and almost generous toward Don Louis during the last -events we have narrated? - -We will proceed to explain this; but, in order to do so, we must take up -events further back, and return to Valentine and his comrades, whom we -left galloping at full speed along the road to the hacienda. - - -[1] A little over L2000. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE HACIENDA DEL MILAGRO. - - -The road from Hermosillo to the Hacienda del Milagro is perfectly well -traced, straight and wide along the entire distance. Although the night -was gloomy and unlit by the moon, as the five horsemen galloped on side -by side, it would have been impossible for them to pass Don Cornelio -without seeing him, had they caught him up; but they reached the -hacienda without receiving any tidings of him. - -The road had been so trampled in every direction during the last few -days, both by French and Mexicans, that it was impossible for these -experienced hunters to distinguish or take up any imprint which could -serve to guide them in their researches. The traces of horses, wagons, -and men were so interlaced in each other, that they were completely -illegible, even to the most practised eye. Several times Valentine -tried, though in vain, to read this book of the desert. Hence, the -nearer the hunters drew to their destination, the more alarmed and -anxious they became. - -It was about eight in the morning when they reached the hacienda: they -had travelled the whole night through without stopping, save to search -for traces of the man they were pursuing. The hacienda was tranquil; the -peons were engaged in their ordinary labours; the ganado was grazing -at liberty on the prairies. When the hunters entered, Don Rafael was -preparing to mount on horse, seemingly to take a ride round his farm. -A peon was holding a magnificent mustang, which champed its bit and -snorted impatiently at being held so long. When the hacendero perceived -the newcomers he ran toward them, playfully menacing them with his -chicote. - -"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good -morning, gentlemen." - -The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at -all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafael then noticed their gloomy and -embarrassed air. - -"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the -bearers of ill news?" - -"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am -mistaken!" - -"Speak--explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about -you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary." - -The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance. - -"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for." - -"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the -house, where we shall converse more at our ease." - -The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafael into a vast apartment which -served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine -opposed the closing of the door. - -"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners." - -"Why such precautions?" - -"I will tell you. Where are Dona Angela and Dona Luz at this moment?" - -"They are probably still asleep." - -"Very good. Tell me, Loyal Heart, have you received any visitor during -the last twenty-four hours?" - -"I have not seen a living soul since the departure of the Count de -Prebois Crance." - -"Ah!" the hunter said, "then a courier did not arrive last night?" - -"None." - -"So that you are ignorant of the deeds accomplished yesterday?" - -"Utterly." - -"You are not aware that the count fought a battle yesterday?" - -"No." - -"That he took Hermosillo by assault?" - -"No." - -"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?" - -"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?" - -"The most perfect truth." - -"In that case the count is victor?" - -"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo." - -"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all -your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness -to tell me why you asked them?" - -"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of -you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give -you a letter." - -"Me! That is strange. The courier was doubtlessly a native, an Indian?" - -"No, he was Don Cornelio Mendoza, a Spanish gentleman, whom you probably -remember." - -"Certainly--a jolly, excellent companion, who was continually strumming -the vihuela." - -"The same man," Valentine said ironically. "Well, this jolly, excellent -companion, who was continually strumming the vihuela, my dear Loyal -Heart, is simply a traitor who sold all our secrets to the enemy." - -"Oh, Valentine! you must be very sure ere you bring such an accusation -against a caballero." - -"Unfortunately," the hunter said sadly, "the slightest doubt on the -subject is impossible; the count holds in his hands all the fellow's -correspondence with General Guerrero." - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" Don Rafael exclaimed, "do you know, my friend, -this is very serious?" - -"I am so fully of your opinion that, in spite of the fatigue that -overpowered me, I begged these gentlemen to accompany me, and started -at full gallop, hoping to surprise him on the road and seize him; for, -beside the letter he had to deliver to you, he had others of a most -compromising nature, addressed to several influential persons in the -province." - -"That is an awkward affair," Loyal Heart said with a pensive air: "it is -evident that the scoundrel, instead of coming here, has gone straight to -hand the papers to the general." - -"There is not, unfortunately, the least doubt of that." - -"What is to be done?" Don Rafael muttered mechanically. - -There was a moment's silence: each reflected on the means to be employed -in order to neutralise the effects of this treachery. Curumilla and -Eagle-head rose, and prepared to leave the room. - -"Where are you going?" Valentine asked them. - -"While our brothers are consulting," the Araucano replied, "the Indian -chiefs will go on the discovery." - -"You are right, chief: go, go," the hunter said. "I do not know why," he -added mournfully, "but I have a foreboding of misfortune." - -The two Indians went out. - -"Do you know the contents of the letter the count wrote me?" Don Rafael -asked presently. - -"On my faith, no; but it is probable that he told you of the victory, -and begged you to conduct Dona Angela to Hermosillo. In any case the -letter was most compromising." - -"As for that, I am very slightly alarmed, for General Guerrero will -think twice before he attacks me. - -"What is the use of this long deliberation, and such a loss of precious -time? We have only one thing to do, and that is to go to Hermosillo as -escort to Dona Angela," Belhumeur said. - -"In truth, that is the most simple," Valentine said in confirmation. - -"Yes," Don Rafael remarked; "the count can only be pleased with that -course." - -"Come, let us carry out the plan without further delay," Belhumeur -continued. "While Black Elk and myself make all the preparations for -the journey, do you, Loyal Heart, go and inform Dona Angela of the -determination we have come to." - -"Do so, and, above all, make haste," Valentine said. "I do not know -why, but I should have liked to be off already." - -Without further words they separated, and the hunter remained alone. In -spite of himself Valentine was a prey to the most poignant uneasiness. -He walked in agitation up and down the room, stopping at times to listen -or look out of the windows, as if he expected to see an enemy rise. At -length, no longer able to endure the uncertainty, he went out. - -The two hunters were busily engaged in lassoing horses and saddling -them, while the peons were bringing in mules to carry the baggage. -Valentine felt his disquietude augmented with every moment. He helped -his comrades with feverish impatience, and urged each to make haste. An -hour passed away. All was then ready, and they only awaited Dona Angela, -who arrived, accompanied by Dona Luz and Don Rafael. - -"At last!" Valentine exclaimed. "To horse, to horse! Let us start at -once!" - -"Let us go," his friends repeated. - -Each mounted; but suddenly a great noise was heard outside, and -Curumilla appeared with agitated features, and panting violently. - -"Fly, fly!" he shouted; "they are coming." - -"Forward!" Valentine exclaimed. - -But an insurmountable obstacle rose before them. At the moment they were -passing through the gate of the hacienda it was suddenly blocked up by -the cattle the peons were driving back from the fields, probably to -prevent them being carried off by marauders. The poor beasts pressed -into the gateway, each anxious to be first, while uttering lamentable -moans, and goaded behind by the peons. It was useless to hope getting -out before the ganado had entered, and there was no chance of clearing -the gateway by driving it back. Hence the fugitives were compelled to -wait, whether they would or not. Valentine was half mad with anger. - -"I knew it, I knew it," he muttered in a hoarse voice, and clenching his -fists in rage. - -At length, after nearly an hour (for Don Rafael possessed numerous -herds), the gate was free. - -"Let us be off in Heaven's name!" Valentine shouted. - -"It is too late," Eagle-head said, appearing suddenly in the gateway. - -"Maldicion!" the hunter yelled as he rushed forward. - -Valentine looked around him, and uttered a cry of alarm. The hacienda -was completely surrounded by nearly five hundred Mexican cavalry, in the -midst of whom General Guerrero could be distinguished. - -"Ah, the wretched traitor!" the hunter exclaimed. - -"Come, let us not be discouraged," Loyal Heart said. "_Cuerpo de -Cristo!_ it is not so long since I gave up desert life that I should -have forgotten all its stratagems. We will not give these troops time to -look about them. Let us charge, and make a hole through them." - -"No," Valentine said authoritatively; "close and bar the gate, -Belhumeur." - -The Canadian hastened to obey. - -"Stay," Don Rafael said. - -"Loyal Heart," Valentine continued, "you are no longer the master to act -as you please, and throw yourself headlong into desperate enterprises. -You must live for your wife and your children; besides, can we expose -Dona Angela to the risk of being killed among us?" - -"That is true," he answered. "Pardon me; I was mad." - -"Oh!" Dona Angela exclaimed, "what do I care about death if I am not to -see again the man I love?" - -"Senorita," the hunter said sententiously, "allow events to follow their -course. Who knows if things are not better so? For the present return to -the house, and leave us to manage this affair." - -"Come, my child, come," Dona Luz said to her affectionately; "your -presence is useless here, and perhaps it may soon become injurious." - -"I obey you, senora," the maiden said sadly; and she retired slowly, -leaning on the arm of Dona Luz, who lavished on her all the consolations -her heart dictated. Don Rafael had given all his servants orders to arm, -and hold themselves in readiness to offer a vigorous resistance in case -the hacienda was attacked, an event which, from the orders given by the -general to his troops, might be expected at any moment. The peons of the -hacienda were numerous, and devoted to their master; hence the struggle -threatened to be serious. - -Suddenly repeated blows were struck on the gate. Valentine, who had -been thinking deeply for several moments, bent down to Don Rafael's ear, -and whispered a few words. - -"Oh!" the latter replied, "that is almost cowardice, Don Valentine." - -"You must," the hunter said obstinately. - -And while Loyal Heart proceeded very unwillingly to the gate, he quickly -entered the house. Don Rafael opened a trap door in the gate, and asked -who was there, and what was wanted; then, to the great surprise of all, -after negotiating for a few moments with the men who demanded entrance -in so peremptory a manner, he ordered the gate to be unbarred. In an -instant it was thrown open, and the general appeared, accompanied by -several officers, with whom he rode boldly in. - -"I beg your pardon for keeping you waiting, general, but I did not know -it was you," Don Rafael said to him. - -"Caramba! amigo," the general remarked with a smile as he looked round, -"you have a numerous garrison here, as far as I can judge." - -"After the late events that have taken place in Sonora the roads are -infested with marauders," Don Rafael replied: "it is wise to take -precautions." - -The general shrugged his shoulders. - -"Very good, caballero," he replied dryly; "but it does not please me -to see so many men armed without any legal motive. Lay down your arms, -gentlemen." - -The peons looked at their master; the latter bit his lips, but made -them a sign to obey. All the weapons were then thrown on the ground. - -"I am very vexed, Don Rafael, but I am about to leave a garrison in your -hacienda. You and all the persons present are my prisoners. Get ready to -follow me to Guaymas." - -"Is that the reward for allowing you to enter my house?" Don Rafael said -bitterly. - -"I should have entered in any case," the general replied sternly. "And -now send my daughter here at once." - -"Here I am, my father," the young lady said as she appeared at the head -of the steps. - -Dona Angela came down slowly into the courtyard, walked toward her -father, and stopped two paces from him. - -"What would you of me?" she said to him. - -"Give you the order to follow me," he answered dryly. - -"I can do no other than obey you. Still you know me, father: my -resolution is inflexible. I have in my hands the means to liberate -myself from your tyranny when it appears to me too heavy for endurance. -Your conduct will regulate mine. Now let us start." - -The only affection that remained warm and pure in the heart of the -ambitious man was his love for his daughter; but that love was immense -and unbounded. This man, who recoiled before no deed, however cruel it -might be, to attain the object he proposed to himself, trembled at a -frown from this child of sixteen, who, knowing the tyrannical power she -exercised over her father, abused it unscrupulously. On his side, Don -Sebastian knew the iron will and untamable character of his daughter. -Hence he trembled in his heart on listening to her cold declaration, -although he allowed nothing to be seen. He turned away with an air of -disdain, and gave orders for departure. - -A quarter of an hour later all the prisoners were _en route_ for -Guaymas, and no one was left at the hacienda but General Don Ramon and -Dona Luz, who were watched by a garrison of fifty men, commanded by an -officer, who had orders not to let them communicate with anybody. - -Valentine, on seeing the general so speedily recovered from his defeat, -judged the position of affairs at a glance. With his usual perspicuity -he understood that, owing to Don Cornelio's treachery, the pueblos would -not rise, that the hacenderos who had pledged their word would keep -aloof, that the revolt would prove abortive, and that the count, ill and -abandoned by everybody, would probably soon be reduced to treat with the -man he had conquered. This was the reason why he urged Don Rafael not -to attempt a useless resistance, which could only have compromised him; -and, at the same time, he persuaded Dona Angela to feign acceptance of -her father's conditions, and return with him. - -We see that the hunter had reasoned well, and that his previsions were -correct. Still he was mistaken in supposing that he would manage to -advise his foster-brother of all that had occurred. The orders given -by the general in reference to the prisoners were executed with such -extreme precision, that it was impossible even to tell the count of his -whereabouts. And now that we have recounted the events that took place -at the hacienda, we will approach the conclusion of this long drama. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE BOAR AT BAY. - - -We must beg the reader to follow us to Guaymas, about a year after the -events described in the last chapter. - -A man dressed in a military garb, bearing considerable resemblance -to the Mexican uniform, was walking, with his arms behind his back, -up and down the sumptuously furnished room. This man appeared to be -deep in thought; his brows were drawn together; and at times he turned -an impatient glance toward a clock placed on a bracket. This man was -evidently expecting somebody who did not arrive, for his impatience and -ill-temper increased with every moment. He took up his hat, which he had -thrown on a sofa, probably with the intention of withdrawing, when a -door opened, and a servant announced,-- - -"His Excellency Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -"At last," the visitor growled between his teeth. - -The general appeared. He was in full uniform. - -"Pardon me, my dear count," he said in an affectionate tone, "pardon -me for having kept you waiting so long, I had infinite difficulty in -getting rid of the troublesome people who bored me. At length I am -quite at your service, and ready to listen with proper attention to the -communications it may please you to make to me. - -"General," the count answered, "two motives bring me here today: in -the first place, the desire to obtain from you a clear and categorical -answer on the subject of the propositions I had the honour of making -to you a few days back; and next the complaints I have to make to you -on the matter of certain very grave facts which have occurred to the -prejudice of the French battalion, and of which I have not the least -doubt," he added with a certain tinge of irony in his voice, "you were -ignorant." - -"This is the first I hear of them, sir. Believe me that I am resolved -to do good and ample justice to the French battalion, of which I have -had only to speak in terms of praise since its organisation, not only -through the good conduct of the men without distinction, but also for -the services it has not ceased to render." - -"Those are handsome words, general. Why must they be so barren?" - -"You are mistaken, count, and I hope soon to prove to you the contrary. -But let this be for the present, and come to the grievances of which you -have to complain. Explain yourself." - -The two persons who were talking in this friendly manner and lavishing -smiles were General Guerrero and Count Louis de Prebois Crance, the two -men we have seen in such bitter enmity. What had happened, then, since -the treaty of Guaymas? What reason was sufficiently powerful to make -them forget their hatred? What community of ideas could have existed -between them to produce a change so extraordinary and inexplicable? - -We will ask our readers' permission to explain this before going -further, the more so as the events we have to narrate throw a perfect -light on the Mexican character. - -The general, after the success of the treaty of Guaymas, and the way in -which, thanks to the treachery of Don Cornelio, the insurrection of the -pueblos was prevented, thought he had completely gained his cause, and -believed that he had got rid of the count for ever. The latter, sick -almost unto death, and incapable of connecting two ideas, had received -orders to leave Guaymas immediately. His friends, who were restored -to liberty after the signature of the treaty, hastened to join him. -Valentine had him carried to Mazatlan, where he gradually recovered; -then both set out for San Francisco, leaving Curumilla in Sonora, who -was ordered to keep them acquainted with the progress of events. - -The general had held up before his daughter as a merit the generosity -with which he had treated the count; then he had left her ostensibly -free to act as she pleased, hoping that with time she would forget her -love, and consent to second certain projects he did not as yet let her -see, but which consisted in marrying to one of the most influential -persons in Mexico. Still months had slipped away. The general, who built -on the count's absence, and, before all, the want of news about him, -to cure his daughter of what he called her mad passion, was greatly -astonished, when he one day began talking to her about his plans and the -marriage he had projected, to hear her answer,-- - -"My father, I have told you that I will marry the Count de Prebois -Crance: no other will obtain my hand. You yourself consented to that -union: hence I consider myself bound to him, and, so long as he lives, I -will remain faithful to him." - -The general was at first greatly taken aback by this answer; for, -although he was well aware of his daughter's firmness of character, -he was far from expecting such pertinacity. Still, after a moment, he -regained his presence of mind, and bending over to her, kissed her on -the forehead, saying, with pretended kindness,-- - -"Come, you naughty child, I see I must do what you please, though I -confess it is a heavy sacrifice. Well, I will try. It will not depend on -me whether you see the man you love again." - -"Oh, father! can it be possible?" she exclaimed with a joy she could not -restrain. "Are you speaking seriously?" - -"Most seriously, wicked one; so dry your tears--re-assume your gaiety -and your bright colour of former days." - -"Then I shall see him again?" - -"I swear it to you." - -"Here?" - -"Yes, here, at Guaymas." - -"Oh!" she exclaimed impetuously, as she threw her arms round his neck -and embraced him tenderly, at the same time melting into tears. "Oh, how -kind you are, my father, and how I will love you if you do that!" - -"I will do it, I tell you," he said, affected, in spite of himself, by -this love so true and so passionate. - -The general had already arranged his scheme in his head--the scheme -which we shall soon see unfolded in all its hideousness. Of the reply -his daughter had made him Don Sebastian only remembered one sentence: -"_So long as the count lives I will remain faithful to him._" - -Poor Dona Angela had, without suspecting it, germinated in her father's -brain the most horrible project that can be imagined. Two days later -Curumilla started for San Francisco, bearer of a letter from the young -lady for the count--a letter destined to have an immense influence on -Don Louis' ulterior determination. - -The Mexicans had been so magnificently beaten by the French at -Hermosillo that they had kept up a most touching and respectful -recollection of them. General Guerrero, who, as the reader has been in -a position to see, was a man of imagination, had made a reflection full -of logic and good sense on this subject. He said to himself that if the -French had so thoroughly thrashed the Mexicans, who are very terrible -soldiers as we know, _a fortiori_, they would defeat the Indians, and, -if necessary, the Yankees, those gringos, as the Americans of the -South call them, whom they hold in mortal terror, and expect at any -moment to see invade Mexico. In consequence of this reasoning, General -Guerrero had formed at Guaymas a battalion entirely composed of French -volunteers, commanded by their own officers, and whose services were for -the present limited to acting as police of the port, and maintaining -order in the town. - -Unfortunately the commandant of the battalion, though an upright officer -and good soldier, was not exactly the man to be placed at the head of -these volunteers. His ideas, rather narrow and paltry, were not up to -the position he occupied, and grave misunderstandings soon broke out -between the Mexicans and the foreigners--misunderstandings probably -encouraged in an underhand manner by certain influential persons, but -which placed the battalion, in spite of the conciliatory temper of its -chief, and the attempts he made to restore harmony, in a very difficult -position, which naturally became more aggravated with each day. - -Two parties were formed in the battalion: one, hostile to the -commandant, spoke affectionately of the count, the memory of whom was -still maintained in Sonora, regretted his absence, and formed vows -for his return; the other, though not devoted to the commandant, yet -remained attached to the honour of the flag. But the devotion was -lukewarm, and there was no doubt, if any unforeseen event occurred, that -these men would let themselves be led away by circumstances. - -In this state of affairs General Alvarez _pronounced_ against Santa -Anna, President of the Republic, and summoned the chiefs of all the -corps scattered through the provinces to revolt. General Guerrero -hesitated, or pretended to hesitate, ere declaring himself. Suddenly it -was heard with amazement, almost with stupor, that the Count de Prebois -Crance had landed at Guaymas. This is what had occurred. - -Immediately after that conversation with his daughter, of which we have -quoted a part, the general paid a visit to Senor Don Antonio Mendez -Pavo. This visit was a long one. The two gentlemen conversed secretly -together, after which the general returned to his house rubbing his -hands. - -In the meanwhile Don Louis was at San Francisco, sorrowful and gloomy, -ashamed of the result of an expedition so well begun, furious with the -traitors who had caused its failure, and burning--shall we confess -it?--in spite of Valentine's wise exhortations, to take his revenge. -From several quarters simultaneously influential persons invited the -count to undertake a second expedition. The money requisite for the -purchase of arms and enrolment of volunteers was offered him. Louis had -also had secret interviews with two bold adventurers, Colonel Walker and -Colonel Fremont, who at a later date was a candidate for the presidency -of the United States. These two men made him advantageous offers; but -the count declined them, owing to the omnipotent intervention of the -hunter. - -Still the count had fallen into a black melancholy. The man once so -gentle and benevolent had become harsh and sardonic. He doubted himself -and others. The treachery to which he had been a victim embittered his -character to such a degree that his best friends began to be seriously -apprehensive. - -He never spoke of Dona Angela--her name never rose from his heart to his -lips; but his hand frequently sought on his breast the relic she gave -him on their first meeting, and when he was alone he kissed it fondly -with many a tear. The arrival of Curumilla at San Francisco produced -a complete change; the count appeared to have suddenly recovered all -his hopes and all his illusions; the smile reappeared on his lips, and -fugitive rays of gaiety illumined his brow. - -Two men arrived soon after Curumilla, whose names we will not mention, -lest we should sully the pages of this book. In a few days these men, -doubtlessly following the instructions they had received, took complete -possession of the count's mind, and hurled him back into the torrent -from which his foster-brother had found such difficulty in drawing him. - -One evening the two were seated in a room of the house they occupied in -common, and smoking a pipe after dinner. - -"You will come with me, my brother, I trust?" the count said, turning to -Valentine. - -"Then you really mean to go?" the latter said with a sigh. - -"What are we doing here?" - -"Nothing, it is true. My life is a burden to me, as yours is to you; -but we have before us the boundless desert, the immense horizon of the -prairies. Why not recommence our happy life of hunting and liberty, -instead of trusting to the fallacious promises of these heartless -Mexicans, who have already made you suffer so deeply, and whose infamous -treachery brought you to your present condition?" - -"I must," the count said with resolution. - -"Listen," Valentine went on. "You no longer possess that ardent -enthusiasm which sustained you on your first expedition. You lack faith. -You do not yourself believe in success." - -"You are mistaken, brother. I am more certain of, success now than I -was then; for I have as my allies the men who were formerly my most -obstinate foes." - -Valentine burst into a mocking laugh. - -"Do you still believe in that?" he said to him. - -The count blushed. - -"Well, no," he said. "I will conceal nothing from you. My destiny drags -me on. I know that I am proceeding, not to conquest, but to death. But -no matter; I must, I will see her again. Here, read!" - -The count drew from his breast the letter Curumilla brought him, and -handed it to Valentine; the latter read it. - -"Well," he said, "I prefer your being frank with me. I will follow you." - -"Thanks! Good heavens!" he added sadly, "I do not deceive myself: I -know the old Latin proverb which says _Non bis in idem_: what is once -missed is so for ever. I do not allow myself to be deceived by the -hypocritical protestations of General Guerrero and his worthy acolyte, -Senor Pavo. I know perfectly well that both will betray me on the first -opportunity. Well, be it so. I shall have seen again the woman who -expects me, who summons me, who is all in all to me. If I fall I shall -have a tomb worthy of me. The road I have traced others happier than I -will follow, and bear civilisation to those countries which you and I -once dreamed of emancipating." - -Valentine could not restrain a sad smile at these words, which -completely revealed the count's character--a strange composite of the -most varying elements, and in which passion, pride, and enthusiasm waged -an unceasing contest. - -The next day Louis opened a recruiting office, and a week later embarked -on board a schooner with his volunteers. The voyage commenced with an -evil augury, for the adventurers were wrecked. Had it not been for -Curumilla, who saved him at the risk of his life, it would have been all -over with the count. The adventurers remained twelve days abandoned on a -rock. - -"The Romans would have seen a foreboding in our shipwreck," the -count said with a sigh, "and would have given up an expedition so -inauspiciously begun." - -"We should do wisely in following their example," Valentine said sadly: -"there is yet time." - -The count shrugged his shoulders in reply. A few days later they arrived -at Guaymas. Senor Pavo received the count most kindly, and proposed, -himself, to present him to the general. - -"I wish to make your peace," he said to him. - -Don Louis allowed him to do so. His heart beat at the thought that he -was possibly about to see Dona Angela again, but nothing of the sort -took place. The general was extremely gracious to the count, spoke to -him with feigned candour, and appeared ready to accept his propositions. -Don Louis brought with him two hundred men and arms, and placed his -sword at his disposal, if he intended to join the Governor-General -Alvarez. Don Sebastian, while not replying absolutely to these advances, -still allowed it to be seen that they were not displeasing to him; he -even went further, for he almost promised the count to give him the -command of the French battalion--a promise which, on his side, the count -feigned to hear with the greatest pleasure. - -This interview was followed by several others, in which, always -excepting the numberless protestations the general lavished on the -count, the latter could obtain nothing except a species of tacit -permission to take the command of the volunteers, in concert with the -chief of the battalion. This permission was more injurious than useful -to the count, however, as it rendered a great part of the Frenchmen -indisposed toward him, for they were angry at the general appointing -them a new leader. - -During the week the count had been at Guaymas the general had not -said a word to him about Dona Angela, and it had been impossible for -him to see her. On the day when we find him again at Don Sebastian's -house, matters had reached such a pitch between the inhabitants and -the French, that immediate repression was urgent in order to prevent -great calamities. Several Frenchmen had been insulted--two had even -been stabbed in the public streets; the _civicos_ and inhabitants made -growling threats against the volunteers; and there was in the air that -something which forebodes a great catastrophe, which no one, however, -can explain. - -The general pretended to feel deeply the insults offered the French. He -promised the count that prompt and full justice should be done, and the -assassins arrested. The truth was that the general, before striking the -great blow he was meditating, wished for the arrival of the powerful -reinforcements he expected from Hermosillo in order to crush the French, -and he only sought to gain time. - -The count withdrew. - -The next day the insults began again, and the French saw the assassins, -whom the general had promised to punish, walking impudently about the -streets. The battalion began to grow fearfully excited, and a fresh -deputation, at the head of which the count was placed, was sent to the -general. The count peremptorily demanded that justice should be done, -two cannon given to the battalion for its security, and that the civicos -should be at once disarmed; for these men, drawn from the dregs of the -populace, occasioned all the disorders. - -Once again the general protested his kindly feeling toward the French, -and promised to deliver to them two guns; but he would not hear a -word about disarming the civicos, alleging as his reason that such a -step might irritate the population and produce an ill effect. While -accompanying the Frenchmen to the very door of the saloon he told -them that, in order to prove the confidence he placed in them, he -would himself come without an escort to their barracks, and hear their -complaints. - -The step the general took was a bold one, and therefore sure to succeed, -especially with Frenchmen, who are good judges of bravery, and correct -appreciators of everything that is daring. The general kept his promise; -he really proceeded alone to the French quarters, in spite of the -recommendations of his officers; he even answered them in a way which -proves how thoroughly he was acquainted with the character of Frenchmen. - -A colonel, among others, demonstrated to him the imprudence of thus -placing himself defencelessly in the hands of men exasperated by the -vexations of every description from which they had suffered so long. - -"You do not know what you are saying, colonel. The Gauls in no way -resemble the Mexicans: with them the point of honour is everything. -I know very well that the question will be discussed of keeping me -prisoner; but there is one man who will never consent, and who will -defend me if necessary: that man is the Count de Prebois Crance." - -The general judged correctly: all happened as he said. It was the -count who energetically opposed his arrest, which was already almost -resolved. The general left the barracks in the same way as he entered -them. No one dared to utter a word of reproach in his presence. On the -contrary, thanks to the honeyed eloquence with which he was gifted, he -succeeded so well in turning opinions in his favour, that every one -overwhelmed him with protestations of devotion, and an ovation was -almost offered him. - -The result of this audacious visit was immense for the general; -for, through the effect he had contrived to produce on the mass of -volunteers, a division commenced among them almost immediately after -his departure, and they no longer agreed. One party wished for peace at -any price; the others demanded war with loud shouts, insisting that he -was deceiving them, and that they would be once again the dupes of the -Mexicans. - -The latter were right, for they saw clearly; but, as ever happens, they -were not listened to, and in conclusion they came to a compromise, which -is always bad in such circumstances; that is to say, a committee was -appointed to come to an understanding with the government, and regulate -the affairs of the battalion. - -As may be seen, the mine was charged: a spark would be sufficient to -enkindle an immense fire. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE BEGINNING OF THE END. - - -It was night. In a small house at Guaymas, Louis and Valentine were -conversing by the light of a meagre candle, which only spread a smoking -and trembling illumination. They were discussing the measures by which -to expedite the finale of the gloomy machinations in which General -Guerrero had managed to enfold them with diabolical cunning, while -Curumilla was peacefully sleeping in a corner of the room. - -"I foresaw it," Valentine said. "Now it is too late to draw back. We -must act energetically: if not, you are lost." - -"Eh, my friend? I am so in every way." - -"What! will you really break down when the hour of danger has pealed?" - -"I do not fear it: it will be welcome. I should wish to die, brother." - -"Come, be a man. Regain your courage, but make haste. Have you noticed -the arms and ammunition continually arriving? Believe me, we must make -an end of it, one way or other, as speedily as possible." - -"Yes, I know as well as you that the general is deceiving us; but these -volunteers are not the men I had at Hermosillo. These fellows hesitate -and are afraid. Their commandant is incapable of acting: he is a -vacillating, irresolute man. With such people we can achieve nothing." - -"I am afraid so: still it is better to know at once on what you have to -depend than to remain any longer in this state of uncertainty." - -"Tomorrow the delegates will go and see the general." - -"Let them go to the deuce: they will be at least certain of obtaining a -categorical answer from him," Valentine said impatiently. - -At this moment two light taps were heard at the street door. - -"Who can arrive so late?" the count said. "I expect nobody." - -"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the -people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors." - -And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into -the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,-- - -"Look, look! I am pursued!" - -Valentine rushed out. - -Although this woman was _tapada_--that is to say, her features were -completely hidden by a rebozo--the count recognised her at once. What -other woman but Dona Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, -in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting -into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all -those attentions which her condition demanded. - -"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. -"What has happened?" - -In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her -forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of -intense happiness. - -"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into -tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms. - -Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was -suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were -haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was -agitated by a convulsive tremor. - -"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, -explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me." - -"If I love you, poor cherished one of my heart!" she said with a sigh as -she laid her hand in his. "If I love you! Alas! I love you to death, Don -Louis; and this love will kill me." - -"Speak not so, my well-beloved angel! Dispel these gloomy thoughts: let -us only think of our love." - -"No, Don Louis, I have not come to you to speak of love: I have come to -save you." - -"To save me!" he said with feigned gaiety. "Do you believe me, then, to -be in great peril?" - -"Don Louis, you are running an immense risk. Take heed of my words. Do -not look at me so with a smile: tomorrow you will be a lost man. All the -measures are taken. I heard all: it is horrible! And that is the way I -learnt your return to Guaymas, of which I was ignorant. Then I ran off -madly, wildly to you, in order to say to you, 'Fly, fly, Don Louis!'" - -"Fly!" he repeated thoughtfully. "And you, Angela, must I lose you again -this time and for ever? No, I prefer death." - -"I will go with you; for am I not your affianced, your wife in the sight -of Heaven? Come, come, Don Louis, let us go--not lose a minute, a -second. Your black horse will carry us beyond pursuit in two hours. But -take your weapons, for I was followed by a man as I came here from my -father's house." - -She spoke with strange volubility, like a person talking in a fever. The -count knew not what resolution to follow, when suddenly a loud noise was -heard in the street, and the door, which was only leant to, flew wide -open. - -"Save me, save me!" the poor child exclaimed, a prey to indescribable -terror. - -Don Louis bounded on his pistols, and placed himself resolutely before -her. - -"Oh, you shall come, you villain!" Valentine's voice was heard outside. -"You shall not escape me this time. Come, walk in, or I'll quicken your -motions with my dagger." - -And with a vigorous effort the hunter entered the room, dragging after -him a man who made futile efforts to escape. - -"Shut the door, Louis," Valentine continued. "And now, my worthy spy, -show me your treacherous face, that I may be able to recognise you -again." - -Curumilla had left the corner in which he had hitherto been sleeping. -Without uttering a syllable he drew Dona Angela behind a mosquito net, -which completely concealed her, and then rejoined his friends, candle -in hand. All this while the prisoner offered an obstinate resistance to -prevent his features being seen; but he did not say a word, contenting -himself with uttering hoarse and indistinct exclamations of rage. At -length, after a long struggle, the stranger seemed to comprehend that -all his efforts would be in vain: he drew himself up, took off his -cloak, and crossed his arms on his chest. - -"Well, look at me, as you insist on doing so," he said with a sarcastic -accent. - -"Don Cornelio!" the Frenchmen exclaimed. - -"Myself, gentlemen. How have you been since I last had the pleasure of -seeing you?" he continued with serpent coolness. - -"Miserable traitor!" Valentine yelled as he rushed on him. - -But the count checked him. - -"Wait," he said. - -"I betrayed you, it is true," Don Cornelio replied. "What next? I had -probably a motive in doing so. I know you are going to say that you -did me many services. What does that prove, if you did me in a single -day more injury than all the good you did me during the course of our -relations?" - -"I did you an injury! You lie, you scoundrel!" - -"Senor conde," Don Cornelio said with a haughty air, "I would remind you -that I am a gentleman, and will not allow you to address me in the way -you are now doing." - -"This wretch is mad, on my soul!" the count said with a smile of pity. -"Let him go, brother; he is unworthy of our anger: he only merits our -contempt." - -"Not so," Valentine sharply objected. "This man is the general's tool: -we cannot let him go thus." - -"What shall we do with him? Sooner or later we must release him." - -"That is possible, but for the present we will hand him over to the care -of Curumilla." - -The Indian gave a nod of assent, and seizing Don Cornelio, led him -away. The latter allowed him to do so without offering the slightest -resistance. - -"We shall meet again, gentlemen," he said with a mocking smile. - -The Indian looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and drew him into -another room. Dona Angela then emerged from behind the curtain. - -"I am waiting for you, Don Louis," she said. - -The latter shook his head sadly. - -"Alas!" he said, "I cannot fly: my life is not my own. I have sworn to -my comrades not to abandon them. Were I to fly, I should be a traitor." - -Dona Angela went up to him and bent gracefully over him. - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she said. "You are acting as a caballero. Follow -your destiny. Your honour is as dear to me as to yourself. I wish it -to be unspotted. I no longer insist. Farewell! Give me a kiss on the -forehead: we shall not meet again till the day of our death." - -All at once a cry was heard in the street, so horrible that the three -persons shuddered with terror. The door opened, and Curumilla stalked -in: his face was calm, and his step as measured as usual. - -"You went out by the door of the corral then, chief?" Valentine asked -him. - -"Yes." - -"But what have you done with Don Cornelio?" - -"Free," the Indian said. - -"What! free?" Don Louis exclaimed. - -"There must be something in the background," the hunter remarked. "Why -did you give him his liberty?" - -Curumilla drew his knife from his waist belt, and the blade was red with -blood. - -"You need no longer fear him," he said. - -"You have not killed him?" the three exclaimed simultaneously. - -"No," he said. "He is dumb and blind." - -"Oh!" they said with a gesture of horror. - -Curumilla had simply scooped out Don Cornelio's eyes with his scalping -knife, and torn out his tongue; then he led him to the other end of the -town, and abandoned him to his fate. Valentine and Don Louis considered -it useless to address any reproaches to the chief, which could not -repair the evil, and which, indeed, the Araucano would not have -understood; consequently they refrained from any observation. - -Dona Angela, in spite of the count's entreaties, would not consent to -him accompanying her on her return home. She withdrew, after whispering -in his ear the parting recommendation,-- - -"Take heed of tomorrow, Don Louis." - -The count smiled, and she flew away like a bird, leaving behind her very -sad and naked the little room which she had illumined for a short time -with her presence. - -"Come," the count said, as he fell hack in a butaca so soon as she was -gone, "it seems that tomorrow will bring the finale: all the better. -Still the man that takes me will have to pay dearly for it." - -The next day, as had been arranged, the delegates of the volunteers -waited on the general, who received them in his usual way, lavishing -protestations and promises on them. The delegates pressed for a -settlement, on which Don Sebastian, who was doubtlessly ready to deal -the blow he had so long meditated, changed his tone and dismissed -them, bidding them await his good pleasure. The delegates withdrew, -exasperated by the roguery of the man in whom they had been so weak -as to place confidence, and who now proved to them that he had been -deceiving them from the beginning. - -The volunteers were anxiously expecting the answer their delegates were -to bring them. When the latter described what had taken place their -exasperation reached its height: the cry "To arms!" was raised, and -everyone prepared for fighting. The chief of the battalion completely -lost his head. - -"Bid them form a square," the count said to him. The order was obeyed. -The count placed himself in the centre of the square, and raised his -hand to command silence. - -All were still: the moment was a solemn one, and all perceived it. In -spite of himself, a certain degree of hesitation was depicted on the -count's handsome face: not that he feared for himself personally, but he -felt that he was about to risk his last stake, and it would be decisive. -Everyone had his eyes fixed upon him. - -"You hesitate, count," an officer said to him. "Why did you join us, -then? Are you no longer the man of Hermosillo?" - -At this sharp remark a vivid blush suffused the count's cheek, and he -trembled with suppressed passion. - -"No," he exclaimed, "no, by heavens! I do not hesitate. My friends, -reflect: there is yet time. Remember that, the sword once drawn, we -become outlaws. What will you do?" - -"Fight--fight!" the volunteers shouted, waving their weapons -enthusiastically. - -The count drew himself up, unsheathed his sword, and brandished it over -his head. - -"You wish it?" he shouted. - -"Yes, yes!" - -"Well, then, forwards! Long live France!" - -"Long live France!" the volunteers replied. - -The battalion, formed in four companies, resolutely left its -quarters, and proceeded at a quick step toward the Mexican barracks. -Unfortunately, as we have said, a dissension had sprung up among the -French. Many of them marched very unwillingly, being forced on by their -comrades. The chief of the battalion, too, though personally very brave, -was not the man suited to attempt a _coup de main_ like the present one; -and the count, through excess of delicacy, and in order to maintain -unity of action, committed the fault of declining the command when -offered to him by the officers and men. - -The battalion proceeded toward the Mexican barracks by three different -roads. But General Guerrero had made his arrangements long before. He -had shut himself up in these barracks with three hundred troops of the -line. The neighbouring houses were crammed with civicos, while four guns -commanded the only approaches. The Frenchmen only amounted to three -hundred men, one half of them discouraged, while the Mexicans were -nearly two thousand. - -Still the action began vigorously on all sides at once. The first charge -was admirable. The Mexican guns swept down the attacking party, and -effected a frightful carnage. Still the French held their ground, and -continued to advance, supported by the example of the count, who walked -fifteen paces in advance of the column, with a rifle in one hand and -a sword in the other, amid a hail-storm of bullets, shouting in his -powerful voice,-- - -"Forward! forward!" - -All at once, the chief of the battalion, who ought to have supported the -attack on the right, seeing his company decimated by canister, lost his -head completely, and fell back in disorder on the French quarters. The -count tried in vain to rally the volunteers; disorder was beginning to -spread among them, and all his efforts were powerless. - -It was at this moment the count understood the fault he had committed -by not accepting the chief command. Still the Mexican guns no longer -fired, for the artillerymen were dead. - -"Forward! Charge with the bayonet!" the count shouted; and he rushed -onward, followed by Valentine and Curumilla, who did not remain an inch -behind. Some twenty volunteers dashed after him. The count rushed up -to the wall of the barracks, which he succeeded in scaling, and stood -upright on the summit, exposed to the whole of the enemy's fire. - -"Forward! forward!" he repeated. - -His hat, pierced by balls, was blown off his head, and several -bayonet-thrusts tore his clothes. A terrible hand-to-hand contest -commenced. Unfortunately there were only fifteen Frenchmen altogether. -After a heroic attempt to hold their ground they were compelled to give -way; but they fell back like lions, pace by pace, with their faces -turned to the foe, and not ceasing to fight. The count howled with -rage: tears of passion poured down his cheeks at seeing himself thus -abandoned. He wished to die. But in vain did he throw himself into the -thickest of the fight: his friends protected him, in spite of himself, -against the blows dealt at him. At length the route commenced. The count -broke his sword, after a glance of powerless fury at his enemies, whom, -had he been bravely supported, he would have conquered, and who thus -escaped him. - -Valentine and Curumilla dragged him down to the port; but the vessel -which brought him had set sail during the combat. Flight was impossible. -In this extremity only one house could offer a refuge to the conquered: -it was that of the French agent, and the volunteers flocked to it. - -Senor Pavo promised that all those who delivered their arms up to him -should be placed under the protection of the French flag. The count had -entered the house and thrown himself into a chair, insensible to all -that was said and done around him; but Valentine was watching. - -"A moment," he said. "Senor Pavo, will the life of Count de Prebois -Crance be saved?" - -The Mexican looked craftily at the hunter, but made no answer. - -"No shuffling, sir," Valentine continued. "We want a distinct answer, or -we shall renew the engagement." - -As it was no longer possible to hesitate Senor Pavo spoke. - -"Gentlemen," he said in a clear and distinct voice, "on my honour I -swear to you that the life of Count Louis de Prebois Crance shall be -spared." - -"We shall remember your words, sir," Valentine said sternly. - -Don Antonio Pavo hoisted a white flag as a signal of peace. Nearly the -whole battalion of volunteers had sought refuge at his house. The battle -was over; it had lasted three hours. The French had thirty-eight men -killed, and sixty-three wounded, out of three hundred combatants. The -Mexicans lost thirty-five men during the action, and had one hundred and -forty-seven wounded, out of about two thousand soldiers. The battle -had been warmly contested, and the conquerors paid dearly for a victory -which was the result of treachery. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE CATASTROPHE. - - -Immediately after the combat a delicious comedy, began between Don -Antonio Pavo and General Guerrero. The latter would not listen to any -proposition tending to obtain for the French a written capitulation. He -confined himself to giving his word of honour as a general officer, that -if the arms were surrendered to him at once, _all_ the rebels should -have their lives granted them. Don Antonio was constrained to yield -to the general's orders. The arms were surrendered, the French made -prisoners of war, and locked up. - -So soon as night fell, Colonel Suarez, accompanied by four other -officers, presented himself at the house of Don Antonio Pavo, demanding, -in the name of General Guerrero, that the Count de Prebois Crance should -be immediately handed over to him. Don Antonio hastened to obey by -giving the count orders to quit his house. The latter, without replying, -contented himself with darting a glance of sovereign contempt at him, -and surrendered to the colonel. A quarter of an hour later he was in -solitary confinement. Of all the combatants only two had escaped, -Valentine and Curumilla, and that was only at the count's peremptory -order. - -We repeat it here, although the names are changed, and certain facts -have, been expressly altered, we are not writing a romance, but the -history of a man whose noble character must be dear to all his fellow -countrymen. There are, then, certain things which we cannot and ought -not to pass over in silence, though frequently in the course of this -long narrative we have softened down facts which we felt a repugnance to -display in all their horror. - -Despite the solemn promise made by Don Antonio Pavo in the presence of -all the volunteers, a few days after his illegal arrest the count was -told to prepare for trial. The Europeans were aroused by this disloyal -act, and several of them went to Don Antonio to remind him of his -promise, and incite him to keep it Then Don Antonio asserted that he -never made any promise, and that the affair in no way concerned him. - -In the meanwhile the preparations for the count's trial were actively -pushed on. All the officers of the battalion, including the commandant, -were interrogated, and all, with one exception, we are compelled to -confess, sought to throw the whole blame of their conduct on the count. -Not a single witness for the defence was examined; for what was the use -of it? The accused was condemned beforehand. - -When the count was arrested he still had in his waist belt the pistols -with which he marched into action. General Guerrero ordered that -they should be left him. He doubtless hoped that Louis, impelled by -despair, would, in a moment of terror, blow out his brains, and thus -spare himself the shame of signing the death warrant. But he was not -acquainted with the character of his enemy. The count possessed a mind -too strongly tried by that touchstone called misfortune to have recourse -to suicide, and tarnish the end of his career. - -In the meanwhile Valentine had not been inactive. If he had consented -to preserve his liberty, it was only in the hope of saving his -foster-brother. Two or three days before the count's secret imprisonment -was altered, toward evening, the door of his cell opened. He turned his -head mechanically to see who entered, uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him. The newcomer was Valentine. - -"You--you here!" he said to him. "Oh, thanks for coming!" - -"Did you not expect me, brother?" the hunter asked. - -"I expected your visit, though I did not dare count on it. You must be -exposed to a thousand annoyances, and compelled to conceal yourself?" - -"I! Not a bit of it." - -"All the better; you cannot imagine how happy I am at seeing you. But -who is the person accompanying you?" - -In truth, Valentine was not alone; another person had entered the cell -with him, and was standing motionless against the door, which the jailer -locked again, after introducing the visitors. - -"Do not trouble yourself about that person at present," Valentine said; -"let us talk about business." - -"Be it so: speak." - -"You know that you will be condemned to death. I suppose?" - -"I presume so." - -"Good! Now listen to me, and, above all, do not interrupt me; for time -is precious, and we must profit by it. You understand that if I obeyed -you when you ordered me to escape, I did so because I suspected in what -way affairs would turn. Now the moment for action has arrived. All is -prepared for your flight; the jailers are bought--they will not see you -quit the prison. I have freighted a vessel. Take your hat, and come. In -ten minutes we shall be aboard, in half an hour under sail, and we will -leave Mexican justice to deal with you in your absence. Come, I have -managed capitally, I think, brother. You see that I have lost no time, -and all this is very simple." - -"Extremely simple indeed," the count replied with the utmost calmness. -"I thank you for what you have done for me." - -"Indeed, brother, it is not worth thanking for." - -The count laid his hand on his arm to interrupt him. - -"But," he continued, "I cannot accept your offer." - -"What!" Valentine exclaimed with a start of surprise. "What do you say, -brother? You must be jesting." - -"Not at all, brother. What I say is the truth. It is my inflexible will -to leave to the Mexican people the iniquity of my condemnation, the -indelible stain of my death. I will not fly: I cannot--I ought not; for -it would be an act of cowardice on my part. A soldier does not abandon -his post. A gentleman does not sully his escutcheon. A Frenchman has not -the right to dishonour his name. I die for a noble and grand idea--the -emancipation and regeneration of a people. That idea required a baptism -of blood to make it prosper and bear fruit at a later date. I give it -mine without regret--without a thought of self, gladly--I will say -almost with happiness. Brother, in a prison thoughts ripen quickly: it -is probably because a man is nearer the tomb there, and life appears to -him what it really is--a dream. I have thought much. I have reflected -deeply. I have weighed with the utmost impartiality the for and against -of the two questions, and I prefer death. I knew what you would attempt -for me. Your life has been one long devotion; but that devotion must -this night accomplish its greatest sacrifice in letting me die, and -not attempting to save me. A man like I am must not secure his life by -trickery. I pledged my head as the stake in the game I played. I lost, -and I pay my debt." - -"Brother, brother, do not speak so!" Valentine exclaimed with despair; -"you break my heart." - -"Reflect, my good Valentine, on the position in which I now stand. I am -tried contrary to the law of nations. Hence my position is a fine one; -my judges will endure all the disgrace of my condemnation. If I fly, -I shall be nothing more than any common adventurer--a pirate, as they -call me, prodigal of his companions' blood, and chary of his own. Must I -not acquit the debt I have contracted with all my friends, who died to -defend my cause? Come, brother, do not try to convince me, for it would -be useless. I repeat to you, my resolution cannot be shaken." - -"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed again, with an outburst of passion he could -not repress, "you are determined to die. But do you reflect that, in -dying, you drag down with you to the grave another person? Do you -believe that she will consent to live when----" - -"Silence!" the count interrupted him in great agitation. "Do not speak -to me of her. Poor Angela! Alas! why did she love me?" - -"Why!" the person who accompanied Valentine, and had hitherto remained -motionless, exclaimed. "Because you are great, Louis; because your heart -is immense." - -"Oh!" he said with grief, "Angela! Brother, brother, what have you done?" - -The hunter made no reply, for he was weeping. His iron nature was -broken; the strong man wept like a child. - -"Do not reproach him for having brought me, Don Louis. I wished to -come--I insisted on accompanying him." - -"Alas!" the count replied with an ineffable sadness, "you break my -heart, poor darling child. In your presence all my resolution and -courage abandon me. Oh! why have you come to revive, by your presence, -regrets which nothing will be able to calm again?" - -"You are mistaken, Don Louis," she said with febrile energy. "You -believe me to be a weak woman, without courage. My love for you is too -true and too pure for me ever to advise you to do anything against your -honour or your glory. Just now, concealed in that obscure corner, I -listened eagerly to your words. I was happy at hearing you speak as you -did. I love you, Don Louis, oh, as man never was loved in this world! -But I love you for yourself, and not for myself. Your glory is as dear -to me as you are. Your memory must remain without a stain, as your life -has been unsullied. Don Louis, I, to whom you are all in all, the man -for whom I would sacrifice my life if necessary, I have come to say to -you, 'Dear count, die nobly, with head erect: fall like a hero! Your -memory will be revered as that of a martyr.'" - -"Yes, thanks, thanks for saying that to me, Angela," the count said as -he pressed her in his arms with passionate energy; "you restore me all -my energy." - -"And now farewell, count, to meet again soon." - -The count went up to Valentine. - -"Your hand, brother," he said to him. "Forgive me for not desiring to -live." - -The hunter threw himself into his brother's arms, and the two remained -thus enfolded for several minutes. At length the count liberated himself -from this loving prison by a heroic effort. Valentine left the cell, not -having the strength to utter a word, and supporting Dona Angela, who, in -spite of the courage she had displayed, felt on the point of fainting. - -The door closed again, and the count remained alone. He fell back -in his chair, leaned his elbows on the table, buried his face in his -hands, and remained in this position the whole night through. The next -morning, at an early hour, Don Louis was fetched to go to the court. The -interrogatory was over, and the pleading was about to begin. - -The count had chosen as his defender a young captain of the name of -Borunda, who during the siege of Hermosillo had been taken prisoner by -the French at the attack on the bridge head. Borunda had remembered the -generous manner in which the count had treated him at that period. His -pleading was what might be expected from the young and noble officer, -simple, pathetic, and imprinted with that eloquence which comes from -the heart, and nothing can equal. Assuredly the count would have been -acquitted, had not his death been decided beforehand. - -Don Louis, who during the entire discussion remained calm and apathetic, -listening to the false statements and calumnious imputations of the -witnesses without quivering, or addressing a reproach to those ingrates -who sacrificed him in this cowardly way, felt affected by his defender's -glowing language. He rose and held out his hand to him with inimitable -grace. - -"Thank you, sir," he said to him. "I am happy at having found a man like -yourself among so many enemies. Your pleading was as it should be, and -money will not repay such words." - -Then, drawing from his finger the ring bearing his coat of arms, which -he had always worn since leaving France, he passed it on to the -captain's finger, adding,-- - -"Accept this ring, and keep it in remembrance of me." - -The captain pressed his hand, but could not reply.[1] - -The judges retired to deliberate. They returned at the expiration of -five minutes. Count Louis de Prebois Crance, unanimously found guilty, -was condemned to be shot. The sworn interpreter of the court was then -called on by the president to translate the sentence to the condemned; -but then a strange incident occurred. This interpreter rose and -addressed the court. - -"No, gentlemen," he said resolutely; "I will not translate this unjust -sentence, which you will soon regret having pronounced." - -This energetic protest abashed the judges for an instant. The -interpreter was discharged on the spot. He was a Spaniard. - -"Gentlemen," the count then said with the greatest coolness, "I -understand your language sufficiently well to know that you have -condemned me to death. May Heaven pardon you, as I do!" - -He bowed to the judges with a smile, and withdrew as calm as he entered. - -The count was immediately placed in _capilla_. It is the fashion in -Spain and all Southern America for men condemned to death to be placed -in a room, at one end of which is an altar. Near the bed stands the -coffin in which the body of the condemned will be laid after the -execution. The walls are hung with black cloth, on which silver tears -and mournful inscriptions are sewn. This custom, which is very cruel in -our opinion, and is evidently a relic of the barbarous medieval times, -is probably intended to imbue the condemned with religious ideas. - -The count was in no way influenced by these mournful trappings, but -employed himself with the utmost tranquillity in setting his affairs -in order. The very day he was put in _capilla_ Valentine entered his -cell, followed by Father Seraphin. He was the priest he would most -certainly have sent for to console him in his last moments, had he known -where to find him; but Valentine thought of everything. By his orders -Curumilla went on the search, and the worthy Indian soon discovered the -missionary, who, on learning the nature of the case, hastened to follow -him. - -Still the condemnation of the count had produced an extraordinary -emotion. While the civicos and other bandits of the town indulged in -indecent joy, parading the streets with bands of music at their head, -the upper classes and sound portion of the population displayed extreme -sorrow. They spoke of nothing less than preventing the execution of the -sentence, and for some hours General Guerrero trembled lest his victim -should escape him. - -The Vice-Consul of the United States, indignant at this unjust sentence, -but not having the power to act officially, proceeded to Don Antonio -Pavo with the hope of inducing him to act energetically, and save the -count. Don Antonio refused. While protesting the sorrow he felt, nothing -could make him recall his refusal. - -Still Don Antonio understood that he could not refrain from paying a -visit to the count. Valentine was with him, as well as Father Seraphin. -The hunter had obtained leave to remain with his foster brother till -the last moment. The count received Don Antonio with an icy face. -He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders in contempt when -the latter tried to exculpate himself, and alleviate all that was -reprehensible in his conduct. The count handed him several papers, and, -interrupting him roughly in the midst of a very involved sentence, in -which he was trying to prove how innocent he was of all imputed to him, -said dryly,-- - -"Listen to me, sir. I am willing, if it is of any use to you, to give -you a letter, in which I acknowledge that your conduct toward me was -always irreproachable; but on one condition----" - -"What is it, sir?" he asked eagerly. - -"I do not wish to be shot on my knees, and with my eyes bandaged. You -understand me, sir? I want to look death in the face. Go and arrange -that with the governor." - -"That favour shall be granted you, I can assure you, sir," he answered, -delighted at having been let off so easily. - -He went out and kept his word. What did the count's enemies care whether -he fell standing or on his knees, with eyes bandaged or not? Their great -object was that he should be dead. Still General Guerrero profited by -this opportunity to appear generous at a small cost. - -The next day but one Valentine brought Dona Angela with him: the maiden -had donned that monk's robe which she had already worn under critical -circumstances. - -"Is it for today?" the count asked. - -"Yes," Valentine answered. - -Louis took his foster-brother on one side. - -"Swear to me to protect that child when I am no longer here to do so." - -"I swear it!" Valentine said in a broken voice. - -Dona Angela heard the words. She smiled sadly as she wiped away a tear. - -"Now, brother, there is another oath I must obtain from you." - -"Speak, brother." - -"Swear to do what I ask you, whatever it may be." - -Valentine looked at his foster-brother: he saw such anxiety depicted on -his face that he let his eyes fall. - -"I swear it!" he said in a hollow voice. - -He had guessed what Don Louis was about to demand of him. - -"I do not wish you to avenge me. Believe me, brother, God will take that -vengeance on Himself, and sooner or later punish my enemies in a more -terrible manner than you can do. Do you promise to obey me?" - -"You have my word, brother," the hunter answered. - -"Thanks! Now let me say good-by to this poor girl." - -And he walked toward Dona Angela, who advanced to meet him. We will not -describe their conversation. They forgot everything during an hour to -live an age of joy by isolating themselves, and speaking heart to heart. -Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside, the door of the capilla opened, -and Colonel Suarez appeared. - -"I am at your orders, colonel," the count said, not giving the other -time to speak. - -He passed his fingers for the last time through his moustache, smoothed -his hair, took up his Panama straw hat, which he held in his hand, and -after taking a melancholy glance around, went out. - -Father Seraphin walked on his right; Dona Angela, with the hood over her -head, on his left. Valentine came next, tottering like a drunken man, in -spite of all the efforts he made, with haggard eyes, and face bathed in -tears. There was something heart-rending in the aspect of this man, with -the energetic features and bronzed face, a prey to such grief, which was -the more profound because it was silent. - -It was six in the morning, the sun had just risen, the dawn was -magnificent, the atmosphere was filled with perfume, nature seemed -rejoicing, and a man full of life, health, and intellect was about to -die--die brutally, struck by unworthy foemen. - -An immense crowd covered the place of execution, and the troops were -drawn up in battle array. General Guerrero, in full uniform, glistening -with precious stones, appeared at the head of the troops. - -The count walked slowly, talking with the missionary, and from time to -time addressing a word to the heroic girl, who refused to abandon him at -this supreme hour. He held his hat before his face to protect him from -the sunbeams, and fanned himself carelessly. On reaching the execution -ground he stopped, went in the direction of the firing party, threw his -hat on the ground, and waited. - -An officer read his sentence. When this was over, the count -affectionately embraced the missionary, did the same to Valentine, and -whispered in his ear,-- - -"Remember!" - -"Yes," the latter said in an inarticulate voice. - -Then came the turn of Dona Angela. They remained for a long time in a -close embrace, and then separated as if by mutual agreement. - -"Though separated on the earth, we shall soon be united in heaven. -Courage, my beloved!" she said with exaltation. - -He replied to her with a smile which had nothing earthly about it. - -Father Seraphin and Valentine fell back about fifteen paces, knelt down -on the ground, and folded their hands in prayer. Dona Angela, with the -cowl still over her face, placed herself only a few paces from the -general, who watched all the preparations for the execution with a -triumphant smile. - -The count looked around him to assure himself that his friends had -retired, took a step forward nearer the firing party, from which he was -only eight yards, and laying his hands behind his hack, with head erect, -a smile on his lips, and a resolute glance, he called out in a clear, -impressive voice,-- - -"Come, my brave fellows, do your duty! Aim at the heart!" - -Then a strange event occurred. The officer stammered as he gave the -order to fire; and the soldiers, firing one after the other, did not hit -the sufferer. - -"Enough of this, caray!" the general shouted. - -The soldiers reloaded their muskets, and the order to fire was given -once more. A discharge burst forth like thunder, and the count fell with -his face to the earth. - -He was dead: progress counted one martyr more! - -"Farewell, father," a voice cried in the general's ear. "I keep my -promise." - -Don Sebastian turned in terror, for he had recognised his daughter's -voice. - -Dona Angela had fallen to the ground. Her father rushed toward her. It -was too late; he only pressed a corpse in his arms. His punishment had -already commenced. - -The count had scarce fallen ere Valentine rushed toward him, followed by -the missionary. - -"Let no one approach the body!" he said in a voice which made the -bravest recoil, and kneeling on his right, while the missionary placed -himself on the left, he prayed. - -Curumilla had disappeared. - -Those who tell us that the Count de Prebois Crance was an adventurer, I -will merely ask what Hernando Cortez was on the day before the fall of -Mexico? - -In politics, as in everything else, the end justifies the means, and -success is only the consecration of genius. - - -[1] We are delighted to be able to state that Captain Borunda, in spite -of the brilliant offers afterwards made him, would not consent to part -with this ring.--G.A. - - - - -NOTE. - -Several of our friends have remarked to us with truth that the work -of justice we have attempted in this work would be incomplete if we -insisted on concealing our characters under their pseudonyms. We will, -therefore, obey our friends' wishes. Who does not remember the heroic -episode of Count Gaston de Raousset-Boulbon's life? The incident that -terminated it was, in spite of the political preoccupations of the -moment, considered a public calamity. - -It is the expedition of this great soldier, who only lacked a lever to -overturn a world, that we have attempted to describe. Don Louis is the -count. By the side of Consul Calvo, General Yanes, and the Commandant -Lebourgeois-Desmarets, a sinister trinity fatal to the count, the -first two through a mean hatred, the third through jealousy, also grin -the ignoble and gloomy faces of Colonel Campusano and Cubillas, those -subaltern agents, the buzzards who were less hideously ferocious than -the men who urged them to action. Now let us mention hap-hazard the -names of the few men who remained faithful to the count at all risks. -In the first rank we will name Monsieur A. de la Chapelle, editor -in chief of the _Messager de San Francisco,_ a private friend of -Raousset, who left him at his death the duty of avenging his memory, -and whom friendship inspired to write so fine a book; then Lenoir, -Gamier, Fayolle, and Lefranc, of whom the last three fell bravely -before Hermosillo; O. de la Chapelle, brother of the journalist, that -chivalrous chief of the Cocosperians; lastly, the Mexican captain, -Borunda, whose chivalrous pleading would have saved the count, had not -his death been resolved on. - -Twelve years have passed over the drama of Guaymas, and the hour has -arrived to do proper justice to the heroic victim of that unjustifiable -assassination. We, one of his obscurest friends, will be pleased if -our book, so incomplete as it may be, aids to any extent, however -slight, in effecting this rehabilitation so eagerly expected by all -honest hearts. We will add in conclusion, that the narrative has been -undertaken without any notes being prepared beforehand, and written -under the impression of ineffaceable memories, rather with the heart -than with the pen. - - -GUSTAVE AIMARD. - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 42742.txt or 42742.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/4/42742/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Internet Archive - Oxford University) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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