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diff --git a/44196-0.txt b/44196-0.txt index abbd231..4318669 100644 --- a/44196-0.txt +++ b/44196-0.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 *** THE INDIAN SCOUT. @@ -15071,5 +15071,4 @@ THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Scout, by Gustave Aimard - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 *** diff --git a/44196-h/44196-h.htm b/44196-h/44196-h.htm index 078a2df..7e3dd1e 100644 --- a/44196-h/44196-h.htm +++ b/44196-h/44196-h.htm @@ -89,9 +89,9 @@ v:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } </style> </head> <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 ***</div> -<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 ***</div> <h1>THE INDIAN SCOUT.</h1> @@ -15177,7 +15177,7 @@ owed him.</p> -<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 ***</div> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44196 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/44196.json b/44196.json deleted file mode 100644 index 35aeb16..0000000 --- a/44196.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5 +0,0 @@ -{
- "DATA": {
- "CREDIT": "Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.)"
- }
-}
diff --git a/old/44196-8.txt b/old/44196-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6b8193f..0000000 --- a/old/44196-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15462 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Scout, 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 Scout - A Story of the Aztec City - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: November 16, 2013 [EBook #44196] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - - - - -THE INDIAN SCOUT. - -A Story of the Aztec City - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES," "TRAPPER'S BRIDE," - -"PRAIRIE FLOWER," ETC. - - -LONDON: - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following work has been the most successful of all Gustave Aimard -has published in Paris, and it has run through an unparalleled number -of Editions. This is not surprising, however, when we bear in mind that -he describes in it his personal experiences in the Indian Aztec city, -from which no European ever returned prior to him, to tell the tale of -his adventures. From this volume we learn to regard the Indians from a -very different side than the one hitherto taken; for it is evident that -they are something more than savages, and possess their traditions just -as much as any nation of the Old World. At the present moment, when -the Redskins appear destined to play an important part in the American -struggle, I think that such knowledge as our Author is enabled alone to -give us about their manners and customs, will be read with interest. - -L. W. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - I. THE SURPRISE - II. THE GUEST - III. A NIGHT CONFERENCE - IV. INDIANS AND HUNTERS - V. MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS - VI. A DARK HISTORY - VII. A DARK HISTORY CONTINUED - VIII. A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED - IX. BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN - X. FRESH CHARACTERS - XI. THE FORD OF THE RUBIO - XII. DON STEFANO COHECHO - XIII. THE AMBUSCADE - XIV. THE TRAVELLERS - XV. RECALLED TO LIFE - XVI. THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH - XVII. DON MARIANO - XVIII. BEFORE THE TRIAL - XIX. FACE TO FACE - XX. THE JUDGMENT - XXI. BRIGHTEYE - XXII. THE CAMP - XXIII. FLYING EAGLE - XXIV. QUIEPAA TANI - XXV. A TRIO OF VILLAINS - XXVI. A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE - XXVII. A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE CONCLUDED - XXVIII. REDSKINS AND WHITE - XXIX. THE COUNCIL - XXX. THE SECOND DETACHMENT - XXXI. THE TLACATEOTZIN - XXXII. THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY - XXXIII. EXPLANATORY - XXXIV. CONVERSATIONAL - XXXV. THE INTERVIEW - XXXVI. A MEETING - XXXVII. COMPLICATIONS - XXXVIII. A WALK IN THE DARK - XXXIX. THE GREAT MEDICINE - XL. THE FINAL STRUGGLE - THE EPILOGUE - - - - -THE INDIAN SCOUT. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -It was towards the end of May, 1855, in one of the least visited parts -of the immense prairies of the Far West, and at a short distance from -the Rio Colorado del Norte, which the Indian tribes of those districts -call, in their language so full of imagery, "The endless river with the -golden waves." - -The night was profoundly dark. The moon, which had proceeded two-thirds -of its course, displayed between the lofty branches of the trees her -pallid face; and the scanty rays of vacillating light scarce brought -out the outlines of the abrupt and stern scenery. There was not a -breath in the air, not a star in the sky. A silence of death brooded -over the desert--a silence only interrupted, at long intervals, by the -sharp barking of the coyotes in search of prey, or the savage miaulings -of the panthers and jaguars at the watering place. - -During the darkness, the great American savannahs, on which no human -sound troubles the majesty of night, assume, beneath the eye of heaven, -an imposing splendour, which unconsciously affects the heart of the -strongest man, and imbues him involuntarily with a feeling of religious -respect. - -All at once the closely growing branches of a floripondio were -cautiously parted, and in the space thus left appeared the anxious -head of a man, whose eyes, flashing like those of a wild beast, darted -restless glances in every direction. After a few seconds of perfect -immobility, the man of whom we speak left the clump of trees in the -midst of which he was concealed, and leaped out on the plain. - -Although his bronzed complexion had assumed almost a brick colour, -still, from his hunting garb, and, above all, the light colour of -his long hair, and his bold, frank, and sharply-marked features, it -was easy to recognise in this man one of those daring Canadian wood -rangers, whose bold race is daily expiring, and will probably disappear -ere long. - -He walked a few paces, with the barrel of his rifle thrust forward, -and his finger on the trigger, minutely inspecting the thickets and -numberless bushes that surrounded him; then, probably reassured by the -silence and solitude that--continued to prevail around, he stopped, -rested the butt of his rifle on the ground, bent forward, and imitated, -with rare perfection, the song of the centzontle, the American -nightingale. - -Scarce had the last modulation of this song, which was gentle as a love -sigh, died away in the air, when a second person bounded forward from -the same shrub which had already offered passage to the hunter. It was -an Indian; he stationed himself by the Canadian's side, and, after -a few seconds' silence, said, affecting a tranquillity probably not -responded to by his heart,--"Well?" - -"All is calm," the hunter answered. "The _Cihuatl_ can come." - -The Indian shook his head. - -"Since the rising of the moon, Mahchsi Karehde has been separated from -Eglantine; he knows not where she is at this moment." - -A kindly smile played round the hunter's lips. - -"Eglantine loves my brother," he said, gently. "The little bird that -sings in her heart will have led her on the trail of the Chief. Has -Mahchsi Karehde forgotten the song with which he called her to his love -meetings in the tribe?" - -"The Chief has forgotten nothing." - -"Let him call her then." - -The Indian did not let the invitation be repeated. The cry of the -walkon rose in the silence. - -At the same moment a rustling was heard in the branches, and a young -woman, bounding like a startled fawn, fell panting into the warrior's -arms, which were opened to receive her. This pressure was no longer -than a flash of lightning; the Chief, doubtlessly ashamed of the tender -emotion he had yielded to in the presence of a white man, even though -that white man was a friend, coldly repulsed the young female, saying -to her, in a voice in which no trace of feeling was visible, "My sister -is fatigued, without doubt; no danger menaces her at this moment; she -can sleep; the warriors will watch over her." - -"Eglantine is a Comanche maid," she answered in a timid voice. "Her -heart is strong; she will obey Mahchsi Karehde (the Flying Eagle). -Under the protection of so terrible a chief she knows herself in -safety." - -The Indian bent on her a glance full of indescribable tenderness; but -regaining, almost immediately, that apparent apathy which the Redskins -never depart from, "The warriors wish to hold a council; my sister can -sleep," he said. - -The young woman made no reply; she bowed respectfully to the two men, -and withdrawing a few paces, she lay down in the grass, and slept, or -feigned to sleep. The Canadian had contented himself with smiling, on -seeing the result obtained by the advice he had given the warrior, and -listened, with an approving nod of the head, to the few words exchanged -between the Redskins. The Chief, buried in thought, stood for a few -minutes with his eyes fixed, with a strange expression, on the young, -sleeping woman; then he passed his hand several times over his brow, as -if to dissipate the clouds that oppressed his mind, and turned to the -hunter. - -"My brother, the Paleface, has need of rest. The Chief will watch," he -said. - -"The coyotes have ceased barking, the moon has disappeared, a white -streak is rising on the horizon," the Canadian replied. "Day will -speedily appear; sleep has fled my eyelids; the men must hold a -council." - -The Indian bowed, without further remark, and, laying his gun on the -ground, collected a few armfuls of dry wood, which he carried near -the sleeper. The Canadian struck a light; the wood soon caught, and -the flame coloured the trees with its blood red hue. The two men then -squatted by each other's side, filled their calumets with _manachie_, -the sacred tobacco, and commenced smoking silently, with that imposing -gravity which the Indians, under all circumstances, bring to this -symbolic operation. - -We will profit by this moment of rest, which accident offers us, to -draw a portrait of these three persons, who are destined to play an -important part in the course of our story. - -The Canadian was a man of about forty-five years of age, six feet in -height, long, thin, and dry; his was a nervous nature, composed of -muscle and sinews, perfectly adapted to the rude profession of wood -ranger, which demands a vigour and boldness beyond all expression. -Like all his countrymen, the Canadian offered, in his features, the -Norman type in its thorough purity. His wide forehead; his grey eyes, -full of intelligence; his slightly aquiline nose; his large mouth, -full of magnificent teeth; the long light hair, mingled with a few -silvery threads which escaped from under his otter skin cap, and fell -in enormous ringlets on his shoulders,--all these details gave this man -an open, frank, and honest appearance, which attracted sympathy, and -pleased at the first glance. This worthy, giant, whose real name was -Bonnaire, but who was only known on the prairies by the sobriquet of -Marksman, a sobriquet which he fully justified by the correctness of -his aim, and his skill in detecting the lurking places of wild beasts, -was born in the vicinity of Montreal; but having been taken, while very -young, into the forests of Upper Canada, desert life possessed such -charms for him, that he had given up civilized society, and for nearly -thirty years had traversed the vast solitudes of North America, only -consenting to visit the towns and villages when he wanted to dispose -of the skins of the animals he had killed, or renew his provision of -powder and bullets. - -Marksman's companion, Flying Eagle, was one of the most renowned chiefs -of the tribe of the White Buffaloes, the most powerful of all forming -the warlike Comanche race, that untameable and ferocious nation, which, -in its immeasurable pride, haughtily terms itself the Queen of the -Prairies, a title which no other tribe dares to challenge. Flying -Eagle, though still very young, for he was scarcely four-and-twenty, -had already distinguished himself, on several occasions, by deeds of -such unheard-of boldness and temerity, that his mere name inspired the -countless Indian hordes that constantly traverse the desert in every -direction, with invincible terror. - -He was tall, well built, and perfectly proportioned; his features were -elegant, and his black eyes acquired, beneath the influence of any -powerful emotion, that strange rigidity which commands respect; his -gestures were noble, and his carriage graceful, and stamped with that -majesty inborn in Indians. The Chief was attired in his war dress, and -that was so singular, as to deserve a detailed description. - -Flying Eagle wore the cap which only distinguished warriors, who have -killed many warriors, have the right to assume; it is made of strips -of white ermine, with a large piece of red cloth fastened at the back, -and falling to the thigh, to which is fastened an upright crest of -black and white eagle plumes, which begins at the head, and continues -in close order to the extremity. Above his right ear he had passed -through his hair a wooden knife, painted red, and about the length -of a hand; this knife was the model of one with which he had killed -a Dacotah chief; he wore, in addition, eight small wooden skewers, -painted blue, and adorned at the upper extremity with a gilt nail, to -indicate the number of bullets that had wounded him; over his left ear -he wore a large tuft of yellow owl feathers, with the ends painted -red, as the totem of the Band of Dogs; one half his face was red, and -his body reddish brown, with stripes from which the colour had been -removed by a moistened finger. His arms, starting from the shoulder, -were adorned with twenty-seven yellow stripes, indicating the number -of his exploits, while on his chest he had painted a blue hand, to -announce that he had frequently made prisoners. Round his neck he wore -a magnificent collar of grizzly bear's claws, three inches in length, -and white at the point. His shoulders were covered by a large buffalo -robe, falling almost to the ground, and painted of various colours. -His breeches, composed of two separate parts, one for each leg, were -tightly fastened to his waist belt, and fell almost to his ankles, -embroidered externally with coloured porcupine quills, terminating in a -long tuft that trailed on the ground. Wide stripes of black and white -cloth were rolled round his hips, and fell before and behind in heavy -folds. His slippers, of buffalo hide, were but slightly decorated; -but wolf tails, trailing on the ground behind him, and equalling in -number the enemies he had conquered, were fastened above his ankles. -From his waist belt hung, on one side, his powder flask, ball pouch, -and scalping knife: on the other, a quiver of panther skin filled with -long, sharp arrows, and his tomahawk; his gun was laid on the ground, -within reach of his hand. - -This warrior, dressed in such a strange costume, had something imposing -and sinister about him which inspired terror. - -For the present we will confine ourselves to saying that Eglantine was -not more than fifteen years of age; that she was very beautiful for an -Indian girl; and wore, in all its elegant simplicity, the sweet costume -adopted by the women of her nation. Ending here this description, which -was perhaps too detailed, but which was necessary in order to know the -men we have introduced in the scene, we will return to our narrative. - -For a long time the two men smoked side by side without exchanging a -syllable; at length, the Canadian shook out the ashes of his pipe on -his thumb nail, and addressed his companion. - -"Is my brother satisfied?" he said. - -"Wah!" the Indian answered, and bowing assent; "my brother has a -friend." - -"Good!" the hunter continued; "and what will the Chief do now?" - -"Flying Eagle will rejoin his tribe with Eglantine, and then return to -seek the Apache trail." - -"For what purpose?" - -"Flying Eagle will avenge himself." - -"As you please, Chief. I will certainly not try to dissuade you from -projects against enemies who are also mine; still, I do not believe you -look at the matter in the right light." - -"What would my brother the Paleface warrior say?" - -"I mean that we are far from the lodges of the Comanches, and before -reaching them we shall have doubtlessly more than one turn-up with -the enemies from whom the Chief considers himself freed, perhaps, too -prematurely." - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"The Apaches are old women, chattering, and cowardly," he said. "Flying -Eagle despises them." - -"That is possible," the hunter replied, with a toss of his head; -"still, in my opinion, we should have done better in continuing our -journey till sunrise, in order to put a greater distance between them -and us, instead of halting so imprudently; we are still very near the -camp of our enemies." - -"The fire water has stopped the ears and closed the eyes of the Apache -dogs; they are stretched on the ground and sleeping." - -"Hum! that is not my opinion; I am, on the contrary, persuaded that -they are watching and looking for us." - -At the same instant, as if chance wished to justify the apprehensions -of the prudent hunter, some dozen shots were fired; a horrible war -cry, to which the Canadian and the Comanche responded, with a yell of -defiance, was heard in the forest, and nearly thirty Indians rushed -howling toward the fire, at which our three characters were seated; but -the latter had disappeared, as if by enchantment. - -The Apaches stopped with an outburst of passion, not knowing in what -direction to turn, in order to find their crafty foes again. Suddenly -three shots were fired from the interior of the forest, and three -Apaches rolled on the ground, with holes in their chests. The Indians -uttered a yell of fury, and rushed in the direction of the shots. At -the moment they reached the edge of the forest, a man stepped forward, -waving in his right hand a buffalo robe, as a signal of peace. It was -Marksman, the Canadian. - -The Apaches stopped with an ill-omened hesitation, but the Canadian, -without seeming to notice the movement, walked resolutely toward them -with the slow and careless step habitual to him; on recognizing him, -the Indians brandished their weapons wrathfully, and wished to rush -upon him, for they had many reasons for hating the hunter; but their -Chief arrested them with a peremptory gesture. - -"Let my brothers be patient," he said, with a sinister smile, "they -will lose nothing by waiting." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE GUEST. - - -On the same day that our story begins, and about three miles from where -the events narrated in our preceding chapter occurred, a numerous -caravan had halted at sunset, in a vast clearing situated on the skirt -of an immense virgin forest, the last species of which ended on the -banks of the Rio Colorado. - -This caravan came from the south-east, that is, from Mexico. It -appeared to have been on the march for a long time, as far as possible -to judge by the state in which the clothes of the men were, as well -as the harness of the horses and mules. In fact, the poor beasts -themselves were reduced to a state of leanness and weakness, which -amply testified to the rude fatigue they must have endured. The -caravan was composed of some thirty-five persons, all attired in -the picturesque and characteristic costume of the half-bred hunters -and Gambusinos, who alone, or in small bands, at the most of four, -incessantly traverse the Far West, which they explore in its most -mysterious depths, for the purpose of hunting, trapping, or discovering -the numberless gold veins it contains in its bosom. - -The adventurers halted, dismounted, fastened their horses to picket -ropes, and began immediately, with that skill and quickness only -attained by long habit, making their preparations to bivouac. The grass -was pulled up over a considerable extent of ground; the baggage, piled -up in a circle, formed a breastwork, behind which a sudden attack of -the desert marauders might be resisted; and then fires were lighted in -the shape of a St. Andrew's cross in the interior of the camp. - -When all this had been attended to, some of the adventurers put up a -large tent above a palanquin hermetically closed, which was carried by -two mules, one before and one behind. When the tent was pitched, the -mules were taken out of the palanquin, and the curtains, in falling, -covered it so completely, that it was entirely concealed. - -This palanquin was a riddle to the adventurers. No one knew what it -contained, though the general curiosity was singularly aroused on the -subject of a mystery so specially incomprehensible in this deserted -country; each kept carefully to himself the opinions he had formed -about it--above all, since the day when, in the midst of a difficult -piece of country, and during the momentary absence of the chief of the -Cuadrilla, who usually never left the palanquin, which he guarded like -a miser does his treasure, a hunter leaned over and slightly opened -one of the curtains; but the man had scarce time to take a furtive -peep through the opening, ere the chief, suddenly coming up, split his -skull open with a blow of his machete, and laid him dead at his feet. -Then he turned to the terrified witnesses, and said calmly,--"Is there -another among you who would like to discover what I think proper to -keep secret?" - -These words were uttered in such a tone of implacable raillery and -furious cruelty, that these villains, for the most part without faith -or law, and accustomed to brave, with a laugh, the greatest perils, -felt an internal shudder, and their blood stagnated in their veins. -This lesson had been sufficient. No one tried afterwards to discover -the captain's secret. - -The final arrangements had been scarcely made for the encampment, ere -the sound of horses was heard, and two horsemen arrived at a gallop. - -"Here is the Captain," the adventurers said to each other. - -The newcomers gave their reins to men who ran up to receive them, and -walked hastily toward the tent. On arriving there, the first stopped -and addressed his companion:--"Caballero," he said to him, "you are -welcome among us; although very poor ourselves, we will gladly share -the little we possess with you." - -"Thanks," the second said, with a bow, "I will not abuse your gracious -hospitality; tomorrow, at sunrise, I think I shall be sufficiently -rested to continue my journey." - -"You will act as you think proper: seat yourself by this fire prepared -for us, while I go for a few moments into that tent. I will soon rejoin -you, and have the honour of keeping you company." - -The stranger bowed, and took his place by the fire, lighted a short -distance from the tent, while the captain let the curtain he had lifted -fail behind him, and disappeared from his guest's sight. - -The latter was a man of marked features, his stalwart limbs denoting -a far from ordinary strength; the few wrinkles that furrowed his -energetic face served to indicate that he had already passed midlife, -though no trace of decrepitude was visible on his solidly-built body, -and not a white hair silvered his long and thick locks, which were -black as a raven's wing. He wore the costume of the rich Mexican -hacenderos, that is to say, the mança; the zarapé, of many colours; -the velvet calzoneras, open at the knee, and botas vaqueras; his hat, -of vicuna skin, gallooned with gold, was drawn in by a rich toquilla, -fastened with a costly diamond; a sheathless machete hung from his -right hip, merely passed through an iron ring: the barrels of two -six-chambered revolvers shone in his waist belt, and he had thrown on -the grass by his side an American rifle, beautifully damascened with -silver. - -When the Captain left him alone, this man, while installing himself -before the fire in the most comfortable way possible, that is to say, -arranging his zarapé and water bottles to serve as a bed, if necessary, -had cast a furtive glance around, whose expression would, doubtless, -have supplied the adventurers with serious matter of thought had they -been able to notice it; but all were busied in getting the bivouac -snug, and preparations for supper; and trusting entirely in the loyalty -of prairie hospitality, they did not at all dream of watching what the -stranger seated at their fire was about. - -The unknown, after a few moments' reflection, rose and walked up to a -party of trappers, whose conversation seemed very animated, and who -were gesticulating with that fire natural to southern races. - -"Eh!" one of them said, on noticing the stranger, "this señor will set -us right with a word." - -The latter, thus directly appealed to, turned toward the speaker. - -"What is the matter, caballeros?" he asked. - -"Oh, a very simple matter," the adventurer made answer; "your horse, a -noble and handsome animal, I must allow, señor, will not associate with -others; it stamps its feet and bites at the companions we have given -it." - -"Oh, that is, indeed, simple enough," a second adventurer remarked, -with a grin; "that horse is a _costeño_, and too proud to associate -with poor _tierras interiores_ like our horses." - -At this singular reason, all burst into an Homeric laugh. The stranger -smiled cunningly. - -"It may be the reason you state, or perhaps some other," he said -gently; "at any rate, there is a very simple way of settling the -dispute, which I will employ." - -"Ah!" the second speaker said, "what is it?" - -"This," the stranger replied, with the same air of placidity. - -Then, walking up to the horse, which two men had a difficulty in -holding, he said,--"Let go!" - -"But if we let go, nobody knows what will happen." - -"Let go! I answer for all then," addressing his horse,--"Lillo!" he -said. - -At this name, the horse raised its noble head, and fixing its sparkling -eye on the man who had called it, with a sharp and irresistible -movement, it threw off the two men who tried to check it, sent them -rolling on the grass, to the shouts of their comrades, and rubbed its -head against its master's chest with a neigh of pleasure. - -"You see," the stranger said, as he patted the noble animal, "it is not -difficult." - -"Hum!" the first adventurer who picked himself up said, in an angry -tone, and rubbing his shoulder; "that is a _demonio_ to which I would -not entrust my skin, old and wrinkled as it is at present." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further about the horse, I will attend to -it." - -"On the faith of Domingo, I have had enough, for my part; 'tis a noble -brute, but it has a fiend inside it." - -The stranger shrugged his shoulders without replying, and returned -to the fire, followed by his horse, which paced step by step behind -him, not evincing the slightest wish to indulge further in those -eccentricities which had so greatly astonished the adventurers, who -are, however, all men well versed in the equine art. This horse was -a pure barb of Arab stock, and had probably cost its present owner -an enormous sum, and its pace seemed strange to men accustomed to -American horses. Its master gave it provender, hobbled it near him, -and then sat down again by the fire: at the same instant the Captain -appeared in the entrance of the tent. - -"I beg your pardon," he said, with that charming courtesy natural to -the Hispano-Americans; "I beg your pardon, Señor Caballero, for having -neglected you so long, but an imperative duty claimed my presence. Now, -I am quite at your service." - -The stranger bowed. "On the contrary," he replied, "I must ask you to -accept my apologies for the cool manner in which I avail myself of your -hospitality." - -"Not a word more on this head, if you wish not to annoy me." - -The Captain seated himself by his guest's side. - -"We will dine," he said. "I can only offer you scanty fare; but one -must put up with it, and I am reduced to tasajo and red beans with -pimento." - -"That is delicious, and I should assuredly do honour to it if I felt -the slightest appetite; but, at the present moment, it would be -impossible for me to swallow the smallest mouthful." - -"Ah!" the Captain said, looking distrustfully at the stranger. - -But he met a face so simply calm, a smile so frank, that he felt -ashamed of his suspicions, and his face, which had grown gloomy, at -once regained all its serenity. - -"I am vexed. Still, I will ask permission to dine at once; for, -differently from you, Caballero, I must confess to you that I am -literally dying of hunger." - -"I should be in despair at causing you the slightest delay." - -"Domingo," the Captain shouted, "my dinner." - -The adventurer, whom the stranger's horse had treated so roughly, soon -came up limping, and carrying his chief's supper in a wooden tray; a -few tortillas he held in his hand completed the meal, which was worthy -of an anchorite. - -Domingo was an Indian half-bred, with a knowing look, angular features, -and crafty face: he appeared to be about fifty years of age, so far -as it is possible to judge an Indian's age by his looks. Since his -misadventure with the horse, Domingo felt a malice for the stranger. - -"_Con su permiso_," the Captain said, as he broke a tortilla. - -"I will smoke a cigarette, if that can be called keeping you company," -the stranger said, with his stereotyped smile. - -The other bowed politely, and fell to on his meagre repast with that -eagerness which denotes a lengthened abstinence. We will take advantage -of the opportunity to draw for the reader a portrait of the chief of -the caravan. - -Don Miguel Ortega, for such was the name by which he was known to his -comrades, was an elegant and handsome young man, not more than six and -twenty years of age, with a bronzed complexion, delicate features, -haughty and flashing eyes; while his tall stature, well-shaped limbs, -and wide and arched chest, denoted rare vigour. Assuredly, through -the whole extent of the old Spanish colonies, it would have been -difficult--if not impossible--to meet a more seductive cavalier, whom -the picturesque Mexican costume became so well, or combining to the -same extent as he did, those external advantages which charm women and -captivate the populace. Still, for the observer, Don Miguel had too -great a depth in his eye, too rude a frown, and a smile too false and -perfidious, not to conceal, beneath his pleasing exterior, an ulcerated -soul and evil instincts. - -A hunter's meal, seasoned by appetite, is never long. The present one -was promptly disposed of. - -"There," the Captain said, as he wiped his fingers with a tuft of -grass; "now for a cigarette to help digestion, and then I shall have -the honour to wish you good night. Of course, you do not intend to -leave us before daybreak." - -"I can hardly tell you. That will depend, to some extent, on the -weather tonight. I am in a considerable hurry, and you know, Caballero, -that--as our neighbours, the Gringos, so justly remark--time is money." - -"You know better than I do, Caballero, what you have to do. Act as you -please; but, before I retire, accept my wishes for a pleasant night's -rest, and the success of your plans." - -"I thank you, Caballero." - -"One last word, or rather, one last question before separating?" - -"Ask it." - -"Of course, if this question appears to you indiscreet, you are at -perfect liberty not to answer it." - -"It would surprise me, on the part of so accomplished a Caballero. -Hence, be kind enough to explain yourself." - -"My name is Don Miguel Ortega." - -"And mine, Don Stefano Cohecho." - -The Captain bowed. - -"Will you allow me, in my turn," the stranger said, "to ask you a -question?" - -"I beg you to do so." - -"Why this exchange of names?" - -"Because, on the prairie it is good to be able to distinguish friends -from foes." - -"That is true. And now?" - -"Now I am certain that I do not count you among the latter." - -"_¿Quién sabe?_" Don Stefano retorted, with a laugh. "There are such -strange accidents." - -The two men, after exchanging a few more words in the most friendly -manner, cordially shook hands. Don Miguel went into the tent, and Don -Stefano, after turning his feet towards the fire, slept, or pretended -to do so. - -An hour later, the deepest silence reigned in the camp. The fires only -produced a doubtful gleam; and the sentinels, leaning on their rifles, -were themselves yielding to that species of vague somnolency, which -is not quite sleep, but is no longer watching. All at once, an owl, -probably hidden in a neighbouring tree, twice uttered its melancholy -hu-hu. - -Don Stefano suddenly opened his eyes, without changing his position; he -assured himself, by an investigating glance, that all was quiet around -him; then, after convincing himself that his machete and revolvers had -not left him, he took up his rifle, and in his turn imitated the cry of -the owl, which was answered by a similar whoop. - -The stranger, after arranging his zarapé, so as to imitate a human -body, whispered a few words to his horse while patting it, in order to -calm it; and laying himself at full length on the ground, he crawled -towards one of the outlets from the camp, stopping at intervals to look -around him. - -All continued to be tranquil. On reaching the foot of the breastwork -formed by the baggage, he jumped up, leapt over the obstacles with a -tiger's bound, and disappeared in the prairie. At the same instant a -man rose, sprang over the entrenchment, and rushed in pursuit of him. - -That man was Domingo. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A NIGHT CONFERENCE. - - -Don Stefano Cohecho seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the -desert. So soon as he was on the prairie, and fancied himself safe -from any curious eye, he raised his head haughtily, his step grew more -confident, his eye sparkled with a gloomy fire, and he walked with long -steps towards a clump of palm trees, whose small fans formed but a -scanty protection by day against the burning sunbeams. - -Still he neglected no precaution; at times he stopped hurriedly, to -listen to the slightest suspicious sound, or interrogate with searching -glance the gloomy depths of the forest. But after a few seconds, -re-assured by the calm that prevailed around him, he jogged onwards -with that deliberate step he had adopted on leaving the camp. - -Domingo walked literally in his steps; spying and watching each of -his movements with that sagacity peculiar to the half-breeds, while -carefully keeping on his guard against any surprise on the part of the -man he was following. Domingo was one of those men of whom only too -many are met with on the frontiers. Gifted with great qualities and -great vices, equally fit for good and evil, capable of accomplishing -extraordinary things in either sense; but who, for the most part, are -only guided by their evil instincts. - -He was at this moment following the stranger, without exactly knowing -the motive that made him do so; not, even having decided whether to -be for or against him; awaiting, to make up his mind, a little better -knowledge of the state of affairs, and the chance of weighing the -advantage he should derive from treachery or the performance of his -duty. Hence, he carefully avoided letting his presence be suspected, -for he guessed that the mystery he wished to detect would, if he -succeeded, offer him great advantages, especially if he knew how to -work it. - -The two men marched thus for nearly an hour, one behind the other, Don -Stefano not suspecting for a moment that he was so cleverly watched, -and that one of the most knowing scoundrels on the prairie was at his -heels. - -After numberless turnings in the tall grass, Don Stefano at length -arrived at the bank of the Rio Colorado, which at this spot was as wide -and placid as a lake, running over a bed of sand, bordered by thick -clumps of cottonwood trees, and tall poplars, whose roots were bathed -in the water. On reaching the river, the stranger stopped, listened -for a moment, and, raising his fingers to his mouth, imitated the bark -of a coyote. Almost immediately, the same signal rose in the midst of -the mangrove trees, and a little birchbark canoe, pulled by two men, -appeared on the bank. - -"Eh!" Don Stefano said, in a suppressed voice, "I had given up all -hopes of meeting you." - -"Did you not hear our signal?" one of the men in the canoe answered. - -"Should I have come without that? Still, it seems to me you could have -come nearer to me." - -"It was not possible." - -The canoe ran on to the sand; the two men leaped on lightly, and in a -second joined Don Stefano. Both were dressed and armed like prairie -hunters. - -"Hum!" Don Stefano continued; "it is a long journey from the camp here, -and I am afraid that my absence may be noticed." - -"That is a risk you must run," the first speaker remarked--a man of -tall stature, with a grave and stern face, whose hair, white as snow, -fell in long curls on his shoulders. - -"Well, as you are here at last, let us come to an understanding; and -make haste about it, for time is precious. What have you done since we -parted?" - -"Not much; we followed you at a distance, that is all, ready to come to -your assistance if needed." - -"Thanks; no news?" - -"None. Who could have given us any?" - -"That is true; and have you not met your friend Marksman?" - -"No." - -"_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ That is annoying; for, if my presentiment do not -deceive me, we shall soon have to play at knives." - -"We will do so." - -"I know it, Brighteye. I have long been acquainted with your courage; -but you, Ruperto your comrade, and myself, are only three men, after -all." - -"What matter?" - -"What matter? you say, when we shall have to fight thirty or forty -hardened hunters! On my word, Brighteye, you will drive me mad with -your notions. You doubt about nothing; but remember, that this time -we have not to contend against badly-armed Indians, but white men, -thorough game for the galleys, who will die without yielding an inch, -and to whom we must inevitably succumb." - -"That is true; I did not think of that; they are numerous." - -"If we fall, what will become of her?" - -"Good, good," the hunter said, with a shake of his head. "I repeat to -you that I did not think of that." - -"You see, then, that it is indispensable for us to come to an -understanding with Marksman and the men he may have at his disposal." - -"Yes; but where are you going to find in the desert the trail of a man -like Marksman? Who knows where he is at this moment? He may be within -gunshot of us, or five hundred miles off." - -"It is enough to drive me mad." - -"The fact is, that the position is grave. Are you, at least, sure this -time that you are not mistaken, but are in the right trail?" - -"I cannot say with certainty, though everything leads me to suppose -that I am not mistaken. However, I shall soon know what I have to -depend on." - -"Besides, it is the same trail we have followed ever since leaving -Monterey; the chances are it is they." - -"What do we resolve on?" - -"Hang it! I do not know what to say!" - -"On my word, you are a most heart breaking fellow! What! cannot you -suggest any way?" - -"I must have a certainty, and then, as you said yourself, it would be -madness for us thus to try a sudden attack." - -"You are right. I will return to the camp; tomorrow night we will meet -again, and I shall be very unlucky if this time I do not discover -what it is so important for us all to know. Do you, in the meanwhile, -ransack the prairie in every direction, and, if possible, bring me news -of Marksman." - -"The recommendation is unnecessary. I shall not be idle." - -Don Stefano seized the old hunter's hand, and pressed it between his -own. - -"Brighteye," he said to him, with considerable emotion, - -"I will not speak of our old friendship, nor of the services which I -have been several times so fortunate as to render you; I will only -repeat, and I know it will be sufficient for you, that the happiness of -my whole life depends on the success of our expedition." - -"Good, good; have confidence in me, Don José. I am too old to change my -friends; I do not know who is right or wrong in this business; I wish -that justice may be on your side; but that does not affect me. Whatever -may happen, I will be a good and faithful companion to you." - -"Thanks, my old friend. Tomorrow night, then." - -After uttering these few words, Don Stefano, or, at least, the man who -called himself so, made a move as if to withdraw; but Brighteye stopped -him, with a sudden gesture. - -"What is the matter?" the stranger asked. - -The hunter laid a forefinger on his mouth, to recommend silence, and -turned to Ruperto, who had remained silent and apathetic during the -interview. - -"_Coyote_," he said to him, in a low voice. - -Without replying, Ruperto bounded like a jaguar, and disappeared in a -clump of cottonwood trees, which was a short distance off. After a few -moments, the two men who had remained, with their bodies bent forward -in the attitude of listeners, without uttering a syllable, heard a -rustling of leaves, a noise of broken branches, followed by the fall of -a heavy body on the ground, and after that nothing. Almost immediately -the cry of the owl rose in the night air. - -"Ruperto calls us," Brighteye then said, "all is over - -"What has happened?" Don Stefano asked anxiously. - -"Less than nothing," the hunter replied, making him a sign to follow. -"You had a spy at your heels; that is all." - -"A spy?" - -"By Jove! you shall see." - -"Oh, oh! that is serious." - -"Less than you suppose, as we have him." - -"In that case, though, we must kill the man." - -"Who knows? That will probably depend on the explanation we may have -with him. At any rate, there is no great harm in crushing such vipers." - -While speaking thus, Brighteye and his companion had entered the -thicket. Domingo, thrown down, and tightly garotted by means of -Ruperto's reata, was vainly struggling to break the bonds that cut -into, his flesh. Ruperto, with his hands resting on the muzzle of his -rifle, was listening with a grin, but no other reply, to the flood of -insults and recriminations which rage drew from the half-breed. - -"_¡Dios me ampare!_" the latter shouted, writhing like a viper. -"_¡Verdugo del Demonio!_ Is this the way to behave between _gente de -razón?_ Am I a Redskin, to be tied like a plug of tobacco, and have my -limbs fettered like a calf that is being taken to the shambles? If ever -you fall into my hands, accursed dog! you shall pay for the trick you -have played me." - -"Instead of threatening, my good man," Brighteye interposed, "it seems -to me you would do better by frankly allowing that you are in our -power, and acting in accordance." - -The bandit sharply turned his head, the only part of his person at -liberty, toward the hunter. - -"What right have you to call me good man, and give me advice, old -trapper of muskrats?" he said to him, irritably. "Are you white men or -Indians, to treat a hunter thus?" - -"If, instead of hearing what did not concern you, Señor Domingo, for I -believe that is your name," Don Stefano said, with a cunning look, "you -had remained quietly asleep in your camp, the little annoyance of which -you complain would not have occurred." - -"I am bound to recognize the justice of your reasoning," the bandit -replied ironically; "but, hang it! what would you have? I have ever -suffered from a mania of trying to find out what people sought to hide -from me." - -The stranger looked at him suspiciously. - -"And have you had the mania long, my good friend?" he asked him. - -"Since my earliest youth," he answered, with effrontery. - -"Only think of that! Then you must have learned a good many things?" - -"An enormous quantity, worthy sir." - -Don Stefano turned to Brighteye. - -"My friend," he said to him, "just unloosen this man's bonds a little. -There is much to be gained in his company; I wish to enjoy his -conversation for a little while." - -The hunter silently executed the orders he received. The bandit uttered -a sigh of satisfaction at finding himself more at his ease, and sat up. - -"_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_" he exclaimed, with a mocking accent. "The -position is now, at any rate, bearable. We can talk." - -"I think so." - -"My faith! yes. I am quite at your service, for anything you please, -Excellency." - -"I will profit by your complaisance." - -"Profit by it! profit by it, Excellency? I can only gain in talking -with you." - -"Do you believe so?" - -"I am convinced of it." - -"Indeed, you may be right; but tell me, beside that noble curiosity, -which you so frankly confessed, have you not, by accident, a few other -defects?" - -The bandit appeared to reflect conscientiously for two or three -minutes, and then answered, with an affable grin,-- - -"My faith! no, Excellency. I cannot find any." - -"Are you sure of that?" - -"Hum! it may be so, yet I do not believe it." - -"Come, you see, you are not sure." - -"That is indeed true!" the bandit exclaimed, with pretended candour. -"As you know, Excellency, human nature is so imperfect." - -Don Stefano gave a nod of assent. - -"If I were to help you," he said, "perhaps--" - -"We might find it out, Excellency," Domingo quickly interrupted him. -"Well, help me, help me, I ask for nothing better." - -"Hum! for instance--but notice that I affirm nothing; I suppose, that -is all." - -"_¡Caray!_ I am well aware of it. Go on, Excellency, do not trouble -yourself." - -"Then, I say--have you not a certain weakness for money?" - -"For gold, especially." - -"That is what I meant to say." - -"The fact is, gold is very tempting, Excellency." - -"I do not wish to regard it as a crime, my friend. I only mention it; -besides, that passion is so natural--" - -"Is it not?" - -"That you must be affected by it." - -"Well, I confess, Excellency, that you have guessed it." - -"Look you! I was sure of it." - -"Yes, money gained honestly." - -"Of course! Thus, for instance, suppose anyone offered you a thousand -piastres to discover the secret of Don Miguel Ortega's palanquin?" - -"Hang it!" the bandit said, fixing a sharp glance on the stranger, who, -for his part, examined him attentively. - -"And if that somebody," Don Stefano went on, "gave you in addition, -as earnest penny, a ring like this?" While saying this, he made a -magnificent diamond ring flash in the bandit's eyes. - -"I would accept," the latter said, with a greedy accent, "even if I -were compelled, in order to discover that secret, to imperil the share -I hope for in Paradise." - -Don Stefano turned to Brighteye. "Unfasten this man," he said, coldly, -"we understand each other." - -On feeling himself free, the half-breed gave a bound of joy. "The -ring!" he said. - -"There it is," Don Stefano said, as he handed it to him; "all is -arranged." - -Domingo laid his right-hand thumb across the left, and raised his head -proudly. "On the Holy Cross of the Redeemer," he said, in a clear and -impressive voice, "I swear to employ all my efforts in discovering -the secret Don Miguel hides so jealously; I swear never to betray the -Caballero with whom I am treating at this moment: this oath I take in -the presence of these three Caballeros, pledging myself, if I break it, -to endure any punishment, even death, which it may please these three -Caballeros to inflict on me." - -The oath taken by Domingo is the most terrible a Spanish American can -offer; there is not a single instance of it ever having been broken. -Don Stefano bowed, convinced of the bandit's sincerity. - -At this moment, several shots, followed by horrible yells, were heard -at a short distance off. Brighteye started. "Don José," he said to the -stranger, as he laid his hands on his shoulder, "Heaven favours us. -Return to the camp; tomorrow night I shall probably have some news for -you." - -"But those shots?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about them, but return to the camp, I tell -you, and let me act." - -"Well, as you wish it, I will retire." - -"Till tomorrow?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And I?" Domingo said. "Caramba, comrades, if you are going to play at -knives, can you not take me with you?" - -The old hunter looked at him attentively. "Eh!" he said, at the -expiration of a moment, "your idea is not a bad one; you can come if -you desire it." - -"That is capital, for it is a pretext ready made to explain my absence." - -Don Stefano smiled, and after reminding Brighteye once again of their -meeting for the following night, he left the thicket, and proceeded -toward the camp. The two hunters and the half-breed were left alone. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -INDIANS AND HUNTERS. - - -As we have already said, at the spot where the three hunters were -standing, the Rio Colorado formed a wide sheet, whose silvery waters -wound through a superb and picturesque country. At times, on either -bank, the ground rose almost suddenly into bold mountains of grand -appearance; at other places, the river ran through fresh and laughing -prairies, covered with luxuriant vegetation, or graceful and undulating -valleys, in which grew trees of every description. - -It was in one of these valleys that Brighteye's canoe had been pulled -in. Sheltered on all sides by lofty forests, which begirt them with a -dense curtain of verdure, the hunters would have escaped, even during -the day, from the investigations of curious or indiscreet persons, who -might have attempted to surprise them at this advanced hour of the -night, by the flickering rays of the moon which only reached them after -being followed through the leafy dome that covered them: they could -consider themselves as being perfectly secure. - -Reassured by the strength of his position, Brighteye, so soon as Don -Stefano had left him, formed his plan of action with that lucidity -which can only be obtained from a lengthened knowledge of the desert. - -"Comrade," he said to the half-breed, "do you know the desert?" - -"Not so well as you, certainly, old hunter," the latter answered, -modestly, "but well enough to be of good service to you in the -expedition you wish to attempt." - -"I like that way of answering, for it shows a desire of doing well. -Listen to me attentively; the colour of my hair, and the wrinkles that -furrow my forehead, tell you sufficiently that I must possess a certain -amount of experience; my whole life has been spent in the woods; there -is not a blade of grass I do not know, a sound which I cannot explain, -a footstep which I cannot discover. A few moments back, several shots -were fired not far from us, followed by the Indian war yell; among -those shots I am certain I recognized the rifle of a man for whom I -feel the warmest friendship; that man is in danger at this moment--he -is fighting the Apaches, who have surprised and attacked him during -sleep. The number of shots leads me to suppose that my friend has only -two companions with him; if we do not go to his help, he is lost, for -his adversaries are numerous; the thing I am about to attempt is almost -desperate; we have every chance against us, so reflect before replying. -Are you still resolved to accompany Ruperto and myself; in a word, risk -your scalp in our company?" - -"Bah!" the bandit said, carelessly, "a man can only die once; perhaps -I shall never again have so fine an opportunity of dying honestly. -Dispose of me, old trapper--I am yours, body and soul." - -"Good; I expected that answer; still, it was my duty to warn you of -the danger that threatened you: now, no more talking, but let us act, -for time presses, and every minute we waste is an age for the man we -wish to save. Walk in my moccasins; keep your eye and ear on the watch; -above all, be prudent, and do nothing without orders." - -After having carefully inspected the cap on his rifle, a precaution -imitated by his two companions, Brighteye looked round him for a few -seconds, then, with that hunter's instinct which in them is almost -second sight, he advanced with a rapid though silent step in the -direction of the fighting, while making the men a sign to follow him. - -It is impossible to form an idea, even a distant one, of what a night -march is on the prairie, on foot, through the shrubs, the trees which -have grown together, the creepers that twine in every direction. -Walking on a shifting soil, composed of detritus of every nature -accumulated during centuries, at one place forming mounds several feet -high, surrounded by deep ditches, not only is it difficult to find a -path through this inextricable confusion, when walking quietly onward, -with no fear of betraying one's presence, but this becomes almost -impossible when you have to open a passage silently, not letting a -branch spring back, or a leaf rustle; for that sound, though almost -imperceptible, would be enough to place the enemy you wish to surprise -on his guard. - -A long residence in the desert can alone enable a man to acquire the -necessary skill to carry out this rude task successfully. This skill -Brighteye possessed in the highest degree; he seemed to guess the -obstacles which rose at each step before him--obstacles the slightest -of which, under such circumstances, would have made the most resolute -man recoil, through his conviction of it being an impossibility to -surmount them. - -The two other hunters had only to follow the track so cleverly and -laboriously made by their guide. Fortunately, the adventurers were -only a short distance from the men they were going to help; had it -been otherwise, they would have needed nearly the whole night to join -them. Had Brighteye wished it, he could have skirted the forest and -walked in the long grass--a road incomparably more easy, and especially -less fatiguing; but, with his usual correctness of conception, the -hunter understood that the direction he took was the only one which -would permit him to go straight to the scene of action without being -discovered by the Indians, who, in spite of all their sagacity, would -never suspect that a man would dare to attempt such a route. - -After a walk of about twenty minutes, Brighteye stopped--the hunters -had arrived. On lightly moving the branches and brambles aside, they -witnessed the following scene. - -Before them, and scarce ten paces off, was a clearing. In the centre of -that clearing three fires were burning, and were surrounded by Apache -warriors, smoking gravely, while their horses, fastened to pickets, -were nibbling the young tree shoots. - -Marksman was standing motionless near the chiefs, leaning on his rifle, -and exchanging a few words with them at intervals. Brighteye understood -nothing of what he saw; all these men seemed on the best terms with the -hunter, who, for his part, did not display the slightest uneasiness, -either by his gestures or his face. - -We have said that, after the Indians' sudden attack, Marksman advanced -towards them, waving a buffalo robe in sign of peace. The Indians -stopped, with that courteous deference which they display in all their -relations, in order to listen to the hunter's explanations. A chief -even stepped towards him, politely inviting him to say what he wanted. - -"My red brother does not know me! Then, is it necessary that I should -tell him my name, that he may know with whom he is speaking?" Marksman -said, angrily. - -"That is useless. I know that my brother is a great white warrior. My -ears are open; I await the explanation he will be good enough to give -me." - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"Have the Apaches become cowardly or plundering coyotes, setting out in -flocks to hunt on the prairies? Why have they attacked me?" - -"My brother knows it." - -"No, as I ask it. The Antelope Apaches had a chief--a great -warrior--named Red Wolf. That chief was my friend. I had made a treaty -with him. But Red Wolf is, doubtlessly, dead; his scalp adorns the -lodge of a Comanche, as the young men of his tribe have come to attack -me, treacherously, and against the sworn peace, during my sleep." - -The Chief frowned, and drew himself up. - -"The Paleface, like all his countrymen, has a viper's tongue," he said, -rudely; "a skin covers his heart, and the words his chest exhales are -so many perfidies. Red Wolf is not dead; his scalp does not adorn the -lodge of a Comanche dog; he is still the first chief of the Antelope -Apaches. The hunter knows it well, since he is speaking to him at this -moment." - -"I am glad that my brother has made himself known," the hunter replied, -"for I should not have recognized him from his way of acting." - -"Yes, there is a traitor between us," the Chief said, drily; "but that -traitor is a Paleface, and not an Indian!" - -"I wait till my brother explains himself. I do not understand him; -a mist has spread over my eyes--my mind is veiled. The words of the -Chief, I have no doubt, will dissipate this cloud." - -"I hope so! Let the hunter answer with an honest tongue, and no deceit. -His voice is a music which for a long time sounded pleasantly in my -ears, and rejoiced my heart. I should be glad if his explanation -restored me the friend whom I fancied I had lost." - -"Let my brother speak. I will answer his questions." - -At a sign from Red Wolf, the Apaches had kindled several fires, and -formed a temporary camp. In spite of all his cleverness, doubt had -entered the heart of the Apache chief, and he wished to prove to -the white hunter, whom he feared, that he was acting frankly, and -entertained no ill design against him. The Apaches, seeing the good -understanding that apparently prevailed between their sachem and the -hunter, had hastened to execute the order they received. All traces -of the contest disappeared in a moment, and the clearing offered the -appearance of a bivouac of peaceful hunters receiving the visit of a -friend. - -Marksman smiled internally at the success of his plan, and the way -in which he managed, by a few words, to give quite a different turn -to the position of affairs. Still he was not without anxiety about -the explanation the Chief was going to ask of him. He felt he was in -a wasps' nest, from which he did not know how he should contrive to -emerge, without some providential accident. Redskin invited the hunter -to take a seat by his side at the fire, which he declined, however, not -being at all certain how matters would end, and wishing to retain a -chance of escape in the event of the explanation becoming stormy. - -"Is the pale hunter ready to reply?" Red Wolf asked him. - -"I am awaiting my brother's good pleasure." - -"Good! Let my brother open his ears, then. A Chief is about to speak." - -"I am listening." - -"Red Wolf is a renowned Chief. His name is cared by the Comanches, who -fly before him like timid squaws. One day, at the head of his young -men, Red Wolf entered an altopelt (village) of the Comanches. The -Buffalo Comanches were hunting on the prairies; their warriors and -young men were absent. Red Wolf burned the cabins, and carried off the -women prisoners. Is that true?" - -"It is true." - -"Among the women was one for whom the heart of the Apache chief spoke. -That woman was the Cihuatl of the sachem of the Buffalo Comanches. Red -Wolf led her to his hut and treated her not as a prisoner, but as a -well-beloved sister." - -"What did the pale hunter?" - -The Chief broke off and looked steadily at Marksman; but the latter did -not move a feature. - -"I wait till my brother answers me, in order to know with what he -reproaches me," he said. - -Red Wolf continued, with a certain degree of animation in his voice,-- - -"The pale hunter, abusing the friendship of the Chief, introduced -himself into his village, under the pretext of visiting his red -brother. As he was known and beloved by all, he traversed the village -as he pleased, sauntered about everywhere, and when he had discovered -Eglantine, he carried her off during a dark night, like a traitor and a -coward." - -At this insult, the hunter pressed the barrel of his rifle with a -convulsive movement; but he immediately recovered his coolness. - -"The Chief is a great warrior," he said, "he speaks well. The words -reach his lips with an abundance that is charming. Unfortunately, he -lets himself be led astray by passion, and does not describe matters as -they occurred." - -"Wah!" the Chief exclaimed, "Red Wolf is an impostor, and his lying -tongue ought to be thrown to the dogs." - -"I have listened patiently to the Chief's words, it is his turn to hear -mine." - -"Good! Let my brother speak." - -At this moment, a whistle, no louder than a sigh, was audible. The -Indians paid no attention to it, but the hunter quivered, his eye -flashed, and a smile played round the corner of his lips. - -"I will be brief," he said. "It is true that I introduced myself into -my brother's village, but frankly and loyally to ask of him, in the -name of Mahchsi-Karehde, the great sachem of the Buffalo Comanches, his -wife, whom Red Wolf had carried off. I offered for her a rich ransom, -composed of four guns, six hides of she-buffalos, and two necklaces of -grizzly bears' claws. I acted thus, in the intention of preventing a -war between the Buffalo Comanches and the Antelope Apaches. My brother, -Red Wolf, instead of accepting my friendly proposals, despised them. I -then warned him, that, by will or force, Flying Eagle would recover his -wife, treacherously carried off from his village while he was absent. -Then I withdrew. What reproach can my brother address to me? Under what -circumstances did I behave badly to him? Flying Eagle has got back his -wife; he has acted well--he was in the right. Red Wolf has nothing to -say to that. Under similar circumstances, he would have done the same. -I have spoken. Let my brother answer if his heart proves to him that I -was wrong." - -"Good!" the Chief answered. "My brother was here with Eglantine a few -minutes ago; he will tell me where she is hidden, Red Wolf will capture -her again, and there will no longer be a cloud between Red Wolf and his -friend." - -"The Chief will forget that woman who does not love him and who cannot -be his. That will be better, especially as Flying Eagle will never -consent to give her up." - -"Red Wolf has warriors to support his words," the Indian said, proudly, -"Flying Eagle is alone; how will he oppose the will of the sachem?" - -Marksman smiled. - -"Flying Eagle has numerous friends," he said, "he is at this moment -sheltered in the camp of the Palefaces, whose fires Red Wolf can see -from here, glistening in the darkness. Let my brother listen. I believe -I hear the sound of footsteps in the forest." - -The Indian rose with agitation. - -At this moment three men entered the clearing. They were Brighteye, -Ruperto, and Domingo. - -At the sight of them, the Apaches, who were thoroughly acquainted with -them, rose tumultuously and uttered a cry of astonishment, almost of -terror, while seizing their weapons. The three hunters continued to -advance calmly, not caring to trouble themselves about these almost -hostile demonstrations. - -We will explain in a few words the appearance of the hunters and their -interference, which was probably about to change the aspect of affairs. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS. - - -Brighteye and his two companions, owing to the position they occupied, -not only saw all that occurred in the clearing, but also heard, without -losing a word, the conversation between Marksman and Red Wolf. - -For many long years the two Canadian hunters had been on intimate -terms. Many times had they undertaken together some of those daring -expeditions which the wood rangers frequently carry out against the -Indians. These two men had no secrets from each other; all was in -common between them--hatred as well as friendship. - -Brighteye was thoroughly acquainted with the events to which Marksman -alluded, and, had not certain reasons, we shall learn presently, -prevented him, he would have probably aided his friend in rescuing -Eglantine from Red Wolf. Still, one point remained obscure on his mind; -that was the presence of Marksman in the middle of the Indians, the -quarrel which had begun in shouts and yells, and had now apparently -terminated with an amicable conversation. - -By what strange concourse of events was it that Marksman, the man best -acquainted with Indian tricks, whose reputation for skill and courage -was universal among the hunters and trappers of the Western Prairies, -now found himself in an equivocal position, in the midst of thirty or -forty Apaches, the most scoundrelly treacherous and ferocious of all -the Indians who wander about the desert? This it was that the worthy -hunter could not explain, and which rendered him so thoughtful. At -the risk of whatever might happen, he resolved to reveal his presence -to his friend by means of a signal arranged between them long ago, in -order to warn him that, in case of need, a friend was watching over -him. It was then that he gave the whistle, at the sound of which we saw -the hunter start. But this signal had a result which Brighteye was far -from expecting. The branches of the tree, against the trunk of which -the Canadian was leaning, parted, and a man, hanging by his arms, fell -suddenly to the ground a couple of yards from him, but so lightly, that -his fall did not produce the slightest sound. - -At the first glance, Brighteye recognized the man who seemed thus to -fall from the sky. Owing to his self-command, he displayed none of the -amazement this unforeseen appearance produced in him. The hunter rested -the butt of his rifle on the ground, and addressed the Indian politely. - -"That is a strange idea of yours, Chief," he said, with a smile, "to -go promenading on the trees at this hour of the night." - -"Flying Eagle is watching the Apaches," the Indian answered, with a -guttural accent. "Did not my brother expect to see me?" - -"In the prairie we must expect everything, Chief. Still, I confess that -few meetings would be so agreeable to me as yours, especially at this -moment." - -"My brother is on the trail of the Antelopes?" - -"I declare to you, Chief, that an hour ago I did not expect I was so -near them. Had I not heard your shots, it is probable that at this -moment I should be quietly asleep in my bivouac." - -"Yes, my brother heard the rifle of a friend sing, and he has come." - -"You have guessed rightly, Chief. But now tell me all about it, for I -know nothing." - -"Has not my pale brother heard Red Wolf?" - -"Of course; but is there nothing else?" - -"Nothing. Flying Eagle rescued his wife; the Apaches pursued him, like -cowardly coyotes, and this night surprised him at his fire." - -"Very good. Is Eglantine in safety?" - -"Eglantine is a Comanche woman; she knows not fear." - -"I am aware of that--she is a good creature; but that is not the -question at this moment. What do you purpose doing?" - -"Wait for a favourable moment, then utter my war yell, and fall on -these dogs." - -"Hum! your project is rather quick. If you will allow me, I will make a -slight change." - -"Wisdom speaks by the mouth of the pale hunter. Flying Eagle is young: -he will obey." - -"Good; the more so, because I shall only act for your welfare. But now -let me listen, for the conversation seems to me to be taking a turn -extremely interesting for us." - -The Indian bowed, but made no reply, while Brighteye bent forward, -better to hear what was said. After a few minutes the hunter probably -considered that it was time for him to interfere, for he turned to the -Chief and whispered in his ear, as he had done during the whole of the -previous conversation--"Let my brother leave this affair to me; his -presence would be more injurious than useful to us. We cannot attempt -to fight so large a number of enemies, so prudence demands that we -should have recourse to stratagem." - -"The Apaches are dogs," the Comanche muttered, angrily. - -"I am of your opinion; but, for the present, let us feign not to -consider them such. Believe me, we shall soon take our revenge; -besides, the advantage will be on our side, as we are cheating them." - -Flying Eagle let his head drop. - -"Will the Chief promise me not to make a move without a signal from -me?" the hunter said, earnestly. - -"Flying Eagle is a sachem. He has said that he will obey Greyhead." - -"Good. Now look, you will not have long to wait." - -After muttering these words, with that mocking accent peculiar to him, -the old hunter resolutely thrust the brambles on one side, and walked -firmly into the clearing, followed by his two companions. We have -already described the emotion produced by this unforeseen arrival. - -Flying Eagle returned to his ambush up the tree, from which he had only -come down to speak with the hunter, and give him the information he -required. Brighteye stopped by Markham's side. - -"Friend," he then said, in Spanish, a language which most of the -Indians understand, "your order is executed. Flying Eagle and his wife -are at this moment in the camp of the Gambusinos." - -"Good," Marksman answered, catching his meaning at once; "who are the -two men who accompany you?" - -"Two hunters the Chief of the Gachupinos sent to accompany me, in spite -of my assurances that you were among friends. He will soon arrive -himself at the head of thirty horsemen." - -"Return to him, and tell him that he has no longer any occasion -to trouble himself; or, stay, I will go myself, to prevent any -misunderstanding." - -These words, spoken without any emphasis, and naturally, by a man -whom each of the Indians present had been frequently in a position to -appreciate, produced on them an effect impossible to describe. - -We have already mentioned several times, in our different works, that -the Redskins unite the greatest prudence with the maddest temerity, and -never attempt any enterprise without calculating beforehand all the -chances of success it may offer. So soon as those chances disappear, to -make room for probable ill results, they are not ashamed to recoil, for -the very simple reason that with them honour, as we understand it in -Europe, only holds a secondary place, and success alone is regarded. - -Red Wolf was assuredly a brave man; he had given innumerable proofs of -that in many a combat; still, he did not hesitate, in behalf of the -general welfare, to sacrifice his secret desires, and in doing so, as -we believe, he gave a grand proof of that family feeling, and almost -instinctive patriotism, which is one of the strongest points in the -Indian character. Clever as he was, the Apache Chief was completely -deluded by Brighteye, whose imperturbable coolness and unexpected -arrival would have sufficed to lead astray an individual even more -intelligent than the man with whom he had to deal. Red Wolf made up his -mind at once, without any thought of self. - -"Greyhead, my brother, is welcome at my fire," he said; "my heart -rejoices at greeting a friend; his companions and himself can take -their places round the council fire; the calumet of a Chief is ready to -be offered them." - -"Red Wolf is a great Chief," Brighteye replied; "I am pleased at the -kindly feeling he experiences towards me. I would accept his offer with -the greatest pleasure, did not urgent reasons oblige me to rejoin, as -soon as possible, my brothers the Palefaces, who are waiting for me at -a short distance from the spot where the Antelope Apaches are encamped." - -"I hope that no cloud has arisen between Greyhead and his brother, -Red Wolf," the Chief remarked, in a cautious tone: "two warriors must -esteem each other." - -"That is my opinion too, Chief, and that is why I have presented myself -so frankly in your camp, when it would have been easy to have had -several warriors of my nation to accompany me." - -Brighteye knew perfectly well that the Apaches understood Spanish, and -consequently nothing he had said to Markham escaped them; but it was to -his interest, as well as that of his comrade, to pretend to be ignorant -of the fact, and accept as current coin the insidious propositions of -the Chief. - -"His friends, the Palefaces, are encamped not far from here?" the Chief -remarked. - -"Yes," Brighteye replied, "at the most from four to five bowshots in a -westerly direction." - -"Wah! I am vexed at it," the Indian said, "for I would have accompanied -my brother to their camp." - -"And what prevents your coming with us?" the old hunter said, -distinctly. "Would you fear an ill reception by chance?" - -"Och! who would dare not to receive Red Wolf with the respect due to -him?" the Apache said, haughtily. - -"No one, assuredly." - -Red Wolf leaned over to a subaltern chief, and whispered a few words -in his ear; the man rose, and left the clearing. The hunters saw this -movement with anxiety, and exchanged a glance, which said, "Let us keep -on our guard." They also fell back a few paces, as if accidentally, -and drew nearer together, in order to be ready at the first suspicious -sign; for they knew the perfidy of the men among whom they were, -and expected anything from them. The Indian sent off by the Chief -re-entered the clearing at this moment. He had been absent hardly ten -minutes. - -"Well?" Red Wolf asked him. - -"It is true," the Indian answered, laconically. - -The sachem's face was overclouded; he felt certain then that Brighteye -had not deceived him; for the man he had sent out of the camp had -been ordered by him to assure himself whether the fires of a party of -white men could be really seen a short distance off; his emissary's -reply proved to him that no treachery could be possible, that he must -continue to feign kindly feelings, and separate on proper terms from -the troublesome guests, whom he would have liked so much to be rid of -in a very different manner. At his order the horses were unhobbled, and -the warriors mounted. - -"Day is approaching," he said; "the moon has again entered the great -mountain. I am about to start with my young men. May the Wacondah -protect my pale brothers!" - -"Thank you, Chief," Marksman answered. "But will you not come with us?" - -"We are not following the same path," the Chief replied drily, as he -let his horse go. - -"That is probable, accursed dog!" Brighteye growled between his teeth. - -The whole band started at full speed, and disappeared in the gloom. -Soon the sound of their horses' hoofs could no longer be heard, as they -became mingled in the distance with those thousand sounds, coming from -no apparent cause, which incessantly trouble the majestic silence of -the desert. - -The hunters were alone. Like the Augurs of ancient Rome, who could not -look at each other without laughing, little was needed for the hunters -to burst into a loud burst of delight after the hurried departure of -the Apaches. At a signal from Marksman, Flying Eagle and Eglantine -came to join the wood rangers, who had already seated themselves -unceremoniously at the fire of which they had so cleverly dispossessed -their enemies. - -"Hum!" Brighteye said, as he charged his pipe, "I shall laugh for a -long time at this trick; it is almost as good as the one I played the -Pawnees in 1827, on the Upper Arkansas. I was very young at that time; -I had been traversing the prairie for only a few years, and was not, as -I now am, accustomed to Indian devilries; I remember that--" - -"By what accident did I meet you here, Brighteye?" his friend asked, -hastily interrupting him. - -Marksman knew that so soon as Brighteye began a story, no power on -earth would stop him. The worthy man, during the course of a long and -varied career, had seen and done so many extraordinary things, that -the slightest event which occurred to him, or of which he was merely -a witness, immediately became an excuse for one of his interminable -stories. His friends, who knew his weakness, felt no hesitation about -interrupting him; still we must do Brighteye the justice of saying that -he was never angry with his disturbers; for ten minutes later he would -begin another story, which they as mercilessly interrupted in a similar -way. - -To Marksman's question, he replied,--"We will talk, and I will tell you -that." Then, turning to Domingo, he said,--"My friend, I thank you for -the assistance you have given us. Return to the camp, and do not forget -your promise. Above all, do not omit to narrate all you have seen, -to--you know who!" - -"That is agreed, old hunter. Don't be uneasy. Good-bye." - -"Here's luck." - -Domingo threw his rifle over his shoulder, lit his pipe, and walked in -the direction of the camp, where he arrived an hour later. - -"There," Marksman said, "now I believe nothing will prevent your going -ahead." - -"Yes; one thing, my friend." - -"What is it?" - -"The night is nearly spent; it has been fatiguing to everybody. -I presume that two or three hours' sleep are necessary, if not -indispensable, especially as we are in no hurry." - -"Tell me only one thing first, and then I will let you sleep as long as -you please." - -"What is it?" - -"How you happened so fortunately to come to my aid." - -"Confound it! That is exactly what I was afraid of. Your question -obliges me to enter into details far too long for me to be able to -satisfy you at this moment." - -"The truth is, my friend, that, in spite of the lively desire I feel to -spend a few days with you, I am compelled to leave you at sunrise." - -"Nonsense! It is not possible." - -"It is, indeed." - -"But what is your hurry?" - -"I have engaged myself as scout with a caravan, which I have given the -meeting at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, at the Del Rubio ford. That -appointment has been made for the last two months. You know that an -engagement is sacred with us hunters, and you would not like to make me -break my word!" - -"Not for the hides of all the buffalos killed every year on the -prairie. Towards what part of the Far West will you guide these men?" - -"I shall know that tomorrow." - -"And with what sort of people have you to do? Are they Spaniards, or -Gringos?" - -"On my word, I fancy they are Mexicans. Their chief's name, I think, is -Don Miguel Ortega, or something like it." - -"Hallo!" Brighteye exclaimed, with a start of surprise; "what's that -you said?" - -"Don Miguel Ortega. I may be mistaken, but I hardly think so." - -"That is strange," the old hunter said, as if speaking to himself. - -"I do not see anything strange in it; the name appears to me common -enough." - -"To you, possibly. And you have made an agreement with him?" - -"Signed and sealed." - -"As scout?" - -"Yes, I say, a thousand times." - -"Well, comfort yourself, Marksman; we have many a long day to spend -together." - -"Do you belong to his party?" - -"Heaven forbid!" - -"Then, I don't understand anything." - -Brighteye seemed to be reflecting seriously for a few moments; then he -turned to his friend, and said,-- - -"Listen to me, Marksman! So surely as you are my oldest friend, I do -not wish to see you going to the deuce your own road. I must give you -certain information, which will be indispensable to you in doing your -duty properly. I see that we shall not sleep this night, so listen to -me attentively. What you are about to hear is worth the trouble." - -Marksman, startled by the old hunter's solemn accent, looked at him -anxiously. "Speak!" he said to him. - -Brighteye collected his thoughts for a moment, and then took the word, -beginning a long history, to which his audience listened with a degree -of interest and attention which increased with every moment; for never, -till that day, had they heard the narrative of events so strange and -extraordinary. - -The sun had risen for a long time, but the hunter was still talking. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A DARK HISTORY. - - -Freed from all the observations, more or less pertinent, with which -it pleased the prolix hunter to embellish it, the following is the -remarkable story the Canadian told his hearers. This narrative is so -closely connected with our story, that we are compelled to repeat it in -all its details:-- - -"Few cities offer a more enchanting appearance than Mexico. The -ancient capital of the Aztecs lies stretched out, slothful and idle -as a Creole maid, half veiled by the thick curtain of lofty willows -which border at a distance the canals and roads. Built at exactly -equal distance from two oceans, at about 7,500 feet above their level, -or at the same height as the hospice of St. Bernard, this city, -however, enjoys a delicious tempered climate, between two magnificent -mountains--Popocatepetl, or the burning mountain, and Intaczehuatl, or -the white woman--whose rugged peaks, covered with eternal snows, are -lost in the clouds. The stranger who arrives before Mexico at sunset, -by the eastern road--one of the four great ways that lead to the City -of the Aztecs, and the only one now remaining isolated in the middle -of the waters of Lake Tezcuco, on which it is built--experiences, at -the first sight of this city, a strange emotion, for which he cannot -account. The Moorish architecture of the edifices; the houses painted -of bright colours; the numberless domes of churches and convents which -rise above the azoteas, and cover--if we may use the expression--the -entire capital with their vast yellow, blue, and red parasols, gilded -by the parching rays of the declining sun; the warm and perfumed -evening breeze which comes sporting through the leaf-laden branches; -all this combines to give Mexico a perfectly Eastern air, which -astonishes and seduces at the same time. Mexico, entirely burnt down by -Fernando Cortez, was rebuilt by that conqueror after the original plan; -all the streets intersect at right angles, and lead to the Plaza Mayor -by five principal arteries." - -"All Spanish towns in the New World have this in common--that, in -all, the Plaza Mayor is built after the same plan. Thus, at Mexico, -on one side are the Cathedral and the Sagrario; on the second, the -Palace of the President of the Republic, containing the ministerial -offices--four in number, barracks, a prison, &c.; on the third side -is the Ayuntamiento; while the fourth is occupied by two bazaars--the -Parián, and the Portal de los Flores." - -"On July 10, 1854, at ten of the night, after a torrid heat, which -compelled the inhabitants to shut themselves up in their houses -the whole day through, the breeze rose and refreshed the air, and -everybody, mounted on the flower-covered azoteas, which make them -resemble hanging gardens, hastened to enjoy that serene placidity -of American evenings, which seems to rain stars from the azure sky. -The streets and square were thronged with promenaders; there was an -inextricable throng of foot passengers, horsemen, men, women, Indians -and their squaws, where the rags, silk and gold were arranged in the -quaintest manner, in the midst of cries, jests, and merry bursts of -laughter. In a word, Mexico, like the enchanted city of the Arabian -Nights, seemed to have been aroused by the bell of Oración from a -centennial sleep--such joy did all faces display, and so happy did all -seem to inhale the fresh air." - -"At this moment, a non-commissioned officer, who could be easily -recognised as such by the vine stick he held in his hand, turned out -of the Calle San Francisco, and mingled with the crowd that thronged -the Plaza Mayor, giving himself all the airs peculiar to soldiers -in all parts of the world. He was a young man, of elegant features, -haughty glance, and his slight moustache was coquettishly turned up. -After walking round the square two or three times, ogling maidens and -elbowing the men, he approached, with the same careless air he had -displayed from the beginning, a shop built against one of the portales, -in which an old man with a ferret-face and cunning look was shutting up -in the drawers of a poor table, stained with a countless number of ink -spots, paper, pens, sand, and envelopes--in a word, all the articles -requisite for the profession of a public writer--the trade which the -little old man really carried on, as could be seen from a board hung -over the door of his shop, on which was written, in white letters on a -black ground,--_Juan Battista Leporello, Evangelista_. The sergeant -looked for a few seconds through the panes, which were covered with -specimens of calligraphy, and then, doubtless satisfied with what he -saw, he tapped thrice with his stick on the door." - -"A chain was moved in the interior; the soldier heard a key turned in -the lock, then the door opened slightly, and the evangelista thrust his -head out timidly." - -"'Ah, 'tis you, Don Annibal! _Dios me ampare_. I did not expect you so -soon,' he said, in that cringing tone which some men employ when they -feel themselves in the hands of a man stronger than themselves." - -"'_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ play the innocent, old coyote,' the sergeant -replied roughly, 'who but I would dare to set foot in your accursed -den?'" - -"The evangelista shrugged his shoulders with a grin, and pushed his -silver spectacles with their round glasses up on his forehead." - -"'Eh, eh,' he said, coughing mysteriously, 'many people have recourse -to my good offices, my young Springold.'" - -"'It is possible,' the soldier answered, thrusting him rudely back, and -entering the shop. 'I pity them for falling into the hands of an old -bird of prey like you; but it is not that which brings me here.'" - -"'Perhaps it would be better for both you and me, if your visits had -another motive from the one that brings you here!' the evangelista -remarked, timidly." - -"'Truce to your sermons; shut the door, fasten the shutters, so that no -one can see us from the street, and let us talk, for we have no time to -lose.'" - -"The old man made no reply; he at once set about closing the shutters, -which at night protected his shop from the assaults of the rateros, -with a celerity for which no one would have given him credit; then he -sat down by his visitor's side, after carefully bolting the door." - -"These two men, seen thus by the light of a smoky candle, offered a -striking contrast; one young, handsome, strong, and daring; the other -old, broken, and hypocritical: both taking side glances at each other, -full of a strange expression, and with an apparent cordiality, which -probably hid a deep hatred, talking in a low voice ear to ear, they -resembled two demons conspiring the ruin of an angel." - -"The soldier was the first to speak, in a tone hardly above his breath, -so much did he seem to fear being overheard." - -"'Look you, Tío Leporello,' he said, 'let us come to an understanding; -the half hour has just struck at the Sagrario, so speak; what have you -learnt new?'" - -"'Hum!' the other said, 'not much that is interesting.'" - -"The soldier flashed a suspicious glance at him, and appeared to be -reflecting." - -"'That is true,' he said, at the end of a moment, 'I did not think of -that; where could my head be?'" - -"He drew from the breast pocket of his uniform a purse tolerably well -filled, through the meshes of which glistened sundry ounces, and then a -long navaja, which he opened and placed on the table near him. The old -man trembled at the sight of the sharpened blade, whose blue steel sent -forth sinister rays; the soldier opened the purse, and poured forth -the pieces in a joyous cascade before him. The evangelista immediately -forgot the knife, only to attend to the gold, attracted involuntarily -by the trinkling of the metal, as by an irresistible magnet." - -"The soldier had done all we have just described with the coolness of a -man who knows that he has unfailing arguments in his possession." - -"'Then,' he said, 'rake up your memory, old demon, if you do not wish -my navaja to teach you with whom you have to deal, in case you have -forgotten.'" - -"The evangelista smiled pleasantly, while looking covetously at the -ounces. 'I know too well what I owe you, Don Annibal,' he said, 'not to -try to satisfy you by all the means in my power.'" - -"'A truce to your unnecessary and hypocritical compliments, old ape, -and come to facts. Take this first, it will encourage you to be -sincere.'" - -"He placed several ounces in his hand, which the evangelista disposed -of with such sleight of hand, that it was impossible for the soldier to -know where they had gone." - -"'You are generous, Don Annibal--that will bring you good fortune.'" - -"'Go on; I want facts.'" - -"'I am coming to them.'" - -"'I am listening.'" - -"And the sergeant leaned his elbows on the table, in the position of a -man preparing to listen, while the evangelista coughed, spat, and by -an old habit of prudence, though alone with the sergeant in his shop, -looked round him suspiciously." - -"The sounds on the Plaza Mayor had died out one after the other; the -crowd had dispersed in every direction, and returned to their houses, -and the greatest silence prevailed outside; at this moment eleven -o'clock struck slowly from the Cathedral, and the two men started -involuntarily at the mournful sounds of the clock; the serenos chanted -the hour in their drawling, drunken voice; then all was quiet." - -"'Will you speak, yes or no?' the soldier suddenly said, with a -menacing accent." - -"The evangelista bounded on his butaca, as if aroused from sleep, and -passed his hand several times over his forehead. 'I am beginning,' he -said in a humble voice." - -"'That is lucky,' the other remarked, coarsely." - -"'You must know, then----but,' he observed, suddenly interrupting -himself, 'must I enter into all the details?'" - -"'_Demonios!_' the soldier exclaimed, passionately, 'let us have an -end of this once for all; you know I want to have the most complete -information; _Canarios!_ do not play with me like a cat with a mouse; -old man, I warn you, that game will be dangerous for you.'" - -"'Well, this morning, I had just settled myself in my office; I was -arranging my papers and mending my pens, when I heard a discreet tap at -the door; I rose and went to open it; it was a young and lovely lady, -as far as I could judge, for she was _embossed_ in her black mantilla, -so as not to be seen.'" - -"'Then it was not the woman who has come to you every day for a month?' -the soldier interrupted." - -"'Yes; but as you have doubtlessly remarked, on each of her visits, she -is careful to change her dress, in order to prevent my recognizing her; -but, in spite of these precautions, I have been too long accustomed to -ladies' tricks to allow myself to be deceived, and I recognized her by -the first glance that shot from her black eye.'" - -"'Very good: go on.'" - -"'She stood for a moment before me in silence, playing with her -fan, with an air of embarrassment. I offered her a chair politely, -pretending not to recognize her, and asking her how I could be of -service to her.' 'Oh,' she answered me, with a petulant voice, 'I want -a very simple matter.' 'Speak, señorita; if it is connected with my -profession, believe me, I shall make a point of obeying you.' 'Should -I have come, had it not been so?' she replied; 'but are you a man who -can be trusted?' and while saying this, she fixed on me a searching -glance. I drew myself up, and replied in my most serious tone, as I -laid my hand on my heart--'An evangelista is a confessor; all secrets -die in his breast.' She then drew a paper from the pocket of her saga, -and turned it about in her fingers, but suddenly began laughing, as -she said, 'How foolish I am, I make a mystery of a trifle; besides, at -this moment you are only a machine, as you will not understand what you -write.' I bowed at all hazards, expecting some diabolical combination, -like those she has brought to me every day for a month.'" - -"'A truce to reflections,' the sergeant interrupted." - -"'She gave me the paper,' the evangelista continued, 'and, as was -arranged between you and me, I took a sheet of paper, which I laid -upon another prepared beforehand, and blackened on one side, so that -the words I wrote on my papers were reproduced by the black page on -another--the poor Niña not in the least suspecting it. After all, -the letter was not long, only two or three lines; but, may I be sent -to purgatory,' he added, crossing himself piously, 'if I understood -a syllable of the horrible gibberish I copied: it was doubtlessly -Morisco.'" - -"'Afterwards?'" - -"'I folded up the paper in the shape of a letter, and addressed it.'" - -"'Ah, ah!' the soldier said, with interest, 'that is the first time.'" - -"'Yes, but the information will not be of much use to you.'" - -"'Perhaps:--what was the address?'" - -"'Z. p. v. 2, calle S. P. Z.'" - -"'Hum!' the soldier said, thoughtfully; 'that is certainly rather -vague. What next?'" - -"'Then she went away, after giving me a gold ounce.'" - -"'She is generous.'" - -"'Pore Niña!' the evangelista said, laying his hooked fingers over his -dry eyes, with an air of tenderness." - -"'Enough of that mummery, which I do not believe. Is that all she said -to you?'" - -"'Nearly so,' the other said, with hesitation." - -"The sergeant looked at him. 'Is there anything else?' he remarked, as -he threw him several gold coins, which the evangelista disposed of at -once." - -"'Almost nothing.'" - -"'You had better tell me, Tío Leporello, for, as an evangelista, you -know that the reason why letters are written, is generally found in the -postscript.'" - -"'On leaving my office, the señorita made a sign to a _providencia_ -which was passing. The carriage stopped, and though the niña spoke in -a very low voice, I heard her say to the driver, 'To the convent of the -Bernardines.'" - -"The sergeant gave an almost imperceptible start." - -"'Hum!' he said, with an indifferent air, perfectly well assumed; 'that -address does not mean much. Now give me the paper.'" - -"The evangelista fumbled in his drawer, and drew from it a sheet of -white paper, on which a few almost illegible words were written. So -soon as the soldier had the paper in his hands he eagerly perused it; -it appeared to have a great interest for him, for he turned visibly -pale, and a convulsive tremor passed over his limbs; but he recovered -himself almost immediately." - -"'It is well,' he said, as he tore up the paper into imperceptible -fragments; 'here's for you.'" - -"And he threw a fresh handful of ounces on the table." - -"'Thanks, caballero,' Tío Leporello exclaimed, as he bounded greedily -on the precious metal." - -"An ironical smile played round the soldier's lips, and, taking -advantage of the old man's position, as he leant over the table to -collect the gold, he raised his knife, and buried it to the hilt -between the evangelista's shoulders. The blow was dealt so truly, -and with such a firm hand, that the old man fell like a log, without -uttering a sigh or giving a cry. The soldier regarded him for a moment -coldly and apathetically, then, reassured by the immobility of his -victim, whom he believed dead,--" - -"'Come,' he muttered, 'that is all the better; at any rate, he will not -speak in that way.'" - -"After this philosophical funeral oration, the assassin tranquilly -wiped his knife, picked up the gold, put out the candle, opened the -door, closed it carefully after him, and walked off with the steady, -though somewhat hasty step of a belated traveller hurrying to his home." - -"The Plaza Mayor was deserted." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A DARK HISIORY CONTINUED. - - -"Ancient Mexico was traversed by canals, like Venice, or, to speak more -correctly, like Dutch towns, for generally in all the streets there -was a path between the canal and the houses. At the present day, when -all the streets are paved, and the canals have disappeared save in one -quarter of the city, it is difficult to understand how Cervantes, in -one of his novels, could compare Venice with Mexico; but if the canals -are no longer visible, they still exist underground; and in certain low -quarters, where they have been converted into drains, they manifest -their presence by the foetid odours which they exhale, or by the heaps -of filth and stagnant water." - -"The sergeant, after so skilfully settling accounts with the hapless -evangelista, crossed the Plaza, and entered the Calle de la Monterilla." - -"He walked for a long time along the streets with the same quiet step -he had adopted on leaving the evangelista's stall. At length, after -about twenty minutes' walk through deserted streets and gloomy lanes, -whose miserable appearance became with every step more menacing, he -stopped before a house of more than suspicious aspect, above the door -of which a flaring candle burned behind _un retablo de las animas -veneritas;_ the windows of the house were lit up, and on the azotea the -watchdogs were mournfully baying the moon. The sergeant tapped twice -on the door of this sinister abode with his vine stick." - -"It was a long time ere he was answered. The shouts and singing -suddenly ceased in the inside: at length the soldier heard a heavy step -approaching; the door was partly opened--for everywhere in Mexico an -iron chain is put up at night--and a drunken voice said harshly,--" - -"'_¿Quién es?_ (Who's there?)'" - -"'Gente de paz,' the sergeant answered." - -"'Hum! it is very late to run about the _tuna_ and enter the vilaio,' -the other remarked, apparently reflecting." - -"'I do not wish to enter.'" - -"'Then what the deuce do you want?'" - -"'_Pan y sal por los Caballeros errantes,'_[1] the sergeant answered, -in a tone of authority, and placing himself so that the moonbeams -should fall on his face." - -"The man fell back, uttering an exclamation of surprise." - -"'_¡Valga me Dios!_ señor Don Torribio!' he exclaimed, with an accent -of profound respect; 'who could have recognized your Excellency under -that wretched dress? Come in! come in! they are waiting impatiently for -you.'" - -"And the man, who had become as obsequious as he had been insolent a -few moments previously, hastened to undo the chain, and threw the door -wide open." - -"'It is unnecessary, Pepito,' the soldier continued, 'I repeat to you -that I shall not come in. How many are there?'" - -"'Twenty, Excellency.'" - -"'Armed?'" - -"'Completely.'" - -"'Let them come down directly. I will wait for them here. Go, my son, -time presses.'" - -"'And you? Excellency,'" - -"'You will bring me a hat, an esclavina, my sword and pistols. Come, -make haste!'" - -"Pepito did not let the order be repeated. Leaving the door open, he -ran off. A few minutes after, some twenty bandits, armed to the teeth, -rushed into the street, jostling one another. On coming up to the -soldier, they saluted respectfully, and, at a sign from him, remained -motionless and silent." - -"Pepito had brought the articles demanded by the man whom the -evangelista called Don Annibal, himself Don Torribio, and who, -probably, had several other names, although we will keep temporarily to -the latter." - -"'Are the horses ready?' Don Torribio asked, as he concealed his -uniform under the esclavina, and placed in his girdle a long rapier and -a pair of double-barrelled pistols." - -"'Yes, Excellency,' Pepito answered, hat in hand." - -"'Good, my son. You will bring them to the spot I told you; but as it -is forbidden to go about the streets on horseback by night, you will -pay attention to the celadores and serenos.'" - -"All the bandits burst into a laugh at this singular recommendation." - -"'There,' Don Torribio continued, as he put on a broad brimmed hat, -which Pepito had brought him with the other things, 'that is all right; -we can now start. Listen to me attentively, Caballeros!'" - -"The leperos and other scoundrels who composed the audience, flattered -by being treated as caballeros, drew nearer to Don Torribio, in order -to hear his instructions. The latter continued,--" - -"'Twenty men, marching, in a troop, through the streets of the city -would, doubtless, arouse the susceptibility and suspicions of the -police agents; we must employ the greatest prudence, and, above all, -the utmost secrecy in order to succeed in the expedition for which I -have collected you. You will, therefore, separate, and go one by one -under the walls of the convent of the Bernardines; on arriving there, -you will conceal yourselves as well as you can, and not stir without my -orders. Above all, no disputes, no quarrelling. You have understood me -clearly?'" - -"'Yes, Excellency,' the bandits answered, unanimously." - -"'Very good. Be off, then, for you must reach the convent in a quarter -of an hour.'" - -"The bandits dispersed in every direction with the rapidity of a flock -of buzzards. Two minutes later they had disappeared round the corners -of the nearest streets. Pepito alone remained." - -"'And I?' he respectfully asked Don Torribio. 'Do you not wish, -Excellency, for me to accompany you? I should be very bored if I -remained here alone.'" - -"'I should be glad enough to take you with me; but who would get the -horses ready if you went with me?'" - -"'That is true. I did not think of it.'" - -"'But do not be alarmed, Muchacho, if I succeed as I hope, you shall -soon come with me.'" - -"Pepito, completely reassured by this promise, bowed respectfully to -the mysterious man, who seemed to be his chief, and re-entered his -house, carefully closing the door after him." - -"Don Torribio, when left alone, remained for several seconds plunged -in deep thought. At length he raised his head, drew his hat over his -eyes, carefully wrapped himself in his esclavina, and walked off -hurriedly, muttering, 'Shall I succeed?'" - -"A question which no one, not even himself, could have answered." - -"The convent of the Bernardines stands in one of the handsomest -quarters of Mexico, not far from the Paseo de Bernardo, the fashionable -promenade. It is a vast edifice, built entirely of hewn stone, which -dates from the rebuilding of the city after the conquest, and was -founded by Fernando Cortez himself. Its general appearance is imposing -and majestic, like all Spanish convents; it is almost a small city -within a large one, for it contains all that can be agreeable and -useful for life--a church, a hospital, a laundry, a large kitchen -garden, and a well-laid out flower garden, which offers pleasant shade, -reserved for the exercise of the nuns. There are wide cloisters, -decorated with grand pictures by good masters, representing scenes in -the life of the Virgin, and of St. Bernard, to whom the convent is -dedicated; these cloisters, bordered by circular galleries, out of -which the cells of the nuns open, enclose sandy courts, adorned with -pieces of water, in which fountains refresh the air at the burning -midday hour. The cells are charming retreats, in which nothing that can -promote comfort is wanting: a bed; two butacas covered with prepared -Cordovan leather, a _prie Dieu_, a small toilet table, in the drawer -of which you are sure to find a looking-glass, and several holy -pictures, occupy the principal space. In a corner of the room may be -seen, between a guitar and a scourge, a statue of the Virgin, of wood -or alabaster, wearing a coronal of white roses, before which a lamp -is continually burning. Such is the furniture which, with but few -exceptions, you are certain to find in the nuns' cells." - -"The convent of the Bernardines contained, at the period when our story -is laid, one hundred and fifty nuns, and about sixty novices. In this -country of toleration, it is rare to see nuns cloistered. The sisters -can go into town, pay and receive visits; the regulations are extremely -mild, and, with the exception of the offices, at which they are bound -to be present with great punctuality, the nuns, when they have entered -their cells, are almost at liberty to do as they please, nobody taking -the trouble, or seeming to do so, of watching them." - -"We have described the convent cells, which are all alike; but that of -the Mother Superior merits a particular description. Nothing could be -more luxurious, more religious, and yet more worldly, than its general -appearance. It was an immense square room, with large Gothic windows, -with small panes set in lead, upon which sacred subjects were painted -with admirable finish and admirable touch. The walls were covered -with long, stamped, and gilded hangings of Cordovan leather, while -valuable pictures, representing the principal events in the life of -the patron saint of the convent, were arranged with that symmetry and -taste only to be met with in people belonging to the Church. Between -the pictures hung a magnificent Virgin, by Raphael, before which was -an altar. A silver lamp, full of perfumed oil, hung from the ceiling, -and burnt night and day before the altar, which thick damask curtains -hid, when thought proper. The furniture consisted of a large Chinese -screen, concealing the couch of the abbess,--a simple frame of carved -oak, surrounded by white gauze mosquito curtains. A square table, also -of oak, on which were a few books and a desk, occupied the centre of -the room; in a corner a vast library, containing books on religious -subjects, and displaying the rich bindings of rare and precious works -through the glass doors, a few butacas and chairs, with twisted feet, -were arranged against the wall. Lastly, a silver brazier, filled with -olive kernels, stood opposite a superb coffer, the chasing of which was -a masterpiece of the Renaissance." - -"During the day, the light, filtered through the coloured glass, spread -but a gentle and mystic radiance around, which caused the visitor to -experience a feeling of respect and devotion, by giving this vast -apartment a stern and almost mournful aspect." - -"At the moment when we introduce the reader into this cell, that is -to say, a few moments prior to the scene we have just described, the -abbess was seated in a large straight-backed easy chair, which was -surmounted by an abbatical crown, while the cushion of gilt leather was -adorned with a double fringe of silk and gold." - -"The abbess was a little, plump woman, of about sixty years of age, -whose features would have appeared unmeaning, had it not been for the -bright and piercing glance that shot, like a jet of lava, from her grey -eyes, when a violent emotion agitated her. She held in her hand an open -book, and seemed plunged in profound meditation." - -"The door of the cell opened gently, and a girl, dressed in the -novice's robe, advanced timidly, scarce grazing the floor with her -light and hesitating foot. She stopped in front of the easy chair, and -waited silently till the abbess raised her eyes to her." - -"'Ah! it is you, my child,' the Mother Superior at length said, -noticing the novice's presence; 'come hither.'" - -"The latter advanced a few paces nearer." - -"'Why did you go out this morning without asking my permission?'" - -"On hearing these words, which the maiden, however, must have expected, -she turned pale, and stammered a few unintelligible words." - -"The abbess continued, in a stern voice:--" - -"'Take care, Niña! although you are still a novice, and will not take -the veil for several months, like all your companions, you are under my -authority--mine alone.'" - -"These words were spoken with an intonation which made the maiden -tremble." - -"'I Holy mother!' she murmured." - -"'You were the intimate friend, almost the sister, of that young fool -whom her resistance to our sovereign will snapped asunder like a reed, -and who died this morning.'" - -"'Do you really believe that she is dead, mother?' the girl answered -timidly, and in a voice interrupted by grief." - -"'Who doubts it?' the abbess exclaimed, violently, as she half rose in -her chair, and fixed a viper's glance on the poor child." - -"'No one, madam, no one,' she said, falling back with terror." - -"'Were you not, like the other members of the community,' the abbess -continued, with a terrible accent, 'present at her funeral? Did you not -hear the prayers uttered over her coffin?'" - -"'It is true, my mother!'" - -"'Did you not see her body lowered into the convent vaults, and the -tombstone laid over it, which the angel of divine justice can alone -raise at the day of judgment? Say, were you not present at this sad -and terrible ceremony? Would you dare to assert that this did not take -place, and that the wretched creature still lives, whom God suddenly -smote in his wrath, that she might serve as a warning to those whom -Satan impels to revolt?'" - -"'Pardon, holy mother, pardon! I saw what you say. I was present at -Doña Laura's interment. Alas! doubt is no longer possible; she is -really dead!'" - -"While uttering the last words, the maiden could not restrain her -tears, which flowed copiously. The abbess surveyed her with a -suspicious air." - -"'It is well,' she said; 'you can retire: but I repeat to you, take -care; I know that a spirit of revolt has seized on your heart as well, -and I shall watch you.'" - -"The maiden bowed humbly to the Mother Superior, and moved as if to -obey the order she had received." - -"At this moment a terrible disturbance was heard. Cries of terror and -threats reechoed in the corridor, and the hurried steps of a tumultuous -crowd could be heard rapidly approaching." - -"'What is the meaning of this?' the abbess asked with terror; 'What is -this noise?'" - -"She rose in agitation, and walked with tottering step toward the door -of the cell, on which repeated blows were being struck." - -"'Oh, heavens!' the novice murmured, as she turned a suppliant glance -toward the statue of the Virgin, which seemed to smile on her; 'Have -our liberators at length arrived?'" - - * * * * * - -"We will return to Don Torribio, whom we left walking with his -companions toward the convent." - -"As tad been arranged between himself and his accomplices, the young -man found all the band collected under the convent walls. Along the -streets the bandits, not to be disturbed by the serenos, had tied and -gagged them and carried them off, as they met them, separately. Thanks -to this skilful manoeuvre, they reached their destination without -hindrance. Twelve serenos were captured in this way: and, on reaching -the convent, Don Torribio gave orders for them to be laid one atop of -the other at the foot of the wall." - -"Then, drawing from his pocket a velvet mask, he covered his face with -it (a precaution imitated by his comrades), and, approaching a wretched -hut which stood a short distance off, he stove in the door with his -shoulder. The owner rose up, frightened and half dressed, to inquire -the meaning of this unusual mode of rapping at his door; but the poor -fellow fell back with a cry of terror on perceiving the masked men -assembled before his door. Don Torribio, being in a hurry, commenced -the conversation by going straight to the subject matter:--'_Buenas -noches_ Tío Salado. I am delighted to see you in good health,' he said -to him." - -"The other answered, not knowing exactly what he said,--" - -"'I thank you, Caballero. You are too kind.'" - -"'Make haste! get your cloak, and come with us.'" - -"'I?' Salado said, with a start of terror." - -"'Yourself.'" - -"'But how can I be of service to you?'" - -"'I will tell you. I know that you are highly respected at the convent -of the Bernardines--in the first place as a pulquero; and, secondly, as -_hombre de bien y religioso._'" - -"'Oh! oh! to a certain extent,' the pulquero answered, evasively." - -"'No false modesty. I know you have the power to get the gates of that -house opened when you please; it is for that reason I invite you to -accompany us.'" - -"'_¡Maria Purísima!_ What are you thinking of, Caballero' the poor -fellow exclaimed, with terror." - -"'No remarks! Make haste! or, by Nuestra señora del Carmen, I will burn -your rookery.'" - -"'A hollow groan issued from Salado's chest; but, after taking one -despairing glance at the black masks that surrounded him, he prepared -to obey. From the pulquería to the convent was only a few paces--they -were soon passed, and Don Torribio turned to his prisoner, who was more -dead than alive." - -"'There, _compadre_,' he said, distinctly, 'we have arrived. It is now -your place to get the door opened for us.'" - -"'In heaven's name,' the pulquero exclaimed, making one last effort at -resistance, 'how do you expect me to set about it? You forget that I -have no means--'" - -"'Listen,' Don Torribio said, imperiously; 'you understand that I have -no time for discussion. You will either introduce us into the convent, -and this purse, which contains fifty ounces, is yours; or you refuse, -and in that case,' he added, coldly, as he drew a pistol from his -girdle, 'I blow out your brains with this.'" - -"A cold perspiration bedewed the pulquero's temples. He was too well -acquainted with the bandits of his country to insult them for a moment -by doubting their words." - -"'Well!' the other asked, as he cocked the pistol, 'have you -reflected?'" - -"'_Cáspita_, Caballero! Do not play with that thing. I will try.'" - -"'Here is the purse to sharpen your wits,' Don Torribio said." - -"The pulquero clutched it with a movement of joy, any idea of which it -is impossible to give; then he walked slowly towards the convent gate, -while cudgelling his brains for some way in which to earn the sum he -had received, without running any risk--a problem, we confess, of which -it was not easy to find the solution." - - -[1] Literally "Bread and salt for the knight-errants." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED. - - -"The pulquero at length decided on obedience. Suddenly a luminous -thought crossed his brain, and it was with a smile on his lips that -he lifted the knocker. At the moment he was going to let it fall, Don -Torribio caught his arm." - -"'What is the matter?' Salado asked." - -"'Eleven o'clock struck long ago; everybody must be asleep in the -convent, so perhaps it would be better to try another plan.'" - -"'You are mistaken, Caballero,' the pulquero answered; 'the portress is -awake.'" - -"'Are you sure of it?'" - -"'Caramba!' the other answered, who had formed his plan, and was afraid -he would be obliged to return the money, if his employé changed his -mind. 'The convent of the Bernardines is open day and night to persons -who come for medicines. Leave me to manage it.'" - -"'Go on, then,' the chief of the band said, letting loose his arm." - -"Salado did not allow the permission to be repeated, through fear -of a fresh objection, and he hastened to let go the knocker, which -resounded on a copper bolt. Don Torribio and his companions were -crouching under the wall." - -"In a moment the trapdoor was pushed back, and the wrinkled face of the -portress appeared." - -"'Who are you, my brother?' she asked, in a peevish, sleepy voice. 'Why -do you come at this late hour to tap at the gates of the convent?'" - -"'_Ave Maria purísima!_' Salado said, in his most nasal tone." - -"'_Sin pecado concebida_, my brother,--are you ill?'" - -"'I am a poor sinner, you know, sister; my soul is plunged in -affliction.'" - -"'Who are you, brother? I really believe that I can recognise your -voice; but the night is so dark, that I am unable to distinguish your -features.'" - -"'And I sincerely trust you will not see them,' Salado said, mentally; -then added, in a louder voice, 'I am Señor Templado, and keep a locanda -in the Calle Plateros.'" - -"'Ah! I remember you now, brother.'" - -"'I fancy that is biting,' the pulquero muttered." - -"'What do you desire, brother? Make haste to tell me, in the most holy -name of your Saviour!' she said, crossing herself devotedly, a movement -imitated by Salado; 'for the air is very cold, and I must continue my -orisons, which you have interrupted.'" - -"'Vulgo mi Dios! sister; my wife and two children are ill; the Reverend -Pater Guardian, of the Franciscans, urged me to come and ask you for -three bottles of your miraculous water.'" - -"We will observe, parenthetically, that every convent manufactures in -Mexico a so-called miraculous water, the receipt of which is carefully -kept secret; this water, we were told, cures all maladies--a miracle -which we were never in a position to test, for our part. We need hardly -say, that this universal panacea is sold at a very high rate, and -produces the best part of the community's revenue." - -"'Maria!' the old woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy at the -pulquero's large order. 'Three bottles!'" - -"'Yes, sister. I will also ask your permission to rest myself a little; -for I have come so quick, and the emotion produced by the illness of my -wife and children has so crushed me, that I find it difficult to keep -on my legs.'" - -"'Poor man!' the portress said, with pity." - -"'Oh! it would really be an act of charity, my sister.'" - -"'Señor Templado, please look around you, to make sure there is no one -in the street. We live in such wicked times, that a body cannot take -enough precautions.'" - -"'There is no one, my sister,' the pulquero answered, making the -bandits a sign to get ready." - -"'Then I will open.'" - -"'Heaven will reward you, my sister.'" - -"'Amen,' she said, piously." - -"The noise of a key turned in a lock could be heard, then the rumbling -of bolts, and the door opened." - -"'Come in quickly, brother,' the nun said." - -"But Salado had prudently withdrawn, and yielded his place to Don -Torribio. The latter rushed at the portress, not giving her time to -look round, seized her by the throat, and squeezed her windpipe as if -his hand were a vice." - -"'One word, sorceress,' he said to her, 'and I will kill you!'" - -"Terrified by this sudden attack from a man whose face was covered by a -black mask, the old woman fell back senseless." - -"'Devil take the old witch!' Don Torribio exclaimed, passionately; 'Who -will guide us now?'" - -"He tried to restore the portress to her senses, but soon perceiving -that he should not succeed, he made a sign to two of his men to tie -and gag her securely; then, after recommending them to stand sentry at -the door, he seized the bunch of keys entrusted to the nun, and began, -followed by his comrades, to find his way into the building inhabited -by the sisters. It was not an easy thing to discover, in this immense -Thebaïd, the cell occupied by the abbess, for it was that lady alone -whom Don Torribio wanted." - -"Now, to converse with the abbess, she must first be found, and it was -this that embarrassed the bandits, though masters of the place they had -seized by stratagem. At the moment, however, when they began to lose -all hopes, an incident, produced by their inopportune presence, came to -their aid." - -"The bandits had spread, like a torrent that had burst its dykes, -through the courts and cloisters, not troubling themselves in the least -as to the consequences their invasion might have for the convent; and, -shouting and cursing like demons, they appeared to wish to leave no -nook, however secret it might be, unvisited; but it is true that, in -acting thus, they only obeyed the orders of their chief." - -"The nuns, accustomed to calmness and silence, were soon aroused by -this disturbance, which they, for a moment, believed occasioned by an -earthquake; they rushed hurriedly from their beds, and, only half -dressed, went, like a flock of frightened doves, to seek shelter in the -cell of the abbess." - -"The Mother Superior, sharing the error of her nuns, had succeeded in -opening her door; and, collecting her flock around her, she walked -toward the spot whence the noise came, leaning majestically on her -abbatical cross." - -"Suddenly she perceived a band of masked demons, yelling, howling, and -brandishing weapons of every description. But, before she could utter -a cry, Don Torribio rushed toward her. 'No noise!' he said. 'We do not -wish to do you any harm; we have come, on the contrary, to repair that -which you have done.'" - -"Dumb with terror at the sight of so many masked men, the women stood -as if petrified." - -"'What do you want of me?' the Mother Superior stammered, in a -trembling voice." - -"'You shall know,' the Chief answered; and, turning to one of his men, -he said, 'the sulphur matches.'" - -"A bandit silently gave him what he asked for." - -"'Now listen to me attentively, Señora. Yesterday, a novice belonging -to your convent, who some days back refused to take the veil, died -suddenly.'" - -"The abbess looked around her with a commanding air, and then addressed -the man who was speaking to her." - -"'I do not know what you mean,' she replied boldly." - -"'Very good! I expected that answer. I will go on; this novice, -scarcely sixteen years of age, was Doña Laura de Acevedo del Real del -Monte; she belonged to one of the first families in the Republic. This -morning, her obsequies were performed, with all the ceremony employed -on such occasions, in the church of this convent; her body was then -lowered, with great pomp, into the vaults reserved for the burial of -the nuns.'" - -"He stopped, and fixed on the Mother Superior eyes that flashed through -his mask like lightning." - -"'I repeat to you that I do not know what you mean,' she replied -coldly." - -"'Ah, very good! Then listen to this, señora, and profit by it; for you -have fallen, I swear it, into the hands of men who will show you no -mercy, and will be moved neither by your tears nor your airs of grace, -if you compel them to proceed to extremities.'" - -"'You can do as you please,' the Mother Superior answered, still -perfectly collected. 'I am in your hands. I know that for the moment, -at least, I have no help to expect from any one; but Heaven will give -me strength to suffer martyrdom.'" - -"'Madam,' Don Torribio said with a grin, 'you are blaspheming, you -are wittingly committing a deadly sin; but no matter, that is your -business: this is mine. You will at once point out to me the entrance -of the vault, and the spot where Doña Laura is reposing. I have sworn -to carry off her body from here, no matter at what cost. I will -fulfil my oath, whatever may happen. If you consent to what I ask, my -companions and myself will retire, taking with us the body of the poor -deceased, but not touching a pin of the immense riches the convent -contains.'" - -"'And if I refuse?' she said, angrily." - -"'If you refuse,' he replied, laying a stress on each word, as if he -wished the lady addressed fully to understand them, 'the convent will -be sacked, these timid doves will become the prey of the demon.' He -added, with a gesture which made the nuns quiver with terror. 'And I -will apply to you a certain torture, which I do not doubt will loosen -your tongue.'" - -"The abbess smiled contemptuously." - -"'Begin with me,' she said." - -"'That is my intention. Come,' he added, in a rough voice, 'to work.'" - -"Two men stepped forward, and seized the Mother Superior; but she -made no attempt to defend herself. She remained motionless, seemingly -apathetic; still an almost imperceptible contraction of her eyebrows -evidenced the internal emotion she endured." - -"'Is that your last word, señora?' Don Torribio inquired." - -"'Do your duty, villains!' she replied, with disdain. 'Try to conquer -the will of an old woman.'" - -"'We are going to do so. Begin!' he ordered." - -"The two bandits prepared to obey their chief." - -"'Stay, in Heaven's name!' a maiden exclaimed, as she rushed bravely -before the Mother Superior, and repulsed the bandits." - -"It was the novice with whom the abbess was speaking at the moment the -convent was invaded. There was a moment of breathless hesitation." - -"'Be silent, I command you!' the abbess shrieked. 'Let me suffer. God -sees us!'" - -"'It is because He sees us that I will speak,' the maiden answered, -peremptorily; 'it is He who has sent these men I do not know, to -prevent a great crime. Follow me, Caballeros; you have not a moment to -lose; I will lead you to the vaults.'" - -"'Wretch!' the abbess cried, writhing furiously in the hands of the men -who held her. 'Wretch! my wrath will fall on you.'" - -"'I know it,' the maiden responded, sadly; 'but no personal -consideration will prevent my accomplishing a sacred duty.'" - -"'Gag that old wretch. We must finish our work,' the Chief commanded." - -"The order was immediately executed. In spite of her desperate -resistance, the Mother Superior was reduced to a state of impotence in -a few moments." - -"'One of you will guard her,' Don Torribio continued, 'and at the least -suspicious sign blow out her brains,' Then, changing his tone, he -addressed the novice, 'A thousand thanks, señorita! complete what you -have so well begun, and guide us to these terrible vaults.'" - -"'Come, Caballeros,' she answered, placing herself at their head." - -"The bandits, who had suddenly become quiet, followed her in silence, -with marks of the most profound respect. At a peremptory order from Don -Torribio, the nuns, now reassured, had dispersed and returned to their -cells." - -"While crossing the corridor, Don Torribio went up to the girl, and -whispered in her ear two or three words, which made her start." - -"'Fear nothing,' he added. 'I but wished to prove to you that I knew -all. I only desire, señorita, to be your most respectful and devoted -friend.'" - -"The maiden sighed, but made no reply." - -"'What will become of you afterwards? Alone in this convent, exposed -defencelessly to the hatred of this fury, who regards nothing as -sacred, you will soon take the place of her we are about to deliver. Is -it not better to follow her?'" - -"'Alas, poor Laura!' she muttered, hoarsely." - -"'Will you, who have done so much for her up to the present, abandon -her at this supreme moment, when your assistance and support will -become more than ever necessary to her? Are you not her foster sister? -her dearest friend? What prevents? You! an orphan from your earliest -youth, all your affections are concentrated on Laura. Answer me, Doña -Luisa, I conjure you!'" - -"The maiden gave a start of surprise, almost of terror." - -"'You know me!' she said." - -"'Have I not already said that I knew all? Come, my child, if not for -your own sake, then for hers, accompany her. Do not compel me to leave -you here in the hands of terrible enemies, who will inflict frightful -tortures on you.'" - -"'You wish it?' she stammered sadly." - -"'She begs you by my lips.'" - -"'Well, be it so; the sacrifice shall be complete. I will follow -you, though I know not whether, in doing so, I am acting rightly or -wrongly; but, although I do not know you, although a mask conceals your -features, I have faith in your words. You seem to have a noble heart, -and may heaven grant that I am not committing an error.'" - -"'It is the God of goodness and mercy who inspires you with this -resolution, poor child.'" - -"Doña Luisa let her head sink on her breast as she breathed a sigh that -resembled a sob." - -"They went onwards, side by side, without exchanging another word. The -party had left the cloisters, and were now crossing some unfinished -buildings, which did not seem to have been inhabited for many a long -year." - -"'Where are you leading us, then, Niña?' Don Torribio asked. 'I fancied -that in this convent, as in others, the vaults were under the chapel.'" - -"The maiden smiled sadly. 'I am not leading you to the vaults,' she -answered, in a trembling voice." - -"'Where to, then?'" - -"'To the _in pace!_'" - -"Don Torribio stifled an angry oath." - -"'Oh!' he muttered." - -"'The coffin that was lowered into the vaults this morning in the sight -of all,' Doña Luisa continued, 'really contained the body of my poor -Laura; it was impossible to do otherwise, owing to the custom which -demands that the dead should be buried in their clothes, and with -uncovered faces; but so soon as the crowd had departed, and the doors -of the chapel were closed on the congregation, the Mother Superior -had the tombstone removed again, the body brought up, and transferred -to the deepest _in pace_ of the convent. But here we are,' she said, -as she stopped and pointed to a large stone in the paved floor of the -apartment in which they were." - -"The scene had something mournful and striking about it. In the -deserted apartment the masked men were grouped around the maiden -dressed in white, and only illumined by the ruddy glare of the torches -they waved, bore a strange likeness to those mysterious judges who in -old times met in ruins to try kings and emperors." - -"'Raise the stone,' Don Torribio said, in a hollow voice." - -"After a few efforts the stone was raised, leaving open a dark gulf, -from which poured a blast of hot and foetid air. Don Torribio took a -torch, and bent over the orifice." - -"'Why,' he said, at the expiration of a moment, 'this vault is -deserted.'" - -"'Yes,' Doña Luisa answered, simply, 'she, whom you seek, is lower.'" - -"'What! lower?' he cried, with a movement of terror, which he could not -control." - -"'That vault is not deep enough; an accident might cause a discovery; -shrieks could be heard from outside. There are two other vaults like -this, built above each other. When, through any reason, the abbess has -resolved on the disappearance of a nun, and that she shall be cut off -for ever from the number of the living, the victim is let down into the -last cave, called _Hell!_ There all noise dies away; every sob remains -unechoed; every complaint is vain. Oh! the Inquisition managed matters -well; and it is so short a time since its rule ended in Mexico, that -some of its customs have been maintained in the convents. Seek lower, -Caballero, seek lower!'" - -"Don Torribio, at these words, felt a cold perspiration beading at the -roots of his hair. He believed himself a prey to a horrible nightmare. -Making a supreme effort to subdue the emotion that overpowered him, he -went down into the vault by means of a light ladder leaning against -one of the walls, and several of his comrades followed him. After some -searching, they discovered a stone like the first. Don Torribio plunged -a torch into the gulf." - -"'Empty!' he exclaimed, in horror." - -"'Lower, I tell you! Look lower,' Doña Luisa cried, in a gloomy voice, -who had remained on the edge of the topmost vault." - -"'What had this adorable creature done to them to endure such -martyrdom?' Don Torribio exclaimed, in his despair." - -"'Avarice and hatred are two terrible counsellors,' the maiden -answered; 'but make haste! make haste! every moment that passes is an -age for her who is waiting.'" - -"Don Torribio, a prey to incredible fury, began seeking the last vault. -After a few moments, his exertions were crowned with success. The -stone was scarce lifted, ere, paying no attention to the mephitic air -which rushed from the opening and almost extinguished his torch, he -bent over." - -"'I see her! I see her!' he said, with a cry more resembling a howl -than a human voice." - -"And, waiting no longer, without even calculating the height, he leaped -into the vault. A few moments later he returned to the hall, bearing in -his arms Doña Laura's inanimate body." - -"'Away, friends, away!' he exclaimed, addressing his companions; 'let -us not stay an instant longer in this den of wild beasts with human -faces!'" - -"At a sign from him, Doña Luisa was lifted in the arms of a sturdy -lepero, and all ran off in the direction of the cloisters. They soon -reached the cell of the Mother Superior. On seeing them, the abbess -made a violent effort to break her bonds, and writhed impotently like a -tiger, while flashing, at the men who had foiled her hideous projects, -glances full of hatred and rage." - -"'Wretch!' Don Torribio shouted, as he passed near her, and -disdainfully spurned her with his foot; 'be accursed! your chastisement -commences, for your victim escapes you.'" - -"By one of those efforts which only hatred which has reached its -paroxysm can render possible, the abbess succeeded in removing her gag -slightly." - -"Perhaps!' she yelled, in a voice which sounded like a knell in Don -Torribio's ears." - -"Overcome by this great effort, she fainted." - -"Five minutes after, there was no one in the convent beyond its usual -inmates." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN. - - -At this point in his narrative Brighteye stopped, and began, with a -thoughtful air, filling his Indian pipe with tobacco. - -There was a lengthened silence. His auditors, still under the influence -of this extraordinary influence, dared not venture any reflections. At -length Marksman raised his head. "That story is very dramatic and very -gloomy," he said, "but pardon my rude frankness, old and dear comrade, -it seems to me to have no reference to what is going on around us, and -the events in which we shall, probably, be called upon to be interested -spectators, if not actors." - -"In truth," Ruperto observed, "what do we wood rangers care for -adventures that happen in Mexico, or any other city of the _Tierras -Adentro_? We are here in the desert to hunt, trap, and thrash the -Redskins. Any other question can affect us but slightly." - -Brighteye tossed his head in a significant manner, and laid his pipe -mechanically by his side. - -"You are mistaken, comrades," he continued; "do you believe, then, that -I should have made you waste your time in listening to this long story, -if it did not possess an important reality for us?" - -"Explain yourself, then, my friend," Marksman observed, "for I honestly -confess that, for my part, I have understood nothing of what you have -been good enough to tell us." - -The old Canadian raised his head, and seemed, for a few moments, to be -calculating the sun's height. "It is half past six," he said; "you -have still more than sufficient time to reach the ford of the Rubio, -where the man is to wait, to whom you have engaged yourself as guide. -Listen to me, therefore, for I have not quite finished. Now that I have -told you the mystery, you must learn what has come out to clear it up." - -"Speak!" Marksman replied, in the tone of a man who is resolved to -listen through politeness to a story which he knows cannot interest him. - -Brighteye, not seeming to remark his friend's apathetic condescension, -went on in the following terms:--"You have remarked that Don Torribio -provided for everything with a degree of prudence which must keep off -any suspicion, and cover this adventure with an impenetrable veil. -Unfortunately for him, the evangelista was not killed. He could not -only speak, but show a copy of each of the letters he daily handed -to the young man--letters which the latter paid so dearly for, and -which, with that prudence innate in the Mexican race, he had previously -guarded, to employ, if needed, as a weapon against Don Torribio; or, -as was more probable, to avenge himself if he fell a victim to any -treachery. This was what happened:--The evangelista, found in a dying -state by an early customer, had strength enough to make a regular -declaration to the Juez de Lettras, and hand him the letters ere he -died. This assassination, taken in connection with the attack on the -serenos by a numerous band, and the invasion of the Convent of the -Bernardines, furnished a clue which the police begun following with -extreme tenacity; especially as the young lady whose body had been -so audaciously carried off had powerful relations, who, for certain -reasons known to themselves, would not let this crime pass unpunished, -and spent their gold profusely. It was soon learned that the bandits, -on leaving the convent, mounted horses brought by their confidants, and -started at full speed in the direction of the Presidios. The police -even succeeded in discovering one of the men who supplied the horses. -This individual, Pepito by name, bought over by the money offered -him, rather than frightened by threats, stated that he had sold to -Don Torribio Carvajal twenty-five post horses, to be delivered at the -Convent of the Bernardines at two o'clock in the morning. As these -horses were paid for in advance, he, Pepito, did not trouble himself -at all about the singularity of the spot, or of the hour. Don Torribio -and his companions had arrived, bearing with them two women, one of -whom appeared to have fainted, and immediately galloped off. The trail -of the ravishers was then followed to the Presidio de Tubar, where Don -Torribio allowed his party to rest for several days. There he purchased -a close palanquin, a field tent, and all the provisions necessary for a -lengthened journey in the desert, and one night suddenly disappeared, -with all his band, which was augmented by all the adventurers he could -pick up at the Presidio, no one being able to say in what direction -he had gone. This information, though vague, was sufficient up to a -certain point, and the relations of the young lady were continuing -their search." - -"I fancy I am beginning to see what you want to arrive at," Marksman -interrupted him; "but conclude your story; when you have finished, I -will make sundry observations, whose justice you will recognize, I am -sure." - -"I shall be delighted to hear them," Brighteye said, and went on:--"A -man who, twenty years ago, did me a rather important service, whom I -had not seen since, and whom I should assuredly not have recognized, -had he not told me his name--the only thing I had not forgotten--came -to me and my partner Ruperto, while we were at the Presidio de Tubar, -selling a few panther and tiger skins. This man told me what I have -just repeated to you: he added that he was a near relation of the young -lady, reminded me of the service he had rendered me--in a word, he -affected me so greatly, that I agreed to take vengeance on his enemy. -Two days later we took up the trail. For a man like myself, accustomed -to follow Indians' signs, it was child's play and I soon led him almost -into the Spanish caravan commanded by Don Miguel Ortega." - -"The other was called Don Torribio Carvajal." - -"Could he not have changed his name?" - -"For what good in the desert?" - -"In the consciousness that he would be pursued." - -"Then the relatives had a great interest in this pursuit?" - -"Don José told me he was the young lady's uncle, and felt a paternal -tenderness for her." - -"But I fancy she is dead, or at least you told me so, if I am not -mistaken." - -Brighteye scratched his ear. "That is the awkward part of the affair," -he said; "it seems she is not dead at all; on the contrary." - -"What!" Marksman exclaimed; "she is not dead! That uncle knows it, -then; it was by his consent that the poor creature was buried alive! -But, if that is the case, there must be some odious machination in the -business." - -"On my word, if I must confess it, I fear so too," the Canadian said, -in a hesitating voice. "Still, this man rendered me a great service. I -have no proof in support of my suspicions, and----" - -Marksman rose, and stood in front of the old hunter. "Brighteye," he -said to him, sternly; "we are fellow countrymen; we love each other -like brothers; for many long years we have slept side by side on the -prairie, sharing good fortune and ill between us, saving each other's -lives a hundred times, either in our struggles with wild beasts, or our -fights with the Indians--is it so?" - -"It is true, Marksman, it is true, and anyone who said the contrary -would lie," the hunter replied with emotion. - -"My friend, my brother, a great crime has been committed, or is on the -point of being committed. Let us watch--watch carefully; who knows -if we may not be the instruments chosen by Providence to unmask the -guilty, and cause the innocent to triumph? This Don José, you say, -wishes me to join you; well, I accept. Yourself, Ruperto, and I, will -go to the ford of the Rubio, and, believe me, my friend, now that I am -warned, I will discover the guilty party, whoever he may be." - -"I prefer things to be so," the hunter answered, simply. "I confess -that the strange position in which I found myself weighed heavily -upon me. I am only a poor hunter, and do not at all understand these -infamies of the cities." - -"You are an honest man, whose heart is just and mind upright. But -time is slipping away. Now that we are agreed as to our parts, and -understand one another, I believe we shall do well by starting." - -"I will go whenever you please." - -"One moment. Can you do without Ruperto for a little while?" - -"Yes." - -"What's the matter?" the latter asked. - -"You can do me a service." - -"Speak, Marksman, I am waiting." - -"No man can foresee the future. Perhaps, in a few days we shall need -allies on whom we may be able to count. These allies the Chief here -present will give us whenever we ask for them. Accompany him to his -village, Ruperto: and, so soon as he has arrived there, leave him, and -take up our trail--not positively joining us, but managing so that, if -necessary, we should know where to find you." - -"I have understood," the hunter said, laconically, as he rose. "All -right." - -Marksman turned to Flying Eagle, and explained what he wanted of him. - -"My brother saved Eglantine," the Chief answered, nobly; "Flying Eagle -is a sachem of his tribe. Two hundred warriors will follow the warpath -at the first signal from my father. The Comanches are men; the words -they utter come from the heart." - -"Thanks, Chief," Marksman answered, warmly pressing the hand the -Redskin extended to him; "may the Wacondah watch over you during your -journey!" - -After hastily eating a slice of venison cooked on the ashes, and -drinking a draught of pulque--from which, after the custom of his -nation, the only one which does not drink strong liquors, the Comanche -declined to take a share--the four men separated; Ruperto, Flying -Eagle, and Eglantine going into the prairie in a western direction; -while Brighteye and Marksman, bending slightly to the left, proceeded -in an easterly course, in order to reach the ford of the Rubio, where -the latter was expected. - -"Hum!" Brighteye observed, as he threw his rifle on to his left arm, -and starting with that elastic step peculiar to the wood rangers; "we -have some tough work cut out for us." - -"Who knows, my friend?" Marksman answered, anxiously. "At any rate, we -must discover the truth." - -"That is my opinion, too." - -"There is one thing I want to know, above all." - -"What is it?" - -"What Don Miguel's carefully-closed palanquin contains." - -"Why, hang it! a woman, of course." - -"Who told you so?" - -"Nobody; but I presume so." - -"Prejudge nothing, my friend; with time, all will be cleared up." - -"God grant it!" - -"He sees everything, and knows everything, my friend. Believe me, that -if it hath pleased Him to set those suspicions growing in our hearts -that trouble us now, it is because, as I told you a moment ago, He -wishes to make us the instruments of His justice." - -"May His will be done!" Brighteye answered, raising his cap piously. "I -am ready to obey Him in all that He may order me." - -After this mutual exchange of thoughts, the hunters, who till -this moment had walked side by side, proceeded in Indian file, in -consequence of the difficult nature of the ground. On reaching the tall -grass, after emerging from the forest, they stopped a moment to look -around. - -"It is late," Marksman observed. - -"Yes, it is nearly midday. Follow me, we shall soon catch up lost time." - -"How so?" - -"Instead of walking, would you not be inclined to ride?" - -"Yes, if we had horses." - -"That is just what I am going to procure." - -"You have horses?" - -"Last night Ruperto and I left our horses close by here, while going -to the meeting Don José had made with us, and in which I was obliged to -employ a canoe." - -"Eh! eh! those brave beasts turn up at a lucky moment. For my part, I -am worn out. I have been walking for many a long day over the prairie, -and my legs are beginning to refuse to carry me." - -"Come this way, we shall soon see them." - -In fact, the hunters had not walked one hundred yards in the direction -indicated by Brighteye, ere they found the horses quietly engaged in -nibbling the pea vines and young tree shoots. The noble animals, on -hearing a whistle, raised their intelligent heads, and hastened toward -the hunters with a neigh of pleasure. According to the usual fashion in -the prairies, they were saddled, but their _bozal_ was hung round their -necks. The hunters bridled them, leapt on their backs, and started -again. - -"Now that we have each a good horse between our legs we are certain of -arriving in time," Marksman observed; "hence, it is useless to hurry -on, and we can talk at our ease. Tell me, Brighteye, have you seen Don -Miguel Ortega yet?" - -"Never, I allow." - -"Then you do not know him?" - -"If I may believe Don José, he is a villain. For my own part, never -having had any relations with him, I should be considerably troubled to -form any opinion, bad or good, about him." - -"With me it is different. I know him." - -"Ah!" - -"Very well indeed." - -"For any length of time?" - -"Long enough, I believe, at any rate to enable me to form an opinion -about him." - -"Ah! Well, what do you think of him?" - -"Much good and much bad." - -"Hang it? ah!" - -"Why are you surprised? Are not all men in the same case?" - -"Nearly so, I grant." - -"This man is no worse or no better than the rest. This morning, as -I foresaw that you were about to speak to me about him, I wished to -leave you liberty of action by telling you that I was only slightly -acquainted with him; but it is possible that your opinion will soon be -greatly modified, and, perhaps, you will regret the support you have -hitherto given Don José, as you call him." - -"Would you like me to speak candidly, Marksman, now that no one, but He -above, can hear us?" - -"Do so, my friend. I should not be sorry to know your whole thoughts." - -"I am certain that you know a great deal more about the story I told -you last night than you pretend to do." - -"Perhaps you are right; but what makes you think so?" - -"Many things; and in the first place this." - -"Go on." - -"You are too sensible a man. You have acquired too great an experience -of the things of this world, to undertake, without serious cause, the -defence of a man who, according to the principles we profess on the -prairie, you ought to regard, if not as an enemy, still as one of those -men whom it is often disagreeable to come in contact, or have any -relations with." - -Marksman burst into a laugh. "There is truth in what you say, -Brighteye," he at length remarked. - -"Is there not?" - -"I will not attempt to play at cunning with you; but I have powerful -reasons for undertaking the defence of this man, but I cannot tell you -them at this moment. It is a secret which does not belong to me, and of -which I am only the depositary. I trust you will soon know all; but, -till then, rely on my old friendship, and leave me to act in any way." - -"Very good! At any rate, I am now beginning to see clearly, and, -whatever may happen, you can reckon upon me." - -"By Jove! I felt certain we should end by understanding one another; -but, silence, and let nothing be seen. We are at the meeting place. -Hang it! the Mexicans have not kept us waiting. They have already -pitched their camp on the other side of the river." - -In fact, a hunter's camp could be seen a short distance off, one side -resting on the river, the other on the forest, and presenting perfectly -fortified outworks, with the front turned to the prairies, and composed -of bales and trees stoutly interlaced. - -The two hunters made themselves known to the sentries, and entered -without any difficulty. Don Miguel was absent; but the Gambusinos -expected him at any moment. The hunters dismounted, hobbled their -horses, and sat down quietly by the fire. - -Don Stefano Cohecho had left the Gambusinos at daybreak, as he had -announced on the previous evening. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -FRESH CHARACTERS. - - -In order to a right comprehension of ensuing facts, we will take -advantage of our privilege as story tellers, to go back a fortnight, -and allow the reader to be witness of a scene intimately connected with -the most important events of this history, and which took place a few -hundred miles from the spot where accident had collected our principal -characters. - -The Cordillera of the Andes, that immense spine of the American -continent, the whole length of which it traverses under different names -from north to south, forms, at various elevations, immense _llanos_, on -which entire people live at a height at which all vegetation ceases in -Europe. - -After crossing the Presidio de Tubar, the advanced post of civilization -on the extreme limit of the desert, and advancing into the mediano -region of the _tierra caliente_ for about one hundred and twenty miles, -the traveller finds himself suddenly, and without any transition, in -front of a virgin forest, which is no less than three hundred and -twenty miles deep, by eighty odd miles wide. - -The most practised pen is powerless to describe the marvels innumerable -inclosed in that inexhaustible network of vegetation called a virgin -forest, and the sight, at once strange and peculiar, majestic and -imposing, which it offers to the dazzled sight. The most powerful -imagination recoils before this prodigious fecundity of elementary -nature, continually springing up again from its own destruction with -a strength and vigour ever new. The creepers, which run from tree to -tree, from branch to branch, plunge, at one moment, into the earth, -and then rise once more to the sky, and form, by their interlacing -and crossing, an almost insurmountable barrier, as if jealous nature -wished to hide from profane eyes the mysterious secrets of these -forests, beneath whose shade man's footsteps have only reached at long -intervals, and never unpunished. Trees of every age and species grow -without order or symmetry, as if sown by chance, like wheat in the -furrows. Some, tall and slight, count only a few years; the extremities -of their branches are covered by the tall and wide boughs of those -whose haughty heads have seen centuries pass over them. Beneath their -foliage softly murmur pure and limpid streams, which escape from the -fissures of the rocks, and, after a thousand meanderings, are lost in -some lake or unknown river, whose bright waters had never reflected -aught in their clear mirror save the sublime secrets of the solitude. -There may be found, pell-mell and in picturesque confusion, all -the magnificent productions of tropical regions:--The acajou; the -ebony; the palisander; the stunted mahogany; the black oak; the cork; -the maple; the mimosa, with its silvery foliage; and the tamarind, -thrusting in every direction their branches, laden with, flowers, -fruits, and leaves, which form a dome impenetrable to the sunbeams. -From the vast and unexplored depths of these forests emerge, from time -to time, inexplicable noises--furious howls, feline miauls, mocking -yells, mingled with shrill whistling or the joyous and harmonious song -of the birds. - -After plunging boldly into the centre of this chaos, and struggling -hand to hand with this uncultivated and wild nature, the traveller -succeeds, with axe in one hand and torch in the other, in gaining, inch -by inch, step by step, a road impossible to describe. At one moment, by -crawling like a reptile over the decaying leaves, dead wood, or guano, -piled up for centuries; or by leaping from branch to branch, at the -tops of the trees, standing, as it were, in the air. But woe to the man -who neglects to have his eye constantly open to all that surrounds -him, and his ear on the watch: for, in addition to the obstacles -caused by nature, he has to fear the venomous stings of the serpents -startled in their lairs, and the furious attacks of the wild beasts. -He must also carefully watch the course of the rivers and streams he -meets with, determine the position of the sun during the day, or guide -himself at night by the Southern Cross; for, once astray in a virgin -forest, it is impossible to get out of it--it is a maze, from which no -Ariadne's web would help to find the issue. - -At last the traveller, after he has succeeded in surmounting the -dangers we have describe, and a thousand others no less terrible, which -we have passed over in silence, emerges on an immense plain, in the -centre of which stands an Indian city. That is to say, he finds himself -before one of those mysterious cities into which no European has yet -penetrated, whose exact position even is unknown, and which, since -the conquest, have served as an asylum for the last relics of Aztec -civilization. - -The fabulous accounts given by some travellers about the incalculable -wealth buried in these cities, has inflamed the covetousness and -avarice of a great number of adventurers, who, at various periods, -have attempted to find the lost road to these queens of the Mexican -prairies and savannahs. Others again, only impelled by the irresistible -attraction extraordinary enterprises offer to vagabond imaginations, -have also, especially during the last fifty years, set out in search of -these Indian cities, though up to the present time success has never -crowned these various expeditions. Some have returned disenchanted, and -half killed by this journey toward the unknown; a considerable number -have left their bodies at the foot of precipices or in the quebradas, -to serve as food for birds of prey; while others, more unfortunate -still, have disappeared without leaving a trace, and no one has ever -heard what has become of them. - -Owing to events, too long to narrate here, but which we shall describe -some day, we have lived, against our will, in one of these impenetrable -cities, though, more fortunate than our predecessors, whose whitened -bones we saw scattered along the road, we succeeded in escaping -from it, through dangers innumerable, all miraculously avoided. The -description we are about to give, then, is scrupulously exact, and -cannot be doubted, for we write from personal observation. - -Quiepaa Tani, the city which presents itself to the traveller's sight -after leaving the virgin forest, of which we have given a sketch, -extends from east to west, and forms a parallelogram. A wide stream, -over which several bridges of incredible lightness and elegance are -thrown, runs through its entire length. At each corner of the square an -enormous block of rock cut perpendicularly on the side that faces the -plains, serves as an almost impregnable fortress; these four citadels -are also connected by a wall twenty feet thick, and forty feet high, -which, inside the city, forms a slope sixty feet wide at the base. This -wall is built of native bricks, made of sandy earth and chopped straw; -they are called _adobes_, and are about a yard long. A wide and deep -fosse almost doubles the height of the walls. Two gates alone give -access to the city. These gates are flanked by towers and pepper boxes, -exactly like a mediaeval fortress; and, what adds to the correctness of -our comparison, a small bridge, made of planks, extremely narrow and -light, and so arranged as to be carried away on the slightest alarm, is -the only communication between these gates and the exterior. - -The houses are low, and terminate in terraces, connected with each -other; they are slight, and built of wicker and canaverales covered -with cement, in consequence of the earthquakes so frequent in these -regions; but they are large, airy, and pierced with numerous windows. -None of them are more than one story in height, and the fronts are -covered with a varnish of dazzling whiteness. - -This strange city, seen from a distance, as it rises in the midst of -the tall prairie grass, offers the most singular and seductive sight. - -On a fine evening in the month of October, five travellers, whose -features or dress it would have been impossible to distinguish, owing -to the obscurity, came out of the forest we have described above, -stopped for a moment, with marked indecision, on the extreme edge of -the wood, and began examining the ground. Before them rose a hillock, -which, if no great height, yet cut the horizon at right angles. - -After exchanging a few words, two of these persons remained where they -were; the other three lay down on their faces, and, crawling on their -hands and feet, advanced through the rank grass, which they caused to -undulate, and which completely concealed their bodies. On reaching the -top of the mound, which they had found such difficulty in scaling, they -looked out into the country, and remained struck with astonishment and -admiration. - -The eminence, at the top of which they were, was perpendicular on the -other side, like all the rest of the ground which extended on either -side. A magnificent plain lay expanded a hundred feet below them, and -in the centre of the plain, at a distance of about a thousand yards -from them, stood, proud and imposing, Quiepaa Tani,[1] the mysterious -city, defended by its massive towers and thick walls. The sight of this -vast city in the midst of the desert produced on the minds of the three -men a feeling of stupor, which they could not explain, and which for -a few moments rendered them dumb with surprise. At length one of them -rose on his elbow, and addressed his comrades. - -"Are my brothers satisfied?" he said, with a guttural accent, which, -though he expressed himself in Spanish, proved him to be an Indian. -"Has Addick (the Stag) kept his promise?" - -"Addick is one of the first warriors of his tribe; his tongue is -straight, and the blood flows clearly in his veins," one of the men he -addressed, answered. - -The Indian smiled silently, without replying;--this smile would have -given his companions much matter for thought, had they seen it. - -"It seems to me," the one who had not yet spoken said, "that it is very -late to enter the city." - -"Tomorrow, at sunrise, Addick will lead the two Paleface maidens to -Quiepaa Tani," the Indian answered; "the night is too dark." - -"The warrior is right," the second speaker remarked, "we must put off -the affair till tomorrow." - -"Yes, let us return to our friends, whom a longer absence may alarm." - -Joining deeds to words, the first speaker turned round, and, exactly -following the track his body had left in the grass, he soon found -himself, as well as his companions, who imitated all his movements, at -the skirt of the forest, into which, after their departure, the two -persons they left behind had returned. - -The silence which reigns beneath these gloomy roofs of foliage and -branches during the day, had been succeeded by the dull sounds of a -wild concert, formed by the shrill cries of the night birds, which -woke, and prepared to attack the loros, humming birds, and cardinals, -belated far from their nests; the roaring of the cougars; the -hypocritical miauling of the jaguars and panthers, and the snappish -barks of the coyotes, which reechoed, with a mournful sound, from the -roofs of the inaccessible caverns and gaping pits which served as -lurking places for these dangerous guests. - -Returning on the trail they had traced with their axes, the three men -soon found themselves near a fire of dead wood, burning in the centre -of a small clearing. Two women, or rather girls, were crouching, -pensive and sad, by the fire. They counted scarce thirty years between -them; they were lovely, and of that creole beauty which the divine -pencil of a Raphael has been alone able to reproduce. But at this -moment they were pale, seemed fatigued, and their faces reflected a -gloomy sorrow; At the sound of the approaching steps they raised their -eyes, and a flash of joy illumined their faces like a sunbeam. - -The Indian threw some sticks on the fire, which was threatening to -go out, while one of the hunters occupied himself with giving their -provender to the horses, hobbled a short distance off. - -"Well, Don Miguel," one of the ladies said, addressing the hunter -who had taken a seat by her side, "shall we soon near the end of our -journey?" - -"You have arrived, señorita; tomorrow, under the guidance of our friend -Addick, you will enter the city, that inviolable asylum, where no one -will pursue you." - -"Ah!" she continued, looking absently at the Indian's gloomy and -apathetic face; "we shall separate tomorrow." - -"We must, señorita; the care for your safety demands it." - -"Who would dare to seek me in these unknown districts?" - -"Hatred dares everything. I implore you, señorita, to put faith in my -experience; my devotion to you is unbounded. Though still very young, -you have suffered enough, and it is time that a blessed sunbeam should -brighten your dreary brow, and dispel the clouds which thought and -grief have been so long collecting on it." - -"Alas!" she said, as she let her head droop, to hide the tears that ran -down her cheeks. - -"My sister, my friend, my Laura!" the other maiden said, embracing her -tenderly, "be courageous to the end. Shall I not be with you? Oh, fear -nothing!" she added, with a charming expression. "I will take half your -grief on myself, and your burthen will seem less heavy." - -"Poor Luisa!" the maiden murmured, as she returned her caresses. -"You are unhappy through me. How shall I ever be able to repay your -devotion?" - -"By loving me, as I love you, cherished angel, and by regaining hope." - -"Before a month, I trust," Don Miguel said, "your persecutors will be -prevented from troubling you again. I am playing a terrible game with -them, in which my head is the stake; but I care little, so long as I -save you. On leaving you, permit me to take with me, in my heart, the -hope that you will in no way attempt to leave the refuge I have found -for you, and that you will patiently await my return." - -"Alas, Caballero! you are aware that I live only by a miracle; my -relatives, my friends, indeed, all those I loved, have abandoned me, -except my Luisa, my foster sister, whose devotion to me has never -swerved; and you, whom I do not know, whom I never saw, and who -suddenly revealed yourself to me in my tomb, like the angel of divine -justice; since that terrible night, when, thanks to you, I emerged from -my sepulchre, like Lazarus, you have shown me the kindest and most -delicate attentions; you have taken the place of those who betrayed me; -you have been to me more than a father." - -"Señorita!" said the young man, at once confused and happy at these -words. - -"I say this to you, Don Miguel," she continued, with a certain feverish -animation, "because I am anxious to prove to you that I am not -ungrateful. I know not what God, in His wisdom, may do with me; but I -tell you, that my last thought, my last prayer will be for you. You -wish me to await you; I will obey you. Believe me, I only dispute my -life through a certain feeling of anxiety, like the gambler at his last -stake," she added, with a heartbreaking smile; "but I understand how -much you need liberty of action for the rude game you have undertaken. -Hence, you can go in peace; I have faith in you." - -"Thanks, señorita; this promise doubles my strength. Oh, now I am -certain of success!" - -A rude jacal of branches had been prepared for the maidens by the other -hunters and the Indian warrior, and they retired to rest. - -Although the young man's mind was so full of restless alarms, after a -few moments of deep thought he laid himself down by the side of his -companions, and soon fell asleep. In the desert nature never surrenders -its claims, and the greatest grief rarely succeeds in gaining the -victory over the material claims of the human organization. - -Scarce had the first sunbeams begun to tinge the sky of an opal hue, -ere the hunters opened their eyes. The preparations for starting were -soon completed; the moment of separation arrived, and the parting was a -sad one. The two hunters had accompanied the maidens to the edge of the -forest, in order to remain longer with them. - -Doña Luisa, taking advantage of an instant when the road became so -narrow that it became almost impossible for two to walk side by side, -drew nearer Don Miguel's hunting companion. - -"Do me a service," she whispered, hurriedly. - -"Speak," he answered, in the same key. - -"That Indian inspires me with but slight confidence." - -"You are wrong; I know him." - -She shook her head petulantly. "That is possible," she said; "but will -you do me the service I want of you?--if not, I will ask Don Miguel, -though I should have preferred him not knowing it." - -"Speak, I tell you." - -"Give me a knife and your pistols." - -The hunter looked her in the face. "Good!" he said presently. "You are -a brave child. Here is what you ask for." And, without anyone noticing -it, he gave the objects she wished to obtain from him, adding to them -two little pouches, one of gunpowder, the other of bullets. - -"No one knows what may happen," he said. - -"Thanks," she answered, with a movement of joy she could not master. - -This was all that she said; and the weapons disappeared under her -clothes, with a speed and resolution which made the hunter smile. Five -minutes after, they reached the skirt of the virgin forest. - -"Addick," the hunter said laconically; "remember that you will answer -to me for these two women." - -"Addick has sworn it," the Indian merely replied. They separated; it -was impossible to remain longer at the spot where they were, without -running the risk of being discovered by the Indians. The maidens and -the warrior proceeded toward the city. - -"Let us mount the hill," Don Miguel said, "in order to see them for the -last time." - -"I was going to propose it," the hunter said, simply. - -They went, with similar precautions, to the spot they had occupied for -a few moments on the previous evening. - -In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had gloriously risen, the -verdurous landscape had assumed, a truly enchanting aspect. Nature -was aroused from her sleep, and a most varied spectacle had been -substituted for the gloomy and solitary view of the previous night. -From the gates of the city, which were now widely opened, emerged -groups of Indians on horseback and on foot, who dispersed in all -directions with shouts of joy and shriller bursts of laughter. Numerous -canoes traversed the stream, the fields were populated with flocks -of vicunas, and horses led by Indians, armed with long goads, who -were proceeding toward the city. Women quaintly attired, and bearing -on their heads long wicker baskets filled with meat, fruit, and -vegetables, walked along conversing together, and accompanying each -phrase with that continual, sharp, and metallic laugh, of which the -Indian nation possess the secret, and the noise of which resembles very -closely that produced by the full of a quantity of pebbles on a copper -dish. - -The maidens and their guide were soon mixed up in this motley crowd, in -the midst of which they disappeared. Don Miguel sighed. - -"Let us go," he said in a deep voice. - -They returned to the forest. A few moments later, they set out again. - -"We must separate," Don Miguel said when they had crossed the forest; -"I shall return to Tubar." - -"And I am going to try to render a small service to an Indian chief, a -friend of mine." - -"You are always thinking of others, and never of yourself, my worthy -Marksman; you are ever anxious to be of use to someone." - -"What would you have, Don Miguel? It seems to be my mission--you know -that every man has one." - -"Yes!" the young man answered in a hollow voice. "Good-bye!" he added -presently, "do not forget our meeting." - -"All right! In a fortnight, at the ford of the Rubio; that is settled." - -"Forgive me my chariness of speech during the few days we have spent -together; the secret is not mine alone, Marksman; I am not at liberty -to divulge it, even to so kind a friend as yourself." - -"Keep your secret, my friend; I am in no way curious to know it; still, -it is understood that we do not know one another." - -"Yes; that is very important." - -"Then, good-bye." - -"Good-bye!" - -The two horsemen shook hands, one turned to the right, the other to the -left, and they set off at full speed. - - -[1] Literally, _Quiepaa_, sky, _tani_, mountain, in the Zapothecan -language. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE FORD OF THE RUBIO. - - -The night was gloomy, not a star shone in the sky; the wind blew -violently through the heavy boughs of the virgin forest, with that -sad and monotonous soughing which resembles the sound of great waters -when the tempest menaces; the clouds were low, black, and charged -with electricity; they coursed rapidly through the sky, incessantly -veiling the wan disk of the moon, whose cold rays only rendered the -gloom denser; the atmosphere was oppressive, and those nameless noises, -dashed back by the echoes like the rolling of distant thunder, rose -from the quebradas and unknown barrancas of the prairies; the beasts -howled sadly all the notes of the human register, and the night birds, -troubled in their sleep by this strange uneasiness of nature, uttered -hoarse and discordant cries. - -In the camp of the Gambusinos all was calm; the sentries were watching, -leaning on their rifles, and crouching near the expiring fire. In the -centre of the camp two men were smoking their Indian pipes, and talking -in a low voice. They were Brighteye and Marksman. - -At length, Brighteye knocked the ashes out of his pipe, thrust it into -his girdle, stifled a yawn, and rose, throwing out his legs and arms to -restore the circulation. - -"What are you going to do?" Marksman asked him, turning cautiously -round. - -"Sleep," the hunter answered. - -"Sleep!" - -"Why not? the night is advanced; we are the only persons watching, I -feel convinced; it is more than probable that we shall not see Don -Miguel before sunrise. Hum! the best plan for the moment, at least, is -to sleep, at any rate, if you have not decided otherwise." - -Marksman laid his finger on his lip, as if to recommend silence to his -friend. - -"The night is advanced," he said, in a low voice; "a terrible storm is -rising. Where can Don Miguel be gone? This prolonged absence alarms me -more than I can express: he is not the man to leave his friends thus, -without some powerful reason, or perhaps--" - -The hunter stopped, and shook his head sorrowfully. - -"Go on," Brighteye said; "tell me your whole thought." - -"Well, I am afraid lest some misfortune has happened to him." - -"Oh, oh, do you think so? Still, this Don Miguel, from what I have -heard you say, is a man of well-tried courage and uncommon strength." - -"All that is true," Marksman replied, with a preoccupied air. - -"Well! do you think that such a man, well armed, and acquainted with -prairie life, is not able to draw himself out of a difficulty, whatever -the danger which threatens him?" - -"Yes, if he has to deal with a loyal foe, who stands resolutely before -him, and fights with equal weapons." - -"What other danger can he fear?" - -"Brighteye, Brighteye!" the hunter continued, sadly, "you have lived -too long among the Missouri fur traders." - -"Which means--?" the Canadian asked, somewhat piqued. - -"Come, my friend, do not feel vexed at my remarks; but it is evident to -me, that you have, in a great measure, forgotten prairie habits." - -"Hum! that is a serious charge against a hunter, Marksman; and in what, -if you please, have I forgotten desert manners?" - -"By Jove! in seeming no longer to remember that, in the country where -we now are, every weapon is good to get rid of an enemy." - -"Eh! I know that as well as you, my friend; I know, too, that the most -dangerous weapon is that which is concealed." - -"That is to say, treachery." - -The Canadian started. "Do you fear treachery, then?" he asked. - -"What else can I fear?" - -"That is true," the hunter said, with a drooping head; "but," he added, -a moment after, "what is to be done?" - -"That is the very thing that embarrasses me. Still I cannot remain much -longer in this state; the uncertainty is killing me; at all risks I -must know what has happened." - -"But in what way?" - -"I know not, Heaven will inspire me." - -"Still, you have an idea?" - -"Of course, I have." - -"What is it?" - -"This--and I count on you to help me in carrying it out." - -Brighteye affectionately pressed his friend's hand. "You are right," he -said: "now for your idea." - -"It is very simple; we will leave the camp directly, and go along the -river side." - -"Yes,--I would merely draw your attention to the fact, that the storm -will soon break out, and the rain is already falling in large drops." - -"The greater reason to make haste." - -"That is true." - -"Then you will accompany me?" - -"By Jove! did you doubt it, perchance?" - -"I am a goose; forgive me, brother, and thank you." - -"Why so? on the contrary, I ought to thank you." - -"How so?" - -"Why, thanks to you, I am going to take a delightful walk." - -Marksman did not answer; the hunters saddled and bridled their horses, -and after inspecting their arms with all the care of men who are -convinced that they will soon have occasion to use them, they mounted -and rode toward the gate of the camp. Two sentries were standing -motionless and upright at the gate; they placed themselves before the -wood rangers. The latter had no intention of going out unseen, as they -had no reason for hiding their departure. - -"You are going away?" one of the sentries asked. - -"No; we are merely going to make a survey of the country." - -"At this hour?" - -"Why not?" - -"Hang it! I think it pleasanter to sleep in such weather, than ride -about the prairie." - -"You think wrong, comrade," Marksman answered, in a peremptory tone; -"and, in the first place, bear this in mind, I am not accountable for -my actions to anyone; if I go out at this hour in the storm which is -threatening, I have possibly powerful motives for my conduct; now, -will you or no let us pass? Remember, however, that I shall hold you -responsible for any delay you occasion in the execution of my plans." - -The tone employed by the hunter in addressing them struck the two -sentries; they consulted together in a low voice; after which, the man -who had hitherto spoken turned to the two hunters, who were quietly -awaiting the result of this deliberation. "You can pass," he said; "you -are at liberty to go wherever you think proper. I have done my duty in -questioning you, and may Heaven grant you are doing yours in going out -thus." - -"You will soon know. One word more." - -"I am listening." - -"Our absence will probably be short; if not, we shall return by -sunrise; still, pay great attention to this recommendation: should you -hear the cry of the jaguar repeated thrice, at equal intervals, mount -at full speed, and come, not you alone, but followed by a dozen of your -comrades, for, when you hear that cry, a great danger will menace the -Cuadrilla. Now, you understand me?" - -"Perfectly." - -"And will you do what I advise?" - -"I will do so, because you are the friends we expected, and treachery -could not be feared from you." - -"Good." - -"I wish you luck." - -The hunters went on, and the gate was immediately closed after them. - -The wood rangers had scarce entered the prairie, ere the hurricane, -which had threatened since sunset, broke out furiously. A brilliant -flash of lightning crossed the sky, followed almost instantaneously by -a startling clap of thunder. The trees bowed beneath the fury of the -blast, and the rain began falling in torrents. The adventurers advanced -with extreme difficulty, amid the chaos of the infuriated elements; -their horses, startled by the howling of the tempest, reared and shied -at every step. The darkness had become so dense, that, although walking -side by side, the two men could scarce see each other. The trees, -twisted by the omnipotent blast, uttered almost human cries, answered -by the mournful howling of the terrified wild beasts, while the stream, -swollen by the rain, rose into waves, whose foaming crests broke with a -crash against the sandy banks. - -Brighteye and Marksman, case-hardened against the desert temporales, -shook their heads contemptuously at every effort of the gust, which -passed over them like an ardent simoom, and continued to advance, -searching with the eye the gloom that enveloped them like a heavy -shroud, and listening to the noises which the echoes bandied about. - -In this way they reached the ford of the Rubio, without exchanging a -syllable. Then they stopped, as if by mutual agreement. - -The Rubio, a lost and unknown affluent of the Great Rio Colorado del -Norte, into which it falls after a winding course of hardly twenty -leagues, is in ordinary times a narrow stream, on which Indian canoes -have a difficulty in floating, and which horses can ford almost -anywhere, with the water scarce up to their girths; but at this hour -the placid stream had suddenly become a mad and impetuous torrent, -noisily rolling along, in its deep and muddy waters, uprooted trees, -and even masses of rock. - -To dream of crossing the Rubio at this moment would have been signal -folly; a man so rash as to attempt the enterprise, would have been -carried off in a few seconds by its furious waves, whose yellow surface -grew wider every moment. - -The hunters remained for a moment motionless beneath the torrents of -rain that inundated them, regarding with thoughtful eye the water -that still rose and rose, and holding in with great difficulty their -startled horses, which reared with hoarse snorts of fear. - -These men, with their hearts of bronze, stood stoically amid the -frightful uproar of the unchained elements, not seeming to notice the -awful tempest that howled around them, and as calm and easy minded as -if they were comfortably seated in some snug cave, near a merry fire -of twigs. They had only one idea, that of assisting the man whom they -suspected of running a terrible danger at this moment. - -Suddenly they started, and quickly raised their heads, while looking -fixedly and eagerly in front of them. But the darkness was too thick; -they could distinguish nothing. - -In the midst of the thousand sounds of the tempest, a cry had struck -their ear. This cry was a last appeal, a harsh and prolonged cry of -agony, such as the strong man conquered by fatality utters, when he is -forced to confess his impotence, when everything fails him at once, -and he has no other resource than Heaven. The two men leaned forward -quickly, and placing their hands to their mouth funnel wise, uttered in -their turn a shrill and lengthened cry. - -Then they listened. At the end of a moment a second cry, more piercing -and desperate than the first, reached their ears. - -"Oh!" Marksman shouted, as he rose in his stirrups and closed his fists -in fury, "that man is in danger of death." - -"Whoever he is, we must save him," Brighteye answered, boldly. - -They had understood each other. But how to save this man? Where was he? -What danger menaced him? Who could answer these questions which they -mentally asked themselves? - -At the risk of being carried off by the torrent, the hunters forced -their horses to enter the river, and lying almost on the necks of the -noble animals, they investigated the waters. But, as we have said, the -darkness was too thick, they could see nothing. - -"The demon interferes," Marksman said, in despair. "Oh, heavens! shall -we let this man die without going to his aid?" - -At this moment a flash of lightning crossed the sky, with a dazzling -zigzag. By its fugitive gleam, the hunters saw a horseman struggling -furiously against the efforts of the waves. - -"Courage! courage!" they shouted. - -"Help!" the stranger replied, in a shaking voice. - -There was no time for hesitation, for every second was an age. - -The man and horse struggled courageously against the torrent that bore -them away, and the hunters' resolution was formed in a second. They -silently shook hands, and at the same moment dug their spurs into -their horses' flanks; the animals reared with a shriek of pain, but, -compelled to obey the iron hands that held them, they bounded in terror -into the middle of the stream. - -Suddenly two shots were heard; a bullet passed with a whistle between -our two friends, and a cry of pain was heard from the water. The man -they had come to help was wounded. The storm was still increasing; the -flashes succeeded each other with extraordinary rapidity. The hunters -noticed the stranger clinging to his saddle, and letting his horse -carry him where it liked; then, on the other bank, a man with his body -bent forward, and his rifle shouldered, in readiness to fire. - -"Each man his own," Marksman said, laconically. - -"Good!" Brighteye said, with equal brevity. - -The Canadian took the reata hanging at the saddlebow, and swinging it -round his head, awaited the gleam of the next flash. It did not last -long, but though it was so rapid, Brighteye had taken advantage of -the transient gleam to hurl his reata. The leather cord whizzed out, -and the running knot at the end fell on the neck of the horse which -wrestled so bravely with the torrent. - -"Courage! courage!" Brighteye shouted; "help, Marksman, help!" And -giving a smart shake to his horse, he made it rise on its hind legs -just as it was losing its footing, and forced it toward the river. - -"Here I am," Marksman said, who was watching for the opportunity to -fire: "patience, I am coming." - -Suddenly he pulled the trigger, the bullet went forth, and from the -other bank a cry of pain and rage reached the hunters. - -"He is hit," Marksman said; "tomorrow I shall know who the scamp is;" -and throwing his rifle behind him, he hurried forward to join Brighteye. - -The horse the Canadian had lassoed, feeling itself supported and -dragged toward the bank, seconded, with that intelligence possessed by -these noble animals, the efforts made to save it. - -The two hunters held on the reata. The united strength of their steeds, -helped by the lassoed horse, succeeded in breasting the current, and -after a minute's struggle, they at length reached the bank. So soon as -they were comparatively in safety, the Canadians leaped from their -saddles, and rushed toward the stranger's horse. - -So soon as it felt _terra firma_ under its feet, the noble animal -had stopped, apparently comprehending that, if it advanced, it would -cast its master against the rocks that covered the ground, for, -although insensible, he still held the bridle firmly clasped in his -clenched hand. The hunters cut the bridle, raised the man they had so -miraculously saved in their arms, and carried him a few paces further -to the foot of a tree, where they gently laid him; then, both eagerly -bending over his body, awaited a flash which would enable them to see -him. - -"Oh!" Marksman said, as he drew himself up, with an expression of -grief, mingled with terror, "Don Miguel Ortega!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DON STEFANO COHECHO. - - -As we related a short time back, after leaving Brighteye Don Stefano -had returned to the camp of the Gambusinos, into which he had managed -to enter again unseen. - -Once inside the camp, the Mexican had nothing more to fear; he went -back to the fire, near which his horse was picketed, patted the -noble brute, which turned toward him, and pricked up its ears at his -approach, and then lay down calmly, rolled himself in his wraps, and -fell asleep with that placidity peculiar to consciences at rest. - -Several hours elapsed, and no sound arose to disturb the calmness that -brooded over the camp. Suddenly Don Stefano opened his eyes, for a hand -had been gently laid on his right shoulder. - -The Mexican looked at the man who interrupted his sleep; by the -light of the paling stars he recognized Domingo. Don Stefano rose, -and silently followed the Gambusino. The latter led him to the -entrenchments, probably with the design of speaking without fearing -indiscreet ears. - -"Well?" Don Stefano asked him, when the Gambusino had made a sign that -he could speak. - -Domingo, obeying the order he had received from Brighteye, concisely -related to him all that had happened in the prairie. On learning that -the Canadian had succeeded in meeting Marksman, Don Stefano gave -a start of joy, and began listening to the Gambusino's story with -increasing interest. When the latter at last finished, or at any rate -remained silent, he asked him--"Is that all?" - -"All," the other answered. - -Don Stefano drew out his purse, and took from it several gold pieces, -which he handed to Domingo; the latter took them with a gesture of -pleasure. - -"Did Brighteye give you no message for me?" the Mexican asked again. - -The other seemed to reflect for a moment. "Ah!" he said, "I forgot; the -hunter bade me tell you, Excellency, not to leave the camp." - -"Do you know the reason of this recommendation?" - -"Certainly; he intends to join the Cuadrilla this evening at the ford -of the Rubio." - -The Mexican's brow grew dark. "You are sure of that?" he said. - -"That is what he said to me." - -There was a few moments' silence. "Good!" he then continued; "the -hunter added nothing further?" - -"Nothing." - -"Hum!" Don Stefano muttered, "after all, it is of no consequence;" -then, leaning heavily on the Gambusino's shoulder, he looked him -fiercely in the face. "Now," he added, laying a stress upon every word, -"remember this carefully; you do not know me, whatever happens; you -will not breathe a syllable of the way in which we met on the prairie." - -"You may be assured of it, Excellency." - -"I am assured," the Mexican replied, with an accent which made Domingo -tremble, brave as he was: "remember the oath you took, and the pledge -you gave me." - -"I shall remember." - -"If you keep your promise, and are faithful to me, it will be mine to -keep you from want for life,--if not, look out." - -The Gambusino shook his shoulders with disdain, and answered -ill-temperedly--"It is unnecessary to threaten me, Excellency; what is -said is said; what is promised is promised." - -"We shall see." - -"If you have nothing else to recommend to me, I believe we had better -separate. The day is beginning to break; my comrades will soon awake, -and I fancy you are no more anxious than I am to be surprised together." - -"You are right." They then parted. Don Stefano returned to his place, -while the Gambusino laid himself down where he was, and both slept, or -seemed to do so. - -With the first beams of the sun, Don Miguel raised the curtain of the -tent, and walked toward his guest; the latter was soundly asleep. Don -Miguel felt unwilling to trouble this peaceful sleep; he sat down at -the fire, brought together the logs, blew them up, rolled one maize -cigarette, and smoked philosophically, while awaiting his guest's -awakening. - -By this time all was movement in the camp; the Gambusinos were -attending to their morning duties, some leading the horses to water, -others lighting the fires, in order to prepare breakfast for the -Cuadrilla; in short, everybody was engaged in his own way on the -general behalf. - -At length Don Stefano, on whose face a sunbeam had been playing for -some minutes, thought it advisable to wake; he turned round, stretched -his limbs, and opened his eyes, while yawning several times. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, as he drew himself up, "it is day already; how -quickly a night is passed; I feel as if I had been hardly an hour -asleep." - -"I see with pleasure that you have slept soundly, Caballero," Don -Miguel said politely to him. - -"What! is that you, my host?" Don Stefano exclaimed, with perfectly -well-acted surprise; "the day will be a happy one for me, since the -first face I notice, on opening my eyes, is that of a friend." - -"I accept the compliment as politeness on your part." - -"On my word, no: I assure you that what I say to you is the sincere -expression of my thought," the Mexican said, simply; "it is impossible -to do the honours of the desert better, or comprehend the holy laws of -hospitality more thoroughly." - -"I thank you for the good opinion you are kind enough to have of me. -I trust that you will not leave us yet, but consent to remain several -days with us." - -"Would I could, Don Miguel--Heaven is my witness, that I should -be delighted to enjoy your charming company for a short time; -unfortunately, that is utterly impossible." - -"Why so?" - -"Alas! an imperious duty compels me to leave you this very day; I am -really in despair at this vexatious mischance." - -"What motive can be so powerful as to force you to leave us so -suddenly?" - -"A very trivial motive, and which will probably make you smile. I am -a merchant of Santa Fé; a few days back, the successive failures of -several houses at Monterey, with which I am extensively connected, -obliged me to leave my house suddenly, in order to try and save, by my -presence, a few waifs from the shipwreck with which I am threatened; I -set out without asking anybody's advice, and here I am." - -"But," Don Miguel objected, "you are still along way from Monterey." - -"I know it; and it is that which drives me to despair. I have a -frightful fear of arriving too late; the more so, as I have been warned -that the people with whom I have to do are rogues: the sums they owe me -are large, and form, I am sorry to say, the largest part of my fortune." - -"_Cáspita!_ if that is the case, I can understand that you are anxious -to get there. I could not suspect that you had so serious a motive for -pressing on." - -"You see how it is; so pity me, Don Miguel." - -All this conversation was carried on by the two men with a charming -ease, and a simplicity perfectly well assumed on both sides; still -neither was duped: Don Stefano, as so often happens, had committed the -enormous fault of being too clever, and advancing beyond the limits of -prudence, while trying to persuade this man of the sincerity of his -words. This feigned sincerity had aroused Don Miguel's suspicions for -two reasons: in the first place, if Don Stefano were going from Santa -Fé to Monterey, he was not only off the road he ought to have followed, -but was completely turning his back on those two towns--an error which -his ignorance of the topography of the country made him commit without -suspecting it. The second instance was equally premature: no merchant -would have ever attempted, however grave the motive of such a journey, -to cross the desert alone, for fear of the Indian bravos, the pirates, -the wild beasts, and countless other dangers no less great, to which he -would be exposed, without possible hope of escaping them. - -Still, Don Miguel pretended to admit, without discussion, the reasons -his guest offered him, and it was with an air of the utmost conviction -that he answered,--"In spite of the earnest desire I may have of -enjoying your agreeable society longer, I will not detain you, friend, -for I understand how urgent it must be for you to hurry on." - -Don Stefano bowed with an almost imperceptible smile of triumph. - -"In short," Don Miguel added, "I wish that you may succeed in saving -your fortune from the claws of those rogues; but at any rate, I hope, -Caballero, that we shall not separate before breakfasting. I confess -that your refusal to accept a share of my scanty supper last night -pained me." - -"Oh," Don Stefano interrupted him, "believe me, Caballero--" - -"You gave me a very admirable excuse," Don Miguel continued, "but," -he added, significantly, "we Gambusinos and adventurers are singular -fellows--we fancy, rightly or wrongly, that the guest who refuses to -eat with us is our enemy, or will become so." - -Don Stefano gave a slight start at this unforeseen attack. "How can you -imagine such a thing, Caballero?" he said, evasively. - -"It is not I who suppose, but all of us; it is a prejudice, a foolish -superstition; call it as you like, but so it is," he said, with a -smile as sharp as a dagger's point, "and nothing will change our -nature; so that is settled, we will breakfast together, then I will -wish you a prosperous journey, and we shall part." - -Don Stefano's face assumed an expression of despair. - -"Really, I am the plaything of ill luck," he said, with a toss of the -head. - -"How so?" - -"Good gracious, I know not how to explain it to you; it is so absurd, -that I really dare not--" - -"Pray speak, Caballero; although I am only an illiterate adventurer, I -may possibly manage to understand you." - -"The truth is, I shall hurt your feelings." - -"Not the least in the world: are you not my guest? a guest is sent by -heaven, that is to say, is sacred." - -Don Stefano hesitated. - -"Well," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "I will have breakfast served; -perhaps that will undo your tongue." - -"That is the embarrassing point!" the Mexican exclaimed, quickly, with -an accent of chagrin; "the fact is, that, in spite of my great desire -to be agreeable to you, I cannot accept your kind invitation." - -The young man frowned. "Ah, ah!" he said, fixing a suspicious glance on -the speaker, "why so?" - -"That is the very thing I dare not confess to you." - -"You can, Caballero; have I not told you that you had the right to say -anything?" - -"Good heavens, you force me to it," he continued, in a voice that grew -even more melancholy; "first imagine, then, that I have made a vow to -Nuestra señora de los Ángeles, never to take food before sunset, so -long as this accursed journey lasts." - -"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with an accent of but slight conversion, "but -last evening, when I offered you supper, the sun had set a long time, I -fancy." - -"Listen; I have not finished." - -"Go on." - -"And even then," the Mexican continued, "only to eat one of the maize -tortillas I carry with me in my alforjas, and which I had blessed by -a priest, prior to my departure from Santa Fé; you see, all this must -seem to you very ridiculous, but we are fellow countrymen, we have -Spanish blood in our veins, and instead of laughing at my foolish -superstition, you will pity me." - -"_Cáspita!_ the more so, because you have a rude penance to undergo. I -will not attempt to make you give up your superstition, for I too have -mine; I believe that it is best not to return to the subject." - -"You are not angry with me, at least?" - -"I--why should I be angry?" - -"Then we are still good friends?" - -"More than ever," Don Miguel remarked, with a laugh. Still, the way -in which these words were pronounced, but slightly reassured the -Mexican--he took a side glance at the speaker, and then rose. - -"Are you going?" the young man asked him. - -"If you will permit me, I shall start." - -"Do so, my guest." - -Don Stefano, without further reply, immediately began saddling his -horse. - -"You have a noble brute there," Don Miguel observed. - -"Yes, he is a purely bred barb." - -"That is the first time I ever saw one of that precious race." - -"Pray have a good look at him." - -"I thank you, but I should be afraid of delaying you;--hola! my -horse," he added, addressing Domingo. - -The latter brought up a mustang full of fire, on the back of which Don -Miguel leaped at a bound, while Don Stefano also mounted. - -"If you have no objection, I will have the honour of accompanying you a -little way, unless," he added, with a sarcastic smile, "you have made a -vow which prevents it." - -"Come," Don Stefano said, reproachfully, "you are angry with me." - -"On my faith, no; I swear it." - -"Very good: we will start when you please." - -"I am at your orders." - -They spurred their horses, and went out of the camp. They had scarce -gone twenty yards, ere Don Miguel pulled up his horse and stopped. - -"Are you going to leave me already?" Don Stefano asked him. - -"I shall not go a step further," the young man answered, and drawing -himself up fiercely and frowning, he said in a haughty tone, "Here you -are no longer my guest; we are out of my camp in the desert; I can, -therefore, explain myself clearly and plainly, and _voto a brios_, I -will do so." - -The Mexican regarded him with surprise. "I do not understand you," he -said. - -"Perhaps so: I hope it is so, but I do not believe it. So long as you -were my guest, I pretended to believe the falsehoods you told me; but -now that you are to me no more than the first comer, a stranger, I wish -to tell you my thoughts frankly. I do not know by what name to address -you to your livid face, but I am certain that you are my enemy, or, at -any rate, a spy of my enemies." - -"Caballero! these words--" Don Stefano exclaimed. - -"Do not interrupt me," the young man continued, violently. "I care -little who you are; it is sufficient to have asked you: I thank you -for having entered my camp, at any rate; if ever I meet you again, -I shall recognize you: but let me give you one piece of advice on -parting: shake the dust off your boots on leaving me, and do not come -across me again, for it might bring you misfortune." - -"Threats!" the Mexican interrupted, pale with rage. - -"Take my words as you please, but remember them in the interest of your -safety; although I am only an adventurer, I give you at this moment -a lesson in honesty you will do well to profit by; nothing would be -easier for me than to acquire proofs of your treachery; I have with me -twenty devoted comrades, who, at a sign, would treat you very scurvily; -and who, by searching your clothes and alforjas, would doubtless find -among your _blessed tortillas_," he said, with a sardonic smile, "the -reasons for the conduct you have employed toward me ever since we met; -but you have been my guest, and that title is your safeguard: go in -peace, but do not cross my path again." - -While uttering the last words, he raised his arm and dealt a vigorous -blow with his _chicote_ on the rear of Don Stefano's horse. The barb, -but little used to such treatment, started off like an arrow from a -bow, in spite of all his rider's efforts to hold him in. - -Don Miguel looked after him for a moment, and then returned to the -camp, laughing heartily at the way in which he had ended the interview. - -"Come, lads," he said to the Gambusinos, "let us be off at once; we -must reach the ford of the Rubio before sunset, where the guide is -awaiting us." - -And half an hour later the caravan set out. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE AMBUSCADE. - - -No incident worthy of description troubled the journey during the day. -The Cuadrilla traversed an undulating country, intersected by streams -of slight depth, on the banks of which grew tall bushes, and clumps of -cottonwood trees, peopled by an infinity of birds, of every description -and variety of plumage: on the horizon a long yellowish line, above -which hung a dense cloud which indicated the Rio Colorado Grande del -Norte. - -As Don Miguel had announced, the ford of the Rubio was reached a few -minutes before sunset. We will explain here in a few words the mode in -which caravans camp in the desert; this description is indispensable, -in order that the reader may understand how it is easy to leave or -return to the camp unnoticed. - -The Cuadrilla, in addition to the baggage mules, had with it fifteen -waggons, loaded with merchandise. When the spot for camping was -selected, the waggons were arranged in a square, with a distance of -thirty-five feet between each: between the intervals were stationed six -or eight men, who lit a fire, round which they assembled to cook, eat, -smoke, and sleep. The horses were placed in the middle of the square, -not far from the mysterious tent, which occupied exactly the centre. -Each horse had the two off legs hobbled with a cord twenty inches long. -We may remark that, although a horse thus hobbled feels very awkward at -first, it soon accustoms itself to it sufficiently to be able to walk -slowly. Besides, this prudential measure is taken in order that the -horses may not stray, or be carried off by the Indians. Two horses are -also put together, one with its feet tied, and the other only held by -a picket rope, so that, in case of an alarm, it may gallop round its -companion, which thus serves, as it were, as a pivot. - -The space left free between the waggons was filled up with fascines, -trees piled up on top of one another, and the mule bales. - -Nothing is more singular than the appearance of one of these camps on -the prairie. The fires are surrounded by picturesque groups, seated -or standing; some cooking, others mending their clothes or their -horses' trappings, others furbishing their weapons; at intervals, -bursts of laughter rise from the midst of the groups, which announce -that merry stories are going the rounds, and that they are trying to -forget the fatigues of the day, and preparing for those of the morrow. -Then, to complete the picture, from distance to distance behind the -entrenchments sentinels, calm and motionless, lean on their rifles. - -From the description we have given, it is easy to understand that the -waggons form a species of embrasures, by means of which an active man -crawling under the carts can easily go out without being noticed by -the sentries, and return whenever he pleases, without attracting the -attention of his comrades, whose glances, usually directed on the -prairie, have no reason to watch what goes on inside the camp. - -So soon as all was in order, and each installed as comfortably as -circumstances permitted, Don Miguel had a fresh horse brought him, -which he mounted, and addressed his comrades collected around him. -"Señores," he said, "business of a pressing nature obliges me to go -out for a few hours. Watch carefully over the camp during my absence; -above all, let no one enter. We are now in regions where the greatest -caution is necessary to guard against the treachery which incessantly -menaces, and assumes every shape in order to deceive those whom -negligence prevents being on their guard. The guide we are expecting so -impatiently will, doubtless, arrive in a few moments. All know him by -repute; perhaps he may come alone, or he may have somebody with him. -This man, in whom we must place the greatest confidence, must, during -my absence, be entirely free in his actions--go and come without the -slightest obstacle being offered him. You have understood me; so follow -my instructions point by point. Besides, I repeat, I shall soon return." - -After making a farewell signal to his comrades, Don Miguel left the -camp, and proceeded to the Rubio, the ford of which, being nearly dry -at the moment, he easily crossed. - -What the chief of the adventurers had said to his comrades with -reference to Marksman, was an inspiration of Heaven; for, if he had -not peremptorily ordered that the hunter should be allowed to act as -he pleased, it is probable that the sentinels would have barred his -passage; and, in that case, the young man, deprived of the providential -aid of the two backwoodsmen, would have been hopelessly lost. - -After crossing the ford, Don Miguel urged his horse at full speed -straight ahead. This furious race lasted nearly two hours, through -thickets, which at every moment grew more closely together, and -gradually were metamorphosed into a forest. - -After crossing a deep gorge, whose perpendicular sides were covered -with impenetrable thickets, the young man arrived at a species of -narrow lane, into which the paths of wild beasts opened, and in the -centre of which an Indian, dressed in his war costume, and smoking -gravely, crouched over a fire of _bois de vache_; while his horse, -hobbled a short distance off, was busily browsing on the young tree -shoots. So soon as he saw the Indian, Don Miguel pushed on even at -greater speed. "Good evening, Chief!" he said, as he leaped lightly to -the ground, and amicably pressed the hand the warrior held out to him. - -"Wah!" the Chief said to him, "I no longer expected my pale brother." - -"Why so, as I had promised to come?" - -"Perhaps it would have been better for the Paleface to remain in his -camp. Addick is a warrior; he has discovered a trail." - -"Good; but trails are not wanting on the prairie." - -"Och! this is wide, and incautiously trodden; it is a Paleface trail." - -"Bah! what do I care?" the young man remarked, carelessly. "Do you -fancy my band the only one crossing the prairie at this moment?" - -The Redskin shook his head. "An Indian warrior is not mistaken on the -war trail. It is the trail of an enemy of my brother's." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -The Indian did not seem willing to explain himself more clearly; he -turned his head, and, after a moment, said, "My brother will see." - -"I am strong--well-armed. I care very little for those who would try to -surprise us." - -"One man is not worth ten," the Indian remarked, sententiously. - -"Who knows?" the young man answered, lightly. "But," he continued, -"that is not the question of the moment. I have come here to seek the -news the Chief promised me." - -"The promise of Addick is sacred." - -"I know it, Chief, and that is why I did not hesitate to come. But time -is slipping away. I have a long journey to go, to join my comrades -again. A storm is getting up; and I confess that I should like very -little to be exposed to it during my return. Be kind enough to be -brief." - -The Chief bowed in assent, and pointed to a place by his side. - -"Good. Now begin, Chief; I am all attention," Don Miguel said, as he -threw himself on the ground. "And, in the first place, how comes it -that I have not seen you till today?" - -"Because," the Indian answered, phlegmatically, "as my brother knows, -it is far from here to Queche Pitao (the City of God). A warrior is but -a man; Addick has accomplished impossibilities to join his Paleface -brother sooner." - -"Be it so, Chief; I thank you. Now let us come to facts. What has -happened to you since our parting?" - -"Quiepaa Tani opened its gates wide before the two young pale virgins. -They are in safety, in the Queche, far from the eyes of their enemies." - -"And did they give you no message for me?" - -The Indian hesitated for a second. - -"No," he said at length; "they are happy, and they wait." - -Don Miguel sighed. "That's strange," he muttered. - -The Chief took a stealthy look at him. "What will my brother do?" he -asked. - -"I shall soon be near them." - -"My brother is wrong. No one knows where they are. For what good reveal -their refuge?" - -"Soon, I hope, I shall be free to act without fearing indiscreet eyes." - -A gloomy flame sparkled in the Indian's eye. - -"Wacondah alone is master of tomorrow," he said. - -Don Miguel looked at him. - -"What does the Chief mean?" - -"Nothing but what I say." - -"Good. Will my brother accompany me to my camp?" - -"Addick will return to Quiepaa Tani, that he may watch over those whom -his brother has confided to him." - -"Shall I see you again soon?" - -"Perhaps so," he answered evasively: "but," he added, "did not my -brother say that he expected soon to go to the Queche?" - -"Yes." - -"When will my brother come?" - -"At the latest, on the first day of next month. Why this question?" - -"My brother is a Paleface: if Addick himself does not introduce him -into the Queche, the white Chief cannot enter it." - -"That is true; at the period I stated, I will meet you at the foot of -the mound where we parted." - -"Addick will be there." - -"Good! I count upon you; but now I must leave you: night is rapidly -falling; the wind is beginning to blow furiously. I must be off." - -"Farewell," the Chief said laconically, making no attempt to stop him. - -"Good-bye." - -The young man leapt into the saddle, and started at full speed. Addick -watched him depart with a pensive air; then, when he had disappeared -behind a clump of trees, he leaned slightly forward, and imitated twice -the hiss of a cobra capello. At this signal the branches of a thicket -a short distance from the fire parted cautiously, and a man appeared. -After looking suspiciously around him, he walked toward the Chief, in -front of whom he stopped. - -The man was Don Stefano Cohecho. "Well?" he said. - -"Has my father heard?" the Indian asked, in an equivocal tone. - -"All." - -"Then I have nothing to tell my father." - -"Nothing." - -"The storm is beginning: what will my father do?" - -"What is agreed on. Are the Chiefs warriors ready?" - -"Yes." - -"Where are they?" - -"At the appointed spot." - -"Good; let us start." - -"I am ready." - -These two men, who had evidently known each other for a long while, -came to an understanding in a few words. - -"Come!" Don Stefano said in a loud voice. - -A dozen Mexican horsemen appeared. - -"Here is a reinforcement, in case the warriors are not sufficient," he -said, turning to the Chief. - -The latter checked a movement of ill temper, and replied, as he -shrugged his shoulders disdainfully,--"What need of twenty warriors -against a single man?" - -"Because the man is worth a hundred," Don Stefano said, with an accent -of conviction which caused the Chief to reflect. - -They started. In the meantime, Don Miguel had galloped on: still, -he was far from suspecting the plot that was at this moment being -formed against him; and, if he hurried on, it was not through any -apprehension, but because the wind, whose violence increased every -minute, and the heavy drops of rain, which began falling, warned him -to seek shelter as speedily as possible. While galloping, he reflected -on the short interview he had had with the Redskin warrior. While -turning over in his mind the words exchanged between them, he felt a -vague alarm, a secret fear, invade his heart, though it was impossible -to account for the emotion he experienced; he fancied he could read -treachery behind the Chief's studied reticence; he now remembered that -he at times seemed embarrassed while talking with him. Trembling lest a -misfortune had happened to the young ladies, or a peril menaced them, -he felt his anxiety heightened; the more so, as he knew not what means -he should employ to insure the fidelity of the man whom he suspected of -perfidiousness. - -Suddenly, a dazzling flash shot across the open, his horse suddenly -bounded aside, and two or three bullets whistled past him. The young -man sat up in his saddle. He was in the middle of the gorge he had -traversed a few hours previously; a profound obscurity enveloped him on -all sides, and in the shadow all around him, he fancied he could detect -the outlines of human forms. At this moment, other shots were fired at -him, his hat was carried off by a bullet, and several arrows passed -close to his face. - -Don Miguel raised his head boldly. "Ah! traitors!" he shouted in a loud -voice. And, lifting his horse with his knees, he rushed forward at -headlong speed, holding the bridle between his teeth, half bending over -his steed's neck, and with a revolver in each hand. - -A frightful war yell was heard, mingled with piercing imprecations -uttered in Spanish. - -Don Miguel passed like a tornado through the body of men moving round -him, and discharged his revolvers in the thickest of his unknown -enemies. Cries of pain and rage, bullets and arrows pursued him, but -did not check the headlong speed of his horse, which seemed no longer -to touch the earth, and rapidly did it course along. - -Behind him the young man heard the galloping of several horses, -hastening in pursuit. "Treachery, treachery!" he shouted, brandishing -his sabre, making his horse rear, and bounding like a jackal in the -midst of the throng which incessantly closed in upon him. - -Suddenly, at the height of the contest, at the superior moment when -he felt his strength was deserting him, three shots came from the -darkness, and his assailants, attacked in the rear, were compelled in -their turn to defend themselves against invisible foes. - -"We are coming!" a stout voice shouted, whose energetic accent made the -assailants tremble. "Hold your own! hold your own!" - -Don Miguel responded by a terrific yell, and threw himself into the -thick of the fight with redoubled efforts: now that he knew himself -to be supported, he felt he was saved. The crowd gave way in the -shadow, like ripe corn beneath the reaper's scythe; the compact mass -of assailants parted asunder, and three men, or three demons, rushed -into the hole they had made, and bounded forward to the side of the -adventurer. - -"Ah, ah!" the latter exclaimed, with a bitter burst of laughter, "the -fight is now equal; forward, comrades, forward!" And he threw himself -once more into the medley, followed by these intrepid allies. - -Who were these men? Whence did they come? he did not know or dream of -asking them. Besides, this was not the moment for explanations: they -must conquer or die. - -"Kill him, kill him!" a man yelled, who rushed upon him every moment -with uplifted sabre, and in all the ferocious ardour of an inveterate -hatred. - -"Ah! it is you, Don Stefano Cohecho!" Don Miguel shouted; "I felt sure -we should meet; your voice has denounced you." - -"Death to him!" the latter answered. - -The two men rushed upon each other, their horses met with a terrible -shock, and the man whom the adventurer took for Don Stefano rolled on -the ground. - -"Victory!" Don Miguel shouted, as he cut down with his machete all -within his reach. - -His unknown friends, who were still by his side, rushed after him. In -spite of all their efforts, the attacking party were unable to keep -their position, and began flying in every direction. The gorge was -free; no obstacle longer opposed Don Miguel's flight: he pressed his -horse, and the noble beast redoubled its ardour. When so far free, -the young man looked around him. His unknown defenders had suddenly -disappeared, as if by enchantment. - -"What is the meaning of this?" he murmured. - -At this moment he felt on his left arm something resembling a blow from -a whip: a bullet had struck him. This wound recalled him to a sense of -his present position. - -His enemies had rallied, and recommenced their pursuit. Before him he -heard the yellow waters of the Rubio growling; the wrath of heaven and -of man seemed leagued together to overwhelm him; it was then that a mad -terror seized upon him; he fancied himself lost, and uttered that first -cry of agony heard by the hunters. - -Still, his pursuers gained rapidly upon him; without hesitation or -reflection, he plunged into the Rubio with his horse; some twenty -bullets dashed up the water round him; he turned bravely on his steed, -and fired the last shots from his revolvers, uttering that cry to -which the hunters had replied with the word,--"Courage!" - -But human nature has limits which it cannot pass. This last effort -exhausted the little strength left him, and, frantically clutching -the bridle of his horse, he rolled into the river and fainted, while -saying, in a stifled voice,--"Laura, Laura!" - -Two shots crossed each other above his head, one fired by the man who -was aiming at him from the bank, the other by Marksman. The stranger -uttered a yell like a wild beast, turned away staggering like a drunken -man, and disappeared. - -Who was this man?--was he dead or merely wounded? - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE TRAVELLERS. - - -The events we have undertaken to narrate are so mingled with incidents -intertwined in each other by that fatality of accident which governs -human life that we are compelled once more, to our great regret, to -interrupt our story, and let the reader be present at a scene which -took place not far from the Rubio ford, on the same day that the events -occurred which we have described in preceding chapters. - -At about one o'clock of the _tarde_, that is to say, at the moment -when the beams of the sun, which has reached its zenith, pour down -on the prairie such an intense heat, that everything which lives and -breathes seeks shelter in the deepest part of the woods, three horsemen -passed over the ford, and boldly entered the path Don Miguel Ortega was -destined to follow a few hours later. - -These horsemen were white men, and what is more, Mexicans; it was -easy to perceive, at the first glance, that they had not the slightest -connection with any class of the adventurers who, under various names, -such as Gambusinos, hunters, trappers, wood rangers, or pirates, -swarm on the Western Prairies, which they incessantly cross in every -direction. - -The dress of these horsemen was that usually worn by the Mexican -hacenderos on the frontiers:--The wide brimmed hat, gallooned, and -decorated with the toquilla, the manga; the short calzoneras, open at -the knee; the zarapé; the _botas vaqueras_, and the _armas de agua_, -without which no one ventures on the desert. They were armed with -rifles, revolvers, navajas, and machetes. Their horses, at this moment -oppressed by the heat, but slightly refreshed by passing the ford, held -their heads up proudly, and showed that, if necessary, they could have -gone a long journey, in spite of their apparent fatigue. - -Of the three horsemen, one seemed to be the master, or at least the -superior, of the other two. He was a man of fifty years of age, with -hard, energetic features, imprinted, however, with rare frankness, -and great resolution; he was tall, well built, and robust; and he sat -upright and stiff on his saddle, with that confidence which denotes the -old soldier. His companions belonged to the class of Indios Manzos, a -bastard race, in which Spanish blood and Indian blood are so mixed that -it is impossible to assign them any characteristic type. Still, the -richness of their dress, and the way in which they rode by the first -horseman's side, rendered it easy to guess that they were confidential -servants, men whose fidelity had been long proved--almost friends, in -short, and not domestics, in the vulgar acceptation of the term. As far -as it is possible to recognize the age of an Indian, in whose face -traces of decrepitude are nearly always invisible, these two men must -have reached middle age, that is, from forty to forty-five years. - -These three horsemen rode a short distance behind each other, with -a thoughtful and sorrowful air: at times they turned a glance of -discouragement around, stifled a sigh, and continued their journey with -drooping heads, like men convinced they have undertaken a task beyond -their strength, but whom their will and, before all, their devotion -urge onwards at all risks. - -The presence of these strangers on the banks of the Rubio was, indeed, -one of those unusual facts which no one would have been able to -explain, and which would certainly have greatly surprised the hunters -or Indians who might have seen them. - -In the country where they now were, animals were rare; hence they were -not hunting. These regions, remote from all civilized zones, fatally -bordered unexplored countries, the last refuge of the Indians; these -men were, therefore, neither traders nor ordinary travellers. - -What reason could have been so powerful as to urge them to bury -themselves in the desert, so few in number, where every human face must -be to them that of an enemy? Where were they going? what were they -seeking? This question none but the men themselves could have answered. - -The ford had been passed; before them lay extended a barren and sandy -plain, opening on the gorge to which we have already alluded. On this -plain not a blade of grass glistened: the burning beams of the sun -descended perpendicularly on the parched sand, which rendered the heat, -if possible, more oppressive and stifling. The eldest of the travellers -turned to his companions:--"Courage, Muchachos!" he said, in a gentle -voice and a sad smile, as he pointed to the edge of the forest, not -more than three miles from them, whose close and thick vegetation -promised them a refreshing shade. "Courage! we shall soon rest." - -"Your Excellency need not trouble yourself about us," one of the -criados answered; "what your Excellency endures without complaining, we -can also endure." - -"The heat is stifling: hence, like yourselves, I feel the want of a few -hours' rest." - -"If absolutely necessary, we could go on a long time yet," the man who -had already spoken said, "but our horses can hardly drag themselves -along. The poor beasts are almost foundered." - -"Yes, men and beasts want rest. However strong our will may be, there -are limits before which the human organization must yield. Courage! in -an hour we shall have arrived." - -"Come, come, Excellency, do not think of us any more." - -The first traveller made no answer, and they continued their journey in -silence. - -They soon reached the gorge, which they passed through, and found -themselves among thickets, which, gently approaching, began to offer -them a scanty shade, but, just as they reached the spot the first -traveller had pointed out for their halt, he suddenly stopped and -turned to his companions,--"Look there," he said, "Do you not see a -slight pillar of smoke rising in the thicket, down there in front of -us, a little on the left of the skirt of the forest?" - -They looked. "In truth," the elder answered, "there can be no mistake -about it, although from here it might be taken for a mist; still, the -way in which the spiral rises, and its blue tinge, prove that it is -smoke." - -"After the ten mortal days we have been wandering about these immense -solitudes without meeting a living soul, that fire must be welcome to -us, for it indicates man, that is, friends; let us go straight up to -them, then; perhaps we shall obtain from them some valuable information -about the object of our journey." - -"Pardon me, Excellency," the criado answered, quickly, "when we quitted -the Presidio, you promised to place yourself in my hands, so excuse my -giving you some advice, which, under present circumstances, will be -very useful to you." - -"Speak, my excellent Bermudez, I place the most perfect confidence in -your experience and fidelity; your advice will be well received by me." - -"Thanks, Excellency," the man answered, whom he had called Bermudez, -"I have been a long time your vaquero, and in that capacity have been -frequently mixed up both with hunters and Indians, which has given me -certain notions of desert life, by which I have profited, although I -never before went so far on to the prairie as today. Hence, in the -spot where we are, we must above all avoid a meeting with our fellow -men, and only accost them prudently, while employing the greatest -precautions; the more so, as we do not know whom we have before us, and -if we have to deal with friend or foe." - -"It is true; your remark is correct; but, unfortunately, it is a little -late." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if we have seen the smoke of their fire, it is probable the -people down there saw us long ago, and are spying all our movements, -especially as we made no attempt at concealment." - -"That is certain, Don Mariano, that is certain," Bermudez continued, -with a shake of his head. "Hear, then, what, with your permission, -Excellency, I propose, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which -is always unpleasant; you will remain here with Juanito, while I go on -alone, and push on my reconnoissance up to the fire." - -Don Mariano hesitated to reply, for it seemed to him hard to refuse his -old servant thus. - -"Decide, Excellency," the latter said, quickly; "I know the Redskin -way of talking; they will salute me either with a shower of arrows, or -a bullet; but, as they are generally very bad shots, they are almost -certain not to hit me, and then I will easily enter into negotiations -with them. You see that the risk I have to run is not tremendous." - -"Bermudez is right, Excellency," Juanito answered, sententiously; being -a methodical and silent man, who never took the word save under grave -circumstances; "you must let him act as he thinks proper." - -"No!" Don Mariano said, resolutely, "I will never consent to that. God -is master of our existence; He alone can dispose of it at His will: if -any accident happened to you, my poor Bermudez, I should never pardon -myself; we will continue to advance together; at any rate, if they are -enemies before us, we shall be able to defend ourselves." - -Bermudez and Juanito were preparing to answer their master's -objections, and the discussion would have probably lasted a long while, -but at this moment the galloping of a horse was heard, the grass -parted, and a rider appeared about a dozen paces from the group. It was -a white man, and dressed in the garb of the prairie hunters. "Hold, -Caballeros," he cried, as he made a friendly sign with his hand, and -checked his horse; "advance without fear, you are welcome: I noticed -your indecision, and am come to put an end to it." - -The three men exchanged glances. - -"I thank you for your cordial invitation," Don Mariano at length -answered, "and accept it gladly." - -All suspicion being done away with, the four persons walked together -toward the fire, which they reached a few moments later. Near this fire -were two Indians, man and wife. - -The travellers dismounted, took off saddle and bridle, and after giving -their horses food, seated themselves with a sign of satisfaction by -their new friends, who did the honour of their provisions and bivouac -with all the cordial simplicity of the desert. - -The reader has doubtless recognized Ruperto, Flying Eagle, and -Eglantine, whom we left proceeding toward the Chief's village, whither -Ruperto had received orders from Marksman to accompany the Chief. - -Don Mariano and his companions were not only fatigued, but also -excessively hungry; the hunter and the Indians left them at full -liberty to assuage their appetites, and when they saw them light their -papelitos, they imitated them, and the conversation began. Turning at -first on the ordinary topics of the desert, the weather, the heat, and -the abundance of game, it soon grew more intricate, and assumed even a -serious character. - -"Now that the meal is ended, Chief," Ruperto said, "put out the fire; -it is unnecessary for us to reveal our presence to the vagabonds who -are doubtless prowling about the prairie." - -Eglantine, at a sign from Flying Eagle, put out the fire. - -"It was, indeed, your smoke which betrayed you," Don Mariano remarked. - -"Oh!" Ruperto said, with a laugh, "because we wished it; had we not, -we should have made our fire so as to remain unseen." - -"You wish, then, to be discovered?" - -"Yes; it was a throw of the dice." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What I say to you seems an enigma, but you will soon be able to -understand it. Look," the hunter added, stretching out his arm in the -direction of the gorge, "do you see that horseman going at full speed? -In a quarter of an hour, at the most, he will be up with us; owing to -the precaution I have taken, he will pass without noticing us." - -"Do you fear anything from that horseman?" - -"Nothing; on the contrary, the Chief and myself are here to help him." - -"You know him then?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Hum! you are becoming more and more incomprehensible, Caballero." - -"Patience," the hunter said, with a laugh, "did I not tell you you -should soon have a solution of the enigma?" - -"Yes, and I confess that my curiosity is so excited, that I am -impatiently waiting it." - -In the meanwhile, the horseman Ruperto had pointed out to Don Mariano -came up rapidly, and soon passed, as the hunter had foreseen, a -few paces from the bivouac, without noticing it. So soon as he had -disappeared in the forest, Ruperto began again:--"A few hours ago," -he said, "not far from the spot where we now are, the Chief and I, -without wishing it, overheard a conversation of which this horseman was -the object, a conversation in which the question was simply to make -him fall into an odious snare. I do not know who this horseman is, -nor do I wish to know it, but I have an instinctive repulsion to all -that in the slightest degree resembles treachery. This Indian Chief, -like myself, immediately resolved on saving this Caballero, if it were -possible; we knew that he must pass by here, as he had an appointment -with one of the men whom accident, or rather Providence, had made us -so singularly listen to. Two men, however brave they may be, are very -weak against some twenty bandits, still we did not lose courage, but -resolved, if Heaven sent us no allies, bravely to attempt the adventure -by ourselves; the more so, as the persons whose bloodthirsty plans we -had surprised seemed to us to be atrocious villains; still, by the -Chief's advice, I lit this fire, certain that if any traveller came -this way the smoke would serve him as a beacon, and assuredly lead him -here; you see, Caballero, that I was not mistaken, as you have come." - -"And I am glad I have," Don Mariano warmly replied: "I most readily -join in your plan, which appears to be suggested in every respect by an -honest and good heart." - -"Do not make me out better than I am, Caballero," the hunter made -answer; "I am only a poor devil of a wood ranger, very ignorant of city -matters; but under all circumstances, I obey the inspirations of my -heart." - -"And you are right, for they are sound and just." - -"Thanks; now we are in force, I assure you that the pícaros, however -numerous they may be, will see some fun; but we have still time before -us; rest yourselves, sleep a few hours; when the moment arrives, we -will arrange what to do." - -Don Mariano was too tired to need a repetition of this invitation; a -few moments later he and his companions were plunged in a deep and -restorative sleep. At sunset Ruperto woke them, "It is time," he said. - -They rose; for the few hours' rest had restored them all their -strength. The arrangements to be made were simple, and soon decided on. - -We have seen what took place; Addick and Don Stefano, themselves -surprised, when they expected to surprise Don Miguel, not knowing -how many enemies they had to contend with, fled after an obstinate -struggle. Don Mariano and Ruperto, satisfied with having saved Don -Miguel, retired so soon as the issue of the combat appeared no longer -dubious. - -Recalled, however, to the banks of the Rubio by the shots fired at -the last moment by Don Miguel, they saw a man and rushed toward him, -possibly more with the hope of helping him than taking him prisoner. -The man had fainted. Don Mariano and Ruperto raised him in their arms, -and transported him beneath the covert of the forest, where Eglantine -had contrived with great difficulty to light a fire; but when they were -enabled to see the wounded man's face by the glare, both uttered a cry -of stupefaction. - -"Don Stefano Cohecho!" Ruperto exclaimed. - -"My brother!" Don Mariano said, with mingled grief and horror. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -RECALLED TO LIFE. - - -With the first gleam of day, the terrible hurricane, which had raged so -cruelly through nearly the whole night, gradually calmed; the wind had -swept the sky, and borne far away the gloomy clouds which studded the -blue heavens with black spots; the sun rose majestically in floods of -light; the trees, refreshed by the tempests, had reassumed that pale -green hue, sullied on the previous day by the dusty sand of the desert; -and the birds, hid in countless myriads beneath the dense foliage, -poured forth that harmonious concert which they offer every morning -at sunrise to the All High--a sublime and grand hymn, a ravishing -hymn, whose rhythm, full of simple melodies, causes the man buried -in this ocean of verdure to indulge in sweet dreams, and plunges him -unconsciously into a melancholy reverie of the hope, whose realization -is in heaven. - -As we have said, Don Miguel Ortega, saved by the tried courage and -presence of mind of the two wood rangers, was carried by them to the -foot of a tree, beneath which they laid him. - -The young man had fainted. The hunters' first care was to examine his -wounds: he had two, one on the right arm, the other on the head, but -neither of them was dangerous. The wound in the arm bled profusely, a -bullet had torn the flesh, but had produced no fracture of the bone, or -any grave accident; as for the wound in the head, evidently produced by -a sharp instrument, the hair had already matted over it, and checked -the haemorrhage. - -Don Miguel's faintness was produced by the loss of blood in the first -place, and next by the nervous excitement of a long and obstinate -struggle, and the immense amount of strength he had been compelled to -expend to resist the numerous enemies who had treacherously attacked -him. - -The wood rangers, owing to the life they led, and the innumerable -accidents to which they are constantly exposed, are obliged to possess -some practical knowledge of medicine, and particularly of surgery. -Pupils of the Redskins, simples play a great part in their medical -system. Brighteye and Marksman were masters of the art of treating -wounds summarily, after the Indian fashion. After carefully washing -the wounds, and removing the hair from that on the head, they plucked -_oregano_ leaves, formed them into a species of cataplasm, by slightly -moistening them with spirits diluted in water, and applied this -primitive remedy to the wounds, fastening it on with leaves of the -_abanigo_, cut into strips, round which they wound aloe threads. Then, -with the blade of a knife, they slightly opened the wounded man's -tightly closed jaws, and poured a few drops of spirits into his mouth. -In a few moments Don Miguel half opened his eyes, and a fugitive glow -coloured his pallid cheeks. - -The hunters, with their hands crossed on the muzzles of their rifles, -carefully inspected the wounded man's face, trying to read on his -features the probable results of the means they had thought it -necessary to employ, in order to relieve him. - -The man who recovers from a deep fainting fit is not at the first -moment conscious of external objects, nor does he remember what has -happened: the equilibrium of his faculties, suddenly interrupted by the -successive blows they have experienced, is only re-established slowly -and gradually, in proportion as the eye grows brighter, the memory -clearer. Don Miguel looked around him with a glance that contained no -warmth or expression, and almost immediately closed his eyes again, as -if already wearied by the effort he had been forced to make in opening -them. - -"In a few hours his strength will be restored, and before three days -there will not be a trace of it," Brighteye said, tossing his head -sententiously. "By Jove! he is one of those sturdy fellows I like." - -"Is he not?" Marksman answered,--"so young and so valiant? What a rude -attack he sustained." - -"Yes, and bravely, we must say; still, for all that, if we had not been -there, he would have found it difficult to get out of the scrape." - -"He would have perished, there is not the least doubt of it, and that -would have been unfortunate." - -"Very unfortunate! however, he is well out of it. By the way, what are -we going to do with him now? We cannot stay here for ever; on the other -hand, he is unable to make a movement; but we must take him back to -the camp, his men will feel alarmed at his absence, and who knows what -would happen if it were prolonged?" - -"That is true; we cannot think of putting him on his horse, so we must -hit on some other expedient." - -"By Jove! that will not trouble us; the torpor into which he has fallen -will last about two hours; in the meantime, he will be hardly capable -of uttering a few words, and vaguely recalling what has happened to -him; it is not, therefore, necessary for both of us to remain by him, -one will be enough--say myself: you will go to the camp, state what has -occurred, tell the Gambusinos in what condition their Chief is, ask for -help, and bring it here as speedily as possible." - -"You are right, Brighteye, on my word; your advice is excellent, and I -will set about it at once. I shall not be gone more than two hours, so -keep good watch, for we do not know who may be prowling round us, and -spying our movements." - -"Don't be frightened, Marksman, I am not one of those men who let -themselves be surprised;--stay, I remember an adventure that occurred -to me in every respect similar to this. It was a long time ago, in -1824, I was very young, and--" - -But Marksman, who heard with secret terror his comrade beginning one -of his interminable stories, hastily interrupted him without ceremony, -saying--"By Jove! I have been acquainted with you for a long time, -Brighteye, and know what manner of man you are, so I go perfectly easy -in mind." - -"No matter," the hunter replied, "if you would let me explain--" - -"Useless, useless, my friend; explanations are uncalled for from a man -of your stamp and experience," Marksman said, as he leaped into his -saddle, and started at full speed. - -Brighteye looked after him for a long time. "Hum!" he said, -thoughtfully; "the Lord is my witness that that man is one of the most -excellent creatures in existence; I love him as a brother, and regret -that I can never make him understand how useful and precious it is to -keep up a recollection of past events, so as not to feel embarrassed -when any of those difficulties so common in desert life suddenly spring -up:--well, I cannot help it." And he began once more examining the -wounded man, with that intelligent attention he had not once ceased -testifying toward him. - -Don Miguel had not made a movement; more than an hour had elapsed, -and when the effects of the fainting fit wore off, he instantaneously -fell into that heavy, agitated sleep, from which nothing could arouse -him for a long time. Brighteye, seated by his side, with his rifle -betwixt his legs, philosophically smoked his Indian pipe, waiting, with -the patience peculiar to hunters, till some symptom told him that the -wounded man had succeeded in shaking off that torpor of evil augury -which had seized upon him. - -The old Canadian would have desired, even at the risk of an intense -fever setting in, that a sudden commotion should recall the young man -roughly to life; he built on the arrival of the Gambusinos to obtain -this result, and he frequently consulted the desert with anxiety to try -and perceive them, but he saw and heard nothing: all was silent around -him. - -"Come," he muttered at times, bending a dissatisfied glance at Don -Miguel, who lay stretched at his feet, "the shock has been too rude, -and nothing _will_ happen to restore him to a consciousness of life; on -my soul, I am most unlucky." - -At the moment when, perhaps for the hundredth time, he repeated this -sentence with ever-increasing annoyance, he heard at a short distance -off a rather loud rustling, and the breaking of some dead branches. - -"Eh, eh!" the hunter said, "what is the meaning of this?" - -He raised his head smartly, and looked carefully around; suddenly he -broke into a concentrated burst of laughter, and his eyes sparkled with -joy. - -"By Jove!" he said, gaily, "this is exactly what I want. Heaven has -sent that young gentleman to draw me from my dilemma, and he is right -welcome." - -At about twenty paces from the hunter, a magnificent jaguar, crouching -on the largest branch of an enormous cochineal tree, fixed a glaring -look upon him, while at intervals passing one of its fore claws over -its ears, with the airs and purring sound peculiar to the feline race. -This wild beast, probably terrified by the hurricane of the past night, -had not been able to regain its den, toward which it was proceeding, -when it found the two men in its path. - -The jaguar, or American tiger, far from attacking men, carefully avoids -a meeting with them, and only accepts a combat when compelled and -driven to bay, but then it becomes terrible, and a contest with it is -frequently mortal, unless its opponent is accustomed to the numerous -tricks it employs to insure the victory. At the moment the tiger -perceived the hunter, the latter saw the tiger, hence the combat was -imminent. The two enemies remained for several minutes in an attitude -of observation; their glances crossed like sword blades. - -"Come, make up your mind, sluggard," Brighteye muttered. - -The jaguar uttered a hoarse yell, sharpened its formidable claws for -a few seconds on the branch which served it for a pedestal, and then, -drawing itself up, bounded on the hunter. The latter did not stir; with -his rifle to his shoulder, his feet well apart and firmly fixed, and -his body bent slightly forward, he followed with a careful eye all the -movements of the wild beast; at the moment the latter made its spring, -the hunter pulled the trigger. - -The tiger turned a somersault with a ferocious yell, and fell at -Brighteye's feet. The Canadian bent down to it, but the jaguar was -dead; the hunter's bullet had entered its brain through the right eye, -and killed it on the spot. At the howl of the brute, and the sound -of Brighteye's rifle, Don Miguel opened his eyes and suddenly raised -himself on his elbow, with a terrified look, and features contracted by -a strange and terrible emotion, which reddened his face. - -"Help! help!" he shouted in a thundering voice. - -"Here I am!" Brighteye exclaimed, as he rose up, and forced him to lie -down again. - -Don Miguel looked at him. - -"Who are you?" he said, at the expiration of a minute; "what do you -want with me? I do not know you." - -"That is true," the hunter said, imperturbably, and addressing him like -a child, "but you will soon know me: do not be alarmed; for the moment, -it is enough for you to know that I am a friend." - -"A friend!" the wounded man repeated, trying to restore order to his -ideas, which were still confused, "what friend?" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said, "you do not count them by thousands, I -suppose; I have been your friend for some hours past. I saved you at -the moment when you were dying." - -"But all that tells me nothing--teaches me nothing. How am I here? how -are you here?" - -"Those are a good many questions all at once, and it is impossible -for me to answer them: you are wounded, and your state forbids any -conversation. Will you drink?" - -"Yes," Don Miguel answered, mechanically. Brighteye held his gourd to -him. - -"Still," he continued, after a moment, "I have not been dreaming." - -"Who knows?" - -"Those shots, the shouts I heard?" - -"Quite a trifle;--a jaguar I killed, and which you can see a few yards -off." - -There was silence for a few minutes: Don Miguel was thinking deeply; -light was beginning to dawn on his mind, his memory was returning. -The hunter anxiously followed on the young man's face the incessant -progress of returning thought. At length a flash of intelligence lit up -the young man's eye, and fixing his feverish glance on the old hunter, -he asked him,--"How long is it since you saved me?" - -"Scarce three hours." - -"Then, since the events that brought me here--there has only passed--?" - -"One night." - -"Yes!" the young man continued in a deep voice, a terrible voice, "I -fancied I was dead." - -"You only escaped by a miracle." - -"Thanks." - -"I was not alone." - -"Who else came to my assistance? tell me his name, that I may preserve -it preciously in my memory." - -"Marksman." - -"Marksman!" the wounded man exclaimed, tenderly, "always he. Oh! I -ought to have expected that name, for he loves me." - -"Yes." - -"And what is your name?" - -"Brighteye." - -The young man trembled, and held out his arm. "Your hand," he said; -"you were right just now in saying you were a friend, you have been so -for a long time, Marksman has often spoken to me about you." - -"We have been connected for thirty years." - -"I know it: but where is he, that I do not see him?" - -"He went, about two hours back, to the camp of the Cuadrilla to bring -help." - -"He thinks of everything." - -"I remained here to watch over and take care of you during his absence; -but he will soon return." - -"Do you believe that I shall be long helpless?" - -"No; your wounds are not serious. What floors you at this moment is the -moral shock you received, and chiefly the blood you lost when you fell -in a fainting state into the Rubio." - -"Then that river--" - -"Is the Rubio." - -"I am, then, on the spot where the struggle ended?" - -"Yes." - -"How many days do you think I shall remain in this state?" - -"Four or five at the most." - -There was silence for several minutes. - -"You told me that it is the weakness of my senses, produced by the -moral shock I received, which overpowers me, I think?" Don Miguel began -again. - -"Yes, I said so." - -"Do you believe that a firm and powerful will could produce a -favourable reaction?" - -"I do." - -"Give me your hand." - -"There it is." - -"Good: now help me." - -"What are you going to do?" - -"Get up." - -"By Jove! I was right in saying you were a man. Come, I consent: have a -try." - -After a few minutes spent in fruitless efforts, Don Miguel at length -succeeded in standing upright. - -"At last!" he said, triumphantly. - -At the first step he took, he lost his balance, and rolled on the -ground. Brighteye rushed toward him. - -"Leave me," he shouted to him, "leave me; I wish to get up by myself." - -He succeeded: this time he took his precautions better, and succeeded -in walking a few steps. Brighteye regarded him with admiration. - -"Oh! the will must subdue the matter," Don Miguel continued, with -frowning brow and swollen veins, "I will succeed." - -"You will kill yourself." - -"No, for I must live; give me something to drink." - -For the second time Brighteye handed him the gourd; the young man -eagerly raised it to his lips. "Now!" he exclaimed, with a feverish -accent, as he returned the gourd to the hunter, "to horse." - -"What, to horse?" Brighteye said, with stupefaction. - -"Yes; I must be moving." - -"Why, that is madness." - -"Let me alone, I tell you, I will hold on; but as the wound in the left -arm prevents my getting into the saddle, I must claim your assistance." - -"You wish it." - -"I insist on it." - -"Be it so; and may God be merciful to us." - -"He will protect us, be assured." - -Brighteye helped the young man into the saddle; against the hunter's -previsions, he kept firm and upright. "Now," he said, "take up your -jaguar's skin, and let us be off." - -"Where are we going?" - -"To the camp; Marksman will be greatly astonished to see me, when he -believes me to be half dead." - -Brighteye silently followed the young man; he gave up any further -attempts to understand this strange character. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH. - - -In spite of Don Miguel's firm will to overcome the pain, the horse's -movement occasioned him a degree of suffering which made his features -quiver, and drops of cold perspiration stand on his face, which was -pale as that of a corpse; at times his sight troubled him, he found -everything turning around him, he tottered in his saddle, and held on -convulsively to his horse's mane through fear of falling. - -"Stupid matter," he muttered in a hoarse voice, "shall I not succeed in -conquering you?" - -Then he redoubled his efforts to seem apathetic, smiled on Brighteye, -and gaily addressed him. - -For the first time in his life, the old hunter felt himself nonplussed: -though he ransacked his memory to try and find an analogous -circumstance to this in the course of his varied life, to his great -regret he was forced to confess to himself that he had never witnessed -anything like it. This annoyed him, and he therefore walked with a -dissatisfied air by the young man's side. - -Still they advanced. Suddenly, however, they heard the sound of horses -near them on the trail they were following. - -"Here is Marksman," Don Miguel said. - -"That is probable." - -"He will be greatly astonished to meet me coming toward the help he is -bringing." - -"That is certain." - -"Let us hurry our horses on a little." - -Brighteye looked at him. "You have sworn, then, to bring on a -congestion of the brain?" he said to him plainly. - -"How so?" the young man asked in surprise. - -"By Jove! that is easy to see," the hunter went on, hastily; "for an -hour you have been committing one act of madness after the other; but -do not deceive yourself, Caballero, what you take for strength is only -fever. It is that alone which sustains you, so take care, do not -obstinately continue an impossible struggle, from which, I warn you, -you will not emerge the victor. I let you act as you pleased, because -I saw no harm in doing so up to the present; but, believe me, you have -done enough. You have measured your strength, and know what you are -capable of doing under urgent circumstances. That is all you want; so -now let us stop and wait." - -"Thank you," Don Miguel said, cordially squeezing his hand; "you are -really my friend, your rude words prove it to me. Yes, I am a madman; -but what would you? I am in a strange position, when every hour I lose -may entail extreme dangers on myself and other persons, and I am afraid -of succumbing before I have accomplished the task which misfortune has -imposed on me." - -"You will succumb much sooner if you will not be reasonable. Four or -five days are soon passed; and, besides, what you cannot do, your -friends will accomplish." - -"That is true. You make me blush for myself. I am not only mad, but -also ungrateful." - -"Come, do not talk about that any more. The noise is approaching. -They are probably your companions; still they might be enemies, for -everything must be expected in the desert. Let us enter this thicket, -where we shall be perfectly concealed from the eyes of the comers. If -it be Marksman, we will show ourselves; if not, we will keep close." - -Don Miguel warmly approved of the idea, for he understood that, in -case of a fight, he should be but slight help to his companion in his -present condition. The two men disappeared in the thicket, which closed -on them, and they awaited, pistol in hand, the arrival of the persons. - -Brighteye was not mistaken. It was really Marksman, returning with -some fifteen Gambusinos. When they were only a few paces off, the two -horsemen showed themselves. Marksman could not believe his eyes. He -did not understand how the man he had left deprived of consciousness, -stretched out on the ground like an inert and almost lifeless body, had -possessed the strength to come and meet him, and to sit so upright and -firm in his saddle. - -Don Miguel enjoyed for a little while his triumph, and the admiration -he inspired in these men, with whom the sole supremacy is that of -strength, and then bent down with a smile to Marksman. - -"You are not the less welcome with the help you bring me," he said in -a low voice; "this help has become, at this moment, very necessary, if -not indispensable; for my resolution alone keeps me in the saddle." - -"You must make haste to return to the camp, and, for fear of accident, -lie down on a litter." - -"A litter?" Don Miguel objected. - -"You must, believe me. It is urgent that you should reassume, as soon -as possible, the command of your Cuadrilla, so do not waste your -strength in useless bravado." - -Don Miguel bowed without replying, for he understood the truth of the -hunter's remark. So, after getting off his horse with the aid of the -two Canadians, he himself ordered his companions to make the litter in -which he should be carried to the camp. - -Marksman passed his arm through the young man's, and, making a sign to -Brighteye to follow them, led him a few paces from the party, and made -him sit down on the grass. - -"Now that you are in a condition to answer me, profit by the time -during which your litter is being made. You have plenty to tell me." - -The young man sighed. "Question me," he said. - -"Yes, that will be better. How and by whom were you attacked?" - -"I cannot tell you. It is a strange history; so confused that it is -impossible for me, in spite of all my efforts, to disentangle it." - -"No matter. Tell me what happened to you; perhaps we, who are better -accustomed to the prairies than yourself, will find a thread which will -guide us through this apparently inextricable labyrinth." - -Don Miguel then told all the facts that had occurred, in all their -detail. At the name of Addick, Marksman frowned; when the Mexican spoke -of Don Stefano, the hunters exchanged an intelligent glance; but when -the young man reached that singular turn in the combat when, on the -point of succumbing, he had been suddenly surrounded by strangers, who -disappeared as if by enchantment, after disengaging him, the hunters -displayed marks of the greatest surprise. - -"Such," Don Miguel concluded, "was the odious ambush into which I fell; -and to which I should have been a victim, if you had not arrived so -opportunely to save me. Now that you know all as well as I do, what is -your opinion?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said; "all that is really very extraordinary. There -is at the bottom of the affair a dark machination, carried out with -a diabolical skill and perversity which startles me. I have certain -suspicions which I wish first to clear up; hence, I cannot give you my -opinion at once. Before all, I must investigate certain matters; but -trust to me for that. But these men who came so fortunately to your -help--did you not see them?--did you not speak to them?" - -"You forget," Don Miguel said, with a smile, "that they appeared in the -thick of the fight; brought as it were by the hurricane, that raged so -furiously. The time would have been badly chosen for conversation." - -"That is true; I did not know what I was saying. But," the hunter -added, striking the ground with the butt of his rifle, "I will not -be beaten. I swear to you that I shall soon have discovered who your -enemies are, whatever care they may take, and precautions employ, to -conceal themselves." - -"Oh! I intend to go in pursuit of them, so soon as I have got back my -strength." - -"You, Caballero," Marksman remarked drily, "have first to get well. On -reaching your camp, you will have to shut yourself up, as in a citadel, -and not take a step till you have seen me again." - -"What! do you intend to leave me, then?" - -"Brighteye and myself are going to start directly. We should be of no -use near you, while we may be of service elsewhere." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"On our return, you shall know all." - -"I cannot remain in such a state of uncertainty. Besides, I do not -understand you." - -"Yet it is clear enough. I intend, aided by Brighteye, to tear the mask -from this Don Stefano--a mask which, in my opinion, hides a very ugly -countenance--to know who this man is, and why he is such an obstinate -enemy to you." - -"Thanks, Marksman; now I am easy in my mind. Go; do all that seems -proper to you. I am convinced that you will accomplish everything that -can be humanly accomplished. But, before separating, promise me one -thing." - -"What is it?" - -"Promise me, that so soon as you have obtained all the information -you are going to seek, you will bring it to me, without undertaking -anything against this man, on whom I intend to take personally--you -understand me, Marksman, personally--exemplary vengeance." - -"That is your affair. I shall not interfere with you. Every man has his -task in this world; the man is your enemy, and not mine. So soon as I -have succeeded in bringing you face to face, or at least putting you -opposite each other in an equal position, you will do as you please. I -shall wash my hands of it." - -"Good, good!" Don Miguel muttered. "If any day I hold that demon in my -clutches, as he held me in his, he shall not escape, I swear!" - -"So it is settled, we can start?" - -"When you please." - -Brighteye had hitherto listened calmly to the conversation; but at this -remark he stepped forward, and laid his hand on Marksman's arm. "One -moment," he said. - -"What, more last words?" the hunter answered. - -"Only a word; but one which, I fancy, possesses some value in the -present state of affairs." - -"Make haste, then!" - -"You wish to discover who this Don Stefano is, as he thinks proper to -call himself, and I approve it; but there is another matter, I fancy, -quite as serious, which we ought to try and make out first." - -"What is it?" - -Brighteye turned his head to the right, and then to the left, bent -his body slightly forward, and lowering his voice so that the -persons he addressed could hardly hear him, he continued in a severe -tone,--"Desert life in no way resembles that in the towns. Down there -people know each other slightly or intimately, either by name or -through personal relations; they are frequently connected by interests -more or less direct; in a word, socialities exist between all the -inhabitants of towns, attaching them one to the other, and forming -them, as it were, into one family. In the desert this is no longer the -case; egotism and personality are the masters; the 'I' is the supreme -law; each man only thinks of himself, only acts for himself, and I will -say, further, only loves himself." - -"Cut it short, for goodness sake, Brighteye; cut it short!" Marksman -said impatiently. "What the deuce are you driving at?" - -"Patience!" the imperturbable Canadian said; "patience! and you shall -know. In short, then, in the desert, unless a man has lived for years -side by side with another--sharing pain and pleasure, good fortune -and ill, with him--he lives alone, without friends, only counting -indifferent persons as enemies. In the trap to which Don Miguel almost -fell a victim last night, two sorts of people revealed themselves -spontaneously to him. These were, first, inveterate enemies, and then -equally staunch friends. Do not fancy," the hunter continued, growing -warm, "that I have not calculated the range of the words I have just -made use of; you would be greatly mistaken. Does it not seem strange -to you, as it does to me, now that you are cool, and reason in all -the plenitude of your faculties,--does it not seem strange to you, I -repeat, that, at a given moment, without it being possible to know -how or why--these men suddenly emerged, as it were, from the ground, -to lend you a hand; then, when the danger was past, or nearly so, -they disappeared as suddenly as they came, leaving no trace of their -passage, and not breaking the incognito which covered them,--is not -this strange?--answer!" - -"In truth," Marksman muttered, "I did not think of that till now; the -conduct of those men is inexplicable." - -"That is exactly what must be explained!" Brighteye exclaimed -violently. "The prairie is not so densely populated that, at a given -moment, and amid a frightful hurricane, there should be men ready to -defend you for the mere satisfaction of doing so; those people must -have had secret motives for doing so, and that object it is urgent for -us to discover. Who tells us that they did not form part of the band -which attacked you? that it was not a trick to seize you more easily--a -part of the game, the execution of which our unforeseen presence -destroyed? I repeat to you, we must, before all, find these men, know -who they are, and what they want; in a word, whether they are friends -or enemies." - -"It is very late now to undertake such a search," Don Miguel observed. - -The two hunters smiled, as they exchanged a significant glance. "Very -late for you, certainly, who do not possess the key of the desert," -Brighteye replied; "but with us it is different." - -"Yes," Marksman supported him: "let us only find a trace of their -passage, however light it may be--a footstep on the damp sand, so as to -hold one end of their trail--that will be enough to reach the other, -and we shall give a good account of these strangers, whose conduct, -as Brighteye observed very truly, is too strange and too fine to be -honest." - -"Oh! why cannot I follow you?" Don Miguel exclaimed, regretfully. - -"Get well first; then, I am certain, your part will begin; for, before -three days, we shall bring you all the information you want today, and -without which you can effect nothing." - -"So you promise me that in three days--" - -"Yes, in three days we shall return from our expedition. Trust to our -promise, and nurse yourself, so as to be able to begin the campaign at -once." - -"I shall be ready." - -"So, now, good-bye! the sun is already high in the heavens; we have not -a moment to lose." - -"Good-bye, and good luck!" - -The hunters cordially pressed Don Miguel's hand, remounted their -horses, and went off rapidly in the direction of the Rubio ford. The -chief of the Gambusinos, laid on a litter, went quickly back to his -camp, which he reached a little before sunset. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -DON MARIANO. - - -We will now return to Don Stefano Cohecho, whom we left in a fainting -state between Ruperto and Don Mariano. - -The double exclamation drawn from the hunter and the Mexican traveller, -on recognizing the man they had picked up on the river bank, had -plunged all three of them into a profound state of stupefaction. -Bermudez was the first to recover his coolness, and he walked up to his -master. "Come, Don Mariano," he said to him, "do not stay here. Perhaps -it will be as well that, when your brother opens his eyes, he should -not see you." - -Don Mariano fixed a burning glance on the wounded man. "How is it that -I find him here?" he said, as if speaking to himself. "What is he -doing in these savage regions? It was false, then, what he wrote about -important business calling him to the United States, and that he had -started for New Orleans?" - -"Señor Don Estevan, your brother," Bermudez replied gravely, "is one -of those darkly-intriguing men with whom it is impossible to know -their thoughts, or guess their motives or action. You see the hunter -gives him a name which does not belong to him. For what purpose does -he conceal himself, then? Believe me, Don Mariano, there is a mystery -beneath this which we will clear up, with the aid of Heaven; but let us -be prudent; let us not reveal our presence to Don Estevan; there will -always be time to do so when we discover that we have been deceived." - -"That is true, Bermudez; your advice is good, and I will follow it; -but, before retiring, let me assure myself as to his present condition. -That man is my brother; and, however great the injuries he has done me -may be, I should not like to see him die without assistance." - -"Perhaps it would be better," Bermudez muttered. - -Don Mariano looked at him angrily, and bent over the wounded man. The -latter was still in a fainting state. Eglantine lavished on him those -delicate and intelligent attentions, of which women of all nations and -every colour possess the secret, but yet could not recall him to life. - -"Pray, Excellency, take my advice," Bermudez urged, "and retire." - -Don Mariano took a last look at his brother, and seemed to hesitate; -then turning away, with an effort, he said--"Let us go." The old -servant's face brightened. - -"I recommend this man to you," Don Mariano added, addressing Ruperto. -"Pay him all the attention his condition demands and humanity orders." - -The hunter bowed. The Mexican gentleman walked a few steps toward his -horse, which, with those of his companions, was fastened to a young -ebony tree. Don Mariano retired with regret: a secret voice seemed to -warn him to remain. At the moment he placed his foot in the stirrup, a -hand was laid on his arm, and he turned sharply. A man was standing by -his side. It was Flying Eagle. - -The chief had left to the whites the care of transporting the wounded. -With the instinct peculiar to his race, he had examined with the -utmost attention the scene of the ambush and all the spots whither the -accidents of the combat had led the fighters. His object in thus acting -had been to discover some trace, some sign, which, in case of need, -might be useful to those who had an interest in discovering the causes -of the snare laid for Don Miguel. Accident had aided him admirably, -by supplying him with a proof whose value must be immense, and which, -doubtlessly, Don Stefano would have bought back with his best blood, in -order to destroy it. Unfortunately, this proof, interesting as it was, -was a sealed letter for the Indian, and in his hands possessed no value. - -Flying Eagle immediately thought of Don Mariano, who would probably -explain to him the importance of the mysterious find he had made. After -turning it over several times, he hid it in his bosom, and with the -characteristic decision of his race, walked rapidly back to the camp, -where he was certain of finding the Mexican. - -"Is my father going away?" the Redskin asked. - -"Yes," Don Mariano answered; "but I am glad to see you, Chief, before -my departure, that I may thank you for your cordial hospitality." - -The Indian bowed. "My father can decipher the 'collars' of the -Palefaces. I think," he continued, "the whites have great knowledge. My -father must be a chief of his nation." - -Don Mariano looked at the Comanche in surprise. - -"What do you mean?" he asked him. - -"Our Indian fathers taught us to preserve, on the skins of animals, -prepared for the purpose, the interesting events that happened in -our tribe in the old ages of the world. The Palefaces know all; they -possess the great medicine; they also have collars." - -"Certainly, we have books, in which, by means of recognized signs, the -history of nations, and even the thoughts of men, can be traced." - -The Indian made a gesture of joy. - -"Good!" he said; "my father must know these signs, for his head is -grey." - -"I do know them. Can the simple knowledge I possess be of any service -to you?" - -Flying Eagle shook his head negatively. - -"No," he said; "not to me, but perhaps to others." - -"I do not understand you, Chief; be good enough, therefore, to explain -yourself more clearly, for I wish to go away before that man regains -his consciousness." - -The Indian took a side glance at the injured man. - -"He will not open his eyes for an hour," he said. "Flying Eagle can -talk to his father." - -In spite of himself, Don Mariano felt interested in knowing what the -Indian wished to tell him; so he resolved to wait, and made him a sign -to speak. The chief continued in a low voice,--"Let my father listen," -he said. "Flying Eagle is not an old gossiping woman; he is a renowned -chief. The words his breast breathes are all inspired by the Wacondah. -Flying Eagle loves the Palefaces, because they have been good to him, -and have, in certain circumstances, rendered him great services. After -the fight, the Chief went over the field of battle; near the spot where -the man fell whom my father brought here, Flying Eagle found a medicine -bag, containing several collars. The Indian looked at them on all -sides, but could not understand them, because the Wacondah had spread -over his eyes the thick bandage which prevents the Redskins equalling -the Whites. Still the Chief, suspecting that perhaps this mysterious -bag, useless to him, might be important for my father, or some of his -friends, previously concealed it in his breast, and ran in all haste -to hand it to my father. Here it is," he added, drawing a portfolio -from his bosom, and handing it to Don Mariano; "let my father take it; -perhaps he will be able to discover what it contains." - -Though the Redskin's action was perfectly natural on his part, and the -portfolio and its contents might be matters of indifference to the -gentleman, he only took it from the Chief's hands with reluctance. The -Indian folded his arms and waited, perfectly satisfied with what he had -done. - -Don Mariano absently examined the portfolio he held in his hand. It was -made of very ordinary shagreen, with no ornaments or gilding; it could -be seen that it was more for use than luxury; and it was crammed with -papers, and fastened with a small silver clasp. The examination, begun -absently, suddenly assumed a great importance for Don Mariano, for his -eyes had fallen on these words, half effaced, engraved in letters of -gold on one of the sides of the portfolio,--"Don Estevan de Real del -Monte." - -At the sight of these words, which revealed to him the name of the -owner of the object he held, he gave a start of surprise. While turning -and speaking, he came on his brother, who still lay unconscious, and by -a movement independent of his will, his hand squeezed it forcibly. This -pressure opened the hasp, and several papers fell out. - -Bermudez stooped quickly, and handed them to his master. The latter -mechanically held out his hand to receive them, and return them to the -portfolio; but Bermudez checked him resolutely. - -"Heaven gives you the means to know the truth at last," he said; "do -not neglect the opportunity it affords you, or you may repent it when -too late." - -"Violate my brother's secrets!" Don Mariano muttered, with a movement -of repulsion. - -"No," Bermudez retorted drily, "but learn how he became master of -yours. Excellency, remember the object of our journey." - -"But if I were discovered--if he were not guilty?" - -"All the better. In that way you will acquire certainty." - -"What you urge me to do is wrong. I have no right to act so." - -"Well, I, who am only a wretched Criado, Excellency, whose actions have -no serious import, will assume that right for your sake, Excellency." -And by a gesture swift as thought, he seized the portfolio. - -"Wretch!" Don Mariano shouted. "Stay, what are you going to do?" - -"Save, perhaps, her you love, as you dare not do it yourself." - -"My father will leave his slave free," the Indian interposed, "the -Wacondah inspires him." - -Don Mariano had not the courage to resist longer, for involuntarily -an unknown feeling he could not explain, told him that he was wrong, -and Bermudez did well to act so. The half-caste had, with the greatest -coolness, opened the papers, not appearing to care for any seeming -impropriety in his conduct. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, "did I not tell you, Excellency, that -Heaven placed in your hands the proofs you had so long been seeking in -vain? Read! read! and if it be possible, still doubt the testimony of -your eyes, and refuse longer to believe in your brother's perfidy, and -odious treason." - -Don Mariano seized the papers with a feverish gesture, and hurriedly -read them. After reading them two or three times, he stopped, raised -his eyes to heaven, and then let his head fall in his hands with an -expression of the utmost pain. "Oh, oh!" he muttered, in despair, "my -brother! my brother!" - -"Courage!" Bermudez said, softly. - -"I will have it," he answered; "the hour of justice has arrived." - -A strange change had suddenly taken place in him. This man, a few -moments previously so timid, and whose hesitation was extreme, was -metamorphosed. He seemed to have grown; his features had assumed an -imposing rigidity, and his eyes flashed fire. - -"No more childish fears," he said; "no further tergiversation. We must -act." - -Then turning to Flying Eagle, he asked him,-- - -"Is that man seriously wounded?" - -The Indian carefully examined Don Stefano. - -During the whole period of the examination, no one uttered a word. -Everyone understood that Don Mariano had at length formed an energetic -resolution, and that he would accomplish it remorselessly, and without -hesitation, no matter what the consequences might be to him hereafter. - -Flying Eagle returned in a few minutes. - -"Well?" the gentleman asked him. - -"That man is not really wounded," the Indian answered; "he has only -received a serious contusion on the head, which has plunged him into a -sort of lethargic faint, from which he will not recover for an hour." - -"Very well; and on waking, in what state will he be?" - -"Very weak; but that weakness will soon wear off, and tomorrow he will -be as right as before he received the blow." - -A bitter smile played round Don Mariano's lips. "Tell that hunter, your -friend, to come here; I must speak to you both," he said. "I have a -service to ask of you." - -The Chief obeyed. - -"I am at your service, Excellency," Ruperto remarked. - -"We will hold a council," Don Mariano then said. "Is not that the term -you employ in the desert when you have to discuss important business?" - -The hunter and the Indian made a sign of assent. - -"Listen to me attentively," the gentleman continued, in a firm and -impressive voice. "The man there is my brother, and he must die. I -do not wish to kill him, but to try him. All you now present will be -his judges; I his accuser. Will you aid me to accomplish an act of -vengeance, but a deed of the most rigorous justice? I repeat to you, I -will accuse him before you all, and documents in hand. He will be at -liberty to defend himself; your conscience will be clear; he will have -entire freedom to do so; and, moreover, you will condemn or acquit him, -according to the opinion you form on the evidence. You have heard me; -reflect; I await your reply." - -There was a supreme silence. After a few moments, Ruperto took the -word. "In the desert, where human justice does not penetrate," he said, -"the law of God must prevail. If we have a right to kill the noxious -and malevolent brutes, why should we not the right to punish a villain? -I accept the office you offer me, because in my heart I am persuaded -that in doing so I am doing my duty, and am useful to society, of -which I make myself the avenger." - -"Good!" Don Mariano answered. "I thank you. And you, Chief?" - -"I accept," the Comanche said distinctly. "Traitors must be punished, -no matter to what race they belong. Flying Eagle is a chief; he has the -right to sit at the council fire, in the first rank of the Sachems, and -condemn or acquit." - -"It is now your turn," Don Mariano continued, addressing his servant; -"answer." - -Bermudez stepped forward a pace, and bowed respectfully to Don Mariano. -"Excellency," he said, "we knew this man when he was a child; we -dandled him on our knees. At a later date he became our master; our -hearts would not be free in his presence. We cannot judge him; we ought -not to condemn him. We are only fit to execute the sentence, whatever -it may be, which is dealt out to him, if we receive the order. Old -slaves, liberated by the kindness of their master, are never equal to -him." - -"Those feelings are what I expected from you. I thank you for your -frankness, my children. In truth, you should not interfere in this -matter. Heaven, I hope, will send us two men with loyal hearts and firm -will to take your places, and fulfil the duty of judges impartially." - -"Heaven has heard you, Caballero," a rough voice said; "we are here at -your disposal." - -The branches of the thicket near which our characters were, were then -torn boldly asunder, and two men appeared. They walked a few steps -forward, rested their rifles on the ground, and waited. - -"Who are you?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Hunters." - -"Your name?" - -"Marksman." - -"And yours?" - -"Brighteye. For about half an hour we have been hidden behind this -bush. We heard all you said, and hence it is useless to repeat your -statement. But there is another man who must be present at the trial." - -"Another man! Who?" - -"The one he attacked so traitorously, whom you drew from his hand, and -whom we saved." - -"Ha! who knows where to find that man at present?" - -"We do," Marksman said, "as we only left him an hour ago, to take up -your trail." - -"Oh, if that is the case, you are right; that man must come." - -"Unfortunately, he is seriously wounded; but if he cannot come of -himself, he can be carried: and I know not why, but his presence seems -to me not only necessary, but even indispensable, in order to clear up -certain facts which it is our duty to fathom." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience, Caballero! you will soon understand. This man's camp is not -far off, and he can be here before sunset." - -"But who will warn him?" - -"Myself," Brighteye answered. - -"I thank you for the hearty offer." - -"We are possibly more interested than yourself in clearing up this -mysterious machination," Marksman answered. - -At a sign from his friend, Brighteye remounted his horse, which he had -left in the thicket, and rode off at full speed, while Don Mariano -followed him with a glance at once curious and puzzled. "You speak to -me in riddles," he said to Marksman, who was still leaning on his rifle. - -The latter shook his head. - -"The history, whose odious incidents will be unrolled before you, is a -sad one, Excellency, and you have not the key, in spite of the proofs -you believe you possess." - -Don Mariano sighed, and two burning tears ran down his cheeks, which -were furrowed by grief. - -"Courage, _mi amo!_" Bermudez said. "Heaven is at length on your side." - -The gentleman pressed the hand of his faithful servant, and turned his -head away to conceal the emotion he felt. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -BEFORE THE TRIAL. - - -When Brighteye went off, Marksman, the Indian, and Ruperto approached -the wounded man, who was still plunged in the same state of lethargy, -and collected around him, in order to await his recovery. - -Don Mariano, whose scruples were now extinguished, and who was anxious -to know all the windings of his brother's dark machinations, in order -to have solid arguments for the accusations he was about to bring -against him before that supreme tribunal he had so unexpectedly found, -withdrew from his servants into a dense coppice, where, free from all -glances, he opened the portfolio with feverish impatience, and began -reading the papers it contained, with a horror that increased with -every fresh letter he unfolded. - -Don Mariano did not wish his brother to be aware of his presence before -being confronted with his judges, for he counted on his unexpected -apparition to foil his perspicacity and presence of mind, by making -him lose his coolness. Hence he concealed himself in a spot invisible -to the most searching glance, reserving the right of appearing at the -decisive moment. - -More than an hour elapsed, ere Don Stefano, in spite of Eglantine's -incessant care, made a movement indicating his return to life. Still -the three men, crouched silently round him, did not for a moment relax -in their watchfulness; they understood the full extent of the act they -were about to accomplish, and desired, with that intuitive mistrusting -possessed by loyal souls, that the man they were about to try should be -sufficiently collected, and so far in possession of his faculties, as -to defend his life bravely. - -At the moment when the sun, rapidly declining on the horizon, -lengthened the shadows of the trees, and only appeared through the -lower branches like a huge ball of fire, the evening breeze passed like -a fresh breath over the pale brow of the wounded man, who uttered a -deep sigh at the feeling of comfort this beneficial freshness caused -him to experience, after the stifling heat of the day. - -"He is going to open his eyes," Marksman muttered. - -Flying Eagle laid his finger on his lips as he pointed to the wounded -man. - -Low as the hunter had spoken, Don Stefano had heard him; though not, -perhaps, understanding the meaning of the words that had struck his -ears, but sufficiently so to recall him to a sense of existence. - -Don Stefano was no common man, and a worthy son of the bastard race -of Mexico. Cunning was the most prominent point in his eminently -dissimulating character; accustomed ever to judge men and things badly, -distrust seemed innate in his heart. Marksman's words warned him to -keep on his guard, without stirring, without opening his eyes, lest he -should reveal his return to life; he made a supreme effort to recall -the events that preceded his accident, so as to arrive, from deduction -to deduction, at the position in which he now was, and guess, if that -were possible, into whose hands chance, or his ill fortune, had made -him fall. - -The task Don Stefano imposed on himself was not easy, for, by the force -of circumstances, he was deprived of his most potent auxiliary, sight, -which would have enabled him to recognize the persons who surrounded -him, or, at any rate, perceive were they friends or enemies. Thus, -though he listened with the utmost attention, in order to catch a word -or a phrase to guide him in his suppositions, and show him how to base -his calculations on probable, if not positive, data, as the hunters, -warned by the Chief, and suspecting a trick, abstained for their part -from making a gesture or uttering a word, all his previsions were -foiled, and he remained in the most utter ignorance. - -This prolonged silence further heightened Don Stefano's anxiety, and -presently threw him into such a state of alarm that he resolved, at all -risks, on removing his doubts. Putting his plans almost at once into -execution, he made a movement as if to rise, and suddenly opened his -eyes, and took an inquiring and searching glance around. - -"How do you feel?" Marksman asked, as he bent over him. - -"Very weak," Don Stefano answered, in a suffering voice. "I feel a -general heaviness, and frightful buzzing in my ears." - -"Good," the hunter continued, "that is not dangerous. It is always so -after a fall." - -"I have had a fall, then?" the wounded man continued, whom the sight -of Ruperto, an old acquaintance, began to reassure. - -"Hang it! it is probable, as we found you lying on the banks of the -Rubio." - -"Ah, you found me, then?" - -"Yes, about three hours back." - -"Thanks for the aid you gave me; had it not been for that, I should -probably be dead." - -"Very possibly; but do not be in a hurry to thank us." - -"Why not?" Don Stefano suddenly said, as he cocked his ears at this -ambiguous answer, which seemed to him a disguised threat. - -"Eh, who knows?" Marksman retorted, simply; "No one can answer for the -future." - -Don Stefano, whose strength was rapidly returning, and who had already -regained all his lucidity of mind, rose quickly, and fixed on the -Canadian a glance which seemed meant to read his most intricate -thoughts. "I am not your prisoner, though?" - -"Hum!" was all the hunter replied. - -This interjection made the wounded man thoughtful, and disturbed him -more than a long phrase. "Let us speak frankly," he said, after a few -moments' reflection. - -"I wish for nothing better." - -"Of you, then, there is one I know," he continued, pointing to Ruperto, -who gave a silent nod of assent. "I never, to my knowledge, injured -that man; on the contrary--" - -"That is true," Ruperto answered. - -"I never saw you, so you can have no feelings of animosity against me." - -"That is correct. This is the first time Providence has brought us face -to face." - -"There remains this Indian warrior, who, like yourself, is a perfect -stranger to me." - -"All that is correct." - -"For what reason, then, can I be your prisoner? Unless, as I cannot -believe, you belong to those birds of prey, called pirates, who swarm -in the desert?" - -"We are not pirates, but frank and honest hunters." - -"A further reason why I should address my question to you again, and -ask you if I am your prisoner or no?" - -"The question is not so simple as you suppose, although we have no -reproaches to bring against you personally. Have you not insulted or -offended other persons since you have been on the prairie?" - -"I?" - -"Who else but you? Did you not try, no later than last night, to -assassinate a man in an ambuscade you laid for him?" - -"Yes; but that man is my enemy." - -"Well! Suppose, for a moment, we are friends of that man!" - -"But it is not so. It cannot be." - -"Why not? What makes you suppose so?" - -Don Stefano shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. - -"You must think me very foolish," he said, "if you would try to make me -believe that quibble." - -"It is not so much one as you imagine." - -"Nonsense! If I had fallen into the hands of that man, he would have -had me conveyed to his camp, in order to revenge himself on me in -the presence of the bandits he commands, and to whom the sight of my -punishment would, doubtlessly, have been too agreeable for him to have -tried to deprive them of the delightful sight." - -The old hunter, whose language had hitherto been ironical and face -malicious, suddenly changed his tone, and became as serious and stern -as he had previously been sarcastic. "Listen," he said, "and profit -by what you are going to hear. We are not the dupes of your feigned -weakness. We know very well that your strength has nearly returned. The -advice I give you is frank, and intended to guard you against yourself; -you are not our prisoner, it is true, and yet you are not free." - -"I do not understand you," Don Stefano interrupted him, the last words -clouding over his face, which had suddenly grown brighter. - -"Not one of the persons present," Marksman continued, "has any charge -to bring against you. We do not know who you are; and before today, I, -at least, was entirely ignorant of your existence; but there is a man -who asserts that he has against you--not feelings of hatred, for that -would be a matter to settle between yourselves in a fair fight--but -motives of complaint sufficiently great to justify your immediate -trial." - -"My trial!" Don Stefano repeated, in the utmost astonishment; "but -before what tribunal does that man intend to try me? We are here in the -desert." - -"Yes; and you seem to forget it. In the desert, where the laws of -cities are powerless to punish the guilty, there is a terrible, -summary, implacable legislature, to which, in the common welfare, every -aggrieved person has a right to appeal, when suspicious circumstances -demand it." - -"And what is this law?" Don Stefano asked, whose pale face had already -assumed a cadaverous hue.-- - -"It is Lynch law." - -"Lynch law?" - -"Yes; and in the name of that law we, who, as you say, you do not know, -have been assembled to try you." - -"Try me! But that is impossible. What crime have I committed? Who is -the man that accuses me?" - -"I cannot answer these questions. I do not know the crime of which you -are accused, nor the name of your accuser; but believe me, we have no -hatred or prejudice against you, and we shall, therefore, be impartial. -Prepare your defence during the few moments left you, and when the -moment arrives, try to prove your innocence, by confounding your -accuser--a thing which I ardently desire." - -Don Stefano let his head fall in his hands with an expression of -despair. "But how would you have me prepare my defence, when I am -ignorant of the nature of the crimes imputed to me? Give me a light -through the darkness, a flash, however slight, that I may be able to -guide myself, and know where I am." - -"In speaking as I did, Caballero, I obeyed my conscience, which -ordered me to warn you of the danger that threatened you. It would be -impossible for me to tell you more, for I am as ignorant as yourself." - -"Oh! it is enough to drive a man mad," Don Stefano exclaimed. - -At a sign from Marksman, Ruperto and Flying Eagle rose. The hunter -nodded to Eglantine to imitate their example. All four withdrew, and -Don Stefano was left alone. - -The Mexican rolled on the ground with the insensate fury of a man -before whom an insurmountable obstacle suddenly rises, and who, driven -into a desperate position, is forced to confess himself vanquished. -A prey to the deepest anxiety, ignorant whither to turn in order -to dispel the tempest growling over his head, he sought in vain in -his mind for the means to escape from the hands that held him. His -inventive genius, so fertile in schemes of every description, furnished -him with no subterfuge, no stratagem, that would aid him advantageously -in supporting this supreme contest with the unknown. In vain he racked -his brains: he found nothing. Suddenly he drew himself up, and by a -movement rapid as thought, thrust his hand into his chest. "Ah!" he -exclaimed, sorrowfully, and let his hand fall again by his side, "what -has become of my portfolio?" He searched eagerly around him, but found -nothing. "I am lost," he added, "if those men have found it. What shall -I do? What will become of me?" - -A sound of horses was heard in the distance, gradually approaching -the spot where the hunters were encamped. The sound soon became more -distinct, and it was easy to recognize the advent of a numerous party -of horsemen. In fact, within a quarter of an hour, some thirty mounted -men, led by Brighteye, entered the clearing. "Brighteye among these -bandits!" Don Stefano muttered. "What can be the meaning of it?" - -His uncertainty did not last long. The new arrivals escorted a man whom -Don Stefano recognized at once. "Don Miguel Ortega! oh, oh!" Then he -added, with one of those cunning smiles habitual to him, "Now I know -my accuser. Come, come," he said to himself, "the position is not so -desperate as I supposed. It is evident these men know nothing, and my -precious papers have not fallen into their hands. Hum! I fancy that -this terrible Lynch law will be wrong this time, and I shall escape -from this peril, as I have done from so many others." - -Don Miguel had passed without seeing Don Stefano, or perhaps, as was -more likely, without appearing to notice him. As for the prisoner, -interested as he was in observing everything, and not allowing the -slightest detail to escape his notice, he followed with watchful eye, -while feigning the most indifferent behaviour, all the movements -of the hunters. After gently depositing the litter at the side of -the clearing opposite to that where Don Stefano lay, the Gambusinos, -instead of dismounting, formed a large circle, and remained motionless, -rifle on thigh, thus rendering any attempt at flight impossible. - -Buffalo skulls, intended to act as seats, were arranged in a semicircle -round a fire of dry branches. On these skulls, five in number, five men -immediately took their seats, arranged in the following order:--Don -Miguel Ortega, performing the duties of president, in the centre, -having on his right Marksman, on his left Brighteye, and then the -Indian Chief and a Gambusino. This tribunal in the open air, in the -heart of the virgin forest, surrounded by these horsemen, in their -strange costume, motionless as bronze statues, produced an effect -at once imposing and striking. These five men, with stern looks and -frowning eyebrows, calm and apathetic, bore a marvellous resemblance to -that Holy Vehm, which in old times, on the banks of the Rhine, took the -place of legal justice, no longer able to repress crime, and gave its -judgments in the open air, to the hoarse growling of the winds, and the -mysterious murmurs of the waters. - -In spite of his daring, Don Stefano felt a shudder of terror all over -him, as he looked round the clearing, and saw all eyes fatally fixed -upon him, with the implacable rigidity of desert force and justice. -"Hum!" he muttered to himself, "I believe I shall have a difficulty to -get out of the scrape, and was too hasty in claiming victory." - -At this moment, two hunters, at a sign from Don Miguel, quitted the -ranks, dismounted, and approached the wounded man. The latter made an -effort, and succeeded in gaining his feet. The hunters took him by -the arms, and led him before the tribunal. Don Stefano drew himself -up, crossed his arms on his chest, and bent a sardonic glance on the -men before whom he was led. "Oh, oh!" he said, with a mocking accent, -addressing Don Miguel, "it is you, then, Caballero, who are my accuser?" - -The captain shrugged his shoulders slightly. "No," he replied; "I am -not your accuser, but your judge." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -After these words, there was a moment of expectation--almost of -hesitation. A leaden silence seemed to brood over the forest. - -Don Stefano was the first to overcome the feeling of terror which -involuntarily pervaded him. "Well!" he said, with a contemptuous tone, -and a clear, cutting voice; "if it be not you, where is this accuser? -Will he hide himself, now that the hour has arrived? Will he recoil -before the responsibility he has assumed? Let him appear--I am ready -for him!" - -Don Miguel shook his head. "When he does appear, you may, perhaps, find -that he has come too soon," he answered. - -"What do you want with me, then?" - -"You shall hear." - -Don Miguel was pale and sombre; a sad smile played round his -discoloured lips; it was evident that he was making extraordinary -exertions to overcome his weakness and keep his seat. After a few -moments' consideration, he raised his head. "What is your name?" he -asked. - -"Don Stefano Cohecho," the accused answered without hesitation. - -The judges exchanged a glance. - -"Where were you born?" - -"At Mazatlán, in 1808." - -"What is your profession?" - -"Merchant, at Santa Fé." - -"What motive brought you into the desert?" - -"I have told you already." - -"Repeat it!" Don Miguel said, with perfect coldness. - -"I would remark that these questions, perfectly unnecessary for you, -are beginning to grow tiresome." - -"I ask you what motive brought you into the desert?" - -"The failure of several of my correspondents compelled me to take a -journey, in the hope of saving some fragments of my endangered fortune. -I am in the desert, because there is no other road to the town I wish -to reach." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To Monterey. You see the docility with which I answer all your -questions," he said, with the impertinent tone he had assumed ever -since he was led before his judges. - -"Yes," Don Miguel replied, slowly, and laying a stress on each word, -"you display great docility. I wish, for your own sake, you were -equally truthful." - -"What do you mean by that remark?" Don Stefano asked, haughtily. - -"I mean that you have answered each of my questions with a falsehood," -Don Miguel said, coolly and drily. - -Don Stefano frowned, and his tawny eye emitted a flash. "Caballero!" he -said, violently, "such an insult--" - -"It is no insult," the adventurer answered, in his old tone; "it is the -truth, and you know it as well as I." - -"I should be curious to know the meaning of this," the Mexican tried to -say. - -Don Miguel looked at him fixedly; and, in spite of his impudence, Don -Stefano could not endure the glance. - -"I will satisfy you," the adventurer said. - -"I am listening." - -"To my first question you answered that your name was Don Stefano -Cohecho?" - -"Well?" - -"That is false; for your name is Don Estevan de Real del Monte." - -The accused gave a slight start. Don Miguel continued:--"To my second -question, you replied that you were born at Mazatlán, in 1808. That is -false; you were born at Guanajuato, in 1805." - -The adventurer waited a moment, to give the man he addressed time to -reply. But Don Estevan, whose right name we will in future adhere to, -did not think it advisable to do so. He remained cold and gloomy. Don -Miguel smiled contemptuously, and continued:-- - -"To my third question, you answered that you carried on the business -of a merchant, and were established at Santa Fé. That is all false. -You never were a merchant. You are a senator, and reside in Mexico. -Lastly--You said you were only crossing the desert on your road to -Monterey, where the interests of your pretended business called you. As -for the latter assertion, I need hardly, I believe, prove its falsehood -to you, for that is palpable from the other answers you made. Now I -await your reply, if you have one to make--which I doubt." - -Don Estevan had had time enough to recover from the rude blow he had -received; hence he did not feel alarmed, as he believed he could guess -whence the attack came, and by what means those in whose presence he -now was had obtained this information about him. Hence he replied in -a sarcastic tone, and drawing in his lips spitefully,--"Why do you -fancy I cannot answer you, Caballero? Nothing is more easy; on the -contrary, _cáspita!_ because, during my fainting fit, you--shall I say -robbed me? No, I am polite; I will therefore say--adroitly carried -off my portfolio; and because, after opening it, you obtained certain -information, you throw it in my face, convinced that I shall feel -disarmed by your being so conversant with my affairs. Nonsense! You -are mad, on my soul. All these things are absurdities, which will not -bear analysis. Yes, it is true that my name is Don Estevan. I was born -at Guanajuato, in 1805, and am a senator--what next? Those are strong -motives on which to base an accusation against a Caballero! _Cuerpo -de Cristo!_ Am I the only man in the desert who assumes a name other -than his own? By what right do you, who only call each other by your -surnames, wish to prevent me from following your example? It is the -height of absurdity; and if you have no better reason to allege, I must -ask you to let me go and attend to my affairs in peace." - -"We have others," Don Miguel answered, in an icy tone. - -"I know your reasons. You, Don Miguel, who are also called Don -Torribio, and sometimes Don José, accuse me of having laid a trap for -you, from which you were only saved by a miracle. But that is a matter -between ourselves, in which Heaven alone must be the arbiter." - -"Do not bring that name forward. I have already told you that I was not -your accuser, but your judge." - -"Very good. Restore me my portfolio, and let us stop here, believe me, -for in all this there is no advantage for you, unless you have resolved -to assassinate me, which is very possible; and in that case I am at -your service. I do not pretend to contend against the thirty or forty -bandits who surround me. So kill me if you think proper, and let us -have an end of it." - -Don Stefano uttered these words with a tone of sovereign contempt, -which his judges, like men whose mind is made up beforehand, did not -appear to notice. - -"We have not stolen your portfolio," Don Miguel answered; "not one of -us has seen it, much less opened it. We are not bandits, and have no -design to assassinate you. We are assembled to try you according to -the regulations of Lynch Law; and we perform this duty with all the -impartiality of which we are capable." - -"If that be the case, let my accuser appear, and I will confound him. -Why does he hide himself so obstinately? Justice must be done in the -sight of all. Let this man come, who asserts that he has such heavy -crimes to bring against me--let him come, and I will prove him a vile -calumniator." - -Don Estevan had scarcely uttered these words, ere the branches of -a neighbouring bush were drawn back, and a man appeared. He walked -hastily toward the Mexican, and laid his hand boldly on his shoulder. - -"Prove to me, then, that I am a vile calumniator, Don Estevan," he -said, in a low and concentrated voice, as he regarded him with an -expression of implacable hatred. - -"Oh," Don Estevan exclaimed, "my brother!" and lolling like a drunken -man, he recoiled a few paces, his face covered with a deadly pallor, -his eyes suffused with blood, and immeasurably dilated. Don Mariano -held him with a firm hand, to prevent him falling on the ground, and -placed his face almost close to his. - -"I am your accuser, Estevan," he said. "Accursed one, what have you -done with my daughter?" - -The other made no reply. Don Mariano regarded him for a moment with an -expression impossible to describe, and disdainfully threw him off with -a gesture of sovereign contempt. The wretch tottered, and stretched -out his arms, trying instinctively to keep up; but his strength failed -him; he fell on his knees, and buried his face in his hand, with an -expression of despair and baffled rage, the hideousness of which no -pencil could render. - -The spectators remained calm and stoical. They had not uttered a -word or made a sign; but a secret terror had seized upon them, and -they exchanged looks which, if the accused had seen them, would have -revealed to him the fate which in their minds they reserved for him. - -Don Mariano gave his two servants a signal to follow him, and, with -one on either side, he took his place in the centre of the clearing, -in front of the improvised tribunal, and began speaking in a powerful, -clear, and accented voice. "Listen to me, Caballeros, and when I -have told you all I have to say about the man you see there crushed -and confounded, before I had even uttered a word, you will judge him -according to your conscience, without hatred or anger. That man is my -brother. When young, for a reason it is unnecessary to explain here, -my father wished to drive him from his presence. I interceded for him, -and though I did not obtain his entire pardon, still he was tolerated -beneath the paternal roof. Days passed, years slipped away; the boy -became a man; my father, at his death, gave me his whole fortune, to -the prejudice of his other son, whom he had cursed. I tore up the -will, summoned that man to my side, and restored him, a beggar and a -wretch, that share of the wealth and comfort of which his father, in my -opinion, had not the right to deprive him." - -Don Mariano stopped, and turned to his servants. The two men stretched -out their right hands together, took off their hats, and said, in one -voice, as if replying to their master's dumb questioning,--"We affirm -that all this is strictly true." - -"Hence this man owed me everything--fortune, position, future; for, -owing to my influence, I succeeded in having him elected a senator. -Let us now see how he rewarded me for so many kindnesses, and the -extent of his gratitude. He had succeeded in making me forget what I -regarded as errors of youth, and persuade myself that he was entirely -reformed: his conduct was ostensibly irreproachable; under certain -circumstances, he had even displayed a rigour of principle, for which -I was obliged to reprove him; in a word, he had succeeded in making -me his dupe. Married, and father of two children, he brought them up -with a strictness which, in my eyes, was a proof of his reformation; -and he carefully repeated to me often--'I do not wish my children -to become what I have been.' Owing to one of those numberless -_pronunciamientos_ which undermine and dismember our fine country, I -was an object of suspicion to the new government, through some dark -machination, and compelled to fly at once to save my threatened life, -I knew not to whom to confide my wife and daughter, who, in spite of -their desire, could not follow me. My brother offered to watch over -them. A secret presentiment, a voice from heaven, which I did wrong to -despise, warned my heart not to put faith in this man, nor accept his -proposition. Time pressed; I must depart; the soldiers sent to arrest -me were thundering at the door of my house; I confided what was dearest -to me in the world to that coward there, and fled. During the two years -my absence lasted, I wrote letter after letter to my brother, and -received no reply. I was suffering from mortal alarm, and was almost -resolved, at all risks, to return to Mexico, when, thanks to certain -friends who were indefatigable in my behalf, my name was erased from -the list of postscripts, and I was permitted to return to my country. -Scarcely two hours after receiving the news, I set out. I arrived at -Veracruz four days later. Without taking time to rest, I mounted a -horse, and galloped off, only leaving my wearied steed to take another, -along the seventy leagues of road separating the capital from the -port, and dismounted at my brother's door. He was away, but a letter -from him informed me that, compelled by urgent business to proceed to -New Orleans, he would return in a month, and begged me to await him. -But not a word about my wife and daughter; not a syllable about the -fortune I had entrusted to him. My alarm was changed into terror, and I -presaged a misfortune. I left my brother's house, half mad, remounted -the almost foundered horse that had brought me there, and proceeded as -rapidly as possible to my own house. Windows and doors were closed; the -house I had left so gay and animated was silent and gloomy as a tomb. I -stood for a moment, not daring to rap at the door. At length I made up -my mind, preferring the reality, however horrible it might be, to the -uncertainty which drove me mad." - -At this point in his story Don Mariano stopped. His voice was broken -by the internal emotion he experienced, and which it was impossible for -him to master any longer. - -There was a solemn silence. Don Estevan had not changed his position. -Since the beginning of his brother's narrative, he appeared to be -plunged in profound grief, and crushed by remorse. - -Presently, Bermudez, seeing that his master was incapable of continuing -his narrative, took the word in his turn,--"It was I who opened the -door. Heaven is my witness that I love my master, and unhesitatingly -would lay down my life for him. Alas! I was fated to cause him the -greatest grief it is possible for a man to suffer--forced to answer -the questions he pressed on me. I told him of the decease of his wife -and daughter, who had died a few weeks after each other in the convent -of the Bernardines. The blow was terrible; Don Mariano fell as if -struck by lightning. One evening, when, as was his custom since his -return, Don Mariano was alone in his bedroom, with his face buried -in his hands, giving way to sorrowful reflections, while regarding, -with eyes full of tears, the portrait of the dear beings he was never -to see again, a man wrapped up in a large cloak, and with a sombrero -pulled down over his eyes, demanded speech of señor de Real del Monte. -On my remarking that his Excellency saw nobody, this man insisted with -strange tenacity, declaring he had to hand to my master a letter, the -contents of which were of the utmost importance. I know not how it was, -but the man's tone appeared to me so sincere, that, in spite of myself, -I infringed the positive orders I had received, and led him to Don -Mariano." - -That gentleman at this moment raised his head, and laid his hand on the -old servant's arm. "Let me continue now, Bermudez," he said. "What I -have to add is not much." - -Then, turning to the hunters, who still appeared cold and apathetic, -he went on,--"When this man was in my presence, he said, without any -introductory remarks, 'Excellency, you weep for two persons who were -very dear to you, and whose fate is unknown to you.' 'They are dead,' I -replied. 'Perhaps so,' he said. 'What will you give the man who brings -you, I will not say good news, but a slight hope?'" - -"Without replying, I rose, and went to a cabinet, in which I kept my -gold and jewels. 'Hold out your hat,' I said to him. In a second the -hat was full of gold and diamonds. The stranger put them all out of -sight, and said, with a low bow,--'My name is Pepito; I am a little of -all trades. A man, whose name you need not know, gave me this strip of -paper, with orders to hand it to you immediately on your arrival in -Mexico. I only learned your return this morning, and have now come to -carry out the order I received.'" - -"I tore the paper from his hands, and read it, while Pepito deluged me -with thanks, to which I did not listen, and then retired. This was what -the paper contained." - -Don Miguel stretched out his arm toward Don Mariano. - -"'A friend of the Real del Monte family,'" the Gambusino said, in a -loud voice, "'warns Don Mariano that he has been shamelessly deceived -by the man in whom he placed entire confidence, and who owed everything -to him. That man poisoned Doña Serafina de Real del Monte. Don -Mariano's daughter was buried alive in the _In pace_ of the Bernardine -convent. If señor del Monte desires to examine thoroughly the frightful -machinations of which he has been the victim, and perchance see -again one of the two persons whom the man who deceived fancied had -disappeared for ever, let Don Mariano keep the contents of this letter -the most profound secret, feign the same ignorance, but quietly make -preparations for a long journey, which no one must suspect. On the next -5th November, at sunset, a man will be at the Teocali do Quinametzin -(the Giant). This man will accost Don Mariano by pronouncing two -names, those of his wife and daughter. Then he will tell him all that -he is ignorant of, and perhaps be able to restore him a little of the -happiness he has lost.' The note ended here, and was not signed." - -"That is true," Don Mariano said, utterly astounded; "but how did you -learn these details? It was doubtlessly yourself who--" - -"When the time arrives, I will answer you," Don Miguel said, in a -peremptory tone. "Go on." - -"What more shall I say? I started for the strange meeting promised -me, nourishing in my heart I know not what mad hopes. Alas! man is -so constituted that he clings to everything which can aid him in -doubting a misfortune. This day, God, who has probably taken pity on -me, made me meet the man who is my brother; the sight of him caused -me an astonishment I cannot express. How could it be him, when he had -written me he was gone to New Orleans? A vague suspicion, which I had -hitherto repulsed, gnawed at my heart with such force, that I began to -believe, though it appeared to me very horrible, that my brother was -the traitor to whom I owed all my misfortunes. Still I doubted, I was -undecided, when this portfolio, lost by the wretch and found by the -Indian Chief, Flying Eagle, suddenly tore off the thick bandage that -covered my eyes, by giving me all the proofs of the odious machinations -and crimes committed by this wretch, this cruel fratricide, for the -ignoble object of robbing me of my fortune to enrich his children. -Here is the portfolio. Read the papers it contains, and decide between -my villainous brother and myself." - -While saying this, Don Mariano offered the portfolio to Don Miguel, -who, however, declined it. - -"Those proofs are unnecessary for us, Don Mariano," he said; "we -possess others more convincing still." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You shall understand." And Don Miguel rose. - -Without being able to explain why it was so, Don Estevan felt a shiver -all over his body, for he guessed, by a species of intuition, that his -brother's accusation contained nothing so terrible as the facts Don -Miguel was preparing to reveal. He threw up his head slightly, bent -forward, and with panting chest and dilated nostrils, fascinated, as -it were, by the chief of the adventurers, he awaited, with constantly -increasing anxiety, what Don Miguel was going to say. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE JUDGMENT. - - -The sun had disappeared on the horizon; shadows had assumed the place -of light; the darkness falling from the sky had covered the forest -with an impenetrable brown shroud. The Gambusinos lighted branches of -_ocote_, and then the clearing, in which the events we are describing -took place, was fantastically lighted by torches, whose flickering, -ensanguined glare played on the trees and the persons collected under -their dense foliage, and gave the whole scene a strange and sinister -stamp. - -Don Miguel, after looking around to demand attention, began -speaking:--"As you have found that portfolio," he said, "I have -nothing more to tell you. It was really your brother who committed the -fearful crime with which you charge him. Fortunately, his object could -not be completely attained. Your wife is dead, it is true, Don Mariano; -but your daughter still lives. She is in safety, and it was I who was -fortunate enough to tear her from her tortures, and from that _In pace_ -in which she was thrust alive. I will restore your daughter to you, Don -Mariano, pure and uncontaminated as when I took her from her tomb." - -Don Mariano, so fierce in grief, was unable to bear joy. The commotion -the news produced was so violent, that he rolled unconsciously on -the ground; clasping his hands fervently with a last effort to thank -Heaven for having granted him so much joy, after visiting him with so -much suffering. The gentleman's servants, aided by several Gambusinos, -hastened round him, and paid him all the attention his condition -demanded. - -Don Miguel allowed time for the emotion produced by Don Mariano's fall -to calm, and then made a sign for silence. "It is now our turn, Don -Estevan," he said. "Furious at seeing one of your victims escape you, -you did not fear to pursue her even to this spot. Knowing that it was -I who saved her, you laid a snare for me, in which you hoped I should -perish. The hour has arrived to settle our accounts." - -On seeing that he no longer had his brother as his adversary, Don -Estevan regained all his boldness and impudence. At this address he -drew himself up coldly, and fixed a sarcastic glance on the young man. -"Oh! oh!" he said ironically; "my good gentleman, you would not be -sorry to assassinate me, eh? so as to make me hold my tongue. Do you -fancy me the dupe of the fine sentiments you utter so complacently? -Yes, you saved my niece, that is true; and I should thank you for it, -did I not know you so thoroughly." - -At these singular words, his hearers made a movement of surprise, which -did not escape Don Estevan's notice. Satisfied with the effect he found -he had produced, he went on. - -The scoundrel had judged the question at the first glance. Unable -completely to exonerate himself, he resolved to turn the difficulty, -which he expected to do the more easily, because the only person -capable of contradicting him was unable to hear him and put matters -in the right light. He assumed a placid countenance, and said, with -affected honesty:--"Good heavens! not one of us is infallible. Who -does not commit an error, at least once in his life? Far from me be -the thought of lessening the opprobrium of the deed I am accused of. -Yes, I broke my pledged faith; I deceived my brother, the man to whom -I owed all. You see, Caballeros, that I do not attempt to exculpate -myself; but between that fault and the committal of a crime, there is -a vast difference, and, thanks to Heaven, I cannot be accused of an -assassination; and I throw back the responsibility of this shameful -deed on the right person." - -"Who is that man?" Don Miguel asked, involuntarily astonished and -terrified by the fellow's cunning. - -"Oh," he said, with imperturbable coolness, "I will throw the -responsibility on those too zealous people who ever understand much -more than they should understand, and who, either through covetousness -or some other motive, always go further than they ought. I confess that -I certainly desired to get hold of my brother's fortune; but I intended -to do so legally." - -The Gambusinos, all scoundrels gifted with a marvellously elastic -conscience, which naturally rendered them very unscrupulous as to -deeds more or less reprehensible, were, however, terrified on hearing -such a theory. They asked each other, in a low voice, with the simple -credulity of semi-savages, if the man before them, who spoke thus, were -really their fellow being, or whether the Evil Spirit had not assumed -this shape in order to deceive them? - -"Understand me clearly, Caballeros," Don Estevan continued, in a voice -growing, every moment firmer, "the Mother Superior of the Bernardines -is my relative, and has an unbounded affection for me. When I let her -see through my plans, she urged me to persevere, assuring me that -she knew an infallible means to make my projects succeed. I believed -her words the more easily, because these means were very simple, -and consisted in compelling my niece to take the veil. I looked no -further, I swear to you. Poor child, I loved her too dearly to desire -her death! All went on as I desired, though I in no way interfered; -my sister-in-law died; that death seemed to me perfectly natural, -after the numberless sorrows that had overpowered her. I am accused -of having poisoned her. It is false! Perhaps she was so; I will not -affirm the contrary; but in that case my relative must be accused of -the crime, whose object it was, evidently, to bring the fortune I -coveted nearer to my grasp. I wrote at once to my brother, telling him -of this death, which really grieved me; but he did not receive the -letter. I see nothing astonishing in that, because he was continually -going from town to town, as his fancy led him. I frequently went to -the convent to visit my niece; she seemed to me determined to take the -veil. The Mother Superior, for her part, incessantly told me not to -trouble myself about anything; hence I let matters go on without any -interference on my part. On the day my niece was to take the veil, I -went to the convent; then, something unusual and scandalous occurred. -At the moment of professing, the girl refused distinctly to become a -nun, and I retired in despair at this misadventure. In the evening, a -nun came to my house and told me that my niece, after a very violent -scene with the Mother Superior, had been attacked by congestion of the -brain, and died suddenly. This news caused me considerable grief. All -night I walked about my room, deploring the irreparable misfortune -which overwhelmed my unhappy brother. On reflection, a suspicion sprung -up in my mind. This death appeared to me peculiar, and I dreaded -a crime. In order to clear up my doubts, I hurried to the convent -at daybreak; there a fresh surprise awaited me. The community were -upset--terror was visible on every face. During the night a band of -armed men entered the convent; my niece was torn from her tomb and -carried off by these men, who at the same time took away a young -novice. Then, convinced that I was not deceived, and that a crime had -been committed, I shut myself up with the Mother Superior in her cell, -and, by menaces and entreaties, succeeded in dragging the truth from -her. My horror was extreme on learning that my unfortunate niece had -really been interred alive. One thing was left me to do; one duty to -fulfil. I must discover traces of her, rescue her, and restore her to -her father's arms. I did not hesitate, but set out two days later. That -is the entire truth; my conduct has been reprehensible, even culpable; -but, I swear it, it has not been criminal." - -The audience had listened to this daring justification with icy -silence. When Don Estevan stopped speaking, not a sign of approval gave -him a hope of having convinced his hearers. - -"Supposing--though I do not admit it, for there are too many proofs to -the contrary--that what you assert be true," Don Miguel answered him, -"for what reason did you wish to assassinate me, when I had saved her -whom you had wished to restore to her father's arms?" - -"Do you not understand that?" Don Estevan exclaimed, in feigned -surprise. "Must I tell you everything?" - -"Yes, everything," the young man answered, coldly. - -"Well, yes, I did wish to assassinate you, because at the Presidio de -Tubar I was assured that you had only carried off my niece for the -purpose of dishonouring her. I wished to avenge on you the outrage I -believed you had done her." - -Don Miguel turned pale at this insult. "Villain!" he shouted, in a -voice of thunder, "do you dare to utter such an atrocious calumny?" - -The auditors had started in horror at Don Estevan's words, and, feeling -himself conquered, in spite of all his audacity, he was compelled to -bow his head beneath the weight of the general reprobation. - -Marksman then rose. "Caballeros," he said, "you have heard the -accusation brought against this man by his brother. During the whole -time that accusation lasted, you remarked his countenance; now you have -heard his defence. We have allowed him to say what he pleased, without -trying to interrupt or intimidate him: the hour has now arrived to -pronounce judgment. It is always a serious thing to condemn a man, even -the worst of malefactors. Lynch law, you know as well as I, admits no -compromises; it kills or it acquits. Although chosen to try this man, -we will not alone assume the responsibility of the act. Reflect, then, -seriously before answering the questions I shall address to you, and, -before all, remember that on your answer depends the life or death of -this wretched man. Caballeros, on your soul and conscience, is this man -guilty?" - -There was a moment of supreme silence; all the faces were grave, all -hearts beat forcibly. Don Estevan, with frowning brow, pale face, but -firm look--for he was brave--waited, a prey to an anxiety which he -could only conceal by the firmness of his will. - -Marksman, after waiting several minutes, went on in a slow and solemn -voice,--"Caballeros, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" all exclaimed, unanimously. - -At this moment, Don Mariano, through the care of his servants, -was beginning to give signs of life, precursors of his return to -consciousness. Brighteye bent over to Marksman. "Is it right," he -whispered, "that Don Mariano should be present at his brother's -condemnation?" - -"Certainly not," the old hunter said, quickly; "the more so, as -now that the first outbreak of wrath has passed, he would probably -intercede in his favour. But how shall we get him away?" - -"I'll manage that, and take him to the Gambusinos' camp." - -"Make haste!" - -Brighteye rose, and walked to Bermudez, in whose ear he whispered a -few words; then the two servants, taking their master under the arms, -disappeared with him in the thickets, followed by the hunter and -Eglantine, to whom the Canadian had made a sign to come. In the state -of agitation and excitement the Gambusinos were in, no one noticed this -departure, and not even the sound of several horses going away was -heard. - -Don Estevan alone noticed this removal, the purpose of which he -understood. "I am lost," he muttered. - -Marksman made a sign, and silence was restored, as if by enchantment. -"What penalty does the culprit deserve?" he asked. - -"Death!" the audience replied, like a funeral echo. - -Then, turning to the condemned man, Marksman continued--"Don Estevan de -Real del Monte, you, who came into the desert with criminal intentions, -have fallen beneath the stroke of Lynch law; it is the law of God; -eye for eye, tooth for tooth; it admits of only one punishment, that -of retaliation; it is the primitive law of old times restored to -humanity. You condemned a hapless maiden to be buried alive, and perish -of hunger. You will also be buried alive, to die of hunger; but as -you might long call on death ere it came to your aid, we will give -you the means to put an end to your sufferings when the courage to -endure them longer fails you. We are more merciful than you were to -your unhappy victim; for you will be only interred up to the armpits, -your left arm will remain at liberty, and we will place within your -reach a pistol, with which you can blow out your brains when you have -suffered sufficiently. I have spoken. Is this sentence just?" he added, -addressing his audience. - -"Yes," they said, in a low and concentrated voice. "Eye for eye, tooth -for tooth!" - -Don Estevan had listened with horror to the old hunter's words; the -fearful punishment to which he was condemned had struck him with -stupor; for though he expected death, that prepared for him seemed -so frightful, that at first he could not believe it; still, when he -saw, at a sign from Marksman, two Gambusinos set to work digging a -hole, his hair stood upright with terror, an icy perspiration beaded -on his temples, and he cried, in a hoarse voice, as he clasped his -hands,--"Oh, not that atrocious death, I implore you; kill me at once!" - -"You are condemned, and must endure your punishment, such as it was -pronounced," the old hunter answered. - -"Oh, give me the pistol you promised me, that I may blow out my brains -on the spot. You will be avenged." - -"We are not taking vengeance; the pistol will be left you when we -depart." - -"Oh, you are implacable!" he said, as he fell to the ground, where he -writhed in impotent rage. - -"We are just," Marksman merely answered. - -Don Estevan, having arrived at the height of fury, leaped up suddenly, -and, bounding like a jaguar, rushed head down, against a tree, with the -intention of dashing out his brains. But the Gambusinos watched his -movements too closely to let him carry out his desperate resolve; they -seized, and, despite his obstinate resistance and wild ravings, they -bound him, and rendered it impossible for him to make a movement. His -wrath then changed to despair. "Oh!" he shouted, "were my brother here, -he would save me. Oh, heavens! Mariano, help me, help me!" - -Marksman walked up to him. - -"You are about to be placed in your grave," he said to him. "Have you -any final arrangements to make?" - -"Then this horrible punishment is true?" he said, wildly. - -"It is true." - -"You must be wild beasts, then." - -"We are your judges." - -"Oh, let me live, be it only for a day!" - -"You are condemned." - -"Maldición on you, demons with human faces! Assassins, who gives you -the right to kill me?" - -"By the right every man possesses to crush a serpent. For the last -time, have you any arrangements to make?" - -Don Estevan, crushed by this fearful contest, kept silence for an -instant; then two tears slowly dropped from his fever-burned eyes, and -he murmured in a gentle, almost childlike voice,--"Oh, my sons, my poor -darlings! What will become of you when I am no longer here?" - -"Make haste," the hunter said. - -Don Estevan fixed a haggard eye upon him. "I have two sons," he said, -speaking as in a dream; "they have only me left, alas! and I am about -to die! Listen, if you are not utterly a wild beast. Swear to perform -what I ask of you?" - -The hunter felt moved by this poignant grief. - -"I swear it," he said. - -The condemned seemed to be collecting his ideas. "Paper and a pencil," -he said. - -Marksman still held the portfolio; he tore a leaf from it, and gave it -to him, with the pencil. - -Don Estevan smiled bitterly at the sight of his portfolio. He clutched -the paper, and hurriedly wrote a few lines, which he gave to the -hunter. An extraordinary change had taken place in the prisoner's face; -his features were calm, his glance gentle and suppliant. "Here," he -said, "I count on your word. Take this letter; it is for my brother. -I recommend my children to him; it is for their sake I am dying. No -matter! if they are happy, I shall have attained my object--that is all -I want. My brother is good; he will not abandon the unhappy orphans I -leave as a heritage to him. I implore you, give him that paper." - -"Within an hour it shall be in his hands; I swear it!" - -"Thanks. Now do with me what you please; I care little. I have insured -the welfare of my children; that was all I wished for." - -The hole had been dug. Two Gambusinos seized Don Estevan, and lowered -him into it. When he was standing upright in the hole, the ground was -just on a level with his armpits; his right arm was fastened along his -side, the other left free. Then the earth was piled up around this -living man, who was already no more than a corpse. When the hole was -filled up, a Gambusino approached the condemned man with a scarf. - -"What are you going to do?" he asked in terror, though he guessed the -man's purpose. - -"To gag you," the Gambusino said, brutally. - -"Oh!" he remarked. - -He allowed himself to be gagged without resistance, and was, indeed, -hardly conscious of what was being done with him. Marksman then placed -a pistol under the wretch's quivering hand, and took off his hat. "Don -Estevan," he said, in a grave and solemn voice, "men have condemned -you. Pray to God that He may be merciful to you, for you have no hope -but in Him." - -The hunters and Gambusinos then remounted their horses, extinguished -the torches, and disappeared in the darkness, like a legion of black -phantoms. The culprit was left alone in the gloom, which his remorse -peopled with hideous spectres. With neck stretched out, eyes widely -dilated, and ears on the watch, he looked and listened. So long as he -heard the echo of the horses' footfalls in the distance, a wild hope -still filled his soul; he waited--he expected. What did he await--what -expect? He could not have said, himself; but man is so constituted. -Gradually every sound died out, and Don Estevan at length found himself -alone, in the heart of an unknown desert, with no hope of help from -anyone. Then he uttered a profound sigh, closed his hand on the pistol, -and placed the icy muzzle against his temple, muttering for the last -time the name of his children. - - * * * * * - -In the meantime the Gambusinos withdrew, a prey to that feeling of -undefinable uneasiness which involuntarily contracts the heart of -every man, when he has accomplished an act in which he knows that he -had, perhaps, no right to take the initiative--even when recognizing -its necessity and even strict justice. No one spoke; all heads were -bowed. They rode along, gloomy and thoughtful, by each other's side, -not daring to interchange their reflections, and listening to the -mysterious sounds of the solitude. They had just reached the last -limits of the forest covert: before them the waters of the Rubio -glistened like a long, silver ribbon in the pale moonlight. They had -gained the ford, when suddenly the distant explosion of a firearm -resounded hoarsely, driven back by the echoes of the Quebradas. -Instinctively these men, for all they were so brave and well tried, -shuddered, and stopped with a movement of stupor--almost of terror. -There was a minute of ghostly silence. Marksman understood that he must -break the gloomy dream which weighed like remorse on all these men. -Hence, masking with some difficulty the emotion that almost choked him, -he said, in a grave voice:--"Brothers! the vengeance of the desert is -satisfied. The scoundrel we condemned has at length done justice on -himself." - -There is in the human voice a strange and incomprehensible power. The -few words uttered by the Scout sufficed to restore to all these men -their pristine energy. - -"May heaven be merciful to him!" Don Miguel responded. - -"Amen!" the Gambusinos said, crossing themselves piously. - -From this moment the heavy weight that oppressed them was removed; the -culprit was dead. The unpleasant logic of an accomplished fact once -again justified Lynch Law, and at the same time stifled regret and -remorse, by putting an end to the cruel uncertainty which had hitherto -oppressed them. - -Don Stefano once dead, the girl he had so pitilessly pursued was saved, -in the eyes of these iron-hearted men: this reason alone was sufficient -to extinguish in them all pity for the criminal. A sudden reaction took -place in them, and their rebel natures, momentarily subdued, rose again -stronger and more implacable than ever. - -At a signal from the Canadian, the party recommenced their march, and -soon disappeared among the sandhills which cover the banks of the Rubio -ford. The desert, for an instant troubled by the sound of the horses' -feet on the pebbles, fell back into its calm and majestic silence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -BRIGHTEYE. - - -Brighteye, as we mentioned, aided by the two servants, had succeeded in -carrying off Don Mariano, who was still in a half-fainting state, in -order to spare him the atrocious sight of his brother's execution. The -motion and the night air rapidly restored the old gentleman to life. On -opening his eyes, his first word, after looking around him to see where -he was, was to ask about his brother. No one answered; the people who -led him along redoubled their speed. - -"Stay!" Don Mariano then shouted, as he rose with an effort, and tore -the bridle from the hands of his leader. "Stop--I insist!" - -"Are you in a condition to manage your own horse?" Brighteye asked him. - -"Yes," he replied. - -"Then we will let loose; but on one condition." - -"What is it?" - -"That you will promise to follow us." - -"Am I your prisoner, then?" - -"Oh, no! far from that!" - -"Why, then, is this attempt to force my will?" - -"We are merely acting on your behalf." - -"How am I here?" - -"Cannot you guess?" - -"I am waiting for your explanation." - -"We did not wish that, after accusing your brother, you should witness -his execution." - -Don Mariano, overpowered, let his head droop, sadly. "Is he dead?" he -asked, with a shudder. - -"Not yet," Brighteye answered. - -The hunter's accent was so gloomy, his face so mournful, that the -Mexican gentleman was struck with terror. "Oh, you have killed him!" he -muttered. - -"No," Brighteye answered, drily, "he must die by his own hand. He will -kill himself." - -"Oh! that is horrible! In Heaven's name tell me all; I prefer the -truth, however fearful it may be, to this frightful uncertainty." - -"Why describe the same to you? You will know all the details only too -well presently." - -"Very good," Don Mariano answered, resolutely, as he stopped his horse; -"I know what is left me to do." - -Brighteye looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and laid his hand -on his bridle. "Take care," he said, drily, "not to let yourself be -carried away by the first impulse, which is always unreflecting, and -regret presently what you have done tonight." - -"Still, I cannot let my brother perish," he exclaimed; "I should be a -fratricide." - -"No! for he has been justly condemned. You were only the instrument -Divine Justice employed to punish a criminal." - -"Oh! your spurious arguments will not convince me, my master. If, in a -moment of passion and senseless hatred, I forgot the ties that attached -me to that unhappy man, now that I see and understand all the horror of -my action, I will repair the evil I have done." - -Brighteye pressed his arm forcibly, leaned over to his ear, and -said:--"Silence! you will destroy him by trying to save him. It is not -your place to try it; leave that to others." - -Don Mariano tried to read in the hunter's eye the determination he -seemed to have formed, and, letting go of the bridle, he went on with -a thoughtful air. A quarter of an hour later, they reached the Rubio -ford. They stopped on the bank of the river, which, having fallen back -into its narrow bed, flowed on calmly and gently at this moment. - -"Go to the camp," Brighteye said; "it is useless for me to accompany -you further. I am going," he added, with a significant glance at Don -Mariano, "to join the Gambusinos. Continue your road gently, and you -will arrive at the camp only a few minutes before us." - -"Then you return?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Yes!" Brighteye answered; "good-bye for the present." - -"For the present!" the old gentleman said, as he held out his hand. -The hunter took it, and pressed it cordially. Don Mariano urged -his horse into the water, and his servants silently imitated him. -Brighteye remained motionless on the bank, and watched them cross. Don -Mariano turned, waved his hand to him, and the three men disappeared -in the tall grass. So soon as they were out of sight, Brighteye -turned his horse round, and regained the covert of the virgin forest. -The hunter seemed to be sadly troubled with thought. At length, on -reaching a certain spot, he halted and looked around, inquiringly -and suspiciously. The deepest silence and most complete tranquillity -prevailed all round him. - -"It must be!" the hunter muttered. "Not to do it would be worse than a -crime, for it would be cowardice. Well, Heaven will judge between us." - -After again carefully examining the neighbourhood, probably reassured -by the silence and solitude, he dismounted, took off his horse's bridle -to let it graze at its ease, hobbled it lest it should stray too far, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and cautiously entered the forest. - -The hunter was doubtlessly ruminating on one of those schemes whose -execution demands the continual tension of a man's faculties, for his -progress was slow and calculated, his eye constantly peered into the -gloom. With head outstretched, he listened to the nameless sounds -of the desert, stopping at times when an unusual rustling in the -brambles struck his ear, and revealed to him the presence of some -unknown being. Suddenly he stopped, remained for a second motionless, -and then disappeared in an inextricable medley of leaves, brambles, -and creepers, in which his presence could not possibly be suspected. -Scarcely was he hidden, ere the hoofs of several horses reechoed in the -distance, beneath the dense dome of forest verdure. Gradually the sound -came nearer, the steps grew more distinct, and a band of horsemen at -length appeared, marching in close column. They were the hunters and -Gambusinos. - -Marksman was conversing in a low voice with Don Miguel, carried on a -litter on the shoulders of two Mexicans, for he was still too weak to -sit a horse. The little party advanced gently, owing to the wounded man -they had in their midst, and were proceeding toward the Rubio ford. - -Brighteye watched his comrades pass, without making a movement to -reveal his presence. It was evident that he wished them to remain -ignorant of the fact that he had turned back, and that the motives -which impelled him to act must remain a secret between him and Heaven. -It was in vain that he looked for Flying Eagle and Eglantine among -the Gambusinos: the two Redskins had separated from the band. This -absence appeared greatly to vex the hunter. Still, after a minute, his -face resumed its serenity, and he shrugged his shoulders with that -careless air which indicates that a man has put up with an annoyance -against which he cannot contend. When the Gambusinos had disappeared, -the hunter emerged from his hiding place: he listened for a moment to -the sound of the horses' hoofs, which grew every moment weaker, and -soon died out in the distance. Brighteye drew himself up. "Good!" he -muttered, with an air of satisfaction; "I can now act as I please, -without fear of being disturbed, unless Flying Eagle and his squaw have -remained prowling about the place. Bah! we shall soon see; besides, -that is not probable, for the Chief is too anxious to rejoin his tribe, -to amuse himself by losing his time here. I will go on, at any rate." - -With this, he threw his rifle on his shoulder, and set out again with -a light and deliberate step, though not neglecting the precautions -usual in the desert on any march; for, by night, the wood rangers know -that they are ever watched by invisible foes, be they men or beasts. -Brighteye thus reached the skirt of the clearing, in which the dramatic -events we have described took place, and in which there only remained -at this moment a man buried alive, face to face with his crimes, -with no hope of possible help, and abandoned by all nature, if not -by Heaven. The hunter stopped, lay down on the ground, and looked. A -funeral silence, the silence of the tomb, brooded over the clearing. -Don Estevan, with eyes dilated by fear, his chest oppressed by the -earth, which collected round his body, with a slow and continuous -movement, felt the breath gradually departing from his lungs, his -temples beat ready to burst, the blood boiled in his veins, drops of -icy perspiration beaded at the roots of his hair, a bloodstained veil -was stretched over his eyes, and he felt himself dying. - -At this supreme moment, when all deserted him at once, the wretched man -uttered a hoarse and piercing cry; tears burst from his proud eyes; his -hand, as we have stated, nervously clutched the butt of the pistol left -to abridge his punishment, and he raised the barrel to his temples, -muttering, with an accent of indescribable despair--"Heaven! Heaven! -pardon me!" - -He pulled the trigger. Suddenly a hand was laid on his arm, the bullet -whizzed into the air, and a severe yet gentle voice replied--"God has -heard you. He pardons you!" - -The wretch turned his head wildly, looked, with an air of terror, at -the man who spoke thus, and, too weak to resist the terrible emotion -that agitated him, he uttered a cry resembling a sob, and fainted. - -As the reader will doubtlessly have guessed, the man who arrived so -opportunely for Don Estevan was Brighteye. "Hum!" he said, with a shake -of his head, "it was time for me to interfere." - -Then, without losing a moment, the worthy fellow busied himself with -drawing from his tomb the man he wished to save. It was a rude task, -especially as he lacked the necessary tools. The Gambusinos had -laboured conscientiously, and filled up the hole in such a way that the -man they were burying was solidly blocked in. - -Brighteye was compelled to dig with his knife, while using the utmost -precautions not to wound Don Estevan. At times the hunter stopped, -wiped his perspiring brow, and looked at the pale face of the Mexican, -who was still in a faint; then, after a few moments of this silent -contemplation, he shook his head two or three times, and set to work -again with redoubled ardour. - -These two men in the desert, surrounded by dense gloom, offered a -strange spectacle. Certainly, had a wayfarer been able to see what -was taking place in this unknown clearing, in the heart of the virgin -forest, peopled by wild beasts, whose hoarse roars rose at intervals -in the darkness, as if protesting against this invasion of their -domain--he would have fancied himself witness of some diabolical -incantation, and have fled at full speed, a prey to the wildest terror. -Still Brighteye went on digging. His task progressed but slowly, -because, in proportion as he went deeper, his difficulties grew greater. - -For a moment the hunter stopped, in despair of succeeding in saving -the condemned man; but this moment of discouragement lasted a very -short time. The Canadian, ashamed of the thought, began digging again -with that feverish energy which the reaction of a powerful will upon -a passing weakness imparts to a man of resolution. At length, after -extraordinary difficulties, the task, twenty times interrupted and -twenty times recommenced, was completed. The hunter uttered a shout of -triumph and pleasure; he then seized Don Estevan under the armpits, -drew him vigorously towards him, and, with some trouble, succeeded in -laying him on the ground. His first task was to cut asunder the bonds -that formed an inextricable network round the wretch's body; he opened -his clothes, to give his lungs the necessary freedom to inhale the -external air, then half filled a calabash of water from his gourd, -and threw the contents over Don Estevan's face. The fainting fit had -been produced by the emotion he felt on seeing a saviour arrive at the -moment when he believed that he had nought left but to die. The sudden -shock of the cold water effected a favourable reaction; he gave out a -sigh, and opened his eyes. - -His first movement, on regaining consciousness, was to look defiantly -up to heaven; then he held out his hand to Brighteye. "Thanks!" he said -to him. - -The hunter fell back, and declined to take the proffered hand. "You -must not thank me," he said. - -"Who then?" - -"God!" - -Don Estevan drew in his pale lips contemptuously; but soon -understanding that he must deceive his saviour, if he wished for a -continuance of that protection which he cared not yet to do without, he -said, with feigned humility--"That is true. God first, and you next." - -"I," Brighteye continued, "have only performed a duty--paid a debt; -now we are quits. Ten years ago, you rendered me an important service; -today I have saved your life. I discharge you from all gratitude, and -you must do the same with me. From this hour we no longer know each -other--our ways are different." - -"Will you abandon me thus?" he said, with a movement of terror, which -he could not overcome. - -"What more can I do?" - -"All!" - -"I do not understand you." - -"It would have been better to leave me to die in the hole, into which -you helped to place me, than save me to die of hunger in the desert, -become the prey of wild beasts, or fall into the hands of the Indians. -You know, Brighteye, that on the prairies a disarmed man is a dead -man; you do not save me at this moment, but render my agony longer and -more painful, since the weapon which, in their cruel generosity, your -friends left me to put an end to my misfortunes, when courage and hope -failed me, can no longer serve me at present." - -"That is true," Brighteye muttered. - -The hunter let his head sink on his chest, and reflected deeply for -several seconds. Don Estevan anxiously followed in the loyal and -characteristic face of the hunter all the emotions by turns reflected -there. The Canadian continued--"You are right in asking me for weapons. -If you are deprived of them, you run the risk of being, in a few hours, -in a similar position to that from which I took you." - -"You allow it." - -"By Jove! there is no doubt about it." - -"Then be generous to the end. Give me the means of defending myself." -The hunter shook his head. - -"I did not think of that," he said. - -"Which means, that had you thought of it, you would have let me die." - -"Perhaps so." - -This word fell like the blow of a sledgehammer on Don Estevan's heart. -He gave the hunter a suspicious glance. "What you say, then, is not -well," he remarked. - -"What would you have me answer you?" the other retorted. "In my eyes -you were justly condemned. I ought to have let justice follow its -course. I did not do so. Perhaps I was wrong. Now that I regard the -matter in cool blood, while allowing that you are right in asking me -for arms, and that it is indispensable for you to have them, in the -first place for your personal safety, and next to provide for your -wants, I am afraid to give them to you." - -Don Estevan had sat down by the hunter's side; he was playing -carelessly with the discharged pistol, and appearing to listen very -attentively to what Brighteye was saying. "Why so?" he answered. - -"Well, for a very simple reason. I have known you for a long time, as -you are well aware, Don Estevan. I know that you are not the man to -forget an insult. I am convinced that, if I give you arms, you will -only think of vengeance, and it is that I wish to avoid." - -"As for that," the Mexican exclaimed, with a fiendish laugh, "you can -only think of one method--leaving me to die of hunger. Oh, oh, yours -is singular philanthropy, _compañero!_ You have rather a brutal way -of arranging matters for a man who piques himself on his honour and -loyalty." - -"You do not understand me. I will not give you arms--that is true; -but, at the same time, I will not leave the service I have done you -incomplete." - -"Hum! and what will you do to effect that result? I am curious to know -it," Don Estevan said, with a grin. - -"I will escort you to the frontiers of the prairie, guarding you from -all danger during the journey, defending you, and hunting for you. That -is simple enough, I believe." - -"Very simple, indeed; and, on getting there, I will purchase arms, and -return to seek my revenge." - -"Not so." - -"Why not?" - -"Because you will swear to me on the spot, by your honour, to forget -every feeling of hatred toward your enemy, and never to return to the -prairie." - -"And if I will not swear?" - -"Then it will be different. I shall leave you to your fate; and as that -will have happened by your own fault, I shall consider myself entirely -quits with you." - -"Oh! oh! but assuming that I accept the harsh conditions you force on -me, I must know how we are to travel. The road is long from here to the -establishments, and I am not in a condition to go afoot." - -"That is true, but need not trouble you. I have left my horse in a -thicket, a few paces from the Rubio. You will ride it till I can -procure another." - -"And you?" - -"I will follow on foot. We hunters are as good, walkers as riders. -Come, make up your mind." - -"Well, I must do what you desire." - -"Yes; I believe that is the best for you. Then you consent to take the -oath I demand?" - -"I see no way of getting out of the scrape otherwise. But," he -suddenly said, "what is the matter behind that tree?" - -"Where?" the hunter asked. - -"Over there," Don Estevan continued, pointing in the direction of a -dense clump of trees. - -The hunter turned his head quickly towards the spot indicated by the -Mexican. The latter lost no time in seizing the pistol he had been -playing with by the end. He raised it quickly, and dealt a blow with -the butt on the hunter's head. The blow was given with such force and -precision, that Brighteye stretched out his arms, closed his eyes, and -rolled on the ground with a heavy sigh. - -Don Estevan regarded him for a moment with an expression of contempt -and satisfied hatred, "Idiot!" he muttered, kicking him aside, "you -ought to have made those absurd conditions before saving me; but for -the present it is too late. I am free, _Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I will -avenge myself." - -After uttering these words, and looking up to heaven defiantly, he bent -over the hunter, stripped him of his weapons without the slightest -shame, and left him, not even stopping to see were he dead or only -wounded. "It is you, accursed dog!" he went on, "who will die of -hunger, or be devoured by wild beasts. As for myself, I no longer fear -anything, for I have in my hands the means to accomplish my vengeance." - -And the wretch walked hurriedly from the clearing to look for -Brighteye's horse, which he intended to mount. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE CAMP. - - -The Gambusinos reached their camp a little before sunrise. During their -absence, the few men left in charge of the entrenchments had not been -disturbed. - -Don Mariano awaited the return of the Mexicans with lively impatience. -So soon as he saw them, he went to meet them. - -Marksman was gloomy. The reception he gave the gentleman, though -cordial, was still rather dry. The hunter, although convinced he had -accomplished a duty in condemning Don Estevan, was for all that sad, -when thinking of the responsibility he had taken on himself in the -affair. - -It is one thing to kill a man in action while defending one's life, -in the midst of the intoxication of battle, another to try and coldly -execute an individual against whom no personal motive of hatred or -anger is felt. The old Canadian, in his heart, feared Don Mariano's -reproaches. He knew the human heart too well not to be assured that the -gentleman, when he regarded in cold blood the action he had excited the -Gambusinos to commit, would detest it, and curse the docile instruments -he had found. However great Don Estevan's crimes against Don Mariano -might be, however cruel his conduct, it was not his brother's place to -accuse him, or to demand his death at the hands of these implacable -men, in whom all feelings of clemency are extinguished through the -rough life they are forced to lead. - -Now that some hours had elapsed since Don Estevan's condemnation, -Marksman, who had begun to reflect again, and was able to regard that -action under a different light, had asked himself if he really had the -right to act as he had done, and if what he took for a deed of stern -and strict justice were not an assassination and disguised vengeance. -Hence he expected that Don Mariano, on seeing him, would reproach him, -and ask his brother's life at his hands. - -The hunter prepared to answer the questions Don Mariano was doubtless -going to address to him; and so soon as he perceived him, his brow, -already troubled by sad thoughts, grew even more overcast. But Marksman -was mistaken, not a reproach, not a word having reference to the -judgment passed Don Mariano's lips; not an allusion, however remote, -caused the hunter to suspect that the gentleman intended to attack that -delicate subject. - -The Canadian breathed again; but during the few moments they occupied -in returning to the camp side by side, he took a side glance at Don -Mariano's face. The old gentleman was pale and sad, but his countenance -was calm, and his features apathetic. - -The hunter shook his head. "He is turning over some scheme in his -mind," he muttered, in a low voice. - -So soon as the camp was entered, and the barriers were closed again -behind the Gambusinos, Don Miguel, after placing sentries at the -entrenchments, turned to Marksman and Don Mariano. "The sun will rise -in about two hours," he said to them; "deign to accept my hospitality, -and accompany me to my tent." - -The two men bowed. Don Miguel made his bearers a sign to place the -litter on the ground. He rose, helped by Marksman, and leaning on the -hunter's arm, entered the tent, followed by Don Mariano. The curtain -fell behind them. - -The Gambusinos, wearied with their night march, had hastened to -unsaddle their horses and give them food. Then, after throwing some -handfuls of dried wood on the fires, in order to revive the flame, -they wrapped themselves in their frasadas and zarapés, and lay down -on the ground, where they speedily fell asleep. Ten minutes after the -adventurers' return, they were all in the deepest sleep. Three men -alone were awake, and they were assembled in the tent, and holding a -conversation, at which we will invite the reader to be present. - -The interior of the tent into which Don Miguel had introduced his two -companions was furnished in the most simple fashion. In one corner was -the hermetically closed palanquin; in the opposite one, several furs -stretched on the ground marked the place of a bed; four or five buffalo -skulls served as chairs; it was impossible to meet with anything so -simple and less comfortable than this. - -Don Miguel threw himself on the bed, bidding his comrades, by a -graceful bow, to sit down on the buffalo skulls. Marksman and Don -Mariano drew them up by their host's side, and sat down silently. Don -Miguel then took the word. "Caballeros," he said, "the events which -have occurred this night, to which I shall not further allude, require -to be clearly explained, especially in the provision of the probable -complications which may result from them in the affairs which, I hope, -we shall undertake ere long. What I have to say regards and interests -you peculiarly, Don Mariano. Hence I address myself principally to -you. As for Marksman, he knows pretty nearly all the connecting links -of what I am about to tell you. If I beg him to be present at the -interview I wish to have with you, it is first owing to the old -friendship that unites us, and secondly, because his advice will be of -great help to us in the further resolutions we shall have to take." - -Don Mariano looked at the adventurer in a way which made him comprehend -that he understood not a syllable of this long prelude. - -"Do you not remember, Don Mariano," the Canadian then said, "that -before sending Brighteye to the camp to fetch Don Miguel, I told you -that you were ignorant of the most interesting portion of the history?" - -"Yes; I remember it, although, at the moment, I did not attach to the -statement all the value it deserved." - -"Well, if I am not mistaken, Don Miguel is about to explain these -frightful machinations to you in a few words." Then he added, as if -on reflection, "There is one man I should like to see here. It is -important that he should know the whole truth also; but since our -return to the camp I have not seen him." - -"Whom do you mean?" - -"Brighteye, whom I asked to accompany you here." - -"He did so; but on reaching the camp, as he doubtlessly supposed that I -had no further need of his protection, he left me." - -"Did he not tell you for what object?" the hunter asked, looking firmly -at the old gentleman. - -Don Mariano, in his heart, was troubled by this inquiry; but wishing -to leave to Brighteye the care of explaining his absence, and not at -all desirous of avowing his wish to save his brother, he replied, with -a degree of hesitation he could not entirely conceal,--"No; he told -me nothing, I fancied that he had joined you again, and am as much -surprised as yourself at his absence." - -Marksman frowned slightly. "That is strange," he said. "However," he -added, "he will not fail to return soon, and then we shall know what -he has been about." - -"Yes. Now, Don Miguel, I am at your orders. Speak; I am listening to -you attentively," Don Mariano said, not at all wishful to see the -conversation continued on that subject. - -"Give me my real name, Don Mariano," the young man answered, "for it -will perhaps inspire you with some confidence in me. I am neither Don -Torribio Carvajal, nor Don Miguel Ortega. My right name is Don Leo de -Torres." - -"Leo de Torres!" Don Mariano exclaimed, rising with stupefaction. "The -son of my dearest friend." - -"It is so," the young man answered, simply. - -"But no; that is not possible. Basilio de Torres was massacred, with -his entire family, by the Apache Indians, amid the smoking ruins of his -hacienda, twenty years ago." - -"I am the son of Don Basilio de Torres," the adventurer continued. -"Look at me carefully, Don Mariano. Do not my features remind you of -anyone?" - -The gentleman approached, laid his hand on the adventurer's shoulder, -and examined him for a few moments with the profoundest attention. "It -is true," he then said, with tears in his eyes, "the resemblance is -extraordinary. Yes, yes," he exclaimed, impetuously; "I now recognize -you." - -"Oh!" the young man continued, with a smile, "I have in my possession -the documents that guarantee my identity. But," he said, "that is not -the question. Let us return to what I wished to say to you." - -"How is it that since the fearful catastrophe which made you an orphan, -I never heard any mention of you? I, the best friend, almost the -brother of your father, I should have been so happy to provide for -you." - -Don Leo, to whom we will henceforth give his real name, frowned; his -brow was furrowed with deep wrinkles. He answered, with a sorrowful -accent and trembling voice,--"Thank you, Don Mariano, for the -friendship you evince for me. Believe that I am worthy of it; but, I -implore you, let me keep in my heart the secret of my silence. One day, -I trust, I shall be permitted to speak, and then I will tell you all." - -Don Mariano pressed his hand. "Act as you think proper," he said, with -deep emotion; "only remember one thing--that you have found in me the -father you lost." - -The young man turned his head away to conceal the tears he felt rising -in his eyes. There was a lengthened silence without; the barking of -the coyotes alone disturbed at intervals the imposing solitude of the -desert. The interior of the tent was only lighted by a torch of ocote -wood fixed in the ground, whose flickering flame played on the faces -of the three men with shadows and lights which imprinted on their -countenances a strange and fantastic expression. - -"The sky is beginning to be studded with broad white bands," Don Leo -continued: "the owls hidden beneath the leaves are saluting the return -of day; the sun is about to rise; permit me, in a few words, to explain -to you the facts with which you are unacquainted; for if I believe my -presentiments, we shall soon have to act vigorously, in order to repair -the ill deeds committed by Don Estevan." - -The two men bowed in affirmation. Don Leo went on:--"Certain reasons, -unnecessary to give here, led me to Mexico a few months ago. Owing to -those reasons, I led rather a singular life, frequenting the worst -society, and mingling, when the occasion offered, in society more or -less corrupt, according as you understand my words. Do not believe, -from what I have said, that I was engaged in any criminal operations, -for you would commit a grave error. I merely, like a goodly number of -my countrymen, carried on certain contraband trade; perhaps regarded -with an evil eye by government officials, but which had nothing very -reprehensible about it." - -Marksman and Don Mariano exchanged a glance; they understood, or -fancied they did. Don Leo feigned not to notice this glance. - -"One of the places I frequented most assiduously," he said, "was the -Plaza Mayor. There I visited an evangelista, a man of about fifty, half -Jew, half pawnbroker, who, under a venerable appearance, concealed the -most venal soul and most corrupt mind. This thorough scamp, through -the thousand secret negotiations he carried on, and his duties of -evangelista, was thoroughly acquainted with the secrets of an infinite -number of families, and all the infamies daily committed in that -immense capital. One day, when I happened to be in his shop at the -Oración, a young girl entered. She was lovely, and seemed respectable. -She trembled like a leaf on entering the scoundrel's den; the latter -put on his most captivating smile, and obsequiously asked how he could -serve her. She turned a timid glance around, and noticed me. I know not -why, I scented a mystery. I pretended to be asleep, with my head on the -table, and my forehead resting on my crossed arms." - -"'That man!' she said, pointing to me." - -"'Oh!' the evangelista answered, 'he is intoxicated with pulque; he is -a poor sergeant, of no importance; besides, he is asleep.'" - -"She hesitated; then, seeming suddenly to form a resolution, she drew a -small paper from her bosom." - -"'Copy that,' she said to the evangelista, 'and I will give you two -ounces.'" - -"The old villain seized the paper, and looked at it." - -"'But it is not Castilian,' he said." - -"'It is French,' she answered, 'But what consequence is it to you?'" - -"'To me, none.'" - -"He prepared his paper and pens, and copied the note without further -observation. When it was finished, the girl compared the two notes, -gave a smile of satisfaction, tore up the original, folded the note, -and dictated a short address to the evangelista. Then she placed the -letter in her bosom, and went out, after paying the agreed on price, -which the evangelista seized gaily, for he had gained more in a few -minutes than he usually did in a month. The girl had scarce departed, -ere I raised my head: but the evangelista made me a sign to re-assume -my position. He had heard the key turning in his door. I obeyed, and -lucky it was I did so, for a man entered almost immediately. This man -evidently desired not to be known. He was carefully wrapped up in a -large rebozo, and the brim of his sombrero was pulled down over his -eyes. On entering, he gave an angry start." - -"'Who is that man?' he asked, pointing to me." - -"'I A poor drunkard asleep.'" - -"'A young girl has just left here.'" - -"'It is possible,' the evangelista answered, put on his guard by the -question." - -"'No ambiguous phrases, scoundrel,' the stranger answered haughtily. -'I know you, and pay you,' he added, as he threw a heavy purse on the -table. 'Answer!'" - -"The evangelista quivered. All his scruples disappeared at the sight of -the gold sparkling through the meshes of the purse." - -"'A young girl has just left here?' the stranger continued." - -"'Yes.'" - -"'What did she want of you?'" - -"'To copy a letter written in French.'" - -"'Very good. Show me the letter.'" - -"'She folded it up, wrote an address, and took it away.'" - -"'I know all that.'" - -"'Well?'" - -"'Well!' the stranger retorted, with a grin, 'as you are no fool, you -kept a copy of the note, and that copy I must have.'" - -"The man's voice had struck me. I could not tell why. As his back -was almost turned to me, I made the evangelista a sign, which he -understood." - -"'I did not think of that,' he answered." - -"He assumed such a simple face as he said this, that the stranger was -deceived. He made a move of annoyance. At length he said,--'She will -return.'" - -"'I do not know.'" - -"The stranger shrugged his shoulders. 'I know it though. Every time she -comes, you will keep a copy of what she makes you write. The answers -will come here?'" - -"'Not to my knowledge.'" - -"'You will not deliver them till you have shown them to me. I shall -return tomorrow; and do not be such a fool as you have been today, if -you wish me to make your fortune.'" - -"The evangelista grinned a smile. The stranger turned to go away. At -this moment the corner of his cloak caught in the table, and I saw his -face. I needed all my self-command not to utter a cry on recognizing -him, for it was Don Estevan, your brother. He drew his cloak over his -face again with a stifled curse, and went away. He had scarce gone -ere I leaped up. I bolted the door, and placed myself in front of the -evangelista. 'It is now our turn,' I said to him." - -"He made a movement of terror. My face had a terrible expression, which -made him fall back against the wall, clutching the purse he had just -received, and which he doubtless supposed I wished to take from him." - -"'I am a poor old man,' he said to me." - -"'Where is the copy you refused that man?' I said sharply." - -"He bent down to his desk, took the copy, and handed it to me, -trembling. I read it with a shudder, for I understood." - -"'Stay,' I said, giving him an ounce; 'every time you will hand me -the young lady's note, I allow you to show it also to that man. But -remember this carefully; not one of the answers written by the person -who has just left will be handed by you to the lady until I have read -it. I am not so rich as that stranger, still I can pay you properly. -You know me. I have only one thing more to say. If you betray me, I -will kill you like a dog.'" - -"I went out, and, as I closed the door, I heard the evangelista mutter -to himself, 'Santa Viring, into what wasp's nest have I got?'" - -"This is the key of the mystery. The young lady I saw at the -evangelista's was a novice in the convent of the Bernardines, where -your daughter was. Doña Laura, not knowing in whom to confide, had -begged her to let Don Francisco de Paulo Serrano know--" - -"My brother-in-law! her godfather!" Don Mariano exclaimed. - -"The same," Don Leo continued. "She had, I said, desired her friend, -Doña Luisa, to let señor Serrano receive the note, in which she -revealed to him her uncle's criminal machinations, and the persecutions -to which she was exposed, while imploring him, as her father's best -friend, to come to her aid, and take her under his protection." - -"Oh, my poor child!" Don Mariano murmured. - -"Don Estevan," Don Leo continued, "had by some means learned your -daughter's intentions. In order to be thoroughly acquainted with her -plans, and be able to overthrow them at the right moment, he pretended -to be entirely ignorant of them; let the young girl carry the letters -to the evangelista, reading the copies, and answering them himself, for -the simple reason that señor Serrano did not receive your daughter's -letters, because Don Estevan had bought his valet, who gave them to -him with seals unbroken. This skilful perfidy would doubtless have -succeeded, had not accident, or rather providence, placed me so -fortunately in the evangelista's shop." - -"Oh!" Don Mariano muttered, "the man was a monster." - -"No," Don Leo remarked; "circumstances compelled him to go much further -than he perhaps intended. Nothing proves that he meditated the death of -your daughter." - -"What would he then?" - -"Your fortune. By forcing Doña Laura to take the veil, he gained his -object. Unfortunately, as always happens when a man enters on that -thorny path which fatally leads to crime, although he had coldly -calculated all the chances of success, he could not foresee my -intervention in the execution of his plans--an intervention which must -make them fail, and compel him to commit a crime, in order to ensure -success. Doña Laura, persuaded that Don Francisco's protection would -not fail her, scrupulously followed the advice I sent her by means of -letters I myself wrote in the name of the friend she addressed. For my -own part, I held myself in readiness to act when the moment arrived. I -will enter into no details on this subject. Doña Laura refused to take -the vows in the church itself. The scandal was extreme, and the abbess, -in her fury, resolved to put an end to matters. The hapless young lady, -sent to sleep by means of a powerful narcotic, was buried alive in the -_in pace_, where she must die of hunger." - -"Oh!" the two men exclaimed, shuddering with horror. - -"I repeat to you," Don Leo continued, "that I do not believe Don -Estevan capable of this barbarity. He was probably the indirect -accomplice, but nothing more; the abbess was the sole culprit. Don -Estevan accepted accomplished facts; he profited by them, nothing more. -We must suppose so, for the honour of humanity; otherwise, this man -would be a monster. Warned on the same day of what had occurred in -the convent, I collected a band of banditti and adventurers. Then, at -nightfall, I entered the building by stratagem, and, pistol in hand, -carried off your daughter." - -"You!" Don Mariano exclaimed, with a movement of surprise, mingled with -joy. "Oh, heavens! then she is saved--she is in safety!" - -"Yes; at a place where I, aided by Marksman, concealed her." - -"Don Estevan would never have found her," the hunter added, with a -crafty smile. - -The gentleman was fearfully agitated. "Where is she?" he exclaimed. "I -will see her. Tell me where my poor darling child is." - -"You can understand," the young man answered, "that I did not keep her -near me. I knew that Don Estevan's spies and your brother himself were -pursuing me, and following my every step. After placing Doña Laura in -safety, I enticed all the pursuers on to my trail. In this way, this -palanquin," he said, pointing to it, "contained Doña Laura till we -reached the Presidio de Tubar. I was careful to let her be seen once or -twice; no more was needed to make it supposed that she was still with -me. By the care I took to keep the palanquin constantly closed, and let -no one approach it, I hoped to lead my enemies after me, and, once I -had them in the desert, punish them. My calculations were more correct -than Don Estevan's, for Heaven, helped me. Now that the criminal has -been punished, and Doña Laura has no more to fear, I am ready to make -known her place of concealment, and lead you to her." - -"Oh, my God! Thou art just and merciful," Don Mariano exclaimed, with -an expression of ineffable joy. "I shall see my child again. She is -saved." - -"She is lost, if you do not make haste," a sepulchral voice replied. - -The three men turned in terror. Brighteye, with a pale and bleeding -face, his clothes torn and bloodstained, was standing upright and -motionless in the entrance of the tent, holding the curtain back. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -FLYING EAGLE. - - -The Indians, owing to the life they are compelled to lead, and the -education they receive, are of an essentially suspicious character. -Accustomed to be constantly on their guard against everything that -surrounds them, to regard intentions ostensibly the most honest as -concealing treachery and perfidy, they have acquired an uncommon skill -in guessing the projects of persons with whom accident brings them in -contact, and foiling the snares set for them by their enemies. - -Mahchsi Karehde, we have already said, was an experienced warrior, as -wise in council as he was valiant in war, and, though still very young, -he justly enjoyed a great reputation in his tribe. - -So soon as Marksman had, in the name of Lynch law, pronounced Don -Estevan's sentence, there was a species of disorder among the hunters, -who broke their ranks, and began eagerly conversing together, as -generally happens in such a case. Flying Eagle took advantage of the -general attention being diverted, and no one noticing him, to give -Eglantine, whose eyes were incessantly fixed on him, a signal, which -the young woman understood, and he silently stepped into a thicket, -where he disappeared before anyone noticed his absence. - -After walking for about twenty minutes in the forest, the Chief, -probably supposing he was far enough off, stopped, and turned to his -squaw, who had remained a little distance behind the whole time. "Let -the Palefaces," he said, "accomplish their work. Flying Eagle is a -Comanche warrior; he must no longer interfere between them." - -"The Chief will return to his village?" Eglantine asked, timidly. - -The Indian smiled craftily. "All is not over yet," he replied. "Flying -Eagle will watch over his friends." - -The young woman let her head fall, and, seeing that the Indian had -seated himself, prepared to light the campfire; but the Chief stopped -her by a sign. "Flying Eagle does not wish to be discovered," he said. -"Let my sister take her place by his side, and wait; a friend is in -danger at this time." - -At this moment a great noise of breaking branches could be heard not -far from the spot where the Redskins had halted. The Indian listened -attentively for a few moments, with his head on the ground. "Flying -Eagle will return," he said, as he rose. - -"Eglantine will wait for him," the squaw said, looking at him tenderly. - -The Chief laid by her side the weapons that might have impeded him in -the project he meditated; he only kept his reata, which he carefully -coiled round his right hand, and crept in the direction of the sound -he had heard, which every moment grew louder. He had scarce advanced -twenty yards, by forcing his way through the intertwined creepers and -tall grass that barred his passage, ere he perceived, a few paces off, -a magnificent black horse, which, with ears laid back, head extended, -and all four feet fixed on the ground, was snorting in alarm; its -nostrils covered with foam, and its mouth bleeding. - -"Wah!" the Chief muttered, stopping short, and admiring the splendid -animal. He drew a few steps nearer, being careful not to startle the -animal more, which followed all his movements with a restless eye; and, -at the instant he saw it bound to escape, he made his reata whistle -round his neck, and threw it with such skill, that the running knot -fell on the horse's shoulders. The latter tried, for three or four -minutes, to regain the liberty so suddenly snatched from it; but soon -recognizing the futility of its efforts, it yielded once again to -slavery, and allowed the Indian to approach, with no further attempts -to maintain the struggle. The animal was not a wild horse, but Don -Estevan's magnificent barb, which he had probably lost during the -fight, when he was wounded. The horse's trappings were partly broken -and torn by the branches; but still they were in a good state of -service. - -The Chief, delighted with the windfall accident procured him, mounted -the horse, and returned to Eglantine, who, submissive and obedient as a -true Indian woman, had not stirred since his departure. - -"Flying Eagle will return to his village mounted on a horse worthy of -so great a Chief," she said, on noticing him. - -The Indian smiled haughtily. "Yes," he answered, "the sachems will be -proud of him." - -And with the simple childishness so well suited to the primitive -roughness of these men of iron, he amused himself, for some time, -with making the horse perform the most difficult passes and curvets, -happy at the terrified admiration of the woman he loved, and who could -not refrain from trembling on perceiving him manage this magnificent -animal with such ease. The Chief at length dismounted, and, while still -holding the bridle in his hand, sat down by the young woman's side. - -They remained thus for a long time, without exchanging a word. Flying -Eagle seemed to be reflecting deeply; his eyes wandered about in the -darkness, as if wishing to penetrate it, and distinguish some distant -object in the distance. He listened eagerly to the sounds of the -solitude, while playing mechanically with his scalping knife. "There -they are," he suddenly cried, as he rose, as if moved by a spring. - -Eglantine looked at him with astonishment. - -"Does not my sister hear?" he asked her. - -"Yes," she replied in a moment, "I hear the sound of horses in the -forest." - -"They are the Palefaces returning to their camp." - -"Shall we follow them?" - -"Flying Eagle never leaves, without a reason, the path made by his -moccasins. Eglantine will accompany the warrior." - -"Does my father doubt it?" - -"No; Eglantine is a worthy daughter of the Comanches; she will come -without a murmur. A Paleface, a friend of Mahchsi Karehde, is in danger -at this moment." - -"The Chief will save him?" - -The Indian smiled. "Yes," he said; "or, if I arrive too late for that, -I will at least avenge him, and his soul will quiver with joy in the -blessed prairies, on learning from his people that his friend has not -forgotten him." - -"I am ready to follow the Chief." - -"Let us go, then; it is time." - -The Indian leaped into his saddle at a bound, and Eglantine prepared -to follow on foot. Indian squaws never mount the warhorse of their -husbands or brothers. Condemned, by the laws that govern their tribe, -to remain constantly bowed beneath a yoke of iron, to be reduced to -the most complete abjectness, and devote themselves to the harshest -and most painful tasks, they endure everything without complaining, -persuaded that it must be so, and that nothing can save them from the -implacable tyranny that weighs on them from their birth to their death. -In compelling his wife to follow him on foot, through a virgin forest, -by impracticable roads, rendered more difficult through the darkness, -Flying Eagle was convinced that he was only doing a very simple and -natural thing. Eglantine, for her part, understood it so, for she did -not make the slightest remark. - -They set out, then, turning their back on the noise, and proceeding -towards the clearing. For what object did the Chief retrace his steps, -and return to the spot he had left an hour previously, in order to get -rid of the Gambusinos? We shall probably soon learn. - -When about a hundred yards from the clearing, they heard a shot. Flying -Eagle stopped. "Wah!" he said, "what has happened? Can I be mistaken?" - -Immediately dismounting, he gave his wife his horse to hold, bidding -her follow him at a distance; and, gliding through the grass, he -advanced hurriedly toward the clearing, feeling much alarmed by the -shot, which he could not account for, as the idea did not for a moment -occur to him that Don Estevan had fired it with the intention of -killing himself. The Chief was convinced that a man of that stamp would -never give the game up, however desperate it was. His appreciation was -not entirely false. - -Persuaded of this, Flying Eagle, fearing a mishap, the possibility of -which he seemed to have foreseen, hastened to reach the clearing, in -order to settle his doubts, and trembling to see them converted into a -certainty. - -On reaching the skirt of the clearing, he stopped, removed the branches -cautiously, and looked out. The darkness was so dense, that he could -distinguish nothing; a funereal silence prevailed over this portion -of the forest. Suddenly the bushes parted, a man, or rather a demon, -bounded out like a jackal, passed him with extreme velocity, and was -soon lost in the darkness. - -A sad presentiment contracted the Redskin's heart; he made a movement -to rush after the stranger, but altered his mind almost in the same -moment. "Let us look here first," he muttered, "I am certain of finding -that man again when I please." - -He entered the clearing. The deserted fires no longer gave out any -light. All was shadow and silence. The Chief walked rapidly toward -the spot where the grave had been dug. It was empty, Don Estevan had -disappeared. On the slope formed of the earth thrown out of the hole, a -man lay, motionless. - -Flying Eagle bent over him, and examined him attentively for some -seconds. "I knew it," he muttered, as he drew himself up with a smile -of disdain; "that must happen, the Palefaces are gossiping old women. -Ingratitude is a white vice--vengeance a red virtue." - -The Chief stood thoughtfully, with his eyes fixed on the wounded man. -"Shall I save him?" he at length said. "For what good? It is almost -better to let the coyotes tear him limb from limb; the red warriors -laugh at their fury. This man," he added, "was, yet, one of the best of -those plundering Palefaces who come to drive us from our last refuge. -Wah! what do I care our races are hostile, the wild beasts will finish -him--to each his prey." - -And he made a move to withdraw. Suddenly he felt a hand laid on his -shoulder, and a soft voice muttered gently in his ear,--"This Paleface -is the friend of the grey head who delivered Eglantine. Is my father -ignorant of it?" - -The Chief started at this question, which answered so truly his -innermost thoughts; for, while speaking to himself, and tying to prove -that he did right in abandoning the wounded man, the Indian knew -very well that the deed he premeditated was reprehensible, and that -honour commanded him to help the man stretched out at his feet. "Does -Eglantine know this hunter?" he answered evasively. - -"Eglantine saw him for the first time two days ago, when he so -courageously saved the friend of the Chief." - -"Wah!" the Indian muttered, "my sister speaks true. This warrior is -brave, his heart is large, he is the friend of the Redskins. Flying -Eagle is a Chief renowned for his goodness of soul, he will not abandon -the Paleface to the hideous coyotes." - -"Mahchsi Karehde is the greatest warrior of his nation, his head is -full of wisdom. What he does is well." - -Flying Eagle smiled with satisfaction at this compliment. "Let us -examine this man's wounds." - -Eglantine lighted a branch of ocote, which she made into a torch. The -two Indians bent down over the wounded man, who still lay motionless, -and by the oscillating light of the torch examined him more attentively. - -Brighteye had only a slight wound, produced by the butt of the pistol -by which he had been struck; the force of the blow, by producing an -abundant hemorrhage, had caused a stunning sensation, followed by a -syncope. The wound was narrow, of no great depth, and on the upper -part of the forehead between the eyebrows. Don Estevan had tried to -kill the worthy hunter in the same way as the bulls in the corridas. -The experienced Espadas often amuse themselves by killing the animals -in this fashion, in order to display their skill before the assembled -spectators. This blow, though dealt with a firm hand, was too hurried, -and had not been calculated with sufficient precision to be mortal. -Still it is evident that if the Indian Chief had not succoured him -before daybreak, the hunter would have been devoured alive by the wild -beasts prowling about in quest of prey. - -All Indians, when travelling, carry by a sling a parchment bag, which -they call the medicine bag. It contains the simples these primitive -men employ to cure the wounds they receive in combat, their surgical -instruments, and the powders intended to get rid of fevers. - -After examining Brighteye's wound, the Chief tossed his head with -pleasure, and immediately set about dressing. With a sharp instrument, -made of an onyx, and with the edge of a razor, he first cleared off the -hair round the wound; then he felt in his medicine bag, pulled out a -handful of oregano leaves, which he carefully pounded and mixed up with -Catalonian refino. We will remark here, that in all Indian medicaments -spirits play a great part. He added to this mixture a little water and -salt, formed the whole into a thick paste, and, after washing the wound -twice with spirits and water, he applied this species of cataplasm to -it, fastening it on with abanigo leaves. This simple remedy produced an -almost instantaneous effect; within ten minutes the hunter gave a sigh, -opened his eyes, and sat up, looking round him like a man suddenly -roused from a deep sleep, and who does not completely recognize -external objects. - -Brighteye, however, was a man endowed with far too powerful an -organization for this state to last long; he soon managed to restore -order in his ideas, recalled what had passed, and the treachery dealt -him by the man he had saved. "Thanks, Redskin," he said, in a still -weak voice, and holding out his hand to the Indian, who pressed it -cordially. - -"My brother feels better?" he asked, with solicitude. - -"I feel as well as if nothing had happened to me." - -"Wah! my brother will then avenge himself on his enemy." - -"Trust me for that; the traitor shall not escape me, so truly as my -name is. Brighteye," the hunter answered energetically. - -"Good! my brother will kill his enemy, and hang up his scalp at the -entrance of his wigwam." - -"No, no, Chief; that revenge may suit a Redskin, but it is not that of -a man of my race and colour." - -"What will my brother do, then?" - -The hunter smiled cleverly, but after a few moments continued the -conversation, though not in answer to the Indian's questions. "How long -have I been here?" he said. - -"About an hour." - -"No longer?" - -"No." - -"Heaven be praised. My assassin cannot be gone far." - -"Och! An evil conscience is a powerful spur," the Indian observed, -sententiously. - -"That is true." - -"What will my brother do?" - -"I do not know yet; the position I am in is very delicate," Brighteye -answered, thoughtfully, "Urged by my heart, and the memory of a service -done me long ago, I committed an action which may be interpreted in -various ways. I now perceive that I was wrong; still, I confess to you, -Redskin, that I do not at all wish to be exposed to the reproaches of -my friends. It is hard for a man of my age, whose hair is white, and -who must possess experience, to have it said that he has acted like a -child, and is an old fool." - -"Still, you must make up your mind." - -"I know it. That is the thing which torments me; the more so as it is -urgent that Don Miguel and Don Mariano should be warned as speedily as -possible of what has happened, in order to remedy the consequences of -my folly." - -"Listen," the Chief remarked. "I understand how repugnant the -confession you have to make will be to you. It is excessively painful -for an old man to bow his head under reproaches, however well deserved -they may be." - -"Well!" - -"If you consent, I will do what you have so much difficulty in -resolving on. While you accompany Eglantine, I will go to your friends, -the Palefaces; I will tell them what has happened. I will put them on -their guard against their enemy, and you will have nothing to fear from -their anger." - -At this proposition, an indignant flush suffused the hunter's face. -"No," he exclaimed, "I will not add cowardice to my fault. I will -endure the consequences of my deed,--all the worse for myself. I thank -you, Chief; your proposition comes from a good heart, but I cannot -accept it." - -"My brother is the master." - -"Let us make haste," the hunter continued; "we have lost too much time -already. Heaven alone knows what may be the consequences of my deed, -and the misfortunes that will probably spring from it. It is impossible -for me to prevent them, it is my duty to do everything to lessen their -effect. Come, Chief, follow me; let us proceed to the camp without -further delay." - -While uttering these words, the hunter rose with feverish impatience. - -"I am unarmed," he said; "the villain has stripped me." - -"Let my brother not feel vexed at that," the Indian answered; "he will -find the needful arms at the camp." - -"That is true. Let us go and look for my horse, which I left a few -yards off." - -The Indian stopped him. "It is useless," he said. - -"Why so?" - -"That man has taken it." - -The hunter struck his brow in his discouragement. "What shall I do?" he -muttered. - -"My brother will take my horse." - -"And you, Chief?" - -"I have another." - -At a sign from Flying Eagle, Eglantine led up the horse. The two men -mounted; the Chief took his squaw up behind him, and leaning over the -necks of their horses, they started at full gallop in the direction of -the Gambusino camp, which they reached about an hour later without any -fresh incident. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -QUIEPAA TANI. - - -We must return to the two chief characters of our story, whom we have -neglected too long. For that purpose we will go back a little way, and -take up our narrative at the moment when Addick, followed by the two -young ladies Don Miguel confided to him, set out for Quiepaa Tani. - -A quiver of extraordinary voluptuousness passed over the Indian so -soon as he saw himself in the plains with the maidens, free from the -inquisitive glances of Don Miguel, and those even more clear-sighted of -Marksman. His eye, sparkling with pleasure, passed from Doña Laura to -Doña Luisa, unable to rest longer on one than the other. He found them -both so lovely, that he was never satiated with gazing on them with the -frenzied admiration Indians experience at the sight of Spanish women, -whom they infinitely prefer to their own squaws. - -While mentioning this peculiarity to the reader, we must add that for -their part the Spaniards eagerly seek the good graces of the Indian -women, in whom they find, irresistible charms. Is this the effect of a -wise combination of Providence, wishing to effect the complete fusion -of the two people? No one knows; but what cannot be doubted is, that -there are few Spaniards in America who have not sundry drops of Indian -blood in their veins. - -The young Indian chief, in possession of his two captives--for it was -thus he regarded them so soon as they were placed in his charge--had -at first thought of conducting them to his tribe, to decide presently -which he would select; but several reasons made him abandon this plan -almost as soon as he formed it. In the first place, the distance to -traverse, before reaching his village, was immense, and it was not very -probable he could manage it in the company of two frail and delicate -girls, who could not endure the numberless fatigues of a desert -journey. On the other hand, the city was only a couple of miles before -him; the crowd, momentarily increasing, hampered his movements; and the -dark outlines of the two hunters, standing out blackly on the top of -the mound, warned him that, at the slightest suspicious movement, he -would see two formidable adversaries rise before him. - -Making a virtue of necessity, then, he shut up in the depths of his -heart the emotions that agitated him, and resolved, ostensibly, -to accomplish his mission, by entering the city; but he intended -to confide the maidens to his foster brother, Chicukcoatl (Eight -Serpents), Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, who, in his functions as High -Priest of the Temple of the Sun, would be able to hide them from the -sight of all, until the day when, all obstacles being removed, Addick -would be free to act as he pleased, and take back his captives. - -The two unhappy girls, violently separated from the only friends left -to them, had fallen into a state of prostration, which prevented them -from noticing the hesitations and tergiversations of the perfidious -guide in whose hands they found themselves. Surrendered defencelessly -to the will of a savage, who could, if he thought proper, treat them -with the utmost violence, although he had guaranteed their safety, they -knew that they had no human succour to expect. They were compelled to -leave their fate in the hands of Heaven, and resigned themselves with a -Christian spirit to the hard trials they would doubtless have to endure -during their residence among the Indians. - -The three travellers, mixed up in the dense crowd of persons proceeding -like themselves to the city, soon reached the edge of the fosse, -followed by the inquisitive glances of those who surrounded them, for -the Indians speedily recognized the young girls as Spaniards. - -Addick having, by a glance, bidden his companions be prudent, assumed -the most careless air he could well affect, although his heart beat as -if ready to burst, and presented himself at the gateway. - -After crossing the wooden bridge, he stood in apparent apathy before -the gate; a lance was lowered before the strangers, and barred their -passage. A man, whom it was easy to recognize, by his rich costume, -as an influential chief of the city, rose from a butaca, on which he -was carelessly seated, smoking his pipe, advanced with measured steps, -and stopped, carefully examining the group formed by Addick and his -companions. - -The Indian, at first surprised and almost frightened by this hostile -demonstration, recovered almost immediately; a flash of joy burst from -his savage eye; he bent over to the sentry, and whispered a few words -in his ear. The Redskin immediately raised his lance with a respectful -gesture, fell back a step, and made room for them to pass. They entered. - -Addick walked hastily toward the Temple of the Sun, congratulating -himself on having so easily escaped the danger which had been suspended -for several minutes over his head. The maidens followed him with -that resignation of despair which bears so striking a likeness to -docility and deference, but which is, in reality, only the recognized -impossibility of escaping a fate one fears. While our friends are -crossing the streets of the city to reach their destination, we will -describe, in a few words, Quiepaa Tani, the exterior of which the -reader is only acquainted with. The narrow streets, running at right -angles, open on an immense square, situated exactly in the centre of -the city, and which bears the name of Conaciuhtzin.[1] It is probable -that it was in compliment to the sun that the Indians conceived -this square, from which the streets of the city radiate; for it is -impossible to imagine a more correct representation of the planet -they adore than this mysteriously and emblematically significant -arrangement. Four magnificent palaces rise in the direction of the -four cardinal points. On the western side is the great temple, called -Amantzin-expan, surrounded by an infinite number of chiselled columns -of gold and silver. The appearance of this edifice is most imposing. -You reach it by a flight of twenty steps, each made of a single stone, -thirty feet in length; the walls are excessively lofty, and the roof, -like that of all the other buildings, is terraced. The Indians, -though perfectly acquainted with the art of building subterranean -arches, are completely ignorant of the way of raising domes in the -air. The interior of the temple is relatively very simple. Long -tapestries, embroidered with feathers of a thousand different hues, -and representing, in hieroglyphic writing, the entire history of the -Indian religion, cover the walls. In the centre of the temple stands -the _teocali_, or isolated altar, surmounted by a brilliant sun, made -of gold and precious stones, supported on the great _ayotl_, or sacred -tortoise. By an ingenious artifice, each morning the first beams of -the rising sun fall on this splendid idol, and make it sparkle with -such brilliant fire, that it really seems to be animated, and lights up -the surrounding scene. Before the altar is the sacrificial table, an -immense block of marble, representing one of those Druidic _menhies_ -so common in old Armorica. It is a species of stone table, supported -by four blocks of rock. The table, slightly hollowed in the centre, -is supplied with a conduit, intended to carry off the blood of the -victims. We must remark that human sacrifices are growing daily rarer. -We are, fortunately, far from an epoch when, in order to dedicate a -temple, sixty thousand human victims were immolated in one day at -Mexico. At present these sacrifices only take place under the most -exceptional circumstances; and, in that case, the victims are selected -from the prisoners condemned to death. At the back of the temple is a -space closed in with heavy curtains, entrance to which is interdicted -to the people. These curtains conceal the top of a staircase leading -to vast cellars, which extend under the whole temple, and which the -priests alone have the right to enter. It is in the most secret and -retired spot of these vaults that the sacred fire of Motecuhzoma burns -uninterruptedly. The floor of the temple is covered with leaves and -flowers, renewed every morning. - -On the southern side of the square is the _Tanamitec_, or Palace of -the Chief. This palace, whose name, literally translated, signifies "a -spot surrounded by water," is merely a succession of reception rooms -and immense courts, employed by the warriors entrusted with the defence -of the city for their military exercises. A separate building, to -which visitors are not admitted, is set apart for the residence of the -chief's family. Another building serves as arsenal, and contains all -the arms of the city, such as arrows, saoaies, lances, bows, and Indian -shields from the most remote period; European sabres, swords, and guns, -which, after fearing for so long, the Indians have learned to employ as -well as ourselves, if not better. The greatest curiosity, undoubtedly, -contained in this arsenal is a small cannon which belonged to Cortez, -and which that conqueror was compelled to abandon on the high road, -during his precipitate retreat from Mexico on the _noche triste_. This -cannon is still an object of fear and veneration to the Indians; for -many recollections of the conquest have remained in their hearts after -so many years and vicissitudes of every description. - -On the same square stands the famous _Ciuatl-expan_, or Palace of the -Vestals. It is here that, far from the glance of men, the Virgins of -the Sun live and die. No man, the High Priest excepted, can penetrate -to the interior of this building, reserved for the women dedicated to -the sun. A fearful death would immediately punish the daring man who -attempted to transgress this law. The life of the Indian vestals bears -considerable resemblance to that of the nuns peopling the European -convents. They are shut up, take a vow of perpetual chastity, and -pledge themselves never to speak to a man, unless it be their father -or brother, and in that case they can only converse through a grating -and in the presence of a third party, while careful to veil their -faces. When, during the ceremonies, they appear in public, or assist in -the religious festivals in the temple, they are completely veiled. A -vestal convicted of letting a man see her face is condemned to death. - -In the interior of their abode they amuse themselves with feminine -occupations, and privately perform the rites of their religion. Their -vows are voluntary. A young girl cannot be admitted into the ranks of -the Virgins of the Sun until the High Priest has acquired the certainty -that no one has forced her to this determination, and that she is -really following her vocation. - -Lastly, the fourth palace, situated on the eastern side of the square, -is the most splendid, and at the same time the most gloomy of all. -It is called the Iztlacat-expan, or Palace of the Prophets. It is -the residence of the priests. It would be impossible to describe the -mysterious, sad, and cold appearance of this residence; the windows of -which are covered with a wicker frame, so closely interwoven, as almost -to entirely exclude the light of day. A gloomy silence perpetually -prevails in this building; but at times, in the middle of the night, -when all are reposing in the city, the Indians awake in terror at the -strange sounds that appear to issue from the Iztlacat-expan. What is -the life of men who inhabit it? In what do they spend their time? No -one knows. Woe to the imprudent man, who, curious for information -on this point, would try to surprise the secrets of which he should -remain in ignorance; for the vengeance of the insulted priests would be -implacable. - -If the vow of chastity be imposed on the vestals, it is not so with -regard to the High Priest and his assistants; still we must remark, -that very few of them marry, and all abstain, at least openly, from -any connection with the other sex. The noviciates of the priests -lasts ten years, and it is only at the expiration of that period, -and after undergoing numberless trials, that the novices assume the -title of Chalchiuh. Until then they can alter their minds, and embrace -another career; but the case is extremely rare. It is true, that if -they took advantage of the law's permission, they would be infallibly -assassinated by their brothers, who would fear seeing a portion of -their secrets unveiled to the public. In other respects the priests are -highly respected by the Indians, whose love they contrive to acquire; -and we may say, that next to the chief, the Amanani is the most -powerful man in the tribe. - -Among peoples with whom religion is so powerful a lever, it may -be observed that the temporal and spiritual power never come into -collision; each knows how far his attributes extend, and follows the -line traced for him, without trying to infringe on the rights of the -other. Owing to this intelligent diplomacy, priests and chiefs act in -concert, and double their strength. - -The European, habituated to the tumult, noise, and movement of the -cities of the old world, whose streets are constantly encumbered by -vehicles of every description, and with the passers-by, who come into -collision at each step, would be strangely surprised at the sight of -the interior of an Indian city. There, there are no noisy ways of -communication, bordered by magnificent shops, offering to the curiosity -or greed of the purchasers and rogues the superb and dazzling specimens -of European industry; there are no carriages, not even carts; the -silence is only disturbed by the step of the few passers hastening -back to their dwellings, and who walk with the imposing gravity of -professors or magistrates of all nations. - -The houses, which are all hermetically closed, allow none of -the internal noises to be heard from the street. Indian life is -concentrated in the family, and closed against the stranger; the -manners are patriarchal, and the public way never becomes, as is too -often the case amongst our civilized peoples, the disgraceful scene of -the disputes, quarrels, or fights of the citizen. - -The vendors collect in immense bazaars, where, until midday, they -sell their merchandise; that is to say, fruits, vegetables, and meat; -for all other trade is unknown to the Indians, each family weaving or -making for itself the garments, furniture, or household articles it -requires. Then, when the sun has run half its course, the bazaars are -closed, and the Indian traders, who all inhabit the country, quit the -city, to return next morning with fresh vegetables. Each family lays in -its stock for the day. - -Among the Indians the men never work, the women are entrusted with -the purchases, the household cares, and the preparation of all that -is indispensable for existence. The men, too proud to do any domestic -work, hunt or go on the warpath. - -The payment for what is purchased is not effected, as in Europe, by -means of coins, which are generally only known to, or accepted by, -the coast Indians, who traffic with the whites; but by means of a -free exchange, which is practised by all the tribes residing in the -interior. The plan is most simple. The purchaser exchanges some article -for that he wishes to acquire, and all is settled. - -Now that we have made Quiepaa Tani known to the reader, let us -terminate this chapter by saying that Addick and his companions, after -wandering for some time through the streets, at length reached the -Iztlacat-expan. - -The Indian Chief had, as he desired, found a complaisant auxiliary -in the Amanani, who swore, on his head, to guard, with scrupulous -attention, the prisoners entrusted to him. - -We may as well add, that Addick told the High Priest that the ladies -he confided to his care were the daughters of one of the most powerful -men in Mexico, and that, in order to compel him to grant his protection -to the Indians, he had resolved on taking one of them to wife; still, -as the two girls pleased him equally--and for that reason it had -been impossible for him, up to that moment, to make a choice between -them--he prudently abstained from pointing out the object of his -purpose. Then he added, in order completely to conquer the good graces -of the man he took as his accomplice, and whose sordid avarice had long -been known to him, that a magnificent present would amply reward him -for the guardianship he begged him to accept. - -Tranquil for the future about the fate of the two maidens, and the -first part of the plot he had formed having completely succeeded, -Addick purposed to carry out the second in the same way; he -consequently took leave of those he had sworn to protect, and whom he -betrayed so shamefully: and, mounting his horse again, he left the -city, and proceeded, at full speed, towards the ford of the Rubio, -where he knew he should meet Don Miguel. - - -[1] Square of the Sun. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -A TRIO OF VILLAINS. - - -Leaving Addick to depart at full gallop from Quiepaa Tani, let us -turn for a little while to the maidens whom, prior to his departure, -he confided to the Amantzin. The latter shut the maidens up in the -Ciuatl-expan, inhabited by the Virgins of the Sun. Although prisoners, -they were treated with the utmost respect, after the orders Addick had -given, and they would have probably endured the annoyance of their -unjust captivity with patience, had not a deep alarm as to the fate -reserved for them, and an invincible sorrow, resulting from the events -to which they had been victims, and the terrible circumstances which -had led them to their present condition, by suddenly separating them -from their last defender, seized upon them. - -It was now that the difference of character between the two friends -was clearly shown. Doña Laura, accustomed to the eager homage of the -brilliant cavaliers who visited her father's house, and the enjoyment -of a slothful and luxurious life, as is that of all rich Mexican -families, suffered on feeling herself so roughly deprived of the -delights and caresses by which her childhood had been surrounded; -forgetting the tortures of the convent only to remember the joys of the -paternal mansion, and incapable of resisting the sorrow that preyed -upon her, she fell into a state of discouragement and torpor which she -did not even attempt to combat. - -Doña Luisa, on the contrary, who found in her present condition but -little change from her noviciate, while deploring the blow that struck -her, endured it with courage and resignation: her well-tempered soul -accepted misfortune as the consequence of her devotion to her friend. -Unconsciously, perhaps, another feeling had for some time past glided -into the maiden's heart--a feeling which she did not attempt to -explain, whose strength she did not thoroughly know; but which doubled -her courage, and made her hope for a deliverance, if not prompt, at -least possible, executed by the man who had already risked everything -for her friend and herself, and would not abandon them in the fresh -tribulations by which they were assailed, owing to the odious treachery -of their guide. - -When the two friends conversed together at times about any probability -of deliverance, Laura did not dare to pronounce the name of Don Miguel, -and through a reserve, the reason of which may be easily divined, she -pretended to rely on the name and power of her father. Luisa, more -frank, contented herself with answering that the bravery and devotion -that Don Miguel had displayed were a sure guarantee that he would, ere -long, come to their assistance. - -Laura, whom her companion had not thought it advisable to inform of -the numberless obligations which she owed the young man, could not -understand the connection that could possibly exist between him and the -future, and cross-questioned Luisa. But the latter remained dumb, or -eluded the question. - -"In truth, my friend," Laura said to her, "you speak incessantly of Don -Miguel. We certainly owe him great gratitude for the service he has -rendered us; but now his part is almost played out; my father, warned -by him of the position in which we are, will come, ere long, to deliver -us." - -"_Querida de mi corazón_"[1] Luisa answered her, with a toss of her -head; "who knows where your father is at this moment? _I_ trust in -help from Don Miguel, because he alone saved us from his own impulse, -without hope of reward of any sort, and he is too loyal and too much of -a gentleman not to finish an enterprise he has begun so well." - -This last sentence was uttered by the young lady with such an air of -conviction, that Laura felt surprised at it, and raised her eyes to her -friend, who felt herself instinctively blush beneath the weight of this -inquiring glance. - -Laura added nothing; but she asked herself what could be the nature -of the feeling which urged her friend to defend a man whom no one -attacked, and to whom she, Luisa, only owed such slight obligations, -and, indeed, scarce knew? - -From that day, as if by a tacit agreement, they never spoke of Don -Miguel, and his name was never mentioned by the maidens. - -It is a strange fact, and yet undoubtedly true, that priests, no matter -of what country they are, or the religion to which they belong, are -continually devoured by a desire to make proselytes at any price. The -Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, in this respect, resembled all his brethren; -he would not allow the opportunity to slip which was apparently -afforded him of converting two Spanish girls to the religion of the -Sun. Gifted with a great intellect, thoroughly convinced of the -excellence of the religious principles he professed, and, besides, -an obstinate enemy of the Spaniards, he conceived the plan, so soon -as Addick intrusted him with the care of the maidens, of making them -priestesses of the Sun. In America, there is no lack of instances -of conversions of this nature, for what may seem monstrous to us is -regarded as perfectly natural in that country. - -The Amantzin planted his batteries in consequence. The maidens did -not speak Indian; on his side, he did not know a word of Spanish; but -this difficulty, apparently enormous, was quickly removed by the High -Priest. He was related to a renowned Indian warrior, of the name of -Atoyac, the very man, indeed, who was sentry at the gate of the city -upon Addick's arrival. This man had married a civilized Indian girl, -who, brought up not far from Monterey, spoke Spanish sufficiently -well to make herself understood. She was a woman of about thirty -years of age, although she appeared at least fifty. In these regions, -where growth is so rapid, a woman is usually married at the age of -twelve or thirteen. Continually forced to those hard tasks which, in -other countries, fall to the lot of men, their freshness speedily -disappears; on reaching the age of twenty-five, they are attacked by a -precocious decrepitude, which, ten years later, converts into hideous -and repulsive beings women who, in their youth, were endowed with great -beauty and exquisite grace, of which many European women would be -justly proud. - -Atoyac's wife was named Huitlotl, or the Pigeon. She was a gentle and -simple creature, who, having herself suffered much, was instinctively -urged to sympathize with the sufferings of others. Hence, in spite of -the law which forbade the introduction of strangers into the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun, the High Priest took on himself to let the -Pigeon enter the presence of the maidens. - -A person must have been a prisoner himself among individuals whose -language he does not understand, in order to imagine the satisfaction -which the prisoners must have felt on at length receiving a visit from -somebody who could converse with them, and help them to subdue the -utter weariness in which they passed their time. The Indian was hence -accosted as a friend, and her presence regarded as a most agreeable -interlude. - -In the second interview, however, the Spaniards guessed with what an -interested design these visits were permitted, and then a real tyranny -succeeded on the short joyous conversation of the first day. It was -a permanent punishment to the maidens. As Spaniards, and attached to -the religion of their fathers, they could not fulfil the High Priest's -hopes, while the Indian woman, incapable of playing the false and -roguish part to which she was condemned, did not hide from them that, -in spite of the honied words and insinuating manner of the Amanani, -they must expect to suffer the most frightful tortures, if they refused -to devote themselves to the worship of the Sun. The prospect was far -from being reassuring. The maidens knew the Indians to be capable -of putting their odious threats in execution without the slightest -remorse; hence, while promising in their hearts to remain staunch in -the faith of their fathers, the poor creatures were devoured by mortal -alarm. - -Time passed away, and the High Priest began to grow impatient at the -slowness of the conversion. The little hope the two maidens had kept up -of escaping from the sacrifice demanded of them was gradually deserting -them. This painful situation, which was further aggravated by the -absence of all news from without, at length produced an illness whose -progress was so rapid, that the High Priest considered it prudent to -suspend the execution of his ardent project of proselytism. - -Let us leave the wretched prisoners for a few moments, almost -felicitating themselves on the change that had taken place in their -health, as it for a time at least almost freed them from the odious -presence to which they were exposed, and take up the course of events -which happened to other persons who figure in this story. - -So soon as Don Estevan found himself at liberty, he dug his spurs into -the flanks of Brighteye's horse, and began a furious race across the -forest, whose evident object was to remove him as speedily as possible -from the clearing which had all but proved so fearfully fatal to him. -A prey to a mad terror which every moment that passed doubled, the -wretched man galloped haphazard, without object or idea, following -no direction, but flying straight before him, pursued by the hideous -phantom of the death which, for an hour that was as long as an age, had -bent over his shoulders, and had already stretched forth its skeleton -hand to seize him, when a miraculous accident sent a liberator. - -Don Estevan, in proportion as lucidity re-entered his brain, and -calmness sprung up again in his thoughts, became once more the man -he had ever been; that is to say, the implacable villain so justly -condemned and executed by Lynch law. Instead of recognising in his -deliverance the omnipotent finger of Providence wishing thus to show -him the path of repentance, he only saw a naturally accidental fact, -and entertained but one thought--that of avenging himself on the men -who prostrated him and set their feet on his chest. - -No one could say how many hours he thus galloped in the darkness, -revolving schemes of vengeance, and casting ironical looks of defiance -at Heaven. The whole night was passed in this mad race, and sunrise -surprised him at a long distance from the spot where he had undergone -his sentence. - -He stopped for a moment in order to restore a little connection in his -ideas and look around him. The trees, rather scattered at the spot -where he halted, enabled him to see between their trunks a plain in -front of him, terminating in the distance in tall mountains, whose -blue-grey summits mingled in the horizon with the sky: a rather wide -river flowed silently between two scarped banks, denuded of vegetation. -Don Estevan gave a sigh of relief. Supposing, as was not at all -probable, that anyone had started in pursuit, the rapidity of his -flight, and the innumerable turns he had taken, must have completely -hidden his trail. He advanced slowly to the edge of the forest, -resolved to stop for an hour or two to rest his panting steed, and -himself take that repose so absolutely necessary after so much fatigue -and agony. So soon as he reached the first trees of the wood, he -stopped again. Assured himself by a glance round that no human being -was in the vicinity, and reassured by the calmness and silence that -reigned around him, he dismounted, unsaddled and hobbled his horse, -and, lying down on the ground, he began reflecting. His position was -far from agreeable. He was alone, almost unarmed, in a strange country, -compelled to fly from men of his own colour, and obliged to depend on -himself alone to face all the events which might occur, and the dangers -that surrounded him on every side. - -Assuredly, a man more resolute than was Don Estevan, and gifted by -nature with a more powerful organization than he possessed, would, in -his place, have felt greatly embarrassed, and would have given way, -if not to despair, at least to discouragement. The Mexican, overcome -by the atrocious emotions and extraordinary fatigue he had endured -during the fatal night which had just passed, fell involuntarily into -such a state of prostration and insensibility, that gradually external -objects disappeared from his sight, and he only existed in his mind, -that ever-shining beacon in the human brain, and which God in his -infinite goodness allows to shine there in the darkest gloom, in order -to restore to the creature, in extreme situations, the feeling of his -strength and the will to struggle. - -For a long time Don Estevan had been seated, with his elbow on his -knee and his head on his hand, looking without seeing, listening -without hearing, when he suddenly started, and drew himself up sharply. -A hand had been gently laid on his shoulder. Slight as the touch was, -it was enough to arouse the Mexican, and restore him to a sense of his -present situation. He looked up: two men, two Indians, were by his -side; they were Addick and Red Wolf. - -A gleam of joy shone in Don Estevan's eye: these two men, he had a -presentiment, were two allies. He wanted them without hoping ever to -meet them. In fact, in the desert, who can be certain of meeting those -he seeks? - -Addick fixed a sardonic glance on him. "Och!" he said, "my pale brother -sleeps with his eyes open; his fatigue, it seems, is great." - -"Yes," Don Estevan answered. - -There was a moment of silence. "I did not hope to find my brother again -so soon, and in such an agreeable position," the Indian continued. - -"Ah!" Don Estevan said again. - -"Yes, aided by my brother Red Wolf and his warriors, I had set out to -bring help, if it were possible, to the Paleface." - -The Mexican looked at him suspiciously. "Thanks," he at length said, -with piercing irony; "I required help from nobody." - -"All the better--that does not astonish me: my brother is a great -warrior in his nation; but perhaps the help now useless to him will be -of service to him later." - -"Listen, Redskin," Don Estevan said; "take my advice, let us not deal -in repartees, but be frank towards each other. You know a great deal -more of my affairs than I should have wished anyone to discover. How -you learned it is of little consequence; still, if I understand you, -you have a proposal to make to me, a proposal you doubtless think I -shall accept, because of the position in which you find me. Make it, -then, frankly, briefly, as a man ought to do, and let us come to an -end, instead of wasting precious time in idle discourse and useless -beating about the bush." - -Addick smiled craftily. "My brother speaks well," he said, in a honied -voice; "his wisdom is great. I will be frank with him; he wants me; I -will serve him." - -"_Voto a brios!_ that is talking like a man; that pleases me. Go on, -Chief; if the end of your speech resembles the beginning, I do not -doubt we shall come to an understanding." - -"Wah! I am convinced of it; but, before sitting down to the council -fire, my brother needs to regain his strength, weakened by a long fast -and heavy fatigue. Red Wolf's warriors are encamped close by. Let my -brother follow me. When he has taken a little nourishment, we will -settle our business." - -"Be it so. Go on; I follow you," Don Estevan answered. - -The three men then went off in the direction of the Redskin camp, which -was not more than a hundred paces from the spot they left. - -The Indians understand hospitality better than any other people, -excepting the Arabs--that virtue ignored in cities, where, to the -disgrace of civilized peoples, a cold egotism and shameful distrust is -substituted for it. Don Estevan was treated by the Indians as well as -it was possible for them to do. After he had eaten and drank as much as -he wanted, Addick returned to the charge. "Will my Paleface brother -hear me at present?" he said. "Are his ears open?" - -"My ears are open, Chief. I am listening to you with all the attention -of which I am capable." - -"Does my brother wish to avenge himself on his enemies?" - -"Yes," Don Estevan exclaimed, passionately. - -"But those enemies are powerful; they are numerous. My brother has -already succumbed in the contest he tried to wage with them. A man, -when he is alone, is weaker than a child." - -"That is true," the Mexican muttered. - -"If my brother consents to grant to Red Wolf and Addick what they will -ask of him, the Red Chiefs will help my brother to avenge himself, and -ensure him success." - -A feverish flush covered Don Estevan's face; a convulsive tremor flew -over his limbs. "_Voto a brios!_" he muttered, gloomily; "whatever be -the condition you lay down, I accept it, if you serve me as you say." - -"My brother must not pledge himself lightly," the Indian retorted, with -a grin. "He does not know the condition yet; perhaps he will regret -having been so hasty." - -"I repeat to you," Don Estevan repeated firmly, "that I accept the -condition, whatever it be. Let me know it, then, without further delay." - -The cautious Indian hesitated, or appeared to hesitate, for two or -three minutes, which seemed an age to the Mexican. At length he went -on, in a perfidiously gentle voice. "I know where the two Palefaced -maidens are whom my brother seeks in vain." - -Don Estevan, at these words, bounded as if he had been stung by a -serpent. "You know it!" he shouted, as he squeezed his arm violently, -and looked fixedly at him. - -"I know it," Addick answered, still with perfect calmness. - -"It is not possible." - -The Indian smiled contemptuously. "It was under my guardianship," he -said, "and guided by me, that they reached their present abode." - -"And you can lead me to it?" - -"I can." - -"On the instant?" - -"Yes, if you accept my conditions." - -"That is true; tell me them." - -"Which does my brother prefer, these young girls, or vengeance?" - -"Vengeance!" - -"Good; the young pale girls will remain where they are. Addick and Red -Wolf are alone; their cabins are desolate; they each need a wife. The -warriors hunt; the cihuatls prepare the food, and nurse the papooses. -Does my brother understand me?" - -These words were pronounced with so strange an intonation, that the -Mexican shuddered involuntarily, but he recovered almost immediately. -"And if I accept?" he said. - -"Red Wolf has two hundred warriors. They are at my brother's service, -to aid him in accomplishing his vengeance." - -Don Estevan let his head fall in his hands. For a few moments he -remained motionless. This man, who had so coolly resolved on his -niece's death, hesitated at the odious proposition now made him. This -condition seemed to him more horrible than death. - -The Indians waited, apparently apathetic witnesses of the contest -that was going on in the heart of the man they wished to seduce. They -watched this conflict of good and evil inclinations, coldly calculating -the chances of success offered them by the evil instincts of the wretch -they held beneath their eye. However, the struggle was not long. Don -Estevan raised his head, and said, with a calm voice, cold face, and no -sign of emotion,--"Well, be it so, the die is cast. I accept, and will -keep my word; but first keep yours." - -"We will keep it," the Indians answered. - -"Before the eighth sun," Addick added, "my brother's enemies will be in -his power; he will deal with them as he thinks proper." - -"And now, what must I do?" Don Estevan asked. - -"Here is our plan," Addick replied. - -The three men then discussed the plan of campaign they intended to -follow, in order to gain the object they proposed. But, as we shall -soon see it work out, we will leave it, to return to our other -characters. - - -[1] Cherished one of my heart. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE. - - -The persons collected in Don Miguel's tent could not repress a movement -of surprise, almost of terror, at the sudden appearance of Brighteye, -pale, bleeding, and with disordered garments. The hunter had stopped in -the entrance of the tent, tottering, and looking around with haggard -eyes, while his face gradually assumed an expression of sorrow and -profound discouragement. All these men, accustomed to the incessantly -changing life of the desert, whose courage, incessantly put to the -rudest trials, was surprised at nothing, felt themselves, however, -shudder, and a foreboding of misfortune. - -Brighteye still remained motionless and dumb. Don Miguel was the first -to recall his presence of mind, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -mastery over himself to address the newcomer. "What is the matter, -Brighteye?" he asked him in a voice which he tried in vain to render -firm; "of what sad news are you the bearer?" - -The Canadian passed his hand several times over his damp forehead, and, -after casting a last suspicious glance around him, he at length found -courage to reply in a low and inarticulate voice--"I have terrible news -to announce." - -The adventurer's heart beat audibly; still, he mastered his emotion, -and said in a calm voice, with a sigh of resignation--"It will be -welcome, for we can hear nothing from you which is not so. Speak, then, -my friend, we are listening to you." - -Brighteye hesitated, a feverish flush mounted over his face; but, -making a supreme effort, he said, "I have betrayed you--betrayed you -like a coward." - -"You!" they all exclaimed, unanimously, in denial, and shrugging their -shoulders. - -"Yes, I!" - -These two words were uttered in the tone of a man whose resolution is -definitely formed, and who loyally accepts the responsibility of an act -which he recognises in his heart as culpable. - -His hearers regarded him in stupor. "Hum!" Marksman muttered, shaking -his head sorrowfully; "there is something incomprehensible in all this. -Leave it to me to find it out," he continued, addressing Don Miguel, -who seemed preparing to address fresh questions to the hunter. "I know -how to make him speak." - -The adventurer consented with a mute sign, and then fell back on his -bed, while bending an interrogatory glance on the Canadian. - -Marksman quitted the spot he had hitherto occupied, and walking up to -Brighteye, laid his hand on his shoulder. The Canadian quivered at this -friendly touch, and looked sorrowfully at the old hunter. "By Jove!" -the latter said, with a smile, "deuce take me if our ears were not -tingling just now! Come, Brighteye, old comrade, what is the matter? -Why this terrified look, as if the sky was on the point of falling on -our heads! What means this pretended treachery of which you accuse -yourself, and whose flagrant impossibility I guarantee; I, who have -known you these forty years?" - -"Do not pledge yourself so for me, brother," Brighteye answered, in a -hollow voice; "I have broken the law of the prairies. I have betrayed -you, I tell you." - -"But, in the devil's name, explain yourself! You cannot have bargained -to our injury with those Apache dogs, our enemies? Such a supposition -would be ridiculous." - -"I have done worse." - -"Oh! oh! What, then?" - -"I have--" Brighteye hesitated. - -"What?" - -Don Mariano suddenly interposed. "Silence!" he said, in a firm voice, -"I guess what you have done, and thank you for it. To me it belongs to -justify you in the sight of our friends, so let me do so." - -All eyes were curiously turned on the gentleman. - -"Caballeros," he continued, "this worthy man accuses himself of -treachery towards you, because he consented to do me an immense -service. In a word, he has saved my brother." - -"Can it be possible?" Don Miguel passionately exclaimed. - -Brighteye bowed in affirmation. - -"Oh!" the adventurer said, "wretched man, what have you done?" - -"I would not be a fratricide," Don Mariano nobly answered. - -This word burst like a bombshell amid these lion-hearted men. They let -their heads sink instinctively, and quivered involuntarily. - -"Do not reproach this honest hunter," Don Mariano continued, "with -having saved that wretch. Has he not been sufficiently punished? The -lesson has been too rude for him not to profit by it. Forced to allow -his defeat, bowed beneath shame and remorse, he is now wandering alone -and without help beneath the omnipotent eye of God, who, when his hour -arrives, will inflict on him the chastisement for his crimes. Now, Don -Estevan is no longer an object of alarm to us; we shall never meet him -again on our path." - -"Stop!" Brighteye shouted, vehemently; "were it as you state, I should -not reproach myself so greatly for having consented to obey you. No, -no, Don Mariano, I ought to have refused. When the serpent is dead, the -venom is dead also! Do you know what this man did? So soon as he was -free, thanks to me, immediately forgetting that I was his saviour, he -treacherously tried to deprive me of the life I had just restored him. -Look at the gaping wound on my skull," he added, suddenly raising the -bandage that surrounded his head, "here is the proof of his gratitude -he left me on separating from me." - -All present uttered an exclamation of horror. - -Brighteye then narrated, in their fullest detail, the events which had -occurred. The hunters listened attentively. When his story was ended, -there was a moment of silence. - -"What is to be done?" Don Miguel muttered, sorrowfully. "All must be -begun afresh. There is no lack of villains on the prairie with whom -this man can come to an understanding." - -Don Mariano, overwhelmed by what he had just heard, remained gloomy and -silent, taking no part in the discussion, recognizing in his heart the -fault he had committed, but not feeling the courage to avow it, and -thus assume the immense responsibility of the sentence passed by the -wood rangers. - -"We must come to an end of this," Marksman said, "moments are precious. -Who knows what that villain is doing while we are consulting? Let us -raise the camp as speedily as possible, and proceed to those maidens, -for they must be saved in the first place. As for ourselves, we shall -be able to foil the scoundrel's machinations, when aimed directly at -ourselves." - -"Yes," Don Miguel exclaimed, "let us start. Heaven grant that we arrive -in time." - -And forgetting his weakness and wounds, the adventurer rose boldly. -Brighteye stopped him. The old hunter, freed from the burthen that -weighed so heavily on his conscience, had regained all his boldness and -freedom of mind. - -"Permit me," he said, "to have to deal with a powerful foe. Let us -not act lightly, or let ourselves be deceived this time. Hear what I -propose." - -"Speak," Don Leo answered. - -"From what I know of this unhappy story, you, Don Miguel, aided by my -old companion, Marksman, have hidden these young girls in a place where -you suppose them safe from the attack of your enemy." - -"Yes," the adventurer answered, "except by treachery." - -"We must always suspect treachery as possible in the desert," the -hunter went on, roughly; "you have a proof of it before you; hence -redouble your prudence. Don Miguel and his Cuadrilla will, guided by -us, set out immediately in pursuit of Don Stefano. Believe me, the -most important thing for us is to secure the person of our enemy, and, -by heavens, I swear to do all humanly possible to catch him. I have a -terrible account to settle with him now," he added, with an expression -of concentrated hatred which no one misunderstood. - -"But the young ladies?" Don Leo exclaimed. - -"Patience! Don Miguel; if you possessed as much strength as good will, -I should have reserved for you the honour of going to seek them in the -asylum you so judiciously selected for them; but that task will be too -rude for you; leave to Marksman, then, the care of carrying it out, and -be assured he will give you a good account of it." - -Don Leo de Torres remained for a moment gloomy and thoughtful. Marksman -took his hand, and pressed it warmly. "Brighteye's advice is good," -he said; "under the present circumstances, it is the only plan we can -follow; we must play a game of trickery with our adversaries, in order -to foil their villainy. Leave that to me; I have not been christened -'The Scout' in vain. I swear to you, on my life, that I will bring the -two maidens back to you." - -The adventurer breathed a sigh. "Do as you think proper," he said, in -a sorrowful voice, "as I am quite powerless." - -"Good, Don Leo!" Don Mariano exclaimed; "I perceive that your -intentions are truly honourable, and I thank you for your self-denial. -As for you, my worthy friend," he said, turning to Marksman, "though I -am old, and but little accustomed to desert life, I will accompany you." - -"Your desire is just, señor, and I have no right to oppose it, as it -is your daughter I am going to try and save; the fatigue you will -endure, and the perils you incur during this expedition, will add to -the happiness you experience in embracing your daughter, when I have -succeeded in restoring her to you." - -"Now," Brighteye said, "do you, Marksman, who know the direction you -are about to follow, give us a place of meeting, where we can assemble -again when each of us has accomplished his allotted task." - -"That is important," the Canadian answered; "it would be even as well -if a detachment from Don Miguel's Cuadrilla were to proceed directly to -the meeting place we select, in order that, in the event of a mishap, -each band can find succour or support there." - -"Fifteen of my most resolute men shall go at once to encamp at the spot -you select, Marksman," Don Miguel said, "in order to be ready to go -wherever their presence is necessary." - -"We are carrying on regular warfare; do not forget that; hence we must -neglect no precaution. Ruperto, who is an old buffalo hunter, will, -with your permission, Don Miguel, take the command of this party, and -proceed to Amaxtlan."[1] - -"Oh, I know the spot well," Ruperto interrupted; "I have often hunted -beaver and otter there." - -"That is all right," Marksman continued. "Now, whatever happens, we -must all be at the appointed place this day month, except through a -grave impediment, and, in that case, the detachment missing will send a -scout to Ruperto, in order to inform him of the cause of its delay. Is -that agreed?" - -"Yes," his auditors answered. - -"But," Don Miguel added, "I suppose that you will not go alone with Don -Mariano?" - -"No; I shall also take Domingo, who, for certain reasons known to -myself, I shall not be sorry to have constantly under my hand. Don -Mariano's two servants will also follow me; they are brave and devoted. -I need no more people." - -"They are very few," Don Leo remarked. - -The old hunter smiled in a peculiar way. "The less We are, the better -it will be," he said, "for the dangerous enterprise we meditate; our -little band will pass invisible, where a larger party would be stopped; -trust to me for that." - -"I have one more word to add." - -"Say it." - -"Succeed!" - -The Canadian smiled again, but this time with an expression of tender -pity. "I shall succeed," he answered, simply, as he forcibly pressed -the hand his friend offered him. - -The two men understood one another. Don Leo then left the tent. - -Soon all was bustle in the camp. The Gambusinos were busily engaged in -destroying the entrenchments, loading the waggons, and saddling the -horses; in short, everybody made preparations for a hurried departure. - -"Did you not tell me, Marksman," asked Brighteye, "that you were picked -up by Flying Eagle?" - -"Yes," the other answered. - -"Did the Chief leave you at once, then?" - -"No; he followed me to the camp, and so did Eglantine." - -"Heaven be praised! He will accompany me on my expedition; he is a -brave and experienced warrior; his help, I believe, will be very -necessary to the success of my plans. Where is he?" - -"A few steps off; let us go and find him, for I have also something to -say to him." - -The two hunters left the camp together. They soon perceived Flying -Eagle, squatting by a fire, and calmly smoking his Indian calumet; his -wife sat motionless by his side, anxious to satisfy his slightest wish. -On seeing the hunters, the Chief took the pipe from his mouth, and -saluted them courteously. - -Brighteye knew that the Comanche had taken several measurements of -the footsteps left by Don Estevan on his flight, and he wished to -ask the Chief for them, as he hoped to employ them in following his -enemy's trail. The Indian gave them to him without the slightest -hesitation. The hunter placed them carefully in his bosom, with a nod -of satisfaction. "Eh!" he muttered to himself. "This will enable me to -find one end of the trail; with the help of heaven, I hope that I shall -soon hold the other." - -In the meanwhile, Marksman had seated himself by Flying Eagle's side. - -"Does my red brother still intend to return to his tribe?" he asked -him. - -"The Sachem has been absent for a long time," the Indian answered; "his -sons are anxious to see him." - -"Good!" the hunter said; "it should be so. Flying Eagle is a renowned -Chief; his sons have need of him." - -"The Comanches are too wise to notice the absence of a warrior." - -"My brother is modest; but his heart flies toward the village of his -fathers." - -"Are not all men the same?" - -"That is true; the feeling of one's country is innate in the heart of -man." - -"The Palefaces are raising their camp." - -"Yes." - -"Are they returning to the side of the great Salt Lake, into their -stone villages?" - -"No; they are starting for a great buffalo hunt in the prairies, down -by the endless river with the golden waves." - -"Wah!" the Chief said, with a certain degree of emotion; "then many -moons will pass ere I see my brother again." - -"Why so, Chief?" - -"Does not the great Pale hunter accompany his brothers?" - -"No!" Marksman answered, laconically. - -"Och! my brother must be laughing. What will the Palefaces do, if he -does not accompany them?" - -"I am going in the direction of the sun!" - -The Indian started, and fixed a piercing glance on the speaker. "The -direction of the sun," he said, as if speaking to himself. - -"Yes," Marksman continued; "to the evergreen prairies of the country -of Acatlan,[2] on the banks of the fair streams of Atonatiah."[3] - -The Chief started violently. Marksman remained calm, and apparently -indifferent, although he attentively followed the various emotions -which contracted the Chief's features, in spite of the mask he tried to -draw over them. "My brother is wrong," he said, presently. - -"Why so?" - -"My brother is ignorant that this land of which he speaks is sacred. -Never has the foot of a white man trodden it with impunity." - -"I know it," the hunter answered, carelessly. - -"My brother knows it, and persists in going there?" - -"Yes." - -There was a silence of several moments' duration between the two men, -the Indian hastily puffing the smoke from his calumet, a prey to an -emotion he could not master. At length he spoke again. "Every man -has his destiny," he said, in that sententious tone peculiar to the -Indians. "My brother doubtless attaches a great importance to this -journey." - -"An immense importance, Chief; I am going to that country, though -perfectly aware of the perils that await us, for interests of value, -and impelled by a will more powerful than my own." - -"Good! I do not ask my brother's secrets. The heart of a man is his -own; he alone must read in it. Flying Eagle is a powerful Sachem; -he also follows that road; he will protect his Pale brother, if the -hunter's intentions are pure." - -"They are so." - -"Wah! my brother has the word of a Chief; I have spoken." After -uttering these words, the Indian took up his calumet again, and -began smoking silently. Marksman was too conversant with the Indian -manners to press him further. He rose, with joy in his heart at having -succeeded in obtaining an ally so powerful as the Comanche Chief, and -he went in all haste to make the preparations for departure. - -For their part, during the conversation we have reported, the -Gambusinos had not remained inactive. Don Miguel or Don Leo, whichever -it pleases the reader to call him, had so urged on his men, that -everything was ready,--waggons loaded and horsed, and the riders -mounted, with rifle on thigh, only awaited the signal for setting out. -Don Miguel selected from his band fifteen old Gambusinos, practised in -Indian tricks, and in whom he believed he could trust. He said a few -words to them, explanatory of his intentions, and placed them under -Ruperto's command, with orders to obey him as they would himself. The -Gambusinos swore to do so. This duty accomplished, he summoned Domingo. -The Gambusino came up to his Chief with that cunningly indolent manner -familiar to him, and waited respectfully for his orders. When Domingo -learned what was expected from him, he was in no way flattered by the -confidential commission his Chief gave him, especially as he was not at -all anxious to be under the immediate supervision of Marksman, whose -peering glance incessantly occasioned him a nervous tremor, and whose -assiduous watchfulness was most disagreeable to him. Still, as it was -impossible openly to disobey Don Miguel, the worthy Gambusino made up -his mind for the worst, making himself a secret promise to keep on his -guard, and double his prudence. - -When Don Miguel had completed all the duties of a wise and intelligent -Chief, he mounted his horse, though with difficulty, owing to the -weakness occasioned by his wounds. He placed himself at the head -of his band, to the right of Brighteye, and after giving a parting -salutation to Don Mariano and Marksman, he ordered his men to start. -The two parties set out immediately, that led by Ruperto turning to -the left, and proceeding toward the mountains, and Brighteye, with his -men, temporarily following the course of the Rubio. All now left in -the deserted camp were Marksman, Don Mariano, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, -the two servants, and Domingo, who followed with a look of envy his -gradually disappearing comrades. The old hunter, for reasons he kept -secret, did not wish to set out before sunset. Scarcely had that planet -disappeared on the horizon, amid floods of vapours, ere the night set -in, and the landscape was almost immediately plunged in dense gloom. We -have already several times remarked that, in high American latitudes, -there is no twilight, or, at least, it is so weak, that night arrives -almost without any transition. - -Marksman, since the departure of the two first detachments, had not -uttered a syllable, or made a movement; his comrades, doubtless for -motives resembling his own, respected their Chief's silence; but night -had scarcely set in, ere the hunter rose sharply. "Start!" he said, in -a quick voice. - -All rose. Marksman took an inquiring glance around. "Leave the horses," -he said; "they are useless to us. We are not going to begin a journey, -but a manhunt. We must be unimpeded in our movements, for the trail -we shall follow is difficult. Juanito, you will remain here with the -animals, until you hear from us." - -The creole made a sign of discontent. "I should have preferred to -follow you, and not quit my master," he said. - -"I understand that, but I want a courageous and resolute man to guard -our horses, and I cannot select a better one than you; besides, I -trust that you will not remain alone long. Still, as we do not know -what route we shall have to follow, or what obstacles may arise, build -yourself a tent. Hunt, do what you think proper, but remember that you -must not stir from this place without my orders." - -"That is agreed, compadre," Juanito answered; "you can start when you -please. If your journey were to last six months, you will be certain to -find me here on your return." - -"Good," Marksman said; "I reckon on you." - -Then he whistled his mustang, which ran up at the summons, and laid -its intelligent head on its master's shoulder. It was a noble animal, -rather tall, with a small head, but its eyes flashed with ardour; its -wide chest, its firm and nervous legs, all denoted the blood horse. -Marksman seized the reata which hung from a ring fixed to the saddle, -unfastened it, rolled it round his body, and then, giving the mustang a -light tap on the croup, watched it depart with a sigh of regret. - -The hunter's comrades were provided with their arms and provisions, -consisting of pemmican, or buffalo meat, dried and pounded, and maize -tortillas. - -"Come, let us start," the Canadian said, throwing his rifle over his -shoulder. - -"A pleasant journey, and happy return," Juanito said, unable to prevent -himself accompanying that adieu by a sigh, in which it could be easily -read how vexed he felt at being thus left behind. - -"Thanks," the adventurers answered. - -So soon as they left the camp, they walked in Indian file, that is to -say, one behind the other, the second placing his foot exactly in the -steps of the first, and the third in those of the second, and so on to -the last. The latter, however, as closing the march, was careful to -efface, as far as was possible, the traces left by himself and those -who preceded him. - -Juanito, after looking after them for some minutes, as they descended -the mound, at the top of which the camp was, cautiously returned, and -seated himself by the fire. "Hum!" he muttered, "I shall not have -much fun here, but what must be must be." And with this philosophical -reflection, the worthy Mexican lit his cigarette, and began -smoking peacefully, while following with interest the blue wreaths -fantastically entwined by the evening breeze that rose from the smoke -of his Havanah tobacco, whose perfume he inhaled with all the methodic -phlegm of a true Indian Sagamore. - - -[1] The spot where a river divides into several branches. - -[2] The country of reeds. - -[3] Sun of the water. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE--(_concluded_). - - -In the new world, when people are travelling in Indian regions, and -do not desire to be tracked by the Redskins, they must be careful to -go to the east, if their business lies in the west, and _vice versa;_ -in a word, imitate the manoeuvres of a ship, which, if surprised by -a contrary wind, is obliged to tack, and thus gradually approaches -the point it wishes to reach. Marksman was too conversant with the -cleverness and craft of the Indians not to act in a similar fashion. -Although the presence of Flying Eagle was, to a certain point, a -guarantee of security, still, not knowing with what Indian tribe -accident might bring him in contact, Marksman resolved not to be -discovered by anybody, were that possible. - -Fenimore Cooper, the immortal historian of the North American Indians, -has, in his excellent works, initiated us into the tricks employed -by the Tuscaroras, Mohicans, and Hurons, when they wish to foil the -researches of their enemies; but, no offence to the numerous admirers -of the sagacity of young Uncas, a magnificent type of the Delaware -nation (of which he was not, however, the last hero, for it still -exists, though sadly, diminished), the Indians of the United States are -only children, when compared with the Comanches, Apaches, Pawnees, and -other nations of the great western prairies, who may justly be regarded -as their masters in every respect. The reason is very simple, and easy -of comprehension. The northern tribes never existed in the condition -of political powers. Each of them governs itself, separately, and, to -some extent, according to its fancy. The Indians composing them rarely -ally themselves with their neighbours, and have, from time immemorial, -constantly led a nomadic life. Hence they have only possessed the -instincts (though highly developed, we grant) of men constantly -inhabiting the forests; that is to say, a marvellous agility, a great -fineness of hearing, and a miraculous length of sight--qualities, by -the way, which may be also found in the Arabs, and generally in all -wandering tribes, whatever be the nook of earth that shelters them. As -for their sagacity and skill, the wild beasts taught them, and they -only had the trouble of imitating them. - -The Mexican Indians join to the advantages we have mentioned the -remains of an advanced civilization--a civilization which, since the -Conquest, has taken refuge in inaccessible lurking places, but, for all -that, no less exists. The families, or tribes, regard themselves as -the members of one great whole--the nation. Now, the American nations, -continually fighting with the Spaniards on one side, and the North -Americans on the other, have felt the necessity of doubling their -strength, in order to triumph over the two formidable enemies who -incessantly harass them, and their descendants have gradually modified -what was injurious in their manners, to appropriate those of their -oppressors, and combat them with their own weapons. They have carried -these tactics so far--which have hitherto saved them, not only from -serfdom, but also from extermination--that they are perfect masters in -trickery and cunning; their ideas have grown larger, their intelligence -has been developed, and they have ended by surpassing their enemies in -craft and diplomacy, if we may employ the expression. And this is so -true, that for the last three hundred years the latter have not only -failed in subduing, but in preventing their periodical incursions, -which the Comanches proudly call the _Mexican Moon_, and during which -they destroy everything they come across with impunity. - -Can we really regard as savages these men, who, formerly driven back -by the dread of fire arms, and the sight of horses, animals of whose -existence they were ignorant, and compelled to conceal themselves in -inaccessible ravines, have yet defended their territory inch by inch, -and, in certain districts, have actually reconquered a portion of -their old estates? Better than anyone, we know that there are savages -in America, savages in the fullest sense of the term; but they have -proved a cheap conquest, and they daily disappear from the earth, for -they possess neither the necessary intelligence to understand, nor -the energy to defend themselves. These savages to whom we allude, -before being subject to the Spaniards or Anglo-Americans, were so to -the Mexicans, the Peruvians, and the Araucanos of Chili, owing to -their intellectual organization, which scarce elevates them above the -brutes. We must not confound this race of helots, who are an exception -in the genus, with the great untamed nations whose manners, necessarily -alluring, we are attempting to portray here; for in spite of the -efforts they make to withdraw themselves from its influence, that -European civilization they despise rather through the hereditary hatred -of their conquerors and the whole race generally, than from any other -motive, surrounds, crushes, and invades them on all sides. Perhaps, -before a hundred years are past, the emancipated Indians, who smile -with pity at the paltry contests going on between the phantom republic -that surrounds them, and the colossal pigmy of the United States which -menaces them, will take their rank again in the world, and raise their -heads proudly; and that will be just, for they are heroic natures, -richly endowed, and capable, under good direction, of undertaking or -carrying out great things. In Mexico itself, since the period when that -country proclaimed its so-called independence, all the eminent men who -have risen either in arts, diplomacy, or war, belong to the pure Indian -race. In support of our statement, we will cite a fact of immense -significance:--The best history of southern America, published up to -this day, was written by an Inca, Garcillasso de la Vega. Is not this -conclusive? is it not time to condemn all those systematically absurd -theories which insist on representing the red family as a bastard race, -incapable of amelioration, and fatally destined to disappear? - -Ending here this digression, which is perhaps, too lengthy, but is -indispensable for the due comprehension of the facts that follow, we -will take up our narrative again, at the point where we broke it off. - -After a march of three hours, rendered fatiguing and difficult by the -lofty grass, the adventurers reached the skirt of the forest. About -midnight, Marksman, after allowing his comrades two hours' rest, -started again. At sunrise they reached a species of canyon, or narrow -gorge, formed by two walls of perpendicular rocks, and were constrained -to march for four hours in the bed of a half dried-up torrent, in which -their footsteps fortunately left no mark. During several days their -journey over abrupt and desolate mountains was effected with great -toil, but did not offer any incident worthy of narration. At length -they found themselves again in the region of the _tierras calientes_; -the verdure reappeared, and the heat became sensible. Hence the -adventurers, who had suffered extremely from the cold in the lofty -regions of the Serranía, experienced a feeling of marked comfort on -inhaling the gentle and perfumed atmosphere, in contemplating the azure -sky and dazzling sun which had now taken the place of a grey and leaden -sky, and the limited, fog-laden horizon, which they had left behind -them. Toward the end of the fourth day after leaving the mountains, -Marksman uttered a shout of satisfaction, on noticing the skirt of -the immense virgin forest, toward which he was marching, rise in the -distant azure of the prairie. "Courage, my friends!" he said; "we shall -soon obtain the shadow and freshness lacking here." - -The adventurers, without replying, hurried their steps, like men who -perfectly appreciated the value of the promise made them. Night had -completely set in, when they reached the banks of a rather high river, -whose vicinity the tall grass had concealed from them, although for -some minutes they had heard the continued rustling of the water over -the pebbles. Marksman resolved to wait till the next day, and look for -a ford. The party camped, but the fire was prudently not lighted. The -adventurers wrapped themselves in their zarapés, after taking a scanty -meal, and soon fell asleep. Marksman alone watched. Gradually the moon -sunk on the horizon: the stars began to dim and go out in the depths of -the sky. The hunter, whose eyes fatigue closed against his will, was -about to yield to sleep, when suddenly a strange and unexpected sound -made him start. He drew himself up, as if he had received an electric -shock, and listened. A slight rustling agitated the reeds that bordered -the river, whose calm and motionless waters resembled a long silvery -ribbon. There was not a breath of air. The hunter laid his hand on -Flying Eagle's shoulder; the latter opened his eyes, and gazed at him. -"The Indians," Marksman muttered in the Chief's ear. Then, crawling on -his hands and knees, he glided down the slope, and entered the water. -Then he looked around him. The moon shed sufficient light to let him -survey the country for a long distance, but, in spite of the attention -he devoted, he could see nothing. All was calm; but he waited with eye -fixed, and ear on the watch. Half an hour passed, and the sound which -had aroused him was not repeated. However closely he listened, no sound -arose to disturb the silence of night. Still Marksman felt certain he -was not mistaken. In the desert all sounds have a cause, a reason; the -hunters know them, and can distinguish them, being never deceived as -to their nature. The hunter was immersed, however, in the water up to -his waist belt. In America, if the heat of the day is stifling, the -nights, to make up for it, are excessively fresh, and Marksman felt an -icy coldness invading his whole body. Tired of waiting, and believing -that he was deceived, he was at length preparing to return to the bank, -when, at the moment he was preparing to carry out his design, a hard -body struck his chest. - -He looked down, and instinctively thrust out his hands. He stifled a -cry of surprise; what had touched him was the side of a canoe, gliding -noiselessly through the reeds, which it parted in its passage. This -canoe, like all the Indian boats in these parts, was made of birch -bark, detached from the tree by means of boiling water. Marksman -examined the canoe, which seemed to be moving without the assistance of -any human being, and rather drifting with the current than proceeding -in a straight line. Still one thing astonished the Canadian: the canoe -was moving without the slightest oscillation. Evidently an invisible -being, probably an Indian, was directing it, but where was he? Was -he alone? This it was impossible to guess. The Canadian's anxiety -was extreme; he did not dare make the slightest move, through fear -of imprudently revealing his presence. And yet the canoe was moving -on. Resolved to know how it was, Marksman gently drew his knife, and, -holding his breath, bent down in the river, and only let the top of -his face emerge from the water. What he expected happened: in a moment -he saw the eyes of an Indian, who was swimming behind the canoe, and -pushing it with his arm, sparkle in the gloom like two live coals. -The Redskin held his face on a level with the water, and was looking -searchingly around him. The Canadian recognized an Apache. Suddenly -the stranger's eyes were fixed on the hunter. The latter; judged that -the time had arrived, and bounding with the suppleness and speed of a -jaguar, he seized his enemy by the throat; giving him no time to utter -a cry of alarm, he buried his knife in his heart. The Apache's face -turned black; his eyes were dilated; he struck the water for a moment -with his legs and arms; but soon his limbs stiffened, a convulsion -passed over his body, and the current bore him away, leaving behind a -slight reddish trace. He was dead. The Canadian, without the loss of a -moment, clambered into the canoe, and, holding on to the reeds, looked -across to the spot where he had left his comrades. The latter, warned -by Flying Eagle, had cautiously come up, bringing with them the rifle -left by the hunter on the bank. - -So soon as they were together again, they freed the canoe from the -reeds that barred its passage, and, by Marksman's advice, after -embarking, and turning the canoe into the current, they lay down -in the bottom. For some time they had been gliding along gently, -believing themselves hidden from the invisible enemies they supposed -to be concealed around them, when suddenly a terrible clamour broke -out, like a thunderclap. The body of the Apache killed by Marksman, -after following the current for some distance, had stopped in some -grass and dead leaves, exactly opposite an Indian camp, near which -the adventurers had passed a few hours previously, not suspecting its -presence. At the sight of their brother's corpse, the Redskins uttered -the formidable howl of grief we mentioned, and rushed tumultuously -toward the bank, pointing to the canoe. - -Marksman, seeing himself discovered, seized the paddles, and, aided by -Flying Eagle and Domingo, he was in a few minutes out of range. The -Apaches, furious at this flight, and not knowing with whom they had -to deal, overwhelmed their enemies with all the insults the Indian -tongue could supply, calling them hares, ducks, dogs, owls, and other -epithets, borrowed from the nomenclature of the animals they hate or -despise. The hunter and his companions did not trouble themselves about -these impotent insults; they began paddling vigorously, which soon -restored the circulation in their limbs. - -The Indians then changed their tactics; several long-barbed arrows were -shot at the canoe, and several shots were even discharged; but the -distance was too great, and the water was only dashed up by the bullets. - -Thus the night passed. - -The adventurers paddled eagerly; for they had noticed that the river, -owing to its countless bends, was visibly drawing nearer to the forest -they had so much interest in reaching. Still, believing that they no -longer had anything to fear from their enemies, they laid down the -paddles for a few moments, to rest, and take a little food. - -The day rose while they were thus engaged, and a magnificent landscape -was unfolded before the dazzled eyes of the adventurers. "Oh!" Flying -Eagle exclaimed, with an expression of surprise. - -"What is the matter?" Marksman answered at once, who understood that -the Chief had noticed something out of the common. - -"Look!" the Comanche said, emphatically, holding his arm out in the -direction they had come during the night. - -"_Virtudieu!_" the Canadian shouted. "Two canoes in pursuit of us. Oh, -oh! we must make a fight of it." - -"_Cuerpo del Cristo!_" Domingo said, in his turn, with a bound, which -almost upset the frail boat. - -"What is the matter now?" - -"Look!" - -"A thousand demons!" the hunter exclaimed. "We are beset." - -In fact, two canoes were rapidly coming up in the rear of the -adventurers, while two others, starting from, the opposite sides of -the river, were pulling ahead of them, with the evident intention of -barring their passage, and cutting off their retreat. - -"_Voto a Dios!_ these Redskins want to make us dance a singular -_jaleo_" Domingo muttered. "What do you say, old hunter?" - -"Good, good!" Marksman replied gaily; "we'll find the music. Attention, -comrades, and redouble your energy." - -At a sign from him, all the men took up paddles, and gave such an -impetus to their canoe, that it seemed to fly over the water. The -situation was becoming critical for the whites. Marksman, upright, and -leaning on his rifle, coldly calculated the chances of this inevitable -rencontre. He did not fear the boats in pursuit, for they were at too -great a distance behind, to hope to catch him; all his attention was -concentrated on those in front, between which he must pass. Each stroke -of the paddle diminished the distance which separated the white men -from the Redskins. The hostile canoes, as far as could be judged from -a distance, seemed overloaded, and only advanced with some difficulty. -Marksman had judged the situation with an infallible glance, and formed -one of those daring resolutions, to which he owed the reputation he -enjoyed, and which resolution could alone save him and his friends, in -these critical circumstances. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -RED SKINS AND WHITE. - - -Marksman, as we have said, had formed a final resolution. Instead of -trying to escape by passing between the two canoes, which would have -entailed a risk of being run down, he turned slightly to the left, and -paddled straight toward the canoe nearest his own. - -The Indians, who did not at first comprehend the meaning of this -manoeuvre, greeted him with shouts of joy and triumph. The adventurers -kept silence, but they redoubled their efforts, and continued to -advance. A sarcastic smile played round the lips of the Canadian -hunter. As his canoe drew nearer to that of the Apaches, he noticed -that the left bank of the river was indented, and at this moment -perceived that this was caused by an islet very near the land, but -leaving a sufficient passage for his boat, which would thus avoid a -bend again on the pursuing foe. The main point was in reaching the -point of the islet before the Indians in the first canoe did so. The -latter had at length begun to suspect, if they did not completely -guess, the intentions of their intrepid adversary; hence they, for -their part, changed their tactics, and altered their steering. Instead -of going to meet the Whites, as they had done up to this moment, they -suddenly tacked, and paddled vigorously in the direction of the island. - -Marksman understood that he must stop their progress at all risks. Till -then, not a shot or an arrow had been fired on either side. The Apaches -were so persuaded that they would succeed in capturing the adventurers, -that they thought it useless to proceed to those extremities. The -Whites, on their part, who also felt the necessity of saving their -powder in a hostile country, where it would be impossible to renew -their stock, had hitherto imitated them through prudence, however much -they might have desired to come to blows. Still, the Indian canoe was -now not more than fifty yards from the isle. The hunter, after taking -a final glance around, bent down to his comrades, and said a few words -in a low voice. They immediately laid down their paddles, and, seizing -their rifles, rested them on the gunwales of the boat, after putting in -a second bullet. Marksman had done the same. "Are you ready?" he asked, -a moment after. - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered. - -"Fire, then, and aim low." - -The five shots sounded like one. - -"Now to your paddles, and quick!" the hunter said, giving the example, -as usual. - -Eight arms took up the paddles again, and the light canoe began -bounding once more over the water. The hunter alone reloaded his rifle, -and waited on his knee, ready to fire. - -The effect of the volley was soon visible,--the five shots, all aimed -at the same spot, had opened an enormous breach in the side of the -Indian boat, just on a level with the water line. Cries of terror and -pain rose from the group of Apaches, who leapt into the water one after -the other, swimming in every direction. As for the canoe, left to -itself, it floated a little way, gradually filled with water, and at -length sunk. - -The adventurers, believing themselves freed from their enemies, relaxed -their efforts for a moment. Suddenly, Flying Eagle raised his paddle, -while Marksman clubbed his rifle. Two Apaches, with athletic limbs and -ferocious glances, were trying to fasten on the canoe and upset it. -But they soon fell back with fractured skulls, and floated down the -stream. A few moments later the hunters reached the passage. - -Several Apaches, however, had managed to swim to the island: so soon -as they emerged from the water, they set out in pursuit of the whites, -running along the bank; for want of better instruments, they hurled -stones at them, for they could not use their damp rifles, and they had -lost their bows and arrows through their sudden plunge in the river. - -Though the weapons employed by the Apaches for the moment were so -primitive, Marksman recommended his companions to redouble their -efforts, in order to escape as soon as possible from these immense -projectiles, which, from behind every tuft of grass and elevation of -the ground, fell sharp as hail round the canoe,--for the Redskins, -according to their habit, took care not to let themselves be seen, -through fear of bullets. Still, this situation was growing unbearable, -and they must emerge from it. The hunter, who was eagerly watching -an opportunity to give his obstinate foes a severe lesson, at length -fancied he had found it. He saw, a few yards from him, a tuft of -floripondios moving slightly; quickly shouldering his rifle, he aimed, -and pulled the trigger. - -A terrible yell burst from the medley of floripondios, canaverales, -creepers, and aquatic plants which formed this hedge, and an Apache, -bounding like a wounded tiger, rushed forward with the intention of -seeking shelter behind the tree that grew a short distance from him -in the centre of the islet. Marksman, who had reloaded his rifle, -pointed it at the fugitive, but raised it again directly. The Apache -fell on the ground, and was rolling in the last convulsions. At the -same instant a dozen Indians rushed from behind the shrubs, raised the -corpse in their arms, and disappeared with the speed of a legion of -phantoms. - -A sudden calm, an extraordinary tranquillity, succeeded the extreme -agitation and irregular cries which had aroused the echoes a few -moments previously. - -"Poor wretch!" Marksman muttered, as he laid his rifle again in the -bottom of the canoe, and seized a pair of paddles; "I am vexed at what -has happened to him. I believe they have enough; now that they know the -range of my rifle, they will leave us in peace." - -The hunter had calculated correctly: in truth, the Redskins gave no -further signs of life. - -What we say here must not in any way surprise the reader: every -Indian understands honour in its own fashion. The Indians hold it as -a principle never to expose themselves uselessly to any danger. With -them success alone can justify their actions; hence, when they no -longer consider themselves the stronger, they renounce, without shame, -projects they have conceived and prepared for many weeks. - -The adventurers at length doubled the point of the island. The second -canoe was already a very long way behind them, as for those they had -just perceived behind them, they only looked like dots on the horizon. -When the Redskins in the second canoe saw that the adventurers had -gained a start which it was impossible for them to pick up, and that -they were escaping, they made a general discharge of their weapons,--a -powerless demonstration, which injured nobody, for the bullets and -arrows fell a considerable distance short of the White men; then they -turned back to join their comrades, who had sought shelter on the -island. - -Marksman and his companions were saved. After paddling for about an -hour longer, in order to place sufficient distance between themselves -and their enemies they took a moment's rest, and washed the contusions -they had received from several stones that had struck them with fresh -water. In the ardour of the engagement, they had not noticed the -blows, but now that the danger was past, they were beginning to suffer -from them. The forest which, in the morning, owing to the constant -meanderings of the river, was so far from them, was now much nearer, -and they hoped to reach it before night, after a short interruption. -They, therefore, took to their paddles again with renewed ardour, -and continued their voyage. At sunset, the canoe disappeared beneath -an immense dome of foliage belonging to the virgin forest, which the -river crossed at an angle. So soon as the darkness began to fall, -the desert woke up, and the howling of wild beasts proceeding to the -watering places were heard hoarsely echoing in the unexplored depths -of the forest. Marksman did not consider it prudent at this hour to -enter a strange country, which doubtless contained dangers of every -description. Consequently, after pulling for some time, to find a -suitable landing place, the hunter gave the order to pull into a -point of rock, which jutted out in the water, and formed a species of -promontory, on which it was easy to land. - -So soon as he stepped ashore, the Canadian walked round the rock, in -order to look at the vicinity, and know in what part of the forest they -were. This time chance had served them better than they could have -dared to hope. After removing, with great pains and minute precautions, -the creepers and brambles that choked the path, the hunter suddenly -found himself at the entrance of a natural path, probably formed by one -of those volcanic convulsions so frequent in this country. On seeing -it, he stopped, and lighting an _ocote_ branch, with which he had been -careful to provide himself, he boldly, entered the grotto, followed by -his companions. The sudden appearance of the light startled a swarm -of night birds and bats, which began flying heavily, and escaping in -every direction. Marksman continued his progress, not troubling himself -about these gloomy hosts, whose lugubrious sports he interrupted so -unexpectedly. This grotto was high, spacious, and airy. It was, under -the present circumstances, a precious discovery for the adventurers; -for it offered them an almost secure shelter for the night against the -researches of the Apaches, who assuredly had not given up the pursuit. -The adventurers, after exploring the cavern on all sides, and assuring -themselves that it had two exits, which secured the means of flight, -if they were attacked by too numerous enemies, returned to their boat, -drew it from the water, and carried it on their shoulders to the -extremity of the grotto. Then, with that patience of which Indians and -wood rangers are alone capable, they effaced the least traces, the -slightest imprints, which might have allowed their place of debarkation -to be discovered, or the retreat they had chosen guessed. The bent -blades of grass were raised, the creepers and brambles they had moved -drawn together, and after the task was accomplished, no one could -have suspected that several persons had passed through them. After -this, collecting an ample stock of dead wood and _ocote_ branches, for -torches, they reentered the grotto, with the manifest intention of at -last taking a little of that rest they needed so greatly. All these -preparations took time; hence, the night was already far advanced when -the adventurers, after swallowing a hasty meal, at length wrapped -themselves in their zarapés, and lay down, with their feet to the fire, -and their rifles in their hands. Nothing disturbed their sleep, which -was continuing when the first sunbeams purpled the horizon with their -joyous tints. It was Marksman who aroused his companions. - -Flying Eagle was not in the grotto. This absence in no way alarmed the -hunter; he was too well acquainted with the Comanche sachem to fear any -treachery on his part. - -"Up!" he cried to the sleepers. "The sun has risen; we have rested -enough; it is time to think of our business." - -In an instant all were afoot. - -The hunter was not mistaken: the fire was scarce kindled, ere -Flying Eagle made his appearance. The Chief bore on his shoulders a -magnificent elk, which he threw silently on the ground, and then seated -himself by Eglantine's side. - -"On my word, Chief," Marksman said, gaily, "you are a man of -precaution; your hunt is welcome; our provisions were beginning to -diminish furiously." - -The Comanche smiled with pleasure at this remark, but he made no -other reply: like all his fellows, the Indian only spoke when it was -absolutely necessary. - -At a sign from the Canadian, Domingo, who was a first-rate hunter, -immediately set to work breaking up the elk. The pemmican, queso, -and Indian corn remained in the adventurer's alforjas, thanks to -the succulent steaks cut adroitly from the animal by Domingo, and -which, roasted on the ashes, procured them a delicious breakfast; the -festival was crowned with a few drops of pulque, from which the two -Comanches abstained, according to the custom of their nation. Pipes and -cigarettes were then lighted, and each began smoking silently. - -Marksman reflected on the steps he must take, while Domingo and -Bermudez prepared everything for departure; at length, he decided on -speaking. "Caballeros," he said, "we have arrived at the spot where -our journey really commences; it is time for me to tell you where -we are going. So soon as we have crossed this forest, which will not -take long, we shall have before us an immense plain, in the midst of -which stands a city; this city is called by the Indians Quiepaa Tani; -it is one of those mysterious cities in which, since the conquest, the -Mexican civilization of the Incas has taken refuge; to that city we are -proceeding, for the maidens we wish to save have sought shelter there. -That city is sacred; woe to the European or white man who is discovered -in its vicinity! I confess to you that the perils we have hitherto -incurred are as nothing to be compared with those that probably await -us, ere we gain the end we have proposed to ourselves. It is impossible -for all of us to dream of entering that city; the attempt would be -madness, and only result in our being massacred for no good. On the -other hand, we might find it necessary to meet there those devoted -companions, who, in the hour of danger, would come to our aid. I have, -therefore, resolved on this: Bermudez will proceed to the spot where -we left Juanito; then both, leading the horses with them, will join -Brighteye's and Ruperto's detachments at the agreed on spot, and guide -them here. What is your opinion, Caballeros? Do you approve my plan?" - -"In every point," Don Mariano answered, with a bow. - -"And you, Chief?" - -"My brother is prudent; what he does is well." - -"What? I am going to leave you!" poor Bermudez muttered, addressing his -master. - -"It must be, my friend," the latter answered; "but not for long, I -hope." - -"Try to remember the road we have followed, so as not to make a -mistake in returning," the hunter remarked. - -"I will try." - -"Eh, old hunter?" Domingo said with a grin. "Why the deuce do you not -send me, who am a wood ranger, and have the desert at my fingers' ends, -instead of this poor man, who, I feel sure, will leave his bones on the -way?" - -Marksman gave the Gambusino a piercing glance, which made him blush -and look down. "Because," he answered, laying a stress on each word, -"friend Domingo, I feel such a powerful inclination toward you, that I -cannot consent to let you out of my sight for a moment! You understand -me, I suppose?" - -"Perfectly, perfectly," the Gambusino stammered; "you need not get in a -passion, old hunter. I will stay. What I said was in your behalf; that -was all." - -"I appreciate your offer, as it deserves," the Canadian answered, -sarcastically; "so let us say no more about it." Then he continued, -addressing Bermudez, "As we may possibly soon require help, try, on -your return, to take a shorter and more direct road. You hear?" - -"And understand; be at rest. I am too satisfied of the recommendations -you give me, to neglect them." - -"A last word. I have told you that it was absolutely necessary, for -the success of the difficult expedition we are attempting, that we -should find here, in case of need, a strong detachment of resolute men; -warn Ruperto to be doubly prudent, and avoid, as far as possible, any -meeting, and, of course, any quarrel with the Indians." - -"I will tell him." - -"Now put the canoe in the water; and good luck." - -"Heaven grant you may succeed in saving my poor Niña," the old servant -said, with an emotion he could not overcome. "I would joyfully give my -life for her." - -"Go in peace, my friend," Marksman answered, affectionately. "You have -already sacrificed much." - -The adventurers then left the grotto, not without first looking round -to see there was no danger. A profound silence prevailed beneath the -impenetrable forest covert. They then raised on their shoulders the -canoe, in which they had placed provisions for the comrade who was -about to leave them, and it soon floated lightly on the water. Bermudez -took his parting farewell, and then turning away, with an effort, -leaped into the canoe, seized the paddles, and went off. - -"We shall meet again soon," Don Mariano said, with emotion. - -"Soon, if Heaven decree it!" Bermudez answered. - -"Amen!" the adventurers piously murmured. - -Marksman followed, for a long time, the course of the canoe, and then -turned hastily to his comrades. "His is a devoted heart," he muttered, -as if speaking to himself. "Will he get there?" - -"God will protect him!" Don Mariano answered. - -"That is true," the hunter said, passing his hand over his forehead. -"I am mad, on my word, to have such thoughts, and, what is more, -ungrateful to Providence, which has hitherto watched over us with such, -solicitude." - -"Well spoken, my friend," Don Mariano remarked. "I feel a presentiment -that we shall succeed." - -"Well, would you have me speak frankly to you?" the hunter said, gaily. -"I feel the same presentiment; so forwards!" - -Flying Eagle at this moment laid his hand on the hunter's shoulder. -"Before starting, I should like to hold a council with my brother," he -said; "the case is grave." - -"You are right, Chief; let us return to the grotto; our movements must -be combined with the utmost prudence, so that when the moment arrives, -we may not commit an irreparable mistake which would hopelessly -compromise the success of our expedition." - -The Comanche made a sign of assent, and preceding his friends, returned -to the cavern. The fire was not yet completely out, but smouldered in -the ashes; in a second it blazed up again, and the four men seated -themselves gravely round it. The Chief then took his calumet from his -girdle, filled it with sacred tobacco, lit it, and after slowly drawing -two or three mouthfuls of smoke, passed it to Marksman. The calumet -then passed round, without a word being uttered, until the tobacco -contained in the bowl was consumed. When nothing remained but the ash, -the Chief shook it out in the fire, returned the calumet to his girdle, -and addressed Marksman. "A Chief would speak," he said. - -"My brother can speak," the hunter answered, with a bow: "our ears are -open." - -The Sachem, after making his wife a sign to retire out of range -of voice, which, according to the Indian custom, Eglantine did -immediately, bowed reverently to the members of the council, spoke, as -follows. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE COUNCIL. - - -Flying Eagle, since the commencement of the expedition, in which -he had consented to take a share, had constantly played a passive -part, accepting, without discussion, the combinations proposed by -Marksman, executing frankly and faithfully the orders he received -from the hunter; in a word, entirely performing the part of a warrior -subordinate to a chief whose duty it is to think for him: hence the -new attitude suddenly assumed by the Sachem filled the Canadian with -surprise, for he had no notion on what subject the debate was about to -turn, and he feared in his heart lest, in the critical situation he -was in at the moment, the Comanche intended to leave him to his own -resources, or, perhaps, raise obstacles to the execution of his plans. -Hence he impatiently awaited the explanation of his ally's strange -conduct. - -The Chief, still apathetic, rose, and bowing once again, began to -speak:--"Palefaces, my brothers," he said, in his guttural and -sympathetic voice, "for more than a moon we have been together on the -same path, sharing the same fatigue, sleeping side by side, eating -the produce of the same chase; but the chief you admitted to share -your labour and perils has not, till this day, been allowed to advance -so far in your confidence as a friend should do. Your heart has even -remained to him closed and covered with a thick cloud. Your projects -are as unknown to him as on the first day. The words your chest -breathes are and remain to him inexplicable riddles. Is this right? is -it just? No! Why did you summon me? Why did you beg me to accompany -you, if I am ever to remain a stranger to you? Up to the present I have -shut up in my heart the bitterness which your suspicious conduct caused -me. Not a complaint rose from my heart to my lips, on seeing myself -treated in a manner so ill suited to my rank and the relations I have -maintained with you. Even at this moment I would continue to maintain -silence if my friendship for you was not stronger than the resentment -caused by your ungenerous conduct toward me. We are on the holy land -of the Indians; the ground we tread on is sacred; perils surround us, -numberless snares are laid for our steps on all sides. Why should I -teach you to avoid them, if your plans are not at length revealed to -me, and unless I know whether the path we are following is that of war -or of hunting? Speak with frankness--take the skin from your heart, -as I have done from mine. Enlighten me as to the conduct you intend -to pursue, and the object you propose, so that I may aid you by my -counsels should that be necessary, and that, being your ally, I should -no longer be kept aloof from your deliberations, which is a disgrace to -the nation of which I have the honour to be a member, and unworthy of -a warrior like myself. I have spoken, brothers. I await your answer, -which I am convinced will be such as warriors so wise and experienced -as yourselves ought to give." - -During the long speech of the Comanche Chief, Marksman had repeatedly -given signs of impatience, and, had he not feared making a breach in -the rules of Indian etiquette by interrupting him, he would certainly -have done so; it was with great difficulty he succeeded in restraining -himself and maintaining that apathetic appearance absolutely demanded -in such circumstances. So soon as the Chief took his place again, the -hunter rose, and after bowing to the audience, he spoke in a firm -voice, with these words:--"The Wacondah is great. He holds in his right -hand the hearts of all men, whatever their colour may be. He alone can -know their intentions and read their souls. The reproaches you address -to me, Chief, have an appearance of justice which I will not discuss -with you. You may have supposed, from the conduct which circumstances -have hitherto constrained me to hold toward you, that I did not grant -you all the confidence you so justly desired; but it is not so; I -waited till the hour for speaking arrived, not only to explain to you -my intentions, but also to claim your assistance and intervention. As -you wish me to explain myself at once, I will do so; but, perhaps, it -would have been better for you to wait till the forest in which we now -are was traversed." - -"I will remark to my brother that I demand nothing of him. I thought it -my duty to make certain observations to him; if he does not find them -just, his heart is good. He will pardon me when he remembers that I am -only a poor Indian, whose intellect is obscured by a cloud, and that I -had no intention to wound him." - -"No, no, Chief," the hunter said quickly; "as we are on this question, -it is better to clear it up at once, in order not to have to return to -it again, and that nothing may arise between us for the future." - -"I am at my brother's orders, ready to hear, if it pleases him, and -willing still to wait, if he considers it necessary." - -"I thank you, Chief; but I adhere to my first resolution. I prefer to -tell you all." - -The Comanche smiled cunningly. "Is my brother really resolved to -speak?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Good. Then my brother has nothing to add. All that he has to say to me -I know. He can tell me nothing more than I have guessed myself." - -The hunter could not repress a start of surprise. "Oh, oh," he -muttered, "what is the meaning of that, Chief? Why, then, the -reproaches you addressed to me?" - -"Because I wished to make my brother understand that a friend must -hold nothing concealed from another, especially when that friend has -been proved for long years, when his fidelity is staunch, and he can be -depended on like a second self." - -The hunter smiled slightly, but at once regained his gravity. "Thanks -for the lesson you give me, Chief," he said, holding out his hand -cordially. "I deserve it, for I really failed in my confidence to you. -The service I expect from you is so important for us that I put off -daily asking it of you, and, in spite of myself, I confess I should -probably not have made up my mind till the very last moment." - -"I know it," the Comanche said, his good temper entirely restored. - -"Still," the hunter continued, "in spite of the assurance that you know -my plans, it would be, perhaps, as well for me to enter into certain -details of which you are ignorant." - -"I repeat to my brother that I know all. Flying Eagle is one of the -first Chiefs of his nation; he has a quick ear and a piercing sight. -For nearly two moons he has not left the great Pale warrior; during -that period many events have happened, many words have been spoken -before him. The Chief has seen, he has heard, and all is as clear in -his mind as if these things had been drawn for him on one of those -collars which the white men know so well how to make, and some of which -he has seen in the hands of the Chief of the Prayer." - -"However great your penetration may be, Chief," the hunter objected, "I -can scarcely imagine you are so well acquainted with my intentions as -you suppose." - -"Not only do I know my brother's intentions, but I am also aware of the -service he expects from me." - -"By Jove! Chief, you will cause me enormous pleasure by telling it to -me; not that I doubt your penetration, for the red men are renowned for -their cleverness. Still, all this seems to me so extraordinary that I -should like to be convinced, were it only for my personal satisfaction, -and to prove to the persons who hear us how wrong we white men are in -imagining that we are so superior in intellect, when, on the contrary, -you Indians leave us far behind." - -"Hum!" Domingo muttered, "what you say there is rather strong, old -hunter. It is notorious that the Indians are brute beasts." - -"That is not my opinion," Don Mariano remarked, "though I know very -little of the Redskins, with whom I never entered into any connection -before this occasion. Still, since my arrival in these regions, I have -seen them accomplish acts so astonishing, that I should not feel at all -surprised if this Chief had completely read our plans, as he assures -us." - -"I think so too," the hunter added. "However, we shall judge. Speak, -Chief, that we may know as soon as possible what opinion to form of the -penetration you flatter yourself with possessing." - -"Flying Eagle is not a chattering old woman, who boasts rightly and -wrongly; he is a Sachem, whose deeds and words are ripely meditated. He -does not pretend to know more than his brothers, the Palefaces; still, -the experience he has acquired serves him in the place of wisdom, and -helps him to explain what he sees and hears." - -"That is well, Chief. I know that you are a valiant and renowned -warrior. Our ears are open; we are listening to you with all the -attention you deserve." - -"My brother, the great hunter, wishes to enter Quiepaa Tani, where the -two white maidens are sheltered, one of whom is the daughter of the -Chief with the grey beard. These two women were confided to an Apache -Sachem, called Addick. My brother, the hunter, is anxious to arrive at -Quiepaa Tani, because he fears treachery from the Apache Chief, whom he -suspects of having allied himself with the white man who was hired by -the Palefaces to carry off the two women, and make them disappear. I -have spoken. Have I truly understood the intentions of my brother, or -am I deceived?" - -His auditors regarded each other with amazement. The Chief enjoyed his -triumph for a moment, and then continued--"Now, this is the service the -hunter wishes to ask of the Comanche Sachem--" - -"By heavens, Chief!" Marksman exclaimed, "I must confess that all you -have said is true. How did you learn it? I know not how to explain it, -although I grant we have said enough on the subject in your presence to -enable you to guess it; but as for the service I expect from you, if -you can tell me that, I will allow you to be the greatest--" - -"Let my brother not be rash," the Chief interrupted him, with a -proud smile, "lest he should soon take me for an adept of the great -_medicine_." - -"Hum!" the hunter said, gravely, "I should not like to swear you are -not." - -"Och! my brother shall judge. No Paleface has, till this day, succeeded -in entering Quiepaa Tani; still my brother wishes, at all hazards, to -visit the city, in order to obtain certain information about the two -pale virgins. Unfortunately, my brother does not know how to set about -his plan, nor how he would succeed in saving the maidens, if he found -them in danger. That is why he thought of Flying Eagle. He said to -himself that his red brother was a Chief, and must have friends or -relations in Quiepaa Tani; that the entrance to the city, forbidden -him through his colour, was not so to the Chief, and that Flying Eagle -would obtain for him the information he could not obtain himself." - -"Yes, that is what I thought, Chief. Why should I conceal it? Am I -mistaken? Will you not do that for me?" - -"I will do better," the Indian answered. "Let my brother listen. -Eglantine is a woman; no one will notice her; she will enter the city -unperceived, and obtain the information the hunter needs better than -the Chief can. When the moment for action arrives, Flying Eagle will -help the hunter." - -"By Jove! you are right, Sachem; your idea is better than mine. It is -preferable in every respect that Eglantine should go on the discovery. -A woman cannot inspire suspicions, and she can learn news better than -anyone. Let us start, then, without any further delay. So soon as we -have crossed the forest, we will send her to the Tzinco." - -Flying Eagle shook his head, and kept his hold of the hunter's arm, who -had already risen to set out. "My brother is quick," he said; "let me -say one word more." - -"Let us see." - -"Eglantine will go ahead; my brother will have news sooner." - -Don Mariano rose, and pressed the Comanche's hand with emotion. "Thanks -for the good thought that has occurred to you, Chief," he said to him. -"You have delicate feelings; your heart is noble; it can sympathize -with a father's sorrow. Once again I thank you." - -The Indian turned away, to conceal the trace of agitation on his face, -which, in his idea, was unworthy a Chief, who, under all circumstances, -must remain stoical. - -"In truth," Marksman said, "the Chief's proposal will make us gain -precious time; his idea is excellent." - -Flying Eagle made Eglantine a sign to approach him, which she at once -obeyed. The Chief then explained to her in his tongue what she was to -do, to which she listened with charming grace, standing timidly before -him. When Flying Eagle had given her his instructions most fully, and -she perfectly understood what was wanted of her, she turned gracefully -to Don Mariano and Marksman, and said, with a smile almost prophetic ---"Eglantine will learn." - -These two words filled the poor father's heart with joy and hope. -"Bless you, young woman!" he said; "bless you, for the kindness you -show me at this moment, and that you intend to show me." - -The separation between husband and wife was as it should be with -Indians; that is to say, grave and cold. Whatever love Flying Eagle -felt for his companion, he would have been ashamed, in the presence of -strangers, and above all of whites, to display the slightest emotion, -or allow the feelings of his heart towards her to be guessed. After -bowing once more to Don Mariano and Marksman in farewell, Eglantine -hastened away, with that quick and high step which renders the Indians -the first walkers in the world. Though the Chief's stoicism was so -great, still he looked after his young wife, until she disappeared -among the trees. - -As nothing pressed them at the moment, the adventurers allowed the -great heat of the day to pass, and only set out when the declining -sun appeared like a ball of fire, almost on a level with the ground. -Their march was slow, owing to the countless difficulties they had -to surmount, in forcing their way through the intertwined creepers -and brambles, which they had to cut down with axes at every step. At -length, after a four days' march, during which they had to endure -extraordinary fatigue, they saw the trees growing more sparsely, -the scrub become less dense, and, between the trees they perceived -a deep and open horizon. Although the adventurers were in the heart -of a virgin forest, where, according to all probability, they could -not expect to meet anybody of their own species, they neglected no -precaution, and advanced very prudently in Indian file, with the finger -on the trigger, eye and ear on the watch; for being so near one of the -sacred Indian cities, they might expect, especially after the smart -skirmish a few days previous, to be tracked by scouts sent in search -of them. Toward the evening of the fourth day, at the moment they were -preparing to camp for the night in a vast clearing on the banks of a -nameless stream, so many of which are met with in the virgin forests, -Marksman, who was marching at the head of the little party, suddenly -stopped, and looked down on the ground, with signs of the utmost -astonishment. - -"What is it?" Don Mariano anxiously asked him. - -Marksman did not answer him; but he turned to the Indian Chief, and -said, with a certain degree of alarm, "Look yourself, Chief; this seems -to me inconceivable." - -Flying Eagle stooped down in his turn, and remained a long time -examining the marks which seemed to trouble the hunter so greatly. At -length he rose. - -"Well?" Marksman asked him. - -"A band of horsemen has passed by here this very day," he replied. - -"Yes," the hunter said; "but who are the horsemen? Where do they come -from? That is what I want to know." - -The Indian resumed his inspection, with an attention more minute than -before. "They are Palefaces," after a pause, he said. - -"What! Palefaces!" Marksman exclaimed, with a voice prudently -suppressed; "it is impossible! Think where we are. Never has a white -man, excepting myself, penetrated into these regions." - -"They are Palefaces," the Chief insisted, "Look, one of them stopped -here and dismounted; here is the mark of his steps; his foot crushed -that tuft of grass; one of his nails in his shoe left a black line on -that stone." - -"That is true," Marksman muttered; "the Indian moccasins do not leave -such marks. But who can these men be? How did they get here? What -direction have they followed?" - -While Marksman was asking himself these questions, and hopelessly -seeking the solution of the problem, Flying Eagle had walked some -paces, attentively following the marks, which were perfectly plain on -the ground. - -"Well, Chief," the hunter asked, as he saw him returning, "have you -found anything which can put us on the right scent?" - -"Wah!" the Indian said, with a toss of his head. "The trail is fresh; -the horsemen are not far off." - -"Are you sure of it, Chief? Remember how important it is for us to know -who the people are we have for neighbours." - -The Comanche remained silent for a moment, plunged in serious thought. -Then he raised his head. "Flying Eagle," he said, "will try to satisfy -his brother. Let the Palefaces remain here till his return; the Chief -will take up the trail; he will soon tell the hunter if the men are -friends or enemies." - -"By Jove! I will go with you, Chief," Marksman sharply replied. "It -shall not be said that, in order to be useful to us, you exposed -yourself to a serious danger, without having a friend near to back you -up." - -"No," the Indian went on; "my brother must remain here; one warrior is -sufficient." - -Marksman knew that, when once the Chief had formed a resolution, -nothing could make him alter it. Hence he no longer urged it. "Go -then," he said, "and act as you please. I know that what you do will be -right." - -The Comanche threw his rifle over his shoulder, lay down on the ground, -and crawled like a serpent amid the underwood. - -"And what are we to do?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Await the Chief's return," Marksman answered; "and while doing so, -prepare supper, the need of which I am certain you are beginning to -feel, like myself." - -The adventurers installed themselves, as well as they could, in the -clearing, following Marksman's advice, and awaiting the return of the -scout, whose absence, however, was much longer than they expected; for -night had fallen long before he made his appearance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE SECOND DETACHMENT. - - -As we have said in our previous chapter, Flying Eagle started on the -trail of the horsemen whose footsteps had been perceived by Marksman. -The Indian was really one of the finest sleuth-hounds of his nation; -for, although night fell rapidly, and soon prevented him from -distinguishing the traces which served to guide him in his search, he -continued not a bit the less to advance with a sure and certain step. -About ten minutes after leaving his companions, the Chief rose to his -feet, and not appearing to attach great importance to the marks on the -ground, he continued his search, satisfying himself with looking, from -time to time, peeringly at the trees and shrubs that surrounded him. -Flying Eagle continued walking thus for an hour without hesitation or -checking his speed. On reaching a spot where the trees fell back on -both sides, thus forming an open space into which several wild beast -tracks opened, the Chief stopped for a moment, cast an investigating -and suspicious glance around, clutched his rifle, which he had hitherto -carried on his back, inspected the priming carefully, and bending his -body to a level with the tall grass, he advanced with measured steps -toward a thicket, the branches of which he drew aside, and in which -he speedily disappeared. So soon as he was completely concealed, the -Comanche knelt down, gradually opened the leafy curtain that hid him, -and looked out. Suddenly Flying Eagle rose, uncocked his rifle, which -he threw back again on his shoulder, and stepped forth with head erect, -and a smile on his lips. - -In the centre of a large clearing, illumined by three or four fires, -some twenty men were encamped, picturesquely grouped round the fires, -and joyously preparing their evening meal, while their horses grazed -a short distance off. These horsemen, whom Flying Eagle recognized at -the first glance, were Don Leo de Torres, Brighteye, and the Gambusinos -detached in pursuit of Don Estevan. The Indian approached the fire near -which Don Leo and the hunters were seated, and stopped in front of -them. - -"May the Wacondah watch over my brothers!" he said, in salutation; "a -friend has come to visit them." - -"He is welcome," Don Leo answered gracefully, as he held out his hand. - -"Yes," Brighteye went on, "a thousand times welcome; though there's -reason that his presence should surprise us." - -The Chief bowed, and took his place between the two whites. - -"How is it we meet you here?" the hunter asked. - -"The question my brother asks me at this moment is exactly what I was -preparing to ask myself." - -"How so?" Don Miguel asked. - -"Does not my brother, the Paleface, know where he is at this moment?" - -"Not at all. Since our separation, we have constantly followed the -trail of an enemy, though we could not catch him up; that trail has led -us to parts strange to Brighteye himself." - -"I am bound to confess it. This is the second time such a thing has -occurred to me, and under exactly similar circumstances. The first -time, I remember, it was in 1843. I was on the--" - -"But if the hunter does not know these regions," Flying Eagle -interrupted him unceremoniously, "my brother, the warrior knows them." - -"I?" Don Leo said. "Not the least in the world, Chief. I assure you it -is the first time I have come this way." - -"My brother is mistaken, he has been here already; but, like all the -Palefaces, my brother's memory is short, he has forgotten." - -"No, Chief. I am too well acquainted with the desert not to recognize, -at the first glance, any spot which I have once visited." - -The Indian smiled at this pretension, which was so poorly justified. -"Yes, that has happened to my brother today," he said, "though only -three moons, at the most, have passed since he visited these parts in -company with the Pale hunter, to whom he gave the name of Marksman." - -The adventurer started, and a lively emotion could be seen on his face. -"What do you mean, Redskin, in Heaven's name?" he said quickly. - -"I mean that Quiepaa Tani is there," the Indian answered, stretching -out his arm in a south-western direction; "that we are but a half day's -journey distant from it at the most." - -"Can it be possible?" - -"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, energetically, as he suddenly rose; -"thanks for these good news, Chief!" - -"What are you going to do?" Brighteye asked him. - -"What am I going to do? Cannot you guess it? Those we wish to save are -only a few leagues from us, and you ask me that question!" - -"I ask it of you because I fear, through your impetuosity and -imprudence, lest you might compromise the success of our expedition." - -"Your words are harsh, old hunter; but I pardon them, because you -cannot understand my feelings." - -"Perhaps I can, perhaps I cannot, Don Miguel; but, believe me, in an -expedition like ours, stratagem alone can lead to success." - -"Deuce take stratagem, and he who recommends it," the young man -exclaimed passionately. "I wish to deliver the girls whom, through my -mad confidence, I led into this snare." - -"And whom you lose for ever by another act of madness. Trust in the -experience of a man who has lived in the desert more years than you -count months in your life. Since we have been following Don Estevan's -trail, you have seen that a strong party of Indian horsemen has joined -him, I think? At two paces from a holy city, whose population is -immense, do you intend to contend with your fifteen Gambusinos against -several thousand brave and experienced Redskin warriors? That would be -committing suicide with your eyes open. If Don Estevan is proceeding -in this direction, it is because he also knows that the maidens are in -Quiepaa Tani. Do not let us hurry, but watch our enemy's movements, -without revealing our presence, or letting him suspect we are so near -him. In that way I answer for our success on my head." - -The young man had listened to these remarks with the greatest -attention. When Brighteye ceased, he pressed his hand affectionately, -and sat down at once by his side. "Thanks, my old friend," he said, -"thanks for the rough way in which you have spoken to me. You have -brought me back to my senses. I was mad. But," he added a moment after, -"what is to be done? How to save these unhappy maidens?" - -Flying Eagle, during the preceding conversation, had remained calm and -silent, apathetically smoking his Indian calumet; on hearing Don Leo -speak thus, he understood it was time for him to interfere. "The Pale -warrior can regain his courage," he said; "Eglantine is in Quiepaa -Tani; tomorrow at sunrise we shall have news of the pale virgins." - -"Oh! oh!" the young man said joyously. "So soon as your wife returns -from that nest of demons, I promise her, Chief, the handsomest pair of -bracelets, and the prettiest earrings an Indian cihuatl ever yet wore." - -"Eglantine needs no reward for serving her friends." - -"I know it, Chief; but you will not refuse me the satisfaction of -giving her this slight token of my gratitude, Chief?" - -"My brother is at liberty to do so." - -"Halloh!" Brighteye suddenly remarked, "by what chance did you come to -our camp this night?" - -"Have you not understood?" - -"On my word, no. We were far from suspecting you to be so near us." - -"That is true," Don Miguel remarked: "but now that I know where we are, -all is explained." - -"Yes; but that does not tell us why the Chief came to find us here." - -"Because," Flying Eagle replied, "we discovered your footsteps crossing -the trail we followed." - -"That is true; and you came to reconnoitre." - -The Chief nodded an assent. - -"Have our friends stopped far from here?" - -"No," the Indian said, "I am going to rejoin them, in order to tell -them who are the men I have seen. My absence has been long; the -Palefaces are soon alarmed. I am going." - -"One moment," Brighteye observed. "As chance has brought us together -again, perhaps it will be better not to separate again; we shall, -possibly, need one another." - -"What is your advice, Chief? Will it be better for us to accompany you -to your bivouac, or will you join us?" - -"We will come hither." - -"Make haste, then; for I am curious to know what has happened to you -since our separation at the ford of the Rubio." - -"Flying Eagle is a good runner," the Chief answered, "but he has only -the feet of a man." - -"By the way, why did you not come on horseback" - -"Our horses were left at the camp of the great river. A trail is better -followed afoot." - -"That is easily remedied. How many are you?" - -"Four." - -"What, four? I fancied you were more." - -"Yes, but the Pale hunter will explain to you why two of our comrades -have left us." - -"Good. I will accompany you." - -Don Leo immediately gave orders to have four horses got ready, and -recommended Brighteye to watch over the camp during his absence, then, -mounting his horse, in which he was imitated by the Chief, the two set -off, leading the horses intended for the men they were going to find. -The two men only took twenty minutes in covering the ground which -Flying Eagle had spent more than an hour in crossing, owing to the -precautions he was compelled to take when following an unknown trail, -which might belong to enemies. They found Marksman and Don Mariano -with loaded rifles, and keeping good watch. While awaiting Flying -Eagle's return, they had fallen asleep; but the steps of the horses -awoke them, and they stood on their defence in case of the worst. On -their awakening, however, a very disagreeable surprise awaited them. -They found only two instead of three. Domingo, the Gambusino, had -disappeared. So soon as he recognized Don Miguel, the Canadian said, -with extreme agitation--"Dismount, dismount, Caballero! We must all go -beating." - -"What humbug at this hour, Marksman!" Don Miguel answered. "Why, you -must be mad!" - -"I am not mad," the Canadian said, hurriedly; "but I repeat, dismount -and hunt; we are betrayed!" - -"Betrayed!" Don Miguel exclaimed, starting with surprise; "by whom? in -Heaven's name!" - -"By Domingo! The traitor has fled during our sleep! Oh! I was right to -distrust his coppery face!" - -"Domingo fled!--a traitor! You are mistaken!" - -"I am not. Hunt after him, I tell you, in the name of those you have -sworn to save." - -No more was needed to exasperate the young man; he bounded from his -steed, and seized his rifle. "What is to be done?" he asked. - -"Scatter over the ground," the hunter rapidly answered. "Each go a -different way; and may Heaven bless our search! We have lost too much -time already." - -Without any further exchange of words, the four men buried themselves -in the forest in four different directions. But the darkness was dense. -Beneath the cover, where, even by day, the sunbeams penetrated with -difficulty, on this black and moonless night they could distinguish -nothing two steps ahead of them; and if, instead of flying, the -Gambusino had contented himself with hiding in the vicinity, the -hunters would evidently have passed without noticing him. The search -lasted a long time, for the hunters comprehended the importance of -finding the fugitive again; but, in spite of all their skill, they -could discover nothing. Marksman, Don Mariano, and Don Miguel had been -back by the fire several minutes; they were communicating to each -other the closeness of their pursuit, when, suddenly, a dazzling flash -crossed the forest, and a shot was heard, almost immediately followed -by a second. "Let us run up," Marksman shouted. "Flying Eagle has found -the vermin. Never was a better sleuth-hound after game." - -The three men ran at full speed in the direction of the shots they had -heard. On approaching, they found that an obstinate contest was going -on. The war yell of the Comanches, uttered in Flying Eagle's powerful -voice, permitted them no doubt on that head. At length, they debouched -on the scene of action. Flying Eagle, with his foot on the chest of a -man thrown down before him, and who writhed like a serpent to escape -the fearful pressure, leant his back against a black oak, and, tomahawk -in hand, was defending himself like a lion against half a dozen Indians -who attacked him together. The three white men clubbed their rifles, -and rushed into the medley with a terrible cry of defiance. The effect -of this diversion was instantaneous. The Redskins dispersed in all -directions, and fled like a legion of phantoms. - -"After them!" Don Miguel howled, as he rushed forward. - -"Stop!" Marksman shouted, as he seized him by the arm; "you might as -well pursue the cloud carried off by the wind. Let the scoundrels -escape, we shall find them again, I warrant." - -The adventurer perceived that a pursuit in the dark would be giving an -enormous advantage to his enemy, who was better acquainted with the -country, and probably very numerous; hence he stopped with a sigh of -regret. The Chief was then surrounded, and complimented on his glorious -resistance. The Sachem received the remarks with his habitual modesty. - -"Wah!" he merely answered, "the Apaches are cowardly old women. One -Comanche warrior is sufficient to kill six times ten of them, and -twenty more." - -By a miraculous hazard, the brave Indian had only received a few -insignificant wounds, to which, in spite of his friend's earnest -entreaties, he paid no further attention than washing them with cold -water. - -"But," Marksman suddenly said, stooping down, "whom have we here? Eh! -if I am not mistaken, it is our fugitive!" - -It was really Domingo. The poor wretch had his thigh broken; -doubtlessly foreseeing the fate that awaited him, he howled with pain, -but would give no other answer. - -"It would be a good deed," Don Mariano said, "to dash out this poor -fellow's brains, to terminate his sufferings." - -"Let us be in no hurry," the implacable hunter remarked. "Everything -will have its season. Let Flying Eagle explain to us how he found him." - -"Yes, that is important," Don Miguel said. - -"It is the Wacondah who delivered this man into my hands," the Chief -answered, sententiously. "I had ransacked the forest with as much care -as the darkness permitted me, and was returning to you, wearied with -nearly two hours' fruitless search, when, at the moment I least thought -of it, I was attacked by more than ten Apaches, who rushed on me from -all sides at once. This man was at the head of the assailants. He fired -his gun at me, but did not hit me. I answered in the same way; but more -successfully, for he fell. I immediately set my foot on his chest, for -fear he should escape me, and defended myself to my best against my -enemies, in order to give you time to come to my assistance. I have -spoken." - -"By heavens, Chief!" the hunter exclaimed, enthusiastically, "you -are a brave warrior! What you have done is grand. This villain, on -leaving us, found a party of these birds of prey, and was, doubtlessly, -returning with the intention of attacking us during our sleep." - -"Well!" Don Mariano remarked, "he is found again; so all is for the -best." - -The wounded man made a great effort, and, leaning on his right hand, -he drew himself up and gave a ghastly grim "Yes, yes," he answered, "I -know I am about to die; but it will not be without vengeance." - -"What do you say, villain?" Don Mariano exclaimed. - -"I say that your brother knows all, my fine gentleman, and will succeed -in foiling your plans." - -"Viper! what have I done to make you act thus towards me?" - -"You did nothing," he replied, with a demoniac grin; "but," he added, -pointing to Don Miguel, "I have hated that man for a long time." - -"Die, then, villain!" the exasperated young man shouted, as he set the -cold muzzle of his rifle on his forehead. - -Flying Eagle turned the weapon aside. - -"This man is mine, brother," he said. - -Don Miguel slowly removed his rifle, and turned to the Chief. "I -consent; but on condition that he dies." - -A sinister smile played for a second round the Indian's thin lips. -"Yes," he said, "and by an Apache, death." Then, unfastening the bow -he wore by the side of his panther skin quiver, he placed the string -round the Gambusino's skull, and, forming a tourniquet, by means of an -arrow passed through the string, while, with his knee buried between -the wretch's shoulders, he seized his hair in his right hand, and -drew it to him. He scalped in this manner, inflicting on him the most -abominable torture that can be imagined, since, instead of cutting -the skin with his knife, he literally tore it off by means of the -string. The bandit, with his face inundated with blood, and disfigured -features, clasped his hands by a supreme effort, exclaiming, with an -expression impossible to describe--"Kill me! oh, for pity's sake, kill -me!" - -The Comanche placed his furious face close to the bandit's. "Traitors -are not killed," he said, in a hollow voice. And then, seizing him by -the neck, he thrust the blade of his knife between the clenched teeth, -forced the mouth open, and tore out his tongue, which he threw from him -in disgust. "Die like a dog!" he yelled; "thy lying tongue shall betray -never more." - -Domingo uttered a cry of pain so horrible that the hearers started with -terror, and rolled senseless on the ground.[1] - -Flying Eagle contemptuously kicked the bandit's body aside, and turned -to his companions. "Let us go," he said. - -They followed him in silence, terrified by the scene of which they had -been witnesses. An hour later, they found Brighteye at the bivouac. - -At sunrise, Flying Eagle approached Marksman and gently touched him on -the shoulder. "What do you want?" the hunter asked, as he woke. - -"The Sachem is going to meet Eglantine," the Chief answered, simply. -And he went away. - -"There is something human in those savage fellows after all," the -hunter muttered, as he watched him depart. - - -[1] The author saw this punishment inflicted on a North American by an -Apache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE TLACATEOTZIN.[1] - - -Two hours after sunrise, Flying Eagle returned to the camp, followed -by Eglantine: the council immediately assembled to hear the news. -The young Indian woman had not learned much: it was contained in one -sentence. - -The two Mexican girls were still in the city. Addick was absent, but -expected at any moment. These news, slight as they were, were, however, -good; for, though the details were wanting, the hunters knew that their -enemies had not yet had time to act. The point was now to get before -them and carry off the girls, ere they had time to prevent it. But -to do so, they must enter the city, and there lay the difficulty. A -difficulty which, at the first blush, appeared insurmountable. - -In this moment of distress, all eyes were turned to Flying Eagle. -The Chief smiled. Through the expression of agony depicted on every -countenance, the Indian guessed what was expected of him. "The hour -has arrived," he said. "My Pale brothers demand of me the greatest -sacrifice they can demand of a Sachem--that is to say, to open to -them the gates of one of the last refuges of the Indian religion, -the principal sanctuary where still is preserved intact the law of -Tlhui-camina,[2] the greatest, the most powerful, and most unhappy of -all the sovereigns who have governed the country of Hauahuac: still, -in order to prove to my Pale brothers how red the blood is that flows -in my veins, and how pure and cloudless my heart is, I will do it for -them, as I have promised." - -At the assurance given by Flying Eagle, whose word could not be -doubted, every face brightened. The Chief continued--"Flying Eagle has -no forked tongue; what he says, he does; he will introduce the great -Pale hunter into Quiepaa Tani; but my brothers must forget that they -are warriors and brave: cunning alone can make them triumph. Has the -great hunter of the Palefaces understood the words of the Chief? Is he -resolved to trust to his prudence and sagacity?" - -"I will act as you point out, Chief," Marksman replied, for he knew -that the Comanche was addressing him. "I promise to let myself be -entirely guided by you." - -"Wah!" the Indian continued, with a smile. "All is well, then: before -two hours, my brother will be in Quiepaa Tani." - -"May Heaven grant it be so, and my poor child be saved!" Don Mariano -muttered. - -"I have been long used to contend in cunning with Indians," the hunter -answered. "Up to the present, thanks to Heaven! I have always come off -pretty well from my meetings with them. I have good hopes of success -this time." - -"We will hold ourselves in readiness to come to your aid, if needed," -Don Miguel observed. - -"Above all, take care not to be tracked; you know that traitor of a -Domingo has put them on your scent." - -"Trust to me for that, Marksman," Brighteye eagerly interposed; "I know -what it is to play at hide and seek with the Indians. It is not the -first time this happens to me; and I remember, in 1845, at the hour I -was--" - -"I know," the Canadian cut him short, "that you are not the man to let -yourself be surprised, my friend, and that is enough for me; but keep a -good lookout, so as to be ready at the first signal." - -"And what will that signal be? for we must understand one another -thoroughly, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which, annoying at -all times, would, in our present circumstances, be utter ruin." - -"You are right. When you hear the cry of the hawk repeated thrice, at -equal intervals, then you must act vigorously." - -"That is understood," Brighteye said; "trust to me for that." - -"I am ready," Marksman said to the Chief. "What must I do?" - -"In the first place, dress yourself," Flying Eagle answered. - -"What! dress myself?" the hunter said, surveying his person with -surprise. - -"Wah! does my brother fancy he will enter Quiepaa Tani in his Paleface -clothes?" - -"That is true; an Indian disguise is absolutely necessary. Wait a -minute." - -The _travestissement_ did not take long to effect. Eglantine modestly -retired into the forest, so as not to be present at the hunter's -toilet. In a few minutes Marksman took from his alforjas a razor, with -which he removed beard and moustache. During this time the Chief had -plucked a plant, which grew abundantly in the forest. After extracting -the juice, Flying Eagle helped the Canadian, who had removed all his -garments, to stain his body and face. Then the Chief drew on his chest -an _ayotl_, or sacred tortoise, accompanied by several fantastic -ornaments that had nothing warlike about them, and which he reproduced -on his face. After that, he gave the hunter's black hair a white tinge, -intended to make him look very aged; for among the Indians the hair -retains its colour for a long period. He knotted his curls on the top -of his head, after the fashion of the Yumas--the most travelled of the -Redskins--and to the left of this tuft, to show that it adorned the -head of a pacific Chief, he fixed a passagallo feather, instead of a -scalp lock, as is the custom with the warriors. - -When these preparations were completed, Flying Eagle asked the -Europeans, who had curiously followed the metamorphosis, how they liked -their comrade. - -"My word," Brighteye answered, simply, "if I had not been present -at the transformation, I should not recognize him; and, by the way, -I remember a singular adventure that occurred to me in 1836. Just -imagine--" - -"Well, and what do you say?" the Indian continued, pitilessly cutting -the Canadian short, and turning to Don Miguel. - -The latter could not refrain from laughing on looking at the hunter. "I -consider him hideous; he bears such a resemblance to a Redskin, that I -feel sure he can risk it boldly." - -"Och! the Indians are very clever," the Chief muttered. "Still, I -believe that, disguised thus, if my brother is willing thoroughly to -represent the character he has assumed, he has nothing to fear." - -"I mean to do it. Still, I would remark, Chief, that I do not yet know -what part you mean me to play." - -"My brother is a Tlacateotzin--a great medicine man of the Yumas." - -"By Jove! the idea is a good one. In that way I can get in anywhere." - -The Comanche bowed with a smile. - -"I shall be very clumsy, if I do not succeed," the hunter continued. -"But as I am a doctor, I must not forget to furnish myself with -medicaments." - -Thereupon Marksman rummaged his alforjas, took out of them all that -might have compromised him, and only left in them a little box of -specifics, which he always carried about him,--a precious store he had -employed on many an occasion. He closed the alforjas, threw them on his -back, and turned to the Chief. - -"I am ready," he said to him. - -"Good. Myself and Eglantine will go in front, in order to make the road -easy for my brother." - -The hunter gave a sign of assent. The Indian called his wife, and both, -after taking leave of the adventurers, went off. - -So soon as the Chief was out of sight, the hunter in his turn said -good-bye to his comrades. It was, perhaps, the last time he would see -them; for who could foresee the fate reserved for him among these -ferocious Indians, into whose hands he was about defencelessly to -surrender himself? - -"I will accompany you to the edge of the forest," Don Miguel said, "in -order fully to understand the means I must employ to be able to run up -at the first signal." - -"Come," the hunter said, laconically. - -They went away followed by the eyes of all their comrades, who saw -Marksman depart with an indescribable feeling of anxiety and sorrow. -The two men walked side by side, without exchanging a word. The -Canadian was plunged in deep thought; Don Miguel seemed a prey to an -emotion which he could not succeed in overcoming. In this way they -reached the last trees of the forest. The hunter stopped. "It is here -we must part," he said to his companion. - -"That is true," the young man muttered, as he looked sadly around. Then -he was silent. The Canadian waited a moment. Seeing, at length, that -Don Miguel would not speak, he asked him,--"Have you anything to say to -me?" - -"Why do you ask me that question?" the young man asked him, with a -start. - -"Because," the hunter answered, "you have not come so far, Don Leo, -merely to enjoy my company a little longer. You must, I repeat, have -something to say to me." - -"Yes, it is true," he said, with an effort; "you have guessed it. I -wish to speak with you; but I know not how it is, my throat rises. -I cannot find words to express my feelings. Oh, if I possessed your -experience, and your knowledge of Indian language, no other than -myself, I assure you, Marksman, would have gone to Quiepaa Tani." - -"Yes, it must be so," the hunter muttered, speaking to himself, rather -than answering his friend; "and why should it not be so? Love is the -sun of youth. All love in this world. Why should two handsome and -well-made beings alone remain insensible to each other and not love? -What do you wish me to say to them for you?" he added quickly. - -"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, "you perceived, then, that I loved her? -You are master, then, of the secret which I did not dare to confess to -myself!" - -"Do not be alarmed about that, my friend. The secret is as safe in my -heart as in yours." - -"Alas, my friend! the words I should wish to say to her my mouth alone -could utter with the hope of making them reach her heart. Say nothing -to her, that will be best; but you can tell her that I am here, and -watching over her, and that I shall die or she will be free soon in her -father's arms." - -"I will tell her all that, my friend." - -"And then," he added, breaking, by a feverish movement, a little steel -chain round his neck, which held a small bag of black velvet, "take -this amulet. It is all that is left to me of my mother," he said, -with a sigh; "she hung it round my neck on the day of my birth. It is -a sacred relic--a piece of the true cross, blessed by the pope; give -it to her, and let her guard it preciously, for it has preserved me -from many perils. That is all I can do for her at this moment. Go, -my friend, save her, as I am compelled to form silent vows for her -deliverance. You love me, Marksman. I will only add one word,--from the -attempt you make at this moment my life or death will result. Farewell! -farewell!" - -Seizing the hunter's hand with a nervous movement, he pressed it -forcibly several times, and, turning quickly away, not to let his -tears be seen, he rushed into the forest, where he disappeared, after -making a last sign with his hand to his friend, who was watching his -departure. After Don Miguel's departure, the Canadian stood for a -moment a prey to extraordinary sorrow. "Poor young man!" he muttered, -with a profound sigh, "is that the state people are in when they love?" -In a moment he overcame the strange emotion which contracted his heart, -and boldly raised his head. "The die is cast!" he said. "Forward!" Then -assuming the easy, careless step of an Indian, he proceeded, slowly to -the plain, while looking inquiringly around him. - -In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had risen radiantly, the green -plain the hunter was crossing assumed a really enchanting appearance. -As on the first occasion when he came to this country, all was in -motion around him. - -The Canadian, who, by the help of his new exterior, was able to -examine at his leisure all that went on around him, curiously examined -the animated scene he had before his eyes: but what most fixed his -attention was a band of horsemen in their war costume, or rather paint, -armed with those long javelins and barbed spears which they wield with -such dexterity, and whose wounds are so dangerous. Most of them also -carried a strong rifle and a reata at their girdle, and, marching in -good order, they advanced at a trot towards the city, seeming to come -from the opposite direction to that which the hunter was following. - -The numerous persons spread over the plain had stopped to examine them. -Marksman, profiting by this circumstance, hurried on to mingle with the -crowd, among whom, as he hoped, he was speedily lost, no one thinking -of paying the slightest attention to him. The horsemen continued to -advance at the same pace, not appearing to notice the curiosity they -excited. They were soon about forty yards from the principal gateway. -On arriving there they were stopped At the same moment, three horsemen -galloped out of the city, bounded over the drawbridge, and went to -meet them. Three warriors then left the first party and approached -them. After a few hastily exchanged words, the six horsemen rejoined -the detachment, which had remained motionless in the rear, and entered -the city with it. Marksman, who followed the party closely, neared -the gate at the very moment the last horseman disappeared in the -city. The hunter understood that the moment for boldness had arrived. -Assuming the most careless air he could put on, although his heart -was ready to burst, he presented himself in his turn for admission. -He noticed Flying Eagle and his squaw standing some distance off, and -conversing with an Indian who seemed to hold a certain rank. This -doubled the bold Canadian's courage; he crossed the bridge undauntedly, -and arrived with apparent stoicism at the gateway. A lance was then -levelled before him, and barred his passage. At a sign from Flying -Eagle, the Indian with whom he had been speaking left him and proceeded -toward the gate. He was a tall warrior, to whom his iron-grey hair -and the numerous wrinkles in his face imparted a certain character of -gentleness, intelligence, and majesty. He said a word to the sentry, -who was barring the hunter's passage; he raised his lance at once, and -fell back a few paces with a respectful bow. The old Indian made the -Canadian a sign to enter. "My brother is welcome in Quiepaa Tani," he -said gracefully, as he saluted the hunter; "my brother has friends -here." - -Marksman, owing to the life he had so long led on the prairies, spoke -several Indian dialects with as much fluency as his mother-tongue. -From the question the Redskin addressed to him, he felt that he was -backed up; he therefore assumed the necessary coolness to play his part -properly, and answered,--"Is my brother a Chief?" - -"I am a Chief." - -"Och! let my brother question me. Ometochtli will answer." - -In thus changing his personality, as it were, the hunter had been -careful to change his name also. After a long and barren research, he -at length selected that of Ometochtli, as best adapted to the person -he wished to represent; for, despite its apparently formidable look, -it simply means "two rabbits," a most inoffensive name, and perfectly -coinciding with the hunter's new character. - -"I shall not question my brother," the Chief said, cautiously. "I know -who he is and whence he comes. My brother is one of the adepts of the -great medicine, of the wise nation of the Yumas." - -"The Chief is well informed," the hunter remarked. "I see that he has -spoken with Flying Eagle." - -"Has my brother left his nation for long?" - -"It will be seven moons at the first leaves since I put on the -moccasins of a hunter." - -"Wah!" the Chief continued, with a certain appearance of respect; -"where are the hunting grounds of my brother's nation situated?" - -"Near the great shoreless lake." - -"Does my brother intend to practise medicine at Quiepaa Tani?" - -"I have only come here for that purpose, and to worship the Wacondah in -the magnificent temple which the piety of the Indians has raised to him -in the holy city." - -"Very good. My brother is a wise man; his nation is peaceful," he said, -as he raised his head, and drew up his tall form, proudly. "I am a -warrior, and my name is Atozac." - -By a strange accident, the first Indian with whom Marksman conversed -was the same who received Addick, and whose wife was selected by the -High Priest to serve as his interpreter with the maidens. - -"My brother is a great Chief," he replied to the Indian's words. - -The latter bowed with superb modesty on receiving this flattering -remark. "I am a son of the sacred tribe to whom the guardianship of the -temple is confided," he said. - -"May the Wacondah bless the race of my brother." - -The Chief was completely under the charm; the hunter's compliments had -intoxicated him. "My brother, Two Rabbits, will follow me. We will join -the friends who are awaiting us, and then proceed to my _calci_, which -will be his during the whole period of his stay in Quiepaa Tani." - -Marksman bowed respectfully. "I am not worthy, to shake the dust off my -moccasins on the threshold of his door." - -"The Wacondah blesses those who practise hospitality, my brother. Two -Rabbits is the guest of a Chief; let him follow me, then." - -"I will follow my brother, since such is his will." - -And, without further resistance, he began walking behind the old Chief, -charmed in his heart at having emerged so well from the first trial. -As we said, Flying Eagle and Eglantine had stopped a few paces off, -and they soon found them. All four, without uttering a word, proceeded -toward the house inhabited by the Chief, which was situated at the -other extremity of the city. This long walk allowed the hunter to -take a look at the streets which he crossed, and obtain a superficial -acquaintance with Quiepaa Tani. They at length reached the Chief's -house. Heutotl--the Pigeon--Atozac's wife, seated cross-legged on a -mat of maize straw, was making tortillas, probably intended for her -husband's dinner. Not far from her were three Or four female slaves, -belonging to that bastard race of Indians to which we have already -alluded, and to which the title of savages may be justly applied. When -the Chief and his guests entered the cabin, the Pigeon and her slaves -raised their eyes in curiosity. - -"Heutotl," the Chief said, with dignity, "I bring you strangers. The -first is a great and renowned Comanche Sachem. You know him already, as -well as his squaw." - -"Flying Eagle and Eglantine are welcome in the _calci_ of Atozac," she -answered. - -The Comanche bowed slightly, but did not utter a word. - -"This one," the Chief continued, pointing toward the hunter, "is a -celebrated Tlacateotzin of the Yumas. His name is Two Rabbits; he will -also dwell with us." - -"The words I addressed to the Sachem of the Comanches, I repeat for the -great medicine man of the Yumas," she said with a gentle smile; "the -Pigeon is his slave." - -"My mother will permit me to kiss her feet," the Canadian said, -politely. - -"My brother will kiss my face," the Chief's wife responded, holding up -her cheek to Marksman, who respectfully touched it with his lips. - -"My brothers will take a draught of pulque," the Pigeon continued; "the -roads are long and dusty, and the sunbeams hot." - -"Pulque refreshes the parched throat of travellers," Marksman answered. - -The presentation was concluded. The slaves drew up butacas, on which -the travellers reclined. Vessels of red earth, greatly resembling the -Spanish alcaforas, filled with pulque, were brought in, and the liquor, -poured out by the mistress of the house in horn cups, was presented by -her to the strangers with that charming and attentive hospitality of -which the Indians alone possess the secret. - - -[1] Literally, the "Man-God," a name given by certain Comanche tribes -to those who practice the healing art. - -[2] Surname of Motecuhzoma I.,--"He who shoots arrows up to the sky." -The hieroglyphic of this king is, in fact, an arrow striking heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY. - - -While pretending to be absorbed in eagerness to respond to the eager -politeness of his host, the Canadian attentively examined the interior -of the house in which he was, in order to form an idea of the other -residences in the city; for he justly assumed that all must be built -almost after the same plan. - -The room in which Atoyac received his guests was a large, square -apartment, whose whitewashed walls were decorated with human scalps, -and a row of weapons, kept in a state of extreme cleanliness. Jaguar -and ocelot skins, zarapé, and frasadas were piled up on a sort of -large chests, in all probability intended to serve as beds. Butacas -and other wooden seats, excessively low, composed the furniture of the -room, in the centre of which stood a table rising not more than ten -inches from the ground. These simple arrangements are found almost -identical, by the way, in almost all Indian _callis_, which are usually -composed of six rooms. The first is the one we have just described; -it is the ordinary living room of the family. The second is intended -for the children; the third is the sleeping room. The fourth contains -the looms for weaving zarapés, which the Indians work with inimitable -skill. These looms, made of bamboo, are admirable for the simplicity of -their mechanism. The fifth contains provisions for the rainy season, -the period when hunting becomes impossible; while the sixth, or last, -is set aside for the slaves. As for the kitchen, there is really none, -for the food is prepared in the _corral_, that is to say, in the open -air. Chimneys are equally unknown, and each room is warmed by means of -large earthen brasiers. The internal arrangements of the _calli_ are -entrusted to the slaves, who work under the immediate superintendence -of the mistress of the house. These slaves are not all savages. The -Indians completely requite the whites for the misfortunes they deal -them. Many wretched Spaniards, captured in war, or victims to the -ambuscades the Redskins incessantly lay for them, are condemned to the -hardest servitude. The fate of these unhappy beings is even more sad -than that of their companions in slavery, for they have no prospect -of being set at liberty some day; they must, on the contrary, expect -to perish sooner or later, the victims of the hatred of their cruel -masters, who pitilessly avenge on them the numberless annoyances they -have themselves endured under the tyrannical and brutalizing system -of the Spanish Government. Hence, under the pressure of this hard -captivity a man may truly apply to himself the despairing words writ up -by the divine Dante Alighieri over the gates of his Inferno, _Lasciate -ogni speranza_. - -Atoyac, to whom chance had so providentially guided the Canadian, was -one of the most respected Sachems of the warriors of Quiepaa Tani. -In his youth he had lived long among the Europeans, and the great -experience he had acquired while traversing countries remote from his -tribe had expanded his intellect, extinguished in him certain caste -prejudices, and rendered him more sociable and civil than the majority -of his countrymen. While drinking his pulque in small sips, as the -gourmand should do who appreciates at its just value the beverage -he is imbibing, he conversed with the hunter, and gradually, either -through the influence of the pulque, or the instinctive confidence the -Canadian inspired him with, he became more communicative. As always -happens under such circumstances, he began with his own affairs, and -narrated them in their fullest detail to the hunter. He told him he was -father of four sons, renowned warriors, whose greatest delight it was -to invade the Spanish territory, burn the haciendas, and destroy the -crops, and carry off prisoners; next he related to him the travels he -had made, and seemed anxious to prove to Two Rabbits that his courage -as a warrior, his experience, and military virtues, did not forbid him -recognizing all there was noble and respectable in science; he even -insinuated that, although a Sachem, he did not disdain, at times, to -study simples and investigate the secrets of the great medicine, with -which the Wacondah, in his supreme goodness, had endowed certain chosen -men for the relief of the whole of humanity. - -Marksman affected to be deeply touched by the consideration the -powerful Sachem, Atoyac, evinced for the sacred character with which he -was invested, and resolved in his heart to profit by his host's good -feeling toward him to sound him adroitly about what he was so anxious -to know, that is, the state in which the maidens were, and in what -part of the city they were shut up. As, however, Indian suspicions can -be very easily aroused, and it was necessary to employ the greatest -patience, the hunter did not allow his intentions to be in any way -divined, and waited patiently. - -The conversation had gradually become general; still, more than an -hour had already elapsed, and in spite of all his efforts, aided by -those of Flying Eagle, the hunter had not yet succeeded in approaching -the subject he had at heart, when an Indian presented himself in the -doorway. - -"The Wacondah rejoices," the newcomer said, with a respectful bow. "I -have a message for my father." - -"My son is welcome," the Chief answered; "my ears are open." - -"The great council of the Sachems of the nation is assembled," the -Indian said; "they only await my father Atoyac." - -"What is there new, then?" - -"Red Wolf has arrived with his warriors. His heart is filled with -bitterness. He wishes to speak to the council. Addick accompanies him." - -Flying Eagle and the hunter exchanged a glance. - -"Red Wolf and Addick returned!" Atoyac exclaimed, with amazement. "That -is strange! What can have brought them back so soon, and together, too?" - -"I know not; but they entered the city hardly an hour ago." - -"Did Red Wolf command the warriors who arrived this morning?" - -"Himself. My father could not have seen him when he passed by here. -What shall I answer the Chief?" - -"That I am coming to the council." - -The Indian bowed and went away. The old man rose with ill-concealed -agitation, and prepared to go out. Flying Eagle stopped him. "My father -is affected," he said; "there is a cloud on his mind." - -"Yes," the Chief answered, frankly; "I am sad." - -"What can trouble my father, then?" - -"Brother," the old Chief said, bitterly, "many moons have passed since -the last visit paid by you to Quiepaa Tani." - -"Man is only the plaything of circumstances; he can never do what he -has projected." - -"That is true. Perhaps it would have been better for you and for us had -you not remained away so long." - -"Often, often I had the desire to come, but a fatality always prevented -me." - -"Yes, it must be so; were it not for that, we should have seen you. -Many things that have happened, would not have occurred." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It would be too long to explain to you, and I have no time to do so -at this moment; I must proceed to the council, where I am awaited. -Suffice it for you to know, that for some time an evil genius has -breathed a spirit of discord among the Sachems of the great council. -Two men have succeeded in obtaining a dangerous influence over the -deliberations, and forcing their ideas and wishes upon all the chiefs." - -"And these men, who are they?" - -"You know them only too well." - -"But what are their names?" - -"Red Wolf and Addick." - -"Wah!" Flying Eagle said. "Take care; the ambition of those men may, if -you do not pay attention, bring great misfortunes on your heads." - -"I know it; but can I prevent it? Am I, alone, strong enough to combat -their influence, and cause the propositions to be rejected which they -impose on the council?" - -"That is true," the Comanche answered, thoughtfully; "but how to -prevent it?" - -"There would be a way, perhaps," Atoyac said, in an insinuating voice, -after a short silence. - -"What?" - -"It is very simple. Flying Eagle is one of the first and most renowned -Sachems of his nation." - -"Well?" - -"As such, he has a right, I believe, to sit in the council?" - -"He has." - -"Why does not he go there, then?" - -Flying Eagle turned an inquiring glance on the hunter, who was -listening to this conversation with an apathetic face, though his heart -was ready to burst; for he guessed, by a species of presentiment, that -in this council questions of the highest importance to him would be -discussed. From the Chief's dumb inquiry he understood that if he -remained longer a stranger to the discussion, he would appear, in his -host's eyes, to display an indifference toward the welfare of the city, -which the latter might take in ill part. "Were I so great a Chief as -Flying Eagle," he said, "I should not hesitate to present myself at -the council. Here, the interests of one nation or the other are not -discussed; but vital questions often arise, affecting the welfare of -the red race generally. To abstain, under such circumstances, would, in -my opinion, be giving the enemies of order and tranquillity in the city -a proof of weakness, by which they would, doubtless, profit to insure -the success of their anarchical projects." - -"Do you believe so?" Flying Eagle remarked, with feigned hesitation. - -"My brother, Two Rabbits, has spoken well," Atoyac said, eagerly. -"He is a wise man. My brother must follow his advice, and with the -more reason, because his presence here is known to everybody, and his -absence from the council would certainly produce a very evil effect." - -"As it is so," the Comanche answered, "I can no longer resist your -wish; I am ready to follow you." - -"Yes," the hunter added, meaningly, "go to the council; perhaps your -unexpected presence will suffice to overthrow certain projects, and -prevent great misfortunes." - -"I will behave in such a manner as to overawe our enemies," the -Comanche answered, evasively, who, while feigning to address these -words to his host, really intended them for the hunter. - -"Let us go," said Atoyac. - -Flying Eagle bowed silently, and went forth. - -The hunter remained alone in the _calli_ with the two women. The -Pigeon, during the previous conversation, had been busy talking in a -low voice with Eglantine. Almost immediately after the departure of the -two warriors, the woman rose and prepared to go out. Eglantine, without -saying a word, laid her finger on her lip, and looked at the hunter. He -wrapped himself in his buffalo robe, and addressed Atoyac's wife. - -"I do not wish to trouble my sister," he said. "While the chiefs are in -council, I will take a walk, and examine, with greater attention, the -magnificent Temple, of which I only had a glimpse on coming here." - -"My father is right," she answered; "the more so, as Eglantine and -myself have also to go out, and we should have been compelled to leave -my father alone in the _calli_." - -Eglantine smiled softly as she nodded to the hunter. The latter, -suspecting that Flying Eagle's squaw had discovered the retreat of the -maidens during the conversation with her friend, and that the desire -she evinced to get rid of him had no other design but to obtain more -ample information about them, made not the slightest objection, and -walked slowly out of the _calli_, with all the majesty and importance -of the wise personage he represented. Besides, the Canadian was not -sorry to be alone for a little while, that he might reflect on the -means he should employ to approach the two maidens, which it seemed -to him by no means easy to manage. On the other hand, he intended -to employ the liberty left him in taking a turn round the city, and -obtaining all the topographical knowledge he needed. Not knowing in -what way his stay in the city would terminate, and how he should leave -it again, he, at all risks, carefully studied the plan of the streets -and buildings, from the double point of view of an attack or an escape. - -The hunter had assumed such a mask of placidity and indifference; his -questions were asked with so nonchalant an air, that not one of those -he addressed dreamed for a moment of suspecting him; and, as always -happens, he succeeded in obtaining--thanks to his skill--remarkably -precious details about the weak points in the city,--how it was -possible to enter and leave it after the closing of the gates, and -other equally valuable information, which the hunter carefully -classified in his mind, and which he resolved to put to good use when -the moment arrived. - -In Quiepaa Tani there are a good many unoccupied persons, who spend -their lives in wandering about, a prey to an incurable _ennui_. It was -with these people that the hunter formed an acquaintance during his -lengthened walk round the city, listening with the greatest patience -to their prolix and tedious narrations, when, certain of having drawn -from them all he could, he left them, to begin the same scheme a little -further on with others. - -Marksman remained away for three hours. When he returned to the -_calli_, Atoyac and Flying Eagle had not come back; but the two women, -seated on mats, were conversing with a certain degree of animation. - -On seeing him, Eglantine gave him an intelligent glance. The hunter -fell back on a butaca, drew out his pipe, and began smoking. After -exchanging a dumb bow with the pretended medicine man, the women again -resumed their palaver. - -"So," Eglantine said, "the prisoners taken from the whites are brought -here!" - -"Yes," the Pigeon answered. - -"That surprises me," the young woman continued; "for it would be only -necessary for one of them to escape, and the exact situation of the -city would be revealed to the Gachupinos, who would soon appear in the -place." - -"That is true; but my sister is ignorant that no one escapes from -Quiepaa Tani." - -Eglantine bowed her head with an air of doubt. - -"Och!" she said, "the whites are very crafty; still, it is certain that -the two young Pale maidens we have just seen will not escape,--they are -too well guarded for that. I do not know why, but I feel a great pity -for them." - -"It is the same with me, poor children! So young, so gentle, so pretty; -separated eternally from all those who are dear to them. Their fate is -frightful!" - -"Oh, very frightful! But what is to be done? They belong to Addick; -that Chief will never consent to restore them to liberty." - -"We will go and see them again, shall we not, my sister?" - -"Tomorrow, if you will." - -"Thanks; that will render us very happy, I assure you." - -The last words especially struck the hunter. At the sudden revelation -made to him, Marksman felt such an emotion, that he needed all his -strength and self-command to prevent the Pigeon noticing his confusion. - -At this moment Atoyac and Flying Eagle appeared. Their features were -animated, and they seemed in a state of rage, the more terrible, -because it was suppressed. - -Atoyac walked straight to the hunter, who had risen to receive him. On -noticing the animation depicted on the Indian's face, Marksman thought -that he had plainly discovered something concerning himself, and it -was not without some suspicion that he awaited the communication his -host seemed anxious to make to him. - -"Is my father really an adept of the great medicine?" Atoyac asked, -fixing a searching glance on him. - -"Did I not tell my brother so?" the hunter answered, who began to feel -himself seriously threatened, and looked inquiringly at Flying Eagle. -The latter smiled. - -The Canadian reassured himself a little; it was plain that, if he saw -any danger, the Comanche would not be so calm. - -"Let my brother come with me, then, and bring with him the instruments -of his art," Atoyac exclaimed. - -It would not have been prudent to decline this invitation, though -rather roughly given; besides, nothing proved to him that his host -entertained evil designs against him. The hunter, therefore, accepted. -"Let my brother walk in front; I will follow him," he contented himself -with answering. - -"Does my brother speak the tongue of the barbarous Gachupinos?" - -"My nation lives near the boundless Salt Lake. The Palefaces are our -neighbours; I understand, and speak slightly, the tongue they employ." - -"All the better." - -"Have I to cure a Paleface?" the Canadian inquired, anxious to know -what was wanted of him. - -"No," Atoyac replied. "One of the great Apache chiefs brought hither, -some moons back, two women of the Palefaces. They are ill; the evil -spirit has entered into them, and at this moment Death is spreading his -wings over the couch on which they repose." - -Marksman shuddered at this unexpected news; his heart almost broke; an -involuntary tremor passed over his limbs; he required a superhuman -effort to overcome the deep emotion he felt, and to reply to Atoyac, in -a calm voice--"I am at my brother's orders, as my duty commands." - -"Let us go, then," the Indian answered. - -Marksman took his box of medicaments, placed it cautiously under his -arm, left the _calli_ at the heels of the Sachem, and both proceeded -hastily towards the palace of the Vestals, accompanied, or, more -correctly speaking, watched at a distance, by Flying Eagle, who -followed in their footsteps, not once letting them out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -EXPLANATORY. - - -We are now compelled to go back a little way, in order to clear up -certain facts which necessarily remained in the shade, and which it is -urgent for the reader to know. - -We have related how Don Estevan, Addick, and Red Wolf easily came to an -understanding, in order to obtain a common vengeance. But, as generally -happens in all treaties, each having begun by stipulating for his -private advantage, it fell out that Don Estevan was about to reap the -least profit from the partnership. - -Few whites can rival the Redskins in craft and diplomacy. The Indians, -like all conquered peoples, bowed so long beneath a brutalizing yoke, -retained only one weapon, which is often deadly, however, by means -of which they contend most with success against their fortunate -adversaries. This weapon is cunning--the arm of cowards and the weak, -the defence of slaves against their masters. - -The conditions offered by the two Indian Chiefs to Don Estevan were -clear and precise. The Chiefs, by means of the warriors they had at -their disposal, would help the Mexican in seizing and avenging himself -on his enemies, inflicting on them any punishment he thought proper; -in return, Don Estevan would make over his niece and the other maiden, -now prisoners at Quiepaa Tani, to the Chiefs, who would do to them what -they pleased, Don Estevan giving up all right of interference with -them. These conditions being well and duly defined, the Indian Chiefs -set to work in fulfilling the clauses of the treaty as quickly as -possible. - -Red Wolf had a hatred for the two hunters and Don Miguel, which was -the more inveterate, because he had been conquered in the various -encounters he had with the three men. He, therefore, eagerly seized -the opportunity that offered to take his revenge, believing certain -this time of repaying his abhorred enemies all the humiliation they had -inflicted on him, and the ill they had done him. - -In less than four days, Addick and Red Wolf succeeded in collecting -a band of nearly one hundred and fifty picked warriors--obstinate -enemies for the whites, and to whom the coming expedition was a real -party of pleasure. When Don Estevan saw himself at the head of so large -and resolute a band, his heart dilated with joy, and he felt himself -ensured of success; for what could Don Miguel attempt with the few men -he had at his disposal? - -The road was long, almost impracticable. To reach Quiepaa Tani, it -was necessary to cross abrupt mountains, virgin forests, and immense -deserts; and even supposing the Gambusinos succeeded in overcoming -these seemingly insurmountable difficulties, when they arrived before -the city, what could they do? Would they, scarce thirty at most, -attempt to take by assault a city of nearly 20,000 souls, defended by -strong walls, surrounded by a wide moat, and containing 3,000 picked -men, the most renowned warriors of all the Indian nations, specially -entrusted with the defence of the sacred city, and who would, without -any hesitation, fall to the last man, sooner than surrender? Such a -supposition was absurd; hence Don Estevan dismissed it so soon as it -occurred to him. - -The first care of the Indian Chiefs was to learn in what direction -their enemies were. Unfortunately for the Redskins, the arrangements -made by the hunters were so adroit, that they were compelled to follow -their enemy on three different trails, and break up their war party, if -they wished to watch the Gambusinos on all sides. This was the first -occasion of a dissension between the three associates. Addick and Red -Wolf, when the question of a separation arose, naturally wished each -to take the command of a body, an arrangement which displeased Don -Estevan, and to which he would not at all consent, remarking, with -some degree of justice, that in the affair they had in hand everything -depended on the Chiefs; that the warriors had nothing to do but watch -the movements of their enemy, while they, the Chiefs, must remain -together, in order to arrange the necessary combinations in their -plans, and be enabled to act with vigour when the occasion presented -itself. The truth was, that Don Estevan, forced by circumstances into -an alliance with the two Sachems, had not the slightest confidence in -his honourable associates. He despised them as much as he was despised -by them, and felt certain that, if he allowed them to leave him, -under any pretence, he should never see them again; that they would -desert him on the prairie, remorselessly leaving him to get out of -the dilemma in the best way he could. The Indians perfectly understood -their partner's thoughts, but, far too cunning to let him see they -had read them, they pretended to admit the reasons he gave them, and -recognize their correctness. The Chiefs, therefore, remained together -and pushed on, only accompanied by twenty men, and having divided the -others into two bands, to watch the Gambusinos. - -Don Estevan was eager to reach Quiepaa Tani, in order to remove the -maidens from the city, and have them in his hands, in order, by -their presence, to stimulate the ardour of his allies. They set out. -A singular thing then happened. Six detachments of warriors were -following each other's trail for more than a month, each marching in -the footsteps of the previous one, and not suspecting that it was in -its turn followed by another. Matters went on thus without leading -to any encounter until the night when Domingo disappeared in the -virgin forest. This is how it happened. Marksman had well judged the -Gambusino, when suspecting him to be capable of treachery. That is why -he requested he should be left with him, that he might watch him with -greater care. Unfortunately, since the departure from the ford of the -Rubio, in spite of the incessant watchfulness kept up by Marksman, he -had never detected in the Gambusino the slightest doubtful movement -which would corroborate his suspicions, or convert them into certainty. -Domingo did his duty with apparent honesty and frankness. When they -reached the bivouac, the little arrangements for the night were made; -and the meal over, the Gambusino was one of the first to roll himself -in his zarapé, lie down, and go to sleep from alleged weariness. In -short, the bandit managed to behave so cleverly, and to mask his -baseness, that the hunter, clever as he was, was taken in. Gradually -his vigilance relaxed, his distrust went to sleep, and, though not -reckoning greatly on the Gambusino's fidelity, he ceased looking after -him incessantly, as he did during the first days. And then they had -covered a great deal of ground during the past month; the hunters were -in a completely unknown country: hence it was not presumable that the -Gambusino, almost new to desert life, would venture to desert the -people with whom he was, and risk wandering alone in the desert, where -he would have every chance of dying of hunger in a few days. This -merely proved one fact, that Marksman, in spite of all his cleverness, -did not know the man with whom he had to deal, and did not suspect the -tenacity of purpose which forms the backbone of the Mexican character. - -Domingo hated the hunter because he had unmasked him, and with the -patience that characterizes the race to which he belonged, he awaited -the opportunity for vengeance, feeling certain, by the force of -events, that it must present itself from one day to the other. In the -meanwhile, he looked and listened. The hunters did not hesitate to -speak before him, for the reason that Marksman would, in that case, -have been obliged to tell his companions the suspicions he entertained -of the Gambusino, a thing that his innate loyalty prevented him doing. -Thus Domingo had profited by the opportunity to learn all the details -of the expedition of which he was an involuntary member--details he -intended to tell as clearly as possible to the person they interested -most, so soon as chance brought them together. - -On the evening when Marksman discovered that trail which troubled him -so greatly, Domingo, while foraging about on his own account, found -something which he carefully avoided showing his comrades. It was no -other than a tobacco pouch of small dimensions, richly ornamented with -gold embroidery, such as rich Mexicans usually carry. Domingo very -well recollected having seen it in Don Estevan's hand. The pouch must, -then, have been lost by him. For the present he hid it in his bosom, -intending to examine it more at his leisure, when he did not fear any -surprise from his companions. - -Flying Eagle followed the trail, as we have seen, and his friends, -after lighting the fire, preparing the meal, and eating a few -mouthfuls, waited his return. - -The day had been fatiguing; the Indian's return was deferred; Marksman -and Don Mariano, after conversing for a long time, felt their eyelids -weighed down and gently close; in short, they yielded to their fatigue, -lay down, and were soon buried in a deep sleep. As for Domingo, he had -been sleeping for an hour, as if he never intended to wake again. A -singular thing happened, however. Don Mariano and Marksman had scarce -closed their eyes, ere the Gambusino opened his eyes, and that so -freshly, that everything led to the belief that he had not been to -sleep at all, and never felt more wakeful than at the present moment. -He looked suspiciously around, and remained for some time motionless; -but, after a few moments, reassured by the gentle and regular breathing -of his companions, he sat up gently. He hesitated for several moments, -but then took the tobacco pouch from the place where he had concealed -it, and examined it with the closest attention. This pouch had scarcely -anything to distinguish it from others; but one circumstance struck the -hunter: the pouch was nearly half full of tobacco, and that tobacco -was fresh. Hence it could not have been long lost by Don Estevan--a -few hours, at the most. If that were so, as there was every reason to -assume, Don Estevan could not be far off, and must be a league, or at -the most two, from their bivouac. This reasoning was logical; hence -the Gambusino drew from it the conclusion that the opportunity he had -been waiting for so long had at length arrived, and he must seize it -at all risks. This conclusion once admitted, the rest can be easily -understood. The Gambusino rose, glided like a snake into the underwood, -and went off in search of Don Estevan. - -Accident is the master of the world; it regulates matters at its will; -its combinations are at times so strange, that it seems to take a -malignant pleasure in making the most odious plans succeed, contrary -to all expectations. This is what happened in the present case. The -Gambusino had not been wandering about the forest for more than hour, -groping his way as well as he could in the dark, which enwrapped him -like a shroud, when he arrived, at the moment he least expected it, in -sight of a fire lighted on the extreme verge of the forest. He walked -at once towards the brilliant flame he had noticed, instinctively -persuaded that near the _brasero_ which served him as a beacon he -should find the man he was looking for. His presentiments had not -deceived him. The camp, towards which he was proceeding, was really -that of Don Estevan and his allies, who, we must allow, did not believe -themselves so near their enemies. Had they done so, they would have -indubitably employed all the precautions usual in the desert to conceal -their presence. - -The sudden appearance of the Gambusino in the circle illumined by the -fire was a perfect tableau. The Indians and Don Estevan himself were -so far from expecting the man's arrival, that there was a moment of -fearful confusion, during which the Gambusino was seized, thrown down, -and bound, ere he had time to utter a syllable in his defence. The -warriors seized their arms, and scattered about the neighbourhood, in -order to assure themselves that the man who had so suddenly come among -them was alone, and they had nothing to fear. - -At length the alarm gradually cooled down; they felt easier, and -thought about questioning the prisoner. This was what the latter -desired, and which he earnestly requested, ever since he had been so -roughly pounced on. He was led into the presence of the three Chiefs, -and at once recognised by Don Estevan. "Eh!" the latter said, with a -grin. "It is my worthy friend, Domingo. What on earth brings you here, -my fine fellow?" - -"You shall learn, for I have merely come to do you a service," the -bandit answered, with his usual effrontery. "I should be obliged, -though, by your having me untied if it is possible. These cords cut -into my flesh, and cause me such suffering, that I shall be unable to -utter a word until I have got rid of them." - -When the bandit's request had been accomplished, he told all he had -heard in the fullest detail, without any pressing. The revelations of -the Gambusino caused his hearers considerable reflection, and they next -asked how he knew that they were so near? Domingo completed his story -by stating how he had found the tobacco pouch, and how, after his two -companions, Marksman and Don Mariano, fell asleep, he left them to go -in search of Don Estevan. - -In the Gambusino's story one thing especially struck Don Estevan, and -that was, that two of his greatest enemies were a few paces from him, -and alone. He at once leaned over to Red Wolf, and whispered a few -words, to which the other responded by a sinister smile. Ten minutes -later, the fire was extinguished. The Apaches, armed to the teeth, -under the guidance of Domingo, glided into the forest, and proceeded -toward the spot where the hunter and the gentleman were tranquilly -reposing, not suspecting the terrible danger that menaced them, and the -treachery to which they were the victims. - -We have seen how the Indian's enterprise failed, and in what way -the wretched Domingo received the chastisement for his crime. -Unfortunately, he had found time to speak, and his words had been -carefully garnered. When the Apaches recognized that they had to do -with a stronger party than they expected, and the men they wished to -surprise were on their guard, they withdrew in all haste, in order to -deliberate on the measures they must take to get before their enemies, -and foil their plans. The discussion, contrary to Indian habit, was -not long. In spite of the night, whose dense mantle still covered -the ground, they mounted their horses, and proceeded as speedily as -possible toward Quiepaa Tani, in order to enter the city first, and -have time to call on their friends to help them in the impending -contest. - -In spite of all his objections, Don Estevan was left behind, concealed -with some warriors on the outskirts of the forest. The Chiefs, with -all their influence, not daring openly to infringe the Indian laws -by introducing into the city a Paleface other than a prisoner, Don -Estevan was compelled to await their return with resignation. But if -the Indians had lost no time, the hunters, on their side, had so well -profited by it, that, as we have seen, Marksman, disguised as a Yuma -medicine man, entered Quiepaa Tani simultaneously with them. - -While Red Wolf made all the preparations for convening the great -council of the Chiefs, Addick left him, and proceeded to the house -of his friend, Cheuch Coatl (Eight Serpents), the Amantzin, or High -Priest. But the latter, on hearing of the young Chief's return, had -shut himself up with the Pigeon, who, accompanied by Eglantine, -had come to pay him a visit. The Amantzin advised her of Addick's -return--which she knew already--and recommended her to maintain silence -as to the active part she had played in the attempted conversion of the -maidens. The Pigeon, whom Eglantine had taught her lesson, promised to -remain dumb. She had told the High Priest of the presence in Quiepaa -Tani of a great Yuma medicine man, whose knowledge might be useful -in restoring the health of Addick's prisoners. The Amantzin thanked -the Indian woman, telling her he should probably see Atozac at the -council, and would not fail to ask him to lead Two Rabbits to him. -Feeling considerably calmer, the Amantzin dismissed the women, and -proceeded to Addick, being well prepared to receive him. At the first -words the young Chief uttered, referring to his great desire to see his -two prisoners as soon as possible, the old man replied that, in order -to be able to watch over them more effectually, and remove them from -the oppressive curiosity of the idlers of the city, who troubled him -with their continual visits, he had been compelled to transfer them -to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, until they could be returned -to their legitimate owner. Addick thanked his friend most warmly -for the care he had taken in performing the commission entrusted to -him--thanks which the Chief Priest received with hypocritical modesty, -while regarding the young Chief with a crafty look, which caused him to -feel uncomfortable. Hence, without further beating round the bush, he -resolved on settling the matter at once. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -CONVERSATIONAL. - - -The two men stood for a moment silently face to face, devouring each -other with their glances, with frowning brows and compressed lips, like -two duellists on the point of crossing swords; and, in truth, they were -about to engage in a duel, the more terrible because the only weapons -they could employ were cunning and dissimulation. - -The power of the Indian priests is immense; it is the more terrible, -because it is uncontrolled, and only depends on the deity they invoke, -and whom they compel to interfere in all circumstances when they have -need of his support. No people are so superstitious as the Redskins. -With them religion is entirely physical, they are completely ignorant -of dogmas, and prefer blindly believing the absurdities their diviners -lay before them, rather than give themselves the trouble of reflecting -on mysteries which they do not understand, and which, in their hearts, -they care little for. - -We have said that the High Priest of Quiepaa Tani was a man of lofty -intellect, constantly residing in the city, possessing the secrets, -and, consequently, the confidence of most families; he had built up his -popularity on a solid and almost immovable basis. Addick was aware of -this. On several occasions he had been obliged to have recourse to the -occult powers of the soothsayer, and, therefore, perfectly comprehended -the unpleasant consequences which would result to him from a rupture -with such a man. Chiuchcoatl stood with his arms folded on his chest, -and with apathetic face, before the young Chief, whose eyes flashed, -and features expressed the most violent indignation. Still, at the -expiration of a few moments, Addick, by an extraordinary effort of his -will, subdued the fire of his glance, smoothed down the expression of -his face, and offered his hand to the Priest, saying to him in a soft -and conciliatory voice, in which no trace of his internal agitation was -perceptible, "My father loves me. What he has done is well, and I thank -him for it." - -The Amantzin bowed deferentially, while slightly touching, with the end -of his three fingers, the hand held out to him. "The Wacondah inspired -me," he said, with a hypocritical voice. - -"The holy name of the Wacondah be blessed," the Chief replied. "Will -not my father allow me to see the prisoners?" - -"I should like it. Unfortunately, that is impossible." - -"What?" the young man exclaimed, with a shade of impatience, he could -not completely hide. - -"The law is positive. Entrance to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -is prohibited to men." - -"That is true; but these young girls are not priestesses. They are -Paleface women whom I brought here." - -"I know it. What my brother says is just." - -"Well, my father sees that nothing prevents my prisoners being restored -to me." - -"My son is mistaken. Their presence among the Virgins of the Sun -has placed them beneath the effect of the law. Forced by imperious -circumstances, I did not reflect on this when I made them enter the -Palace. In order to carry out my son's wishes, I wished to save them at -any price. Now I regret what I have done; but it is too late." - -Addick felt an enormous temptation to dash out the brains of the -wretched juggler, who deluded him so impudently with his hypocritical -accent and gentle manner; but, fortunately for the Priest, and probably -for himself, as such a deed, just as it was, would not have gone -unpunished, he succeeded in mastering himself. "Come," he continued, -in a moment, "my father is kind, he would not wish to reduce me to -despair. Are there no means to remove this apparently insurmountable -difficulty?" - -The Priest seemed to hesitate. Addick looked earnestly at him, while -awaiting his answer. "Yes," he continued, presently, "there is, -perhaps, one way." - -"What?" the young man exclaimed, joyfully. "Let my father speak!" - -"It would be," the old man answered, laying a stress on every word, -and, as it were, unwillingly, "it would be by obtaining authority from -the Great Council to remove them from the Palace." - -"Wah! I did not think of that. In truth, the Great Council may -authorize that. I thank my father. Oh! I shall obtain the permission." - -"I hope so," the Priest answered, in a tone which staggered the young -man. - -"Does my father suppose that the Great Council would wish to insult me -by refusing so slight a favour?" he asked. - -"I suppose nothing my son. The Wacondah holds in his right hand the -hearts of the Chiefs. He can alone dispose them in your favour." - -"My father is right. I will go immediately to the Council. It must be -assembled at this moment." - -"In truth," the Amantzin answered, "the first hachesto of the powerful -Sachems came to summon me a few moments before I had the pleasure of -seeing my son." - -"Then my father is proceeding to the Council?" - -"I will accompany my son, if he consents." - -"It will be an honour for me. I can, I trust, count on the support of -my father?" - -"When has that support failed Addick?" - -"Never. Still, today, above all, I should like to be certain that my -father will grant it to me." - -"My son knows that I love him. I will act as my duty ordains," the -Priest replied, evasively. Addick, to his great regret, was forced to -put up with this ambiguous answer. - -The two men then went out, and crossed the square, to enter the palace -of the Sachems, where the Council assembled. A crowd of Indians, -attracted by curiosity, thronged this usually deserted spot, and -greeted with shouts the passage of renowned sachems. When the High -Priest appeared, accompanied by the young Chief, the Indians fell -back before them with a respect mingled with fear, and bowed silently -to them. The Amantzin was more feared than loved by the people, as -generally happens with all men who hold great power. Chiuchcoatl did -not seem to notice the emotion his presence produced, and the hurried -whispers that were audible on his passing. With eyes sunk, and modest -even humble step, he entered the palace at the heels of the young -Chief, whose assured countenance and haughty glance formed a striking -contrast with the demeanour his comrade affected. - -The place reserved for the meeting of the Great Council was an immense -square hall, extremely simple, and facing north and south; at one end -was fastened to the whitewashed wall a tapestry made of the feathers -and down of rare birds, on which was reproduced, in brilliantly -coloured feathers, the revered image of the sun, resting on the great -sacred tortoise, the emblem of the world. Beneath this tapestry, and -sustained by four crossed spears planted in the ground, was the sacred -calumet, which must never be sullied by contact with the earth. This -calumet, whose red bowl was made of a precious clay, only found in a -certain region of the Upper Missouri, had a tube ten feet in length, -adorned with feathers and gold bells, and from its extremity hung a -small medicine bag of elk skin, studded with hieroglyphics. In the -centre of the hall, in an oval hole, hollowed for the purpose, was -piled, with a certain degree of symmetry, the wood destined for the -council fire, and which could only be lighted by the High Priest. The -hall was lighted by twelve lofty windows, hung with long curtains of -vicuna skin, through which a gloomy and uncertain light filtered, -perfectly harmonizing with the imposing aspect of the vast apartment. - -At the moment the Amantzin and Addick entered the place of meeting, -all the Chiefs comprising the Council had arrived; they were walking -about in groups, conversing and waiting. So soon as the High Priest -entered, each took his place by the fire, at a sign from the eldest -Sachem. This Sachem was an old man, whom two warriors held under -the arms to support. A long beard, white as silver--a singular fact -among Indians--fell on his chest; his features were stamped with -extraordinary majesty; and, indeed, the other Chiefs showed him -profound respect and veneration. This Chief was called Axayacatl, that -is to say, "the face of the water." He claimed descent from the ancient -Incas, who governed the country of the Anahuac before the Spanish -conquest, and, like his namesake, the eighth king of Mexico, his totem -was a face, before which he placed the symbol for water. We may remark, -in support of his claim, that his skin had not that reddish hue of new -copper which distinguishes the Indian race, but, on the contrary, -approached the European type. Whatever his descent might be, though, -one thing certain was, that in his youth he had been one of the bravest -and most renowned chiefs of the Comanches, that haughty and untameable -nation, which calls itself the Queen of the Prairies. When Axayacatl's -great age and numerous wounds prevented him waging war longer, the -Indians, by whom he was generally revered, had unanimously elected him -supreme Chief of Quiepaa Tani, and he had performed his duties for -more than twenty years, to the satisfaction of all the Indian nations. -After assuring himself that all the Chiefs were assembled round the -fire, the Sachem took from the hands of the hachesto, who stood by -his side, a lighted log, which he placed in the centre of the wood -prepared for the Council, saying, in a weak, though perfectly distinct -voice,--"Wacondah! thy children are assembling to discuss grave -matters; may the flame, which is thy Spirit, breathe in their hearts, -and raise to their lips words wise and worthy of thee." - -The wood--probably covered with resinous matter--caught fire almost -immediately, and a brilliant flame soon mounted, with a whirl, toward -the roof. - -While the Sachem was pronouncing the words we have just written, two -subaltern priests had taken the sacred calumet from the spot where -it was placed, and, after filling it with tobacco expressly reserved -for extraordinary ceremonies, they lifted it on their shoulders, and -presented it respectfully to the Amantzin. The latter took, with a -medicine rod, in order to confound evil omens, a burning coal from -the hearth, and lit the calumet, while pronouncing the following -invocation:--"Wacondah! sublime and mysterious being. Thou, whom the -world cannot contain, and whose powerful eye perceives the smallest -insect timidly concealed beneath the grass, we invoke thee, thee whom -no man can comprehend. Grant that the sun, thy visible representative, -may be favourable to us, and not drive far away the holy smoke of the -great calumet which we send toward him." - -The Amantzin, still holding the bowl of the calumet in the palm of -his hand, presented the tube in turn to each Chief, beginning with -the eldest. The Sachems each inhaled a few puffs of smoke, with the -decorum and reverence required by etiquette, with their eyes fixed on -the ground, and the right arm laid on the heart. When the tube of the -calumet at length reached the High Priest, he had the bowl held by one -of his acolytes, and smoked till all the tobacco was reduced to ashes. -Then the hachesto approached, emptied the ash into a little elkskin -pouch, which he closed, and threw into the fire, saying in a loud and -impressive voice,--"Wacondah! the descendants of the sons of Aztlan -implore thy clemency. Suffer thy luminous rays to descend into their -hearts, that their words may be those of wise men." - -Then the two priests took the calumet again, and placed it beneath the -image of the sun. The old Sachem took the word again. "The council -has assembled," he said, "two renowned Chiefs, who only arrived this -morning at Quiepaa Tani, on their return from a long journey, have, -they say, important communications to make to the Sachems. Let them -speak; our ears are open." - -We will enter into no details of the discussion that took place in the -Council; we will not even quote the speeches uttered by Red Wolf and -Addick, for that would carry us too far, and probably only weary the -reader. We need only say, that though the passions of the Sachems were -cleverly played on by the two Chiefs who had called the meeting, and -that sharp attacks were sharply returned, all passed with the decorum -and decency characteristic of Indian assemblies; that, although each -defended his opinion inch by inch, no one went beyond the limits of -good taste; and we will sum up the debate by stating that Red Wolf and -Addick completely failed in their schemes, and that the good sense, or -rather the ill will, of their colleagues prevented them attaining the -object of their desires. - -The High Priest, while pretending to support Addick, managed to embroil -the question so cleverly, that the Council declared unanimously that -the two young Palefaces shut up in the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -must be considered, not as the property of the Chief who brought them -to the city, but as prisoners of the entire confederation, and as such -remain under the guardianship of the Amantzin, to whom the order was -intimated to watch them with the greatest care, and under no pretext -allow the young Chief to approach them. Chiuchcoatl, when he insinuated -to Addick that he should apply to the Council, knew perfectly well -what the result would be but not wishing to make an enemy of the young -man by refusing his request, he adroitly thrust the responsibility of -the refusal on the whole Council, and thus rendered it impossible for -Addick to call him to account for his dishonourable conduct toward him. - -Red Wolf had been more fortunate, from the simple reason that his -communication concerned the city. The Apache Chief demanded that -a party of five hundred warriors, commanded by a renowned Chief, -should be called under arms, to watch over the common safety, gravely -compromised by the appearance, in the vicinity of Quiepaa Tani, of -some forty Palefaces, whose evident intention it was to attack and -carry the city by storm. - -The Chiefs granted Red Wolf what he asked, and even much more than he -had ventured to hope. Instead of five hundred warriors, it was settled -that a thousand should be called; one-half of them, under the orders -of Atoyac, would traverse the country in every direction, in order -to watch the approach of the enemy, while the other half, under the -immediate orders of the governor, would guard the interior. After this, -the Council broke up. - -The High Priest then approached Atoyac, and asked him if he really had -a renowned Tlacateotzin at his house. The other replied, that, on the -same day, a great Yuma medicine man had arrived at Quiepaa Tani, and -done him the honour of entering his _calli_. Flying Eagle then joined -Atoyac in assuring the High Priest that this medicine man, whom he had -known for a long time, justly enjoyed a very extensive reputation among -the Indians, and that he had himself seen him effect marvellous cures. -The Amantzin had no reason to distrust Flying Eagle; he therefore put -the greatest confidence in his words, and, on the spot, begged Atoyac -to bring this Tlacateotzin as speedily as possible to the Palace of -the Virgins of the Sun, that he might devote his attention to the two -Paleface maidens placed under his ward by the Council-General of the -nation, and whose health had inspired him with great fears for some -time past. - -Addick heard these words, and rapidly approached the High Priest. "What -does my father say, then?" he exclaimed, in great agitation. - -"I say," the Amantzin replied, in his most honeyed voice, "that the two -maidens my son entrusted to my care have been tried by the Wacondah, -who sent them the scourge of illness." - -"Is their life in danger?" the young man continued, with ill-suppressed -agony. - -"The Wacondah alone holds in his power the existence of his creatures; -still I believe that the danger may be conquered; besides, as my son -has heard, I expect an illustrious Tlacateotzin of the Yuma race, just -come from the shore of the boundless Salt Lake, who, by the aid of his -science, can, I doubt not, restore strength and health to the slaves -whom my son took from the Spanish barbarians." - -Addick, at this unpleasant news, could not suppress a movement of -anger, which proved to the High Priest that he was not entirely his -dupe, but suspected what had happened; but, either through respect, -or fear lest he might be mistaken in his supposition, though more -probably because the place where Addick was did not appear to him -propitious for an explanation like that he wished to have with the -Amantzin, he contented himself with begging the old man not to neglect -anything to save the captives, adding, that he would be grateful to him -for any attention he might pay them. Then, suddenly breaking off the -conversation, he bowed slightly to the High Priest, turned his back on -him, and left the hall, talking eagerly in a low voice with Red Wolf, -who had waited for him a few paces off. - -The Amantzin looked after the young man with a most peculiar expression -in his eyes; then, resuming his conversation with Atoyac and Flying -Eagle, he begged them to send the Yuma medicine man to them that -evening, if possible. The latter promised this, and then left him to -return to the _calli_, where the physician was doubtless waiting for -them. - -Still, what had passed at the council afforded Flying Eagle serious -matter for reflection, by letting him see that the two Apache Chiefs -knew the greater part of Marksman's secret, and if the latter wished -to succeed, he must waste no time, but set to work at once. After -ten minutes' walking, the Chiefs reached the _calli_, where they -found Marksman awaiting them. The hunter, as we have seen, offered no -objections to Atoyac's request, but, on the contrary, after taking up -his medicine box, followed him eagerly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Marksman followed Atoyac to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun. In -spite of himself, the intrepid hunter felt his heart contract when -he thought of the perilous situation in which he was about to place -himself, and the terrible consequences discovery would entail. Still, -he stood up against this emotion, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -power over himself to affect a tranquillity and indifference which were -far from real. The two men walked silently side by side. The hunter, -fearing this prolonged dumbness might inspire his pride with doubts, -resolved to make him talk, in order to give his thoughts a different -direction from that he feared to see them take. "My brother has -travelled much?" he asked him. - -"Where is the warrior of our race whose life has not been spent in -long journeys?" the Indian answered, sententiously. "The Palefaces--my -brother knows it better than I--chase us like wild beasts, and compel -us incessantly to retire before their successive encroachments." - -"That is true," the hunter said, shaking his head with a melancholy -air. "What desert is so obscure in which we are now permitted to hide -the bones of our fathers, with the certainty that the plough of the -whites will not come to crush them in tracing its interminable furrow, -and scatter them in every direction?" - -"Alas!" Atoyac observed, "the red race is accursed. The day will come -when it will be sought in vain on the immense plains where it was -formerly more numerous than the brilliant stars which stud the vault -of heaven; for it is fatally condemned to disappear from the surface -of the world. The Palefaces are only the terrible implements of the -implacable wrath of the Wacondah against the children of the red -family." - -"My father only speaks too well. Formerly our race was all-powerful; -now it has fallen lower than the vilest slave, and has no hope left it -of ever rising again." - -"What has become of the powerful emperors of Anahuac, who commanded the -whole earth? Of the numberless cities they founded, but five compose -today the territory of Tlapalean.[1] They are the last refuges of the -children of Quetyalcoalt,[2] who are forced to hide themselves there -like timid deer, instead of boldly treading the countries possessed in -old times by their ancestors." - -"But, thanks be rendered to the Wacondah, whose power is infinite, -these five cities are completely sheltered from the insults of the -Gachupinos." - -Atoyac shook his head sadly, "My father is mistaken," he said. "Where -is the hidden spot to which Palefaces do not penetrate?" - -"That is possible. They effect everything; but up to the present no -Paleface has gazed on Quiepaa Tani. They have not been able to cross -the mountains and traverse the deserts, behind which the sacred city -rises calm and peaceful, deriding the vain efforts of its enemies to -discover it." - -"Scarce two suns ago, I should have spoken like my brother. I should -have rejoiced with him at this ignorance of the Palefaces; but today -this is no longer possible." - -"How so? What can have happened in so short a space of time, that -compels my brother to alter his opinion so suddenly?" the hunter asked, -growing all at once interested, and fearful of hearing bad news. - -"The Palefaces are in the vicinity of the city. They have been seen; -they are numerous and well armed." - -"It is not so; my father is mistaken. Cowards or old women were -frightened by their shadow, and spread this report," the Canadian -answered, shivering all over. - -"Those who brought the news are neither cowards, afraid of their -shadow, nor chattering old women--they are renowned chiefs. Today, at -the Great Council, they announced the presence of a strong party of -Palefaces, concealed in the forest, whose trees have so long spread out -their protecting branches before us, to conceal us from the piercing -glances of our enemies." - -"These men, however numerous they may be, unless they form a real army, -will not venture to attack a city so strong as this, defended by thick -walls, and containing a considerable number of chosen warriors." - -"Perhaps. Who can know? At any rate, if the Palefaces do not attack us, -we shall attack them. Not one of them must see again the land of the -Palefaces. Our future security demands it." - -"Yes, it must be so; but are you sure that the Chiefs of whom you -speak, and whose names I do not know, may not deceive you, and be -traitors?" - -Atoyac stopped and fixed a piercing glance on the Canadian, who endured -it with a calm air and unmoved countenance. "No," he said, a moment -after, "Red Wolf and Addick are no traitors." - -The hunter seemed to reflect for a moment, and then exclaimed, with -a resolute air, which imposed on the Indian, "No, indeed, those two -chiefs are not traitors; but they are on the road to become so ere -long. The dangers which menace us they heaped up on our heads to -satisfy their passions and thirst for vengeance." - -"Let my brother explain," the Chief said, at the height of -astonishment. "His words are plain." - -"I did wrong to utter them," the hunter continued, with feigned -humility. "I am only a man of peace, to whom the omnipotent Wacondah -has given the mission of relieving, according to the knowledge granted -him, the ills of humanity. I, a poor being, ought not to try and -uproot the powerful oak, whose weight in falling would crush me. Let -my brother pardon me. I imprudently allowed my indignation to carry me -away." - -"No, no," the Chief exclaimed, pressing his arm forcibly; "it cannot be -so. My father has begun, and he must tell me all." - -With that quickness of thought that distinguished him, the hunter had -conceived a plan founded on the distrust which forms the basis of the -Indian character. He pretended resistance to the Chief's instructions, -and was unwilling to enter into details of what he had let him have a -glimpse of; but the more the pretended medicine man declined to speak, -the more did the Chief press him to do so. At length the hunter feigned -to be intimidated by his host's mingled prayers and threats, and still -alleging the fear he felt of drawing on himself the hatred of two -renowned chiefs, he at length consented to give the information for -which Atoyac pressed him so urgently. "Here are the facts," he said. "I -will relate them to my brother exactly as they came to my knowledge. -Still, my brother will pledge me his word, that whatever be the -resolution he forms after hearing my words, he will in no way mix up a -peaceful and timid man in this affair. That my name shall not be even -mentioned, and that the chiefs whose conduct I am now about to unveil, -will not be aware of my presence at Quiepaa Tani?" - -"My brother can speak in all confidence. I swear to him by the sacred -name of the Wacondah, and by the great Ayotl, that whatever happens, -his name shall not be mixed up in this affair. No one shall know in -what way I obtained the information he will give me. Atoyac is one of -the first sachems in Quiepaa Tani. When it pleases him to say a thing, -his words do not require to be confirmed by any other testimony than -his own." - -As so often happens, under present circumstances, apart from the -discomfort produced by the hunter's reticence, the Chief was not sorry -at the importance the details he was about to learn would assuredly -give him, and the part he would be indubitably called on to play in the -events which would result from them. - -"Och!" the hunter said, with a sigh of satisfaction, "if that is -the case, I will speak." Then the Canadian told his complaisant and -credulous hearer a long and wonderfully confused story, in which truth -was so artfully mixed up with falsehood, that it would have been -impossible for the acutest man to distinguish one from the other; but -the result of which was, that, if the whites had reached the vicinity -of the city, Addick and Red Wolf had lured them after them, only -connecting their trail sufficiently for their pursuers not to lose -it. The whole of the facts recounted by the hunter were so skilfully -grouped, that the two chiefs, enveloped in this network of truth -and falsehood, must be inevitably convicted of treason if closely -cross-questioned, which the worthy hunter hoped most sincerely. "I will -allow myself no reflections," he added, in conclusion; "my brother is a -wise chief and experienced warrior: he will judge far better than I, a -poor worm, can of the gravity of the things he has just heard; still, I -implore him to remember what he has promised." - -"Atoyac has only one word," the Chief answered. "My father can reassure -himself; but what I have heard is extremely serious. Let us lose no -more time; I must go to the first Chief of the city." - -"Perhaps the two Sachems have drawn the Palefaces so near us with a -good intention," the hunter insinuated; "they hope, possibly, to pounce -upon them with greater ease." - -"No," Atoyac answered, with a gloomy air; "their intentions can only be -perfidious; their machinations must be foiled as speedily as possible; -if not, great misfortunes will occur, especially after the decision of -the Council, which gives the command of the warriors destined to act in -the city to Red Wolf, under the orders of the governor." - -Fortunately for the hunter, Atoyac was a personal enemy of Red Wolf -and Addick, which prevented him noticing with what cunning skill the -Canadian had led him to listen to his narrative. - -The two men hastily continued their walk, and in a few minutes reached -the Palace of the Vestals. After a few words with the warrior who had -charge of the gate, the Chief and the medicine man were introduced -into the interior. The High Priest came eagerly toward the newcomers, -whom he had been eagerly expecting. The Amantzin regarded the hunter -with suspicious attention, and made him undergo an interrogatory like -Atoyac's in the morning. - -His answers, prepared long before, pleased the High Priest; for, a few -moments after, he led him to the reserved apartments of the Palace, -in order to examine the state of the maidens. The Canadian's heart -trembled with the most violent emotion, and large drops of perspiration -beaded in his face. Indeed, the critical position in which he found -himself, was really of a nature to inspire him with serious alarm. What -he feared most of all was the effect his presence might produce on the -maidens, if, in spite of his perfect disguise, they recognized him at -once, or when he made himself known to them; for it was indispensable -for the success of the trick he intended to play, that those he was -going to see should know with whom they had to deal, and enter fully -into the spirit of the characters he meant them to play in the farce. -These reflections, and many others which rushed on the hunter, imparted -to his face a look of sternness, which was far from injuring him in the -minds of those who accompanied him. They at length reached the entrance -of the secret apartments, whose door, at a sign from the High Priest, -was widely opened before them. But so soon as they entered a large -hall, which, through the absence of all furniture, might be regarded as -a vestibule, the Amantzin turned to Atoyac, and gave him the order to -wait there, while he led the medicine man to the captives. - -As we have already said, the abode of the Virgins of the Sun was -interdicted to all men, excepting the High Priest. Under certain -circumstances, one person might be an exception to this rule, and that -was the doctor. Atoyac was too well acquainted with the severe law of -the palace to offer the slightest remark; still, when the High Priest -prepared to leave him, he caught him respectfully by the robe, and bent -to his ear. "My brother will return promptly," he said to him in a low -voice; "I have important news to communicate to him." - -"Important news," the Amantzin repeated, as he stared at him. - -"Yes," the Chief said. - -"And they concern me?" the High Priest continued slowly. - -Atoyac smiled confidentially. "I think so," he said, "for they relate -to Red Wolf and Addick." - -The High Priest gave a slight start. "I will return in a moment," -he said, with a gracious nod; then turning to the hunter, who stood -motionless a few steps off, apparently indifferent to what passed -between the two men, he said to him,--"Come." - -The hunter bowed, and followed the High Priest. The latter led him -across a long courtyard paved with bricks, and ascending ten steps of -blue and green-veined marble, he conducted him into a small isolated -pavilion, completely separate from the building in which the Virgins -of the Sun were secluded. The High Priest closed the door behind him, -which gave them admission to the pavilion; they crossed a species -of antechamber, and the Amantzin, raising a drapery which hung over -a narrow doorway, introduced the pretended physician into a room -splendidly furnished in the Indian style. The High Priest, wishing, -if possible, to make the maidens forget they were captives, had -gilded their cage with the utmost care, by decorating it with all -the articles of luxury and comfort which he supposed would please -them. In an elegant hammock of cocoa-fibre, overrun with feathers, -and hanging from golden rings, about eighteen inches from the floor, -there reclined a young woman, whose face of excessive pallor bore -the imprint of profound sorrow, and the evident traces of a serious -illness. It was Doña Laura de Real del Monte. By her side, with folded -arms and tear-laden eyes, stood Doña Luisa, her friend, or rather her -sister, through suffering and devotion. The state of prostration into -which Doña Luisa was plunged, proved that, in spite of her strength -of character, she had also, for some time past, given up all hope of -ever leaving the prison in which she was confined. This room, receiving -no light from without, was illuminated by four torches of ocote wood, -passed through gold rings in the wall, whose vacillating flame dimly -lighted up the scene. - -On seeing the two men, Doña Laura made a sign of terror, and buried -her face in her hands. The hunter saw that he must precipitate events, -so he turned to his guide, "The Wacondah is powerful," he said, in an -imposing voice; "the sacred tortoise supports the world on its shell. -His spirit eye is on me; it inspires me. I must remain alone with the -patients, that I may read in their faces the nature of the illness that -torments them." - -The High Priest hesitated; he fixed on the pretended physician a glance -which seemed to try and read his most secret thoughts. But, although -accustomed for many years to deceive his countrymen by his mystic -juggling, he was, after all, an Indian, and, as such, as accessible to -superstitious fears as those he deluded. He therefore hesitated, "I am -the Amantzin," he said, with a respectful accent. "The Wacondah can -only view with satisfaction my presence here at this moment." - -"My father can remain, if such is his pleasure; I do not compel him to -retire," the Canadian answered boldly, as he was determined to gain his -point at all hazards. "Now I warn him that I am in no way responsible -for the terrible consequences his disobedience will entail. The Spirit -that possesses me will be obeyed, for it is jealous. Let my father -reflect." - -The High Priest bowed his head humbly. "I will retire," he said; "my -brother will pardon my pressing." And he left the apartment. - -The Canadian silently accompanied him to the door of the vestibule, -closed it carefully after him, and ran back to the young ladies, who -recoiled with terror. "Fear nothing," he whispered; "I am a friend." - -"A friend!" Doña Laura exclaimed, who had fled, all trembling, into a -corner of the room. - -"Yes," he continued hastily; "I am Marksman, the Canadian hunter, the -friend, the companion of Don Miguel." - -Doña Laura sat up in her hammock, and a cry of surprise and joy burst -from her chest. - -"Silence!" the hunter said; "they may be listening." - -Doña Luisa gazed with dilated eyes on this scene, whose meaning escaped -her. - -"You, Marksman!" Doña Laura at length said, with an accent impossible -to describe. "Oh! we may be saved, then; we are not abandoned by all." - -And, sliding to the ground, she knelt piously, and, with clasped -hands, murmured a fervent prayer, while her eyes filled with tears. -Then, rising suddenly, she seized the hunter's hands, and pressed them -passionately. "Don Miguel," she said; "where is he?" - -"He is close by, and waiting for you. But, for Heaven's sake, listen to -me; moments are precious." - -"Oh, Caballero! take us away, take us away quickly," Doña Laura at -length said, completely recovered from her emotion. - -"Soon." - -"Yes, yes, save us!" Doña Laura exclaimed; "my father will reward you." - -Marksman smiled. "Your father will be very glad to see you again," he -said, softly. - -Doña Laura raised to him her lovely eyes, radiant with joy. "Where is -my father?" she asked him; but then added, "no, I cannot see him. He is -far, very far from here." - -"He is with Don Miguel, in the forest. Set your mind at rest." - -"Oh, Heaven!" the maiden exclaimed, "it is too much happiness." - -At this moment someone could be heard ascending the marble steps. -"Hist!" the hunter said, sharply; "be on your guard." - -"But what must we do?" Doña Laura asked, in a low voice. - -"Wait, and have confidence." - -"What, are you going?" - -"Leave us already?" they exclaimed together, with a movement of terror. - -"I will return. Leave me to act. Once again, hope and patience." - -"Oh, if you were to abandon us; if you did not save us," Laura said, in -despair, "we should have nothing left but to die." - -"Oh, have pity on us!" Doña Luisa murmured; - -"Trust to me, poor children," the hunter answered, more affected than -he liked to seem by this simple and profound sorrow. "Remember this -carefully--whatever happens, whatever may be told you, whatever sound -you hear, trust to me--to me alone--for I am watching over you. I have -sworn to save you, and I will succeed." - -"Thanks!" they replied. - -The steps had stopped at the door. - -Marksman, after making the maidens a last sign to recommend them -prudence, composed his features, sharply opened the door, and, -without uttering a word, passed by the High Priest, whom he did not -seem to notice, but evinced great marks of agitation, and, making -incomprehensible signs, ran toward the spot where Atoyac was awaiting -him. The Amantzin was dumb with surprise. After a moment, he closed the -doors the hunter had left open, and followed him, but as if he did not -dare to draw towards him. - -The maidens did not know whether they were not the sport of a dream. -So soon as they were alone, they fell into each other's arms, sobbing -violently. - - -[1] Literally, "red country." - -[2] Curlyce of Mexico: literally, it means the "serpent covered with -feathers." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -A MEETING. - - -The Indian Chief could not restrain a cry of terror, and recoiled a -few paces at the sudden apparition of the hunter. The latter stopped -in the centre of the room, and letting his head sink on his chest, -appeared plunged in profound thought. The High Priest, on rejoining -Atoyac, told him, in a few words, in what fashion the medicine man had -quitted the sick chamber, and the Indians, filled with superstitious -fear, stood motionless a few paces from him, respectfully waiting till -he addressed them. The hunter appeared gradually to regain possession -of his faculties; his agitation calmed down; he passed his hand over -his forehead, and sighed like a man at length relieved from a terrible -oppression. The Indians considered the moment favourable to approach -him, and ask him the questions they burned to address to him. "Well, my -father?" they said. - -"Speak," the High Priest added. "What is the matter with you?" - -The hunter rolled his eyes, uttered a fresh sigh, and muttered, in a -low, choking voice--"The spirit possesses me; it presses the marrow of -my bones." - -The Indians exchanged a timid glance, and fell back in terror. - -"Wacondah! Wacondah!" the Canadian continued; "why hast thou gifted thy -wretched servant with this unhappy knowledge?" - -The Redskins really felt the blood curdle in their veins by these -sinister words; a shudder of terror ran over their limbs, and their -teeth chattered. Marksman walked slowly toward them; they saw him -approaching without daring to make a movement to avoid him. The hunter -laid his right hand on the High Priest's shoulder, fixed a piercing -glance on him, and said, in a hollow voice--"The sons of the sacred -Ayotl must arm themselves with courage." - -"What does my brother mean?" the old man muttered, in a tremor. - -"A wicked spirit," the hunter continued, coldly, "has entered these -daughters of the Palefaces. This spirit will smite with death, from -this day forth, those who approach them; for the dread knowledge with -which the Wacondah has gifted me has enabled me to convince myself of -the malign influence that weighs upon them." - -The two Indians, credulous like all of their race, fell back a step. -Then the hunter, as if to confirm his words, feigned to be attacked by -a fresh crisis, and struggle with the spirit that dwelt in him. - -"But what must be done to deliver them from his evil influence?" Atoyac -asked, timidly. - -"All strength and all wisdom come from the Wacondah," the Canadian -answered. "I will ask my father, the Amantzin's leave to spend this -night in prayer in the Temple of the Sun." - -The Indians exchanged a glance of admiration. - -"Be it so, according to my father's wish," the High Priest said, with a -bow; "his wishes are orders to us." - -"Above all," the hunter continued, "let no one approach the daughters -of the Palefaces till tomorrow; then, perhaps, the Wacondah will grant -my prayers, by indicating the medicines I must employ." - -The High Priest gave a sign of assent. - -"It shall be so," he said; "let my father follow me; I will conduct him -to the temple." - -"No," Marksman objected; "that is not possible. I must enter the -sanctuary alone. My father will tell me the way to open the door." - -The Amantzin obeyed, and explained to him in what way the bars and -bolts were arranged, and how he must set to work to undo them. - -"Good," the hunter said; "tomorrow, at sunrise, I will let my father -know the will of the Wacondah, and if there be any hope left of saving -the patients." - -"I will wait, my son," the old man replied. - -The two Indians bowed respectfully to the medicine man, and retired -together. The hunter was surprised at seeing them go away thus, and -asked himself where they could be proceeding at such an hour. The -departure of the Indians was the only consequence of the confidential -information given to Atoyac by Marksman, and the High Priest and the -Chief were proceeding in all haste to the principal Sachem of the city, -to impart to him all they had learned of the supposed intentions of -Addick and Red Wolf. - -We will here return to what we have already told the reader, in order -to make him thoroughly understand the motive of the confidence with -which the Indians accepted the hunter's words. In these countries -soothsayers are, as it were, favourites of fortune, and enjoy an -unbounded supernatural power. As among the Redskins, the practice -of medicine is, properly speaking, only an affectation of religious -rites mingled with ridiculous juggling. The physicians are naturally -considered to be Acyars, and respected as such. And let it not be -supposed that the vulgar alone are imbued with this belief. The chiefs, -warriors, priests even, as we have shown, recognize in them a marked -superiority, even if they do not grant them equally absolute power. - -During the latest events we have described, night had set in, but -one of those American nights, so calm and soft, full of intoxicating -perfumes; a weak and delicate light poured from the stars, whose -innumerable army studded the profoundly azure sky with their flashing -light; the moon was standing high in the heavens, and poured down -on the sleeping city its silvery rays, which imparted to objects a -fantastic appearance; a religious silence brooded over the landscape. -The hunter looked after the two men so long as they remained in sight, -and then began crossing the square to reach the palace. - -The day had been a trying one to the Canadian. He had been compelled -at every moment to display presence of mind, and struggle in craft -with men whose clear-sighted eyes had been incessantly on the point -of discovering the wolf hidden beneath the sheepskin. Still, he had -valiantly supported his trials, and, from the way affairs had turned, -he had every reason to believe that he should succeed in delivering the -two maidens; hence the worthy hunter's laughter to himself at the way -in which he had played his part, and determined to brave it out boldly -to the end. On reaching the temple, he unfastened the bolts and bars, -and entered the interior, only leaving the doors to behind, for he felt -certain that no one would dare to trouble him, through the sanctity of -the spot in the first place, and then through the superstitious fears -he had succeeded in inspiring the Indians with. In asking the High -Priest's permission to spend the night in the sanctuary, the hunter -had no other design but to cover with the cloak of religion the means -he intended to employ for the escape of the maidens, and, at the same -time, have a few hours' liberty, during which he could arrange his -plans fully, without being disturbed by the hospitality and curiosity -of his host. - -The interior of the temple was gloomy. Only one lamp burned before the -sacrificing table, spreading a weak and trembling light, insufficient -to dispel the gloom. Marksman retired to a dark corner, sat down on -the ground, drew his pistols from his bosom, placed them by his side -for fear of a sudden attack, and, after trying with a piercing glance -to sound the dense gloom that surrounded him, feeling reassured by the -deadly silence, he began thinking deeply. Still, by degrees, either -through weariness or the influence of the spot where he was, in spite -of his violent efforts to keep awake, he felt his eyelids grow heavy, -and at length he gave way to the invisible sleep that overpowered -him. He could not say how long he had slept, when a slight noise he -heard, no great distance off, suddenly made him open his eyes. Like -all men accustomed to the active and perilous life of the desert, -where a man must be constantly on his guard, the hunter had acquired -such an exquisite delicacy of sense, that, however great his lassitude -might be, whenever he knew himself to be in a dangerous position, his -sleep was lighter than a child's. Marksman, when hardly awake, looked -around, while careful not to make the slightest movement indicating -that his slumbers were interrupted. He could see nothing; it was still -night, and what was more, the lamp was extinguished. He understood that -someone had entered the temple, and was spying him. But who could have -dared to cross the sacred threshold? Two sorts of persons alone would -venture to do it. A friend or an enemy. As for friends, he had only -one in the city, Flying Eagle. It was evident that the warrior, if he -wished to come to him, would have come openly, and not hiding himself, -which might draw a bullet at his head. Hence it was an enemy; but who? -Those he might have suspected, namely, Addick or Red Wolf, did not know -him, and hence could not have discovered him under his disguise, as he -had deceived sharper eyes than theirs. Besides, during the whole course -of the day, he had not been face to face with the two Chiefs, hence -it could not be they. But who was it, then? This was what the hunter -could not discover, in spite of all his cleverness. In his doubt, and -through fear of being taken unawares, he stretched out his hands till -they touched the pistols, and, with his head up, his eyes open, and -ears on the watch for the slightest sound, he prepared to bravely face -the foe, whoever he might be. The noise, however, which had disturbed -him was not repeated, all remained calm and silent. In vain did the -hunter strive to detect a shadow, even the slightest, or the least -sound. Nothing disturbed the majesty of the sanctuary. Still, Marksman -was not mistaken. He had distinctly heard a footstep timidly pacing the -stones of the temple. A man must have been once in his life in the same -position as the hunter was now in, to understand its agony and terror. -To feel close to you, scarce two yards off, an enemy watching you, -whose furious eye is unpleasantly fixed on you--to know he is there; -to guess it by that species of intuition God has bestowed on him to -foresee a danger, and not dare to stir, fear making the least movement -which might warn him that you were expecting the attack--this position, -comparable with that of the bird fascinated by the snake, is most -cruel, and, in a few minutes, becomes a punishment so intolerable that -death itself is preferable. - -Assuredly, Marksman was a man of tried courage. The enterprise he was -now attempting proved in him a rashness, we will not say pushed to -the verge of death, for that is nothing, but to a contempt of those -tortures the Redskins are so ingenious in inventing and varying, so -that they can extract the life from their victim, as it were, drop by -drop. Well, after a quarter of an hour of this expectation, he felt -an involuntary shudder, his hair stood erect, and a cold perspiration -beaded on his temples. "A million demons," he muttered to himself, -"I cannot stand this any longer. I must know what I have to expect, -whatever happens." - -At the same moment he leaped to his feet as if moved by a spring, a -pistol in either hand. All at once, a shadow bounded from behind a -pillar with a tiger's leap, and the hunter, seized by the throat, -rolled on the ground, before he could utter a cry. A foot was rested -on his chest, and he saw a hideous face grinning at him, as if through -a cloud. Marksman was alone, abandoned; without help; it was all over -with him, nothing could save him. He gave vent to a stifled sigh, and -closed his eyes, resigned to the fate that awaited him. But, at the -moment he felt he was about to receive the mortal blow, the grasp -on his throat relaxed, and a sarcastic voice said to him, "Get up, -powerful Tlacateotzin, I only wished to prove to you that you were in -my hands." - -The hunter rose all bruised, and still troubled by this sudden attack. -The other continued--"What would you give to escape the peril that -menaces you, and be free to return peacefully to the _calli_ of your -host Atoyac?" - -But Marksman had had time to recover from his flurry; he had picked up -his pistols; all fear had fled his heart, for he had only to defend -himself against one enemy. This enemy, after for a moment holding -him prostrate, committed the fault of restoring him liberty to move; -their position had suddenly become equal. "I will give you nothing, -Red Wolf," he said, resolutely. "Why did you not kill me when I lay -defenceless at your feet?" - -The Indian Chief--for he it was--recoiled, with surprise, on finding -himself so easily recognized. "Why did I not kill you, dog?" he -answered. "Because I had pity on you." - -"Because you were afraid, Sachem," the hunter said firmly; "it is a -different thing to kill an enemy in fighting, from assassinating an -adept of the great medicine in the temple of Wacondah, when protected -by his omnipotent hand. I say again, you were afraid." - -The hunter guessed rightly; it was his superstitious fear which -suddenly arrested the arm of the Chief, already uplifted to strike. "I -will not discuss matters with you," he said; "but tell me how you so -speedily guessed my name; for I do not know you." - -"But I know you; the Wacondah announced your presence to me; I expected -you; if I did not prevent your attack, it was because I wished to -see if you would carry your impiety so far as to sully the reverend -sanctuary of the temple." - -The Indian grinned. "You are going too far, sorcerer," he said, -ironically. "Had it not been for a moment of weakness I now regret, you -would be dead." - -"Perhaps so. What do you want of me?" - -"Do you not know, as you say nothing is hidden from you?" - -"I know what reason brings you here. You will try in vain to -dissimulate; if I ask you that question, it is because I would know if -you dare to tell a falsehood." - -Red Wolf reflected for a moment, and then continued, with a resolute -accent,--"Listen, sorcerer," he said; "either you are a rogue, as -I believe, or else you are really what you pretend to be--a great -medicine man, inspired by the Wacondah, and beloved by him; in either -case, I wish to clear up my doubts. Woe to you if you try to deceive -me, for I will kill you like a dog, and of your accursed hide, cut into -strips on your quivering body, I will make trappings for my horse; if, -on the contrary, you speak the truth, you will not have a more devoted -friend, or a more faithful servant than myself." - -"I despise your hatred, and do not want your friendship, Red Wolf," the -hunter answered, in an imposing tone; "your powerless menaces do not -terrify me; but, in order to make you fully understand the extent of -my knowledge, I consent to do what you ask, and tell you what reason -urged you to come to me." - -"Do so, sorcerer, and whatever may happen, Red Wolf will be yours." - -The hunter smiled contemptuously, and shrugged his shoulders, "It is -difficult, then, to divine what a man of blood wants? You and Addick, -your worthy accomplice, are leagued with a miserable dog, an outcast of -the Palefaces, to carry off from here two poor young girls confided to -the honour of your accomplice. Today you would like to cheat those with -whom you are allied, and keep the prisoners for yourself. Denounced to -the great Sachem by Atoyac, to whom all your designs are known, who is -also aware that you meditate seizing the supreme power, and becoming -Governor of Quiepaa Tani, you felt that you were lost; then you came to -me with the intention of corrupting me, and inducing me, by the power -I have at my disposal, to help you in carrying off the maidens whom -you covet, so that you may fly with them before the necessary steps -have been taken to arrest you. Is that all? Have I forgot any trifling -detail? Or have I really read your whole thoughts? Answer, Chief, and -contradict me if you dare!" - -The Sachem listened to the hunter's long tirade with increasing -trouble; the successive changes of his face while listening to the -sorcerer, would have been a curious study for an observer; and when -Marksman at length concluded, Red Wolf let his head sink in confusion, -and stammered, in an almost indistinct voice,--"My father is truly -a Tlacateotzin; the Wacondah inspires him; his knowledge is immense. -Who is the man who would dare to hide anything from him? His eye, more -piercing than the eagle's, reads all hearts." - -"Now you have my answer, Red Wolf," the hunter continued, "retire in -peace, and no longer disturb the meditations in which I am plunged." - -"Then," the Chief remarked, with hesitation, "my father will not do -anything for me?" - -"Yes, I do much." - -"What does my father?" - -"I allow you to retire in peace, when, by one sign, it would be easy -for me to lay you dead at my feet." - -The Indian drew two or three steps nearer the sorcerer, so as almost to -touch him; the latter, whose watchful ear had just heard the sound of -gentle footsteps coming toward him, did not notice this movement, for -all attention was directed to another quarter. Suddenly his frowning -brow grew smooth, and a smile played on his lips; he had discovered the -cause of this new mystery. "Well," he said to the Chief, "why does Red -Wolf remain here, when I gave him the order to withdraw?" - -"Because I hope to induce my father to have better feelings toward me." - -"My feelings toward the hunter are as they should be; I cannot change -them." - -"Yes, my father is kind; he will help Red Wolf." - -"No, I tell you." - -"My father will not serve me." - -"I will not." - -"Is that my father's last word?" - -"Yes." - -"Then die like the dog you are!" the Redskin howled furiously, as he -rushed with uplifted knife on the hunter. - -The latter had, for a few moments, attentively watched all the Chief's -movements. Being thoroughly acquainted with the treacherous and roguish -character of the Apaches, on seeing Red Wolf assume a gentle manner, -he perfectly foresaw what he meditated, and the termination he meant -to give the scene; but, for all that, he did not make the slightest -movement to escape the blow intended for him: he looked his assassin -full in the face, with folded arms and unruffled face. Still, the arm -raised against the hunter did not descend. A man suddenly emerged from -the shade that concealed him, appeared behind Red Wolf, seized his arm, -and twisted it with such force, that the knife dropped, and disappeared -again so rapidly, that the terrified Chief had not even the time to see -whether he had to deal with a man or a spirit. - -Red Wolf uttered no cry,--did not even attempt to avenge himself, -but his eyes rolled in their sockets, a convulsive tremor shook his -whole body, and he fell on his knees, murmuring, in a horrified -voice,--"Pardon, pardon, my father." - -The hunter fell back a step, as if to avoid the unclean contact of the -wretch prostrate before him, kicked the knife away with disgust, and -said, in a tone of supreme contempt,--"Pick up your weapon, assassin!" -In reply the Chief showed him his dislocated arm, which hung inert by -his side. - -"You wished it," the hunter continued. "Did I not warn you that the -Wacondah protected me? Go, retire to your _calli_; keep silence about -all that has happened here. At sunset be with your canoe at the -riverbank below the bridge; I will meet you there, and perhaps cure -you, if you strictly follow the order I give you; above all, forget not -that you must be alone. Go!" - -"I will obey my father; my lips will not utter a word without his -order. But how can I leave here, unless you aid me? The spirits that -watch over my father will come to me with death, when I am no longer -in his presence." - -"That is true: you have been sufficiently punished. Rise, and lean on -my shoulder; I will help you to walk to the entrance of the temple." - -Red Wolf rose without reply; his rebellious spirit was subdued. The -rude lesson he had received at length inspired him with a superstitious -dread of the medicine man, which nothing could overcome. - -The hunter gently led him to the outer gate. On arriving there, he -carefully examined his arm, assured himself that nothing was broken, -and dismissed him, saying in a tone in which kindness was mingled with -severity,--"Thank the Wacondah, who had pity on you. In a few days your -wound will be cured; but profit by this lesson, wretch. You will see -me again this evening. Go; now my help is no longer requisite, you can -reach your _calli_ alone." - -"I will try," the Chief answered, humbly. - -At a bow and sign from the hunter, he began walking slowly. Marksman -looked after him for some time, and then returned to the temple, -being careful to bolt the gate after him this time. At the moment the -hunter disappeared in the temple, the cry of the owl rose in the air, -announcing that the sun would speedily make its appearance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -COMPLICATIONS. - - -While these events were taking place in Quiepaa Tani, others we must -narrate were occurring in the camp of the Gambusinos. Don Miguel, -after parting from Marksman at the outskirts of the forest, returned -thoughtfully to the spot where his comrades awaited him. It was -evident that the bold adventurer, dissatisfied in his heart at the turn -affairs had taken, was meditating some desperate project to get near -the maidens. He had spent several hours on the top of the isolated -mound which commanded the whole plain, and which we have before -visited, and thence carefully studied the position of the city. Clearly -this young man, with his ardent character and impetuous passions, -consented very unwillingly to play a second part in an expedition in -which he had been hitherto the leader; his pride revolted at being -compelled to obey another, even though he were his devoted friend, and -he could count on him as on himself. He reproached himself for allowing -Marksman to expose himself thus alone to terrible dangers for a cause -which was his own. The true reason, however, which he did not dare -confess to himself, that, in short, would have gladly made him brave -the greatest perils, and evidently that instinct which impelled him -to revolt secretly against Marksman's prudence, and to take his place -at all risks, was his love for Doña Laura de Real del Monte. He loved -her with that powerful and invincible love which only chosen natures -are capable of experiencing--a love which grows with obstacles, and -which, when it has once taken possession of the heart of a man like -Don Leo, makes him accomplish the most daring and extraordinary deeds. -This love was the more deeply rooted in the young man's heart, because -he was completely ignorant of its existence, and believed he merely -acted through the affection he felt for the young girls, and the pity -their unhappy position inspired him with. If it were so at the outset, -as is true, for he did not know Doña Laura, matters had completely -changed since. A young man does not travel with impunity side by side -with a maiden for more than a month, seeing her incessantly, talking -with her at every moment of the day, and not fall in love with her. -There is in woman a certain charm, which we do not attempt to account -for, which seems to emanate from their being, to be impregnated in all -that surrounds them, which seduces and subjugates the strongest men -involuntarily. The silky rustling of their dress, the soft and airy -turn of the waist, the intoxicating perfume of their floating tresses, -the pure limpidness of their dreamy glance, which is turned toward -heaven, and tries to guess the secrets of which they are ignorant; all, -in short, in these incomprehensible and voluptuously simple beings -seems to command adoration and appeal to love. - -Doña Laura especially possessed that fascinating magnetism of the eye, -that slightly infantile gentleness of smile, which annihilate the -will. When her large blue eyes, veiled by long black lashes, kindly -settled on the young man, and were pensively fixed on him, he felt a -quiver over his body, a chill at his heart, and internally affected by -a sensation of immense and unknown pleasure, he wished to die then at -the feet of her who to him was no longer a creature of the earth, but -an angel. During the irregular course of his life, all the adventurer's -acquaintance with the other sex was what the corrupt society of Mexico -could offer; that is, the hideous and repulsive side. Accident, by -suddenly bringing him in contact with a poor and innocent girl like her -he had saved, produced a complete revolution in his ideas, by making -him understand that, until that day, woman, such as Heaven created her -for man, had remained an utter stranger to him. Hence, without noticing -it, and quite naturally, he yielded to the charm that unconsciously -acted on him, and had learned to love Doña Laura with, all the active -strength of his mind, not attempting to explain the new feeling which -had seized on him; happy in the present, and not wishing to think of -the future, which would probably never exist for him. Disregard of the -future is generally the character of all lovers; they only see, and -cannot see beyond, the present, by which they feel, through which they -suffer, or are happy; in which, in a word, they have their being. - -Possibly Don Leo, hidden in the heart of the desert with the girl he -had so miraculously saved, had for a few days caressed in his heart -the hope of eternal happiness with her he loved, far from cities and -their dangerous intoxication; but that thought, if ever he entertained -it, had irrevocably faded away upon the fortuitous appearance of Don -Mariano; the meeting with Doña Laura's father must eternally annihilate -the plans formed by the young man. The blow was a heavy one; still, -thanks to his iron will, he endured it bravely, believing that it would -be easy for him to forget the girl in the vortex of the adventurer's -life to which he was condemned. Unfortunately for Don Leo, he was -obliged to undergo the common lot; that is to say, his love grew in -an inverse ratio to the immovable obstacles that had suddenly arisen; -and it was precisely when he recognized that she could never be his, -owing to reasons of family and fortune, which raised an insurmountable -barrier between them, that he understood it was impossible for him -to live without her. Then, no longer striving to cure the wound in -his heart, he yielded completely to that love which was his life, -and only dreamed of one thing--to die in saving her he loved, so as -to draw a word of gratitude from her in his final hour, and perhaps -leave a soft and sad memory in her soul. We can understand that, under -such feelings, Don Leo absolutely insisted on delivering the maidens -himself; hence, from the moment he parted from his friend, he thought -of nothing but the means to enter the city and see her. It was in this -temper that he returned to the camp. Don Mariano was sad; Brighteye -himself seemed to be in a bad temper; in short, all conspired to -plunge him deeper and deeper in his gloom. Several hours passed and -the adventurers did not interchange a word; but at about two in the -afternoon, the hour of the greatest heat, the sentries signalled the -approach of a party of horsemen. All ran to their arms, but soon saw -that the newcomers were Ruperto and his Cuadrilla, whom Don Mariano's -servants had found and brought with them. - -Bermudez, following the injunctions he had received from Marksman, had -wished Ruperto to shut himself up with his men in the iron cavern; -but the hunter would listen to nothing, saying that his comrades had -gone further on the sacred soil of the Redskins than they had ever -done before; that they ran the risk at any moment of being crushed by -numbers, massacred, or made prisoners; that he would not abandon them -in such a critical position without trying to go to their help; and -so, in spite of all the criado's observations, the worthy hunter, who -possessed a tolerably strong share of obstinacy, pushed on, until he -at length found the encampment of his friends. Twice or thrice during -his journey he had come to blows with the Indians; but these slight -skirmishes, far from moderating his ardour, had no other result than to -urge him to haste; for now that the Redskins knew that detachments of -Palefaces were wandering in the vicinity of the city, they would not -fail to assemble in large numbers, in order to deal a great blow, and -free themselves from all their daring enemies at once. - -The arrival of the Gambusinos was greeted with shouts; Ruperto -especially was heartily welcomed by Don Miguel, who was delighted at -this reinforcement of resolute men at the moment he least expected it. - -The apathy which had fallen on the adventurers gave place to the -greatest activity. When the newcomers had performed their various -duties, groups were formed, and conversation commenced with the -vivacity and loquaciousness peculiar to Southern races. - -Ruperto was the more pleased at his happy idea of pushing on, when -he learned that there were not only Redskin encampments in the -vicinity, but that one of their most sacred cities was close at hand. -"_Canarios!_" he said, "we shall have to keep sharp watch, if we do not -wish to lose our scalps ere long. These incarnate demons will not let -us tread their soil in peace." - -"Yes," Don Leo remarked, carelessly; "I believe we had better not let -ourselves be surprised." - -"Hum!" Brighteye remarked, "it would be a disagreeable surprise that -brought a swarm of Redskins on our backs. You cannot imagine how these -devils fight, when they are in large bodies. I remember that, in 1836, -when I was--" - -"And the most exposed of us all is Marksman," Don Leo said, cutting -Brighteye short, who sat open-mouthed. "I am sorry that I let him go -alone." - -"He was not alone," the Canadian answered. "You know very well, Don -Miguel, that Flying Eagle and his cihuatl, as they call their wives, -accompanied him." - -Don Miguel looked at the hunter. "Do you put great faith in the -Redskins, Brighteye?" he asked him. - -"Hum!" the latter remarked, scratching his head; "that is according; -and if I must tell the truth, I will say that I do not trust them at -all." - -"You see, then, that he was really alone. Who knows what has happened -to him in that accursed city, in the midst of those incarnate demons? I -confess to you that my alarm is great, and that I am fearfully afraid -of a catastrophe." - -"Yet, his disguise was perfect." - -"Possibly. Marksman is thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners, and -speaks their language like his mother tongue. But what will that avail -him, if he has been denounced by a traitor?" - -"Holloa!" Brighteye said; "a traitor? Whom are you alluding to?" - -"Why, to Flying Eagle, caramba, or his wife, for only those two know -him." - -"Listen, Don Miguel," Brighteye remarked, seriously; "permit me to tell -you my way of thinking frankly; you do wrong in speaking as you now do." - -"I?" the young man exclaimed, sharply. "And why so, if you please?" - -"Because you only know very slightly--and what you know of them is -good--the people you are dishonouring by that epithet. I have known -Flying Eagle for many a long year; he was quite a child when I saw him -for the first time, and I have always found in him the staunchest good -faith and honour. All the time he remained in our company, he rendered -us services, or, at any rate, tried to render them to us; and, to -settle matters, all of us generally, and yourself in particular, are -under great obligations to him. It would be more than ingratitude to -forget them." - -The worthy hunter uttered this defence of his friend with an ardour and -firm tone which confused Don Miguel. "Pardon me, my old friend," he -said, in a conciliatory voice; "I was wrong, I allow; but, surrounded -by enemies as we are, threatened at each moment with becoming victims -to a traitor,--and Domingo's example is there to corroborate my -statement,--I allowed myself to be carried away by the idea--" - -"Any idea attacking the honour of Flying Eagle," Brighteye sharply -interrupted, "is necessarily false. Who knows whether, at this moment, -while we are discussing his good faith, he may not be risking his life -on our behalf?" - -These words produced a sensation on the hearers; there was a momentary -silence, which the Canadian soon broke, by continuing:--"But I am not -angry with you. You are young, and, from that very fact, your tongue -often goes faster than your thoughts; but, I entreat you, pay attention -to it, for it might entail dire consequences. But enough on the -subject. I remember a singular adventure which occurred to me in 1851. -I was coming from--" - -"Now that I reflect more seriously," Don Miguel interrupted, "I fully -allow that I was in the wrong." - -"I am happy that you allow it so frankly. Then we will say no more -about it." - -"Very good; and now, returning to the old subject, I confess to you -that I also feel anxious about Marksman." - -"There, you see." - -"Yes, but for other reasons than those you brought forward." - -"Tell me them." - -"Oh! they are very simple. Marksman is a brave and honest hunter, -thoroughly up to Indian roguery; but he has no one to back him up. -Flying Eagle would prove of but slight assistance to him; if he were -detected, the brave Chief could only be killed by his side; and he -would do so, I am convinced." - -"And I too; but what good would that do them? How, after that -catastrophe, should we succeed in saving the maidens?" - -Brighteye shook his head. "Yes," he said, "there is the difficulty; -that is the knot of the matter. Unfortunately, it is by no means easy -to remedy that eventuality, which, I trust, will not present itself." - -"We must trust so; but if it did, what should we do?" - -"What should we do?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum! You ask me a question, Don Miguel, which it is by no means easy -to answer." - -"Well, supposing it to be so, we must still find means of escaping from -the false position in which we shall find ourselves." - -"That is quite certain." - -"Well, then?" - -"Then, on my word, I do not know what I should do. Look you, I am not -a man who looks so far ahead. When a misfortune occurs, it is time -to remedy it, without bothering your brains so long beforehand. All -that I can say to you, Caballero, is that, for the moment, instead of -remaining here, stupidly planted like a flamingo that has lost a wing, -I would give a good deal to be in that accursed city, in a position to -watch over my old comrade." - -"Is that the truth? Are you really the man to attempt such an -enterprise?" Don Miguel exclaimed joyously. - -The hunter looked at him in surprise. "Do you doubt it?" he said. "When -did you ever hear me boast of things which I was not capable of doing?" - -"Do not be angry, my old friend," Don Miguel answered, quickly; "your -words caused me so much pleasure that, at the first blush, I did not -dare to believe them." - -"You must always put faith in my words, young man," Brighteye remarked, -sententiously. - -"Do not be afraid," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "in future I will -not doubt them." - -"All right, then." - -"Listen to me. If you like, we will attempt the affair together." - -"Enter the city?" - -"Yes." - -"By Jove! that is an idea," Brighteye answered, quite delighted. - -"Is it not?" - -"Yes; but how shall we manage to get in?" - -"Leave that all to me." - -"Good. Then I will not trouble myself about it further; but there is -another matter." - -"What now?" - -"We are not presentable in this state," the hunter said, pointing, with -a laugh, to his attire; "by painting my face and hands, I might pass at -a push; but you cannot." - -"That is true. Well, let me alone, I will prepare an Indian dress with -which you can find no fault. During that time, do you disguise yourself -in your way." - -"It will soon be done." - -"And mine too." - -The two men rose, delighted, though probably from different reasons. -Brighteye was happy at going to his friend's assistance, while Don -Miguel only thought of Doña Laura, whom he hoped to see again. At -the moment they rose, Don Mariano stopped them. "Are you speaking -seriously, Caballeros?" he asked them. - -"Certainly," they answered, "most seriously." - -"Very good, then. I shall go with you." - -"What!" Don Miguel exclaimed, falling back in stupefaction. "Are you -mad, Don Mariano? You, who do not know the Indians, and cannot speak a -word of their language, to venture into this wasp's nest. It would be -suicide." - -"No!" the old man answered resolutely. "I wish to see my child again." - -Don Miguel had not the courage to combat a resolution so clearly -announced, so he let his head sink without answering; but Brighteye did -not regard the matter from that light. Perfectly cool, and consequently -seeing far and correctly, he understood the disastrous consequences Don -Mariano's presence would have for them. - -"Pardon me," he said, "but with your permission, Caballero, I fancy you -have not carefully considered the resolution you have just formed." - -"Caballeros, a father does not reflect when he wishes to see a child -whom he never hoped to hold to his heart again." - -"That is true. Still I would remark that what you propose doing, far -from helping you to see your daughter again, will, on the contrary, -sever her from you for ever." - -"What do you mean?" - -"A very simple thing. Don Miguel and myself are going to mix among -Indians, whom we shall have great difficulty in discovering, though -we know them. If you accompany us, the following will inevitably -happen:--At the first glance, the Redskins will see you are a white -man, and then, you understand, nothing can save you, or us either. Now, -if you insist, we will be off. I am ready to follow you. A man can only -die once; so as well today as tomorrow." - -Don Mariano sighed. "I was mad," he muttered, "I knew not what I said. -Pardon me; but I so longed to see my daughter again." - -"Have faith in us, poor father," Don Miguel said, nobly; "by what we -have already done, judge what we are still able to do. We will attempt -impossibilities to restore her who is so dear to you." - -Don Mariano, succumbing to the emotion which overpowered him, had -not the strength to reply. With eyes filled with tears, he pressed -the young man's hand, and sat down again. The two adventurers then -prepared for the dangerous expedition they meditated, by disguising -themselves. Owing to their acquaintance with Indian habits, they -succeeded in producing costumes harmonizing with the characters they -wished to assume, and in giving themselves a thorough Indian look. When -all the preparations were completed, Don Miguel confided the command -of the cuadrilla to Ruperto, recommending him to exercise the utmost -vigilance, and telling him the signal agreed on with Marksman. Then, -after a final pressure of Don Mariano's hand, who was still plunged -in the deepest grief, the two daring adventurers took leave of their -comrades, threw their rifles on their shoulders, and set out in the -direction of Quiepaa Tani, accompanied by several Gambusinos and by -Ruperto, who was glad to learn the situation of the city, so as to know -how to post his men so that they could run up at the first signal. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -A WALK IN THE DARK. - - -The sun was setting as the Gambusinos reached the skirt of the forest -and the limit of the covert. Before them, at a distance of about four -miles, rose the city, amid the verdure of the plain, which formed a -girdle of flowers and grass. The night fell rapidly, the darkness -grew momentarily heavier, mingling all the varieties of the scenery -in a sombre mass; the hour, in short, was most propitious for trying -the bold experiment on which they were resolved. They whispered a -last farewell to their comrades, and boldly entered the tall grass, -in the centre of which they speedily disappeared. Fortunately for the -adventurers, who would have found it impossible to find their way in -the darkness, the tracks of horsemen and foot passengers proceeding to -the city, or coming from it, had traced long paths, all leading direct -to one of the gates. The two men walked along, side by side, for a long -time in silence; each was thinking deeply on the probable results of -this desperate tentative. In the first moment of enthusiasm, they had -dreamed but slightly of the countless difficulties they must meet on -their path, and the obstacles which would doubtlessly at every moment -rise before them; they had only regarded the object they wished to -attain. But now that they were cool, many things to which they had not -paid attention, or which they would not allow to check them, presented -themselves to their thoughts, and, as so frequently happens, made them -regard their expedition under a very different light. Their object now -appeared to them almost impossible to gain, and obstacles grew up, as -it were, under their feet. Unfortunately, these judicious reflections -arrived too late; there was no chance of withdrawal, and they must -advance at all risks. All was calm and tranquil, however; there was -not a breath in the air, not a sound on the prairie, and, as the stars -gradually appeared in the sky, a pale and trembling gleam slightly -modified the darkness, and rendered it less intense, and they began -to see sufficiently well to be able to proceed without hesitation, and -reconnoitre the plain for some distance. Brighteye was not particularly -satisfied with his comrade's obstinate silence; the worthy hunter was -rather fond of talking, especially under circumstances like those he -found himself in at present; hence he resolved to make his companion -talk, in the first place, to hear a human voice--a reason which, -fortunately for themselves, the sedentary, who are exempt from those -great heart storms which yet endow existence with such charms, will not -understand; but the hunter's second reason was still more peremptory -than the first; now that he had embarked on this desperate enterprise, -he wished to obtain certain information from Don Miguel, as to the mode -in which he intended acting, and the plan he meant to adopt. So near -the city, and in an entirely uncovered plain, there was very slight -risk of the adventurers meeting with Indians; the only men they were -exposed to meet were scouts, sent out to reconnoitre, in the extremely -improbable event, that the Indians, contrary to their usual habit of -not making any movement during the night, had considered it necessary -to send out a few men to survey the environs. The two men could -therefore talk together without danger, save from some extraordinary -accident, though, of course, careful not to speak above their breath -and to keep eyes and ears constantly on the watch, so as to notice -a danger so soon as it arose. Brighteye, after coughing gently to -attract his comrade's attention, said, looking around him somewhat -impatiently,--"Eh, eh! the sky has grown enormously bright in the last -few minutes, and the night is not so black; I hope the moon will not -rise ere we reach our destination." - -"We have two hours before us ere the moon rises," Don Miguel answered; -"that is more than we want." - -"You believe two hours will be sufficient?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"All the better then, for I am not particularly fond of night walks." - -"It is not usual to take them." - -"Indeed, during the forty years I have traversed the desert in every -direction, this is only the second occasion of my indulging in a night -walk." - -"Nonsense!" - -"It is a fact; the first time deserves mentioning." - -"How so?" Don Miguel asked absently. - -"The circumstances were almost similar; I wanted to save a young girl, -who had been carried off by the Indians. It was in 1835. I was then -in the service of the Fur Company. The Blackfoot Indians, to avenge a -trick played on them by a scamp of an _employé_, hit on nothing better -than surprising Mackenzie fort; then--" - -"Listen!" Don Miguel said, seizing his arm. "Do you hear nothing?" - -The Canadian, so suddenly interrupted in his story, which he believed -this time he should really finish, did not, however, display any ill -temper, for he was accustomed to such mishaps; he stopped, lay down -on the ground, and listened attentively for two or three minutes, -with the most sustained attention, and then rose, shaking his head -contemptuously. "They are coyotes sharing a deer," he said. - -"You are certain of it?" - -"You will soon hear them give tongue." In fact, the hunter had scarce -finished speaking ere the repeated barking of the coyotes could be -heard a short distance off. - -"You hear," the Canadian said simply. - -"It is true," Don Miguel answered. - -They resumed their march. - -"Is this the way?" Brighteye said. "You remember what we agreed on, -Don Miguel? I trust entirely to you to get into the city, and I do not -exactly see what we shall do." - -"I do not know much more myself," the young man responded. "I spent -several hours today in carefully examining the walls, and fancied I -noticed a spot where it would be rather easy for us to pass." - -"Hum!" Brighteye remarked. "Your plan does not seem to me very good; it -will probably result in broken bones." - -"That is a chance to run." - -"Of course; but, without offence, I should prefer something else, if it -be possible." - -"That prospect does not frighten you, I hope?" - -"Not the least in the world. It is plain that the Indians cannot kill -me; if they could, they would have done so long ago, seeing the time I -have been in the desert." - -The young man could not refrain from laughing at the coolness with -which his comrade emitted this singular opinion. "Well, then," he said, -"what reason have you to find fault with my plan?" - -"Because it is bad. If the Indians cannot kill me, that does not prove -they will not wound me. Believe me. Don Miguel, let us be prudent: if -one of us is disabled at the start, what will become of the other?" - -"That is true; but have you any other plan to propose to me?" - -"I think so." - -"Well, let me know it. If it be good, I will adopt it; I am not at all -sweet on myself." - -"Good; can you swim?" - -"Why ask?" - -"Answer first, and then I'll tell you." - -"I swim like a sturgeon." - -"And I like an otter; we are well paired. Now, pay attention to what I -am going to say." - -"Move ahead." - -"You see that river a little to my right, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"Very good. That river intersects the city, I rather think." - -"Yes." - -"Supposing that the Redskins are acquainted with our arrival in these -parts, on which side will they apprehend an attack?" - -"From the plain, evidently. That is common sense." - -"All the better. So the walls will be furnished with sentries, watching -the plain, while the river, whence they fear no danger, will be -perfectly deserted." - -"That is true," Don Miguel said, striking his forehead; "I did not -think of that." - -"People cannot think of everything," Brighteye observed philosophically. - -"My worthy friend, I thank you for that idea. Now we are certain of -entering the city." - -"You had better not holloa till you are out--But you know the proverb. -Still, nothing will prevent us trying." - -They at once diverged to the left, in the direction of the river, -which they reached after a quarter of an hour's march. The banks were -deserted. The river, calm as a mirror, looked like a wide silver -ribbon. "Now," Brighteye continued, "we need not hurry; although we -can swim, we will reserve that expedient till others fail us. Examine -all the shrubs on one side, while I do so on the other. I am greatly -mistaken, or we shall find a canoe somewhere." The hunter's previsions -did not deceive him. After a few minutes' search, they found a canoe -hidden beneath a quantity of leaves in the midst of a thicket of -lentises and floripondios; the paddles were concealed a short distance -away. - -We have already described to the reader the mode adopted by the Indians -in building their boats, which, among other advantages, possesses that -of lightness. Brighteye took the paddles. Don Miguel put the canoe on -his back, and in a few minutes it was afloat. "Now let us get in," -Brighteye said. - -"A moment," Don Miguel observed; "let us muffle the paddles, to prevent -noise." - -Brighteye shrugged his shoulders. "Do not let us be too clever," he -said, "for that would injure us. If there are Indians about, they -will see the canoe; if they do not at the same time hear the sound of -paddles, they will suspect a trap, and try to detect the trick. No, no, -let me alone; lay yourself in the bottom of the canoe: fortunately for -us it is small, and the Redskins will never suppose that so small a -boat, pulled by one man, would have the pretension of surprising them. -That which relatively makes the security of our expedition, you must -not forget, is its rashness, even madness. Only Palefaces can hit on -such crack-brained schemes. I remember, in 1835, as I was telling you--" - -"Let us be off," Don Miguel interrupted, as he jumped into the canoe, -in the middle of which he laid himself down, in accordance with his -comrade's instructions. The latter followed him with a toss of the -head, and took up the paddles, which he only employed, however, with -an affected carelessness, which gave the boat a slow and measured -movement. - -"Look you," the hunter continued, "with the way we are moving, if there -are any of those red devils on the watch, they will certainly take -me for one of their comrades out fishing late, and returning to his -_calli_." - -Still, by degrees, and almost imperceptibly, the hunter increased his -speed, so that within half an hour they attained a certain degree of -speed, not great enough, however, to arouse suspicions. They then went -on for about an hour, and at length entered the city. But if they had -expected to land unnoticed, they were mistaken. Near the bridge, the -place where a number of pulled-up canoes showed that the Indians were -in the habit of stopping, Brighteye perceived a sentry leaning on his -long lance and watching them. The Canadian took a glance around, and -assured himself that the sentry was alone. "Good!" he muttered to -himself; "if there's only one, it will not be a long matter." - -Then he explained to Don Miguel what the matter was, to which the -latter answered a few words. - -"Listen," the hunter said, drawing himself up, "that is the only way." - -And he steered the canoe straight toward the sentry. So soon as the -Canadian was within hail--"Wah!" the Indian said, "my brother returns -very late to Quiepaa Tani; everybody is asleep." - -"That is true," Brighteye answered, in the language employed by the -sentry; "but I have brought in some splendid fish." - -"Eh?" the warrior remarked, seriously; "can I see them?" - -"Not only can my brother see them," the Canadian answered, graciously, -"but I authorize him to select any one he pleases." - -"Och! my brother has an open hand. The Wacondah will never allow it to -be empty. I accept my brother's offering." - -"Hum!" Brighteye muttered, "it is astonishing how the poor devil takes -the bait. He does not at all suspect that he is the fish." - -And with this philosophical reflection he continued his progress. -Soon after, the canoe grated on the sand. The Indian, affected by the -Canadian's deceptive offer, would not be beaten by him in politeness, -so he seized the side of the boat and began pulling it up. "Wah!" he -said, "my brother has had a fine fishing, for the canoe is very heavy." - -While saying this, he bent down to get a better hold, and began trying -anew. But he had no time; Don Miguel bounded from the boat, and, -clubbing his rifle, dealt a terrible blow of the butt on the wretched -Indian's skull. The poor sentry was killed at once, and rolled on the -sand without uttering a cry. - -"There!" Brighteye cried, as he got out in his turn, "that man, at any -rate, will not denounce us." - -"We must get rid of him now," Don Miguel observed. - -"That will not take long." - -The implacable hunter then selected a heavy stone, placed it in the -Redskin's frasada, and let him glide softly into the water. So soon as -this was effected, and every trace of the murder was removed, they drew -the canoe on land by the side of the others, and prepared to start. At -this moment the real difficulties of the enterprise began for them. -How should they find their way in a strange city in the dark? When and -how to find Marksman? These two questions seemed equally impossible of -solution. - -"Wah!" Brighteye at length said, "it must be no more difficult to -follow a trail in a city than on a plain. Let us try." - -"The first thing is to get away from here as soon as possible." - -"Yes, the place is not healthy for us; but suppose we try to find the -great square. There people generally expect to get useful information." - -"At this hour? That seems to me rather difficult." - -"On the contrary. We will hide till daybreak. The first Redskin who -passes within reach we will oblige to give us news of our friend. A -great physician, like him, must be well known, hang it all," he added, -with a laugh, a gaiety which Don Miguel shared with all his heart. - -Singular was the carelessness and recklessness of these two men; in the -centre of a city they had entered by killing one of its inhabitants, -where they knew they would meet only enemies, and where dangers were, -on all sides, hanging over their heads, they still found themselves as -much at their ease as if they had been among friends, and laughed and -jested together, just as if their position was the most agreeable in -the world. - -"Well," Brighteye continued, "we are in a very tidy labyrinth. Do you -not think with me that there is a frightful smell of broken bones about -here?" - -"Who knows? Perhaps we shall get out of it better than we fancy." - -"One thing is certain, we shall soon know all about it." - -"Let us take that street in front of us. It is wide and well laid. -Something tells me it will lead us right." - -"Heaven's mercy! that is as good as another." - -The hunters entered the street ahead of them. Accident had served them -well. After ten minutes' walk, they found themselves at the entrance of -the great square. "There," Brighteye said, in a tone of delight, "luck -is with us. We cannot complain; besides, it must be so. Accident always -favours madmen, and in that character we can claim its entire sympathy." - -"Silence!" Don Miguel said, sharply, "there is someone." - -"Where?" - -The young man extended his arm in the direction of the Temple of the -Sun. "Look!" he cried. - -"So there is," Brighteye muttered, a moment later, "but that appears to -be doing like us. He is evidently on the watch. What reason can he have -for being up so late?" - -After arranging, in a few words, the two adventurers separated, -and crept, from different sides, toward the night watcher, hiding -themselves, as well as they could, in the shadow, which was not an -easy task. The moon had risen some time previously, and spread a weak -light, it is true, but sufficient to let objects be distinguished for a -considerable distance. The man on whom the adventurers were advancing -still remained motionless at the spot where they had seen him; his body -bent forward, his ear leant against the door of the temple, he seemed -to be listening carefully. Don Miguel and Brighteye were not more than -six paces off, and were preparing to rush on him, when he suddenly -threw himself up. They with difficulty suppressed a cry of surprise. -"Flying Eagle!" they muttered. But although they spoke so low, the -other heard them, and immediately sounded the darkness with a piercing -glance. - -"Wah!" he said, on perceiving the two men, and resolutely advanced. - -The adventurers left the shadow that protected them, and waited. When -Flying Eagle had arrived almost close to them--"It is I," Don Miguel -said to him. - -"And I," Brighteye added. - -The Comanche, Chief fell back in a state of stupefaction impossible to -describe. "The grey-head here!" he exclaimed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE GREAT MEDICINE. - - -As we have stated, Marksman, after leading Red Wolf to the door of the -temple, and seeing him retire, reentered the sanctuary, closing the -door after him. The Comanche Chief was awaiting him, with shoulder -leaning against the wall, and folded arms. "Thanks for your help, -Chief," he said; "without you I was lost." - -"For a long time," the Indian replied, "Flying Eagle was hearing, -though invisible, his brother's conversation with Red Wolf." - -"Well, we have got rid of him for a long time; I hope, now, nothing -will occur to mar our plans or prevent their success." - -The warrior shook his head in contradiction. - -"Do you doubt it, Chief?" the hunter asked. - -"I doubt it more than ever." - -"Why so, when everything is going on as well as we can desire, when all -obstacles are levelled before us?" - -"Och! obstacles are levelled, but others greater and more difficult to -overcome arise immediately." - -"I do not understand you, Chief. Have you any ill news to tell me? If -so, speak quickly, for time is precious." - -"My brother shall judge," the Chief said, simply. Then tuning half -away, he clapped his hand thrice. As if this inoffensive signal had -the power to call up phantoms, two men instantaneously emerged from -the shadow, and appeared before the hunter's astonished eyes. Marksman -looked at them for a moment, and then clasped his hand with surprise, -muttering, "Brighteye and Don Miguel here! Mercy! what will become of -us?" - -"Is that the way you receive us, my friend?" Don Miguel asked, -affectionately. - -"In Heaven's name what have you come here for? What evil inspiration -urged you to join me when all was going on so well, and success, I may -say, was insured?" - -"We have not come to cross your plans; on the contrary, alarmed by the -thought of your being among these demons, we wished to see you and help -you, were that possible." - -"I thank you for your good intentions. Unfortunately, they are more -injurious than useful, under present circumstances. But how did you -manage to enter the city?" - -"Oh, very easily," Brighteye answered, and he told in a few words how -they had found them. The hunter shook his head. - -"It was a bold action," he said, "and I must allow that it was well -carried out. But how does it profit you to have incurred such perils? -Greater ones await you here--profitless, and of no advantage to us." - -"Perhaps so; but whatever happens," Don Miguel--answered firmly, "you -understand that I have not blindly exposed myself to all these dangers -without a very powerful motive." - -"I suppose so; but I try in vain to discover the motive." - -"You need not search long, I will tell you." - -"Speak!" - -"I must--you understand, I hope, old fellow," he said, laying a stress -on each, syllable--"I must see Doña Laura." - -"See Doña Laura! it is impossible," Marksman exclaimed. - -"I know nothing about impossibility; but this I know, that I will see -her." - -"You are mad, on my soul, Don Miguel; it is impossible, I tell you." - -The adventurer shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. "I repeat that I -will see her," he said, with resolution; "even if, to reach her, I were -compelled to wade in blood up to my waist; I insist on it, and it shall -be so." - -"But what will you do?" - -"I do not know, and care little. If you refuse to help me, well, -Brighteye and I will find means, will we not, old comrade?" - -"It is certain, Don Miguel," the latter answered, in the placid tone -habitual to him, "that I shall not leave you in the lurch. As to -finding a plan of reaching the captives, we shall find it, but I will -not answer that it is a good one though." - -There was a lengthened silence. Marksman was startled at Don Miguel's -resolution, which he knew to be unbinding; he calculated mentally the -chances, good and bad, which the young man's untoward arrival offered -for the success of his schemes. At last he took the word. "I will -not try," he said to Don Miguel, "any longer to dissuade you from -attempting to see the maidens; I have known you long enough to feel -that it would be useless, and that my arguments would, probably, only -urge you to commit an act of irremediable insanity. I therefore take -upon myself to lead you to Doña Laura." - -"You promise it?" the young man exclaimed quickly. - -"Yes; but on one condition." - -"Speak! whatever it be I accept it." - -"Good; when the moment arrives, I will let you know it; but take my -advice, and ask Flying Eagle to perfect your disguise; in the way you -and Brighteye are dressed at this moment, you could not take a step in -the city without being recognized. Now I leave you, for day has broken, -and I must go to the High Priest; I leave you in charge of Flying -Eagle; follow his instructions carefully, for you stake the life, not -only of yourself, but of those you desire to save." - -The young man shivered at the thought. "I will obey you," he said, "but -you will keep your promise?" - -"I will keep it this very day." - -After whispering a few words to Flying Eagle, Marksman left the three -men in the temple and went out. - -The Amantzin was preparing to go to the temple at the moment the hunter -entered his palace. Atoyac, curious like the true Indian he was, had -not left the High Priest since the previous evening, in order to be -present at the medicine man's second visit, which, judging from the -first, he assumed would be very interesting. The hunter returned, -accompanied by the Amantzin, who was his shadow, to the maidens' -apartment. He then attained the certainty that Doña Laura could without -inconvenience support the fatigue of being carried out of the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun. The girl had, with the hope of a speedy -deliverance, regained her strength, and the disease which undermined -her had disappeared, as if by enchantment. As for Luisa, more dubious, -when the High Priest retired (for the hunter demanded to be left alone -with his patients), she said to the Canadian--"We shall be ready to -follow you when you order, Marksman, but on one condition." - -"How a condition?" the hunter exclaimed. Then he added, mentally, "What -is the meaning of this? Am I to meet obstacles on all sides? Speak, -Niña," he continued, "I am listening to you." - -"Pardon any apparent harshness in my words, we do not doubt your -loyalty. Heaven guard us from it still." - -"You do distrust me," the hunter interrupted, in a tone of chagrin. -"However, I ought to expect it, for you both know me too little to put -faith in me." - -"Alas!" Doña Laura said. "Such is the misfortune of our position, that, -in spite of ourselves, we tremble to meet traitors on all sides." - -"That miserable Addick, to whom Don Miguel trusted," Doña Luisa added, -"how has he behaved to us!" - -"That is true; you are obliged to speak so! What can I do to prove to -you certainly that you can place full and entire confidence in me?" The -maidens blushed, and looked at each other with hesitation. "Come," the -hunter said, simply, "I will remove all your doubts. This evening I -will see you again, and a man will accompany me who, I believe, will be -able to convince you." - -"Whom do you mean?" Doña Laura asked quickly. "Don Miguel?" - -"He will come?" the maidens exclaimed, simultaneously. - -"This evening, I promise you." - -The girls threw themselves into each other's arms to hide their blushes -and confusion. The hunter, after admiring the graceful group for -a moment, went out, saying in a soft and sympathetic voice,--"This -evening." - -The Amantzin and Atoyac were impatiently awaiting the result of the -visit in the vestibule of the palace. When the hunter joined them, -and the High Priest began questioning him as to the condition of the -patients, he seemed to reflect for a moment, then answered in a grave -voice--"My father is a wise man; nothing equals his knowledge; his -heart can repose, for his captives will soon be delivered from the evil -spirit that possesses them." - -"My father speaks the truth?" the Amantzin asked, trying to read in the -medicine man's face the degree of credit he should give him. - -But the latter was impenetrable. "Listen," he answered, "to what -the Great Spirit revealed to me during the night; at this moment a -Tlacateotzin from a remote hut has arrived at the city; I do not know -him, I never heard his name before this day; it is this divine man who -must aid us in saving the sick maidens. He alone knows what remedies -must be administered to them." - -"Still," the High Priest said, with an accent of ill-boded suspicion, -"my father has given us proofs of his immense learning, why does he not -finish alone what he has so well begun?" - -"I am a simple man, whose strength resides in the protection the -Wacondah grants me. He has revealed to me the means to restore health -to the sufferers; I must obey." - -The High Priest bowed submissively, and requested the hunter to confide -to him what he proposed doing. - -"The unknown Tlacateotzin will tell that to my father when he has seen -the captives," Marksman answered, "but he will not have long to wait, I -feel the approach of the divine man. Let my father admit him without -delay." - -Exactly at this moment several blows were struck on the outer door. The -High Priest, subdued by the hunter's assurance, hastened to open it. -Don Miguel appeared; thanks to Flying Eagle, he was unrecognizable. It -is almost unnecessary to state that this scene had been arranged by the -hunter and the Comanche Chief during the short conversation they had -before separating. Don Miguel took a scrutinizing look around. "Where -are the sick persons I am ordered by the Wacondah to deliver from the -evil spirit?" he said, in a stern voice. - -The High Priest and the hunter exchanged a glance of intelligence. -The two Indians were confounded. The arrival of this man, so clearly -predicted by Marksman, appeared to them a prodigy. We will not describe -the conversation that took place between Don Miguel and the maidens -when they at length met; we will restrict ourselves to saying that, -after an hour's visit, which elapsed to the young folks with the -rapidity of a moment, Marksman succeeded, with great difficulty, in -separating them, and returned with the adventurer to the High Priest, -whose suspicions he feared to arouse. - -"Courage!" the hunter whispered during the walk, "all is going on well; -leave me to manage the rest." - -"Well?" the High Priest asked, so soon as they appeared. - -Marksman drew himself up majestically, and assuming a stern and -imposing accent, said, "Listen to the words which the great Wacondah -breathes in my chest and sends up to my lips; this is what the divine -man here present says: the two suns that follow this are of evil -augury; but on the evening of the third, when the moon spreads its -beneficent light, my son, the Sachem Atoyac, will take the skin of a -vicuna, which my father, the venerated Amantzin, of Quiepaa Tani, will -kill in the arena, which he will bless in the name of Teotl;[1] he will -spread this skin on the top of a hillock, which is a little way out of -the city, in order that the evil spirit, on issuing from the maidens, -may not enter any of the inhabitants, and then lead the captives to the -spot where the skin is stretched out." - -"One of them, though," the High Priest remarked, "is incapable of -leaving the hammock on which her body reposes." - -"The wisdom of my son dwells in each of his words; but he may reassure -himself the Wacondah will give the necessary strength to those he -wishes to save." - -The Amantzin was restrained to bow before this unanswerable argument. - -"When what I have explained to my father is done," the Canadian -continued, imperturbably, "he will choose four of the bravest warriors -of his nation, to help him in guarding his captives during the night. -And after I have given the Amantzin and the men who accompany him a -liquor to drink, which will protect them from all evil influences, my -brother, the divine Tlacateotzin, will expel the wicked spirit that -torments the Pale women." - -The High Priest and the Sachem listened silently, and seemed to be -reflecting. The Canadian perceived it, and hastened to add, "Although -the Wacondah assists us, and gives us the necessary power to conquer, -still it is necessary that my brother, the Amantzin, and the four -warriors he selects, should pass the night preceding the great medicine -with us in the sanctuary. Atoyac will give, as an offering to the -Wacondah, twenty full cavales to the wise Amantzin. Will my brother do -so?" - -"Hum!" the Indian said, but little flattered by the preference, "if I -do so, what shall I gain by it?" - -Marksman looked at him fixedly. "The accomplishment before the second -moon," he answered, "of the project which Atoyac has ripened so long in -his mind." - -The hunter spoke haphazard; still, it seemed that the blow had told, -for the Sachem answered, with considerable agitation, "I will do it." - -"My father is a wise man," the High Priest said, his brow having -brightened when the hunter spoke of the offering of the twenty cavales; -"may the Wacondah protect him." - -"My son is kind," the Canadian contented himself with answering, and -took leave of the two men. - -On the square, Flying Eagle and Brighteye were awaiting the coming out -of the two adventurers. While proceeding towards their host's _calli_, -Marksman explained his plan in its fullest details to his comrades. -Nothing could be more simple, though, than his scheme, for it consisted -in carrying off the maidens so soon as they were placed on the mound. -This was the only possible chance of success, for they could not dream -of employing force to get them out of the Palace of the Virgins of the -Sun. The delay of three days, fixed by Marksman before attempting his -plan, was necessary, in order to send Flying Eagle off to his tribe, to -fetch the reinforcements they would doubtless greatly need during the -pursuit that must ensue on the rape. Brighteye, at the same time, would -leave the city to warn the Gambusinos of the day selected, so as to -avoid any misunderstanding, and place the hunters in good positions. - -The same evening, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, and Brighteye, as had been -arranged, got into Red Wolf's canoe, who was waiting near the hedge. -After the orders he received from Marksman, Eglantine was to remain -in the Gambusino's camp, while Flying Eagle, mounted on the famous -barb he had fortunately inherited from Don Estevan, would proceed -with all speed to his tribe. When Don Miguel and Marksman had seen -their comrades safely off, they returned to Atoyac's cabin. The worthy -Sachem, though he felt very angry at the tax of twenty cavales they -had put on him, received them most cordially, not daring to infringe -the laws of hospitality when dealing with men so powerful as the two -physicians. While conversing, he told them that Addick and Red Wolf had -disappeared from the city, no one knowing what had become of them. As -for Red Wolf, the hunters knew all about it, so his departure did not -trouble them; but it was not the same with Addick, who, as their host -told them, set out at the head of a powerful war party. They suspected -that the young Chief had gone to join Don Estevan, which urged them to -double their prudence, for they expected some perfidious machination -from these two men. - -The three days passed away in visits to the maidens and prayers in the -Temple of the Sun. Still, the time seemed very long to Don Miguel and -the ladies, who constantly trembled lest a fortuitous accident should -disturb the well-arranged plan for their deliverance. The last day, -Marksman and Don Miguel were conversing, as they had grown accustomed -to do, with Doña Laura and Doña Luisa, while recommending a passive -obedience to all their injunctions, when they fancied they heard a -rustling at the door of the apartment preceding that in which the -prisoners were confined. Marksman, at once reassuming his borrowed -face, opened the door, and found himself face to face with the High -Priest, who stepped away with the embarrassed air of a man detected in -the satisfaction of his curiosity. Had he heard what the young people -and the hunter had been saying in Spanish? Marksman, after reflection, -did not think so: still, he thought it prudent to recommend his -comrades to be on their guard. - -This long day at length terminated, the sun set, and night arrived. -All was ready for departure; the captives, each placed in a hammock, -suspended from the shoulders of four vigorous slaves, were transported -to the top of the mound chosen for the operation, and gently deposited -in the vicuna skin. The High Priest, by Marksman's orders, stationed -his warriors at the four cardinal points. He then uttered a few -mysterious words, to which Don Miguel replied in a low voice, burnt -some odoriferous grass, and bade the Indians and the High Priest kneel -down to implore the unknown deity. - -Don Miguel, during this period, gazed on the city, trying to -distinguish if anything extraordinary were occurring. All was calm. The -deepest silence reigned over the place. The two hunters, who had also -knelt, rose up. - -"Let my brothers redouble their prayers," Don Miguel said, in a hollow -voice, "I am about to compel the evil spirit to retire from the -captives." - -In spite of themselves, the maidens gave a start of terror at these -words. Don Miguel did not seem to notice it, but made a sign to -Marksman. "Let my brothers approach," the latter said. The sentinels -had a hesitation that threatened to degenerate into terror on the -slightest suspicious movement of the medicine men. Don Miguel then -proceeded:--"My brother and I," he said, "are about to return to -prayer; but to prevent the evil spirits seizing on you after leaving -the captives, my brother Two Rabbits will pour out for each a horn -of firewater, prepared and gifted by the Wacondah with the virtue of -saving those who drink it from the attacks of the evil spirit." - -The sentries were Apaches. At the word "firewater," their eyes sparkled -with covetousness. Marksman then poured them out a large calabash of -spirits, mixed with a strong dose of opium, which they swallowed at -a draught, with unequivocal signs of pleasure. The High Priest alone -seemed to hesitate, but at length made up his mind, and boldly emptied -the cup, to the great relief of the hunters, whom his hesitation was -beginning to alarm. - -"Now!" the Canadian shouted, in a rough voice, "on your knees, all of -you." - -The Apaches obeyed, Don Miguel imitating them. Marksman alone -remained standing, while Don Miguel, with his arms stretched to -the north, seemed ordering the evil spirit to retire; the Canadian -began turning rapidly, while muttering incoherent words, which the -adventurer repeated after him. After this, Don Miguel rose, and made an -invocation. Twenty minutes had passed. During this period, an Indian -fell, with his face to the ground, as if humbly prostrating himself. -Soon a second did the same, then a third, then a fourth, and, lastly, -the High Priest fell in his turn. The five Indians gave no signs of -life. Marksman, to make sure, let the nearest man taste the point of -his knife. The poor wretch did not stir; the opium had produced in -him and his comrades such an effect that their necks might have been -twisted before they woke. - -Don Miguel then turned to the ladies, who were awaiting with -ever-increasing perplexity the end of this scene. "Fly," he said, "if -you wish to save your lives." - -He then seized Doña Laura in his arms, threw her over his shoulders, -took a pistol in his left hand, and dashed down the hill. Marksman, -calmer than the young man, began by imitating thrice the signal agreed -on with his companions. At the expiration of a moment, which seemed -to him an age, the same cry answered him. "Heaven be praised!" he -exclaimed, "we are saved." - -He went towards Doña Luisa, and wished to take her in his arms. - -"No," she said, with a smile, "I thank you, but I am strong, and can -walk." - -"Come on, then, for heaven's sake." - -The girl rose. "Go on," she said, "I will follow you; think of your own -safety, I can defend myself." And she showed the hunter the pistols he -gave her two months previously. - -"Brave girl!" the hunter said; "but for all that, do not leave me." - -He made her go down in front of him, and both soon reached the foot of -the mound. When about half-way to the forest, the hunters were obliged -to stop, for the ladies, exhausted by fatigue and emotion, felt they -could not go further. Suddenly a large party of horsemen, with Don -Mariano, Brighteye, and Ruperto at their head, dashed at a gallop from -the forest, and hurried towards them. - -"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with maddening joy, "I have really saved her, -then!" - -The maidens mounted the horses prepared for them beforehand, and were -placed in the middle of the detachment. - -"My child! my darling daughter!" Don Mariano repeated, as he covered -her with kisses. - -The adventurer respected for a few minutes the gentle affection of the -father and daughter, who had so long been separated, and never hoped -to meet again. Two briny tears he could not check ran down his bronzed -cheeks, and in the presence of happiness so perfect, he forgot for a -minute that henceforth an insurmountable barrier was raised between -himself and her he loved so much; but soon regaining his spirits, and -comprehending the necessity of haste, he ordered-- - -"Forward, forward! we must not be surprised." - -All at once a sinister flash crossed the horizon; a sharp whizz was -heard, and a bullet crushed in the skull of a Gambusino, scarce a yard -from Don Miguel. Then a horrible yell, the war cry of the Apaches, -burst forth. - -"Back, back!" Marksman exclaimed, "the Redskins are on us." - -The Gambusinos, burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, started at -headlong speed. - - -[1] The great unknown God. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -THE FINAL STRUGGLE. - - -Marksman was not mistaken. Two parties of Redskins, one led by Addick -and Don Estevan, the other by Atoyac, were pursuing the Gambusinos. -We will explain to the reader, in a few words, this apparent alliance -between Addick and Atoyac. In the last chapter we stated that Marksman -surprised the Amantzin, listening at the door, and though the High -Priest did not understand a word of Spanish, and consequently could -not follow the conversation, still he evidenced a certain degree of -animation which appeared to him suspicious. Still, as he did not dare -openly to oppose the ceremony of the great medicine, which was to -take place in the same evening, he imparted his suspicions to Atoyac. -The latter, already badly disposed towards the two men, feigned, -however, to be astonished at the sudden doubts of the Amantzin, and -treated them as visionary. But at length, as the old man pressed him, -and seemed strongly persuaded that there was some machination hidden -behind the jugglery of the self-called medicine men, he consented -to watch what occurred on the hillock, and be ready to hurry to the -Amantzin's assistance, should he be the dupe of any trickery. This -being properly arranged, so soon as the procession with the captives -left Quiepaa Tani, Atoyac followed it with a band of warriors picked -from his relatives and friends, and, on arriving at the foot of the -mound, he clambered up it through the grass, prepared to see and hear -all that occurred. On hearing the prayers of the few men, the Chief -was on the point of regretting his coming. The noise of voices soon -ceased, and Atoyac, supposing that muttered prayers were now going -on, waited. Still, as the silence was prolonged, Atoyac determined to -climb to the top of the mound, and was utterly astounded at finding -only the Amantzin and the warriors lying on the ground. At first he -believed they were dead, and summoned his comrades, who had remained at -the bottom of the hill. The latter ran up at full speed, and lifted up -the sleepers, whom they shook violently, without being able to arouse -them. Atoyac then guessed a portion of the truth; he called to mind -the signal he had heard, and not doubting that the fugitives had gone -towards the forest, he rushed after them with a yell. Atoyac was the -first to perceive the party, and he it was who fired the shot which -killed the Gambusino. But the position of the whites was becoming -critical; for, on arriving at the edge of the forest, they found -themselves suddenly stopped by Addick's party, which charged furiously. -The ladies were in the centre of the Gambusinos, protected by Don -Mariano and Brighteye, and hence were in comparative safety. While -Marksman and Ruperto wheeled round to repulse the attack of Atoyac's -warriors, and cover the retreat, Don Miguel, wielding a club, which he -took from a wounded Apache, rushed into the thick of the fight with the -leap of a tiger at bay. The combatants, who were too close together -to employ their firearms, murdered each other with knives and lances, -or with fearful blows of clubs and rifle butts. The fearful carnage -lasted twenty minutes, excited by the savage yells of the Indians, and -the no less savage shouts of the Gambusinos, At length, by a desperate -effort, Don Miguel succeeded in bursting the human dyke that barred his -progress, and rushed, followed by his comrades, through the wide and -bloody gap he had opened, at the loss of ten of his most resolute men, -leaving Marksman to oppose the last efforts of the Redskins. Don Miguel -collected his men around him, and all hurried into the depths of the -forest, when they speedily disappeared. - -At sunrise, the adventurers reached the grotto where they had once -before sought shelter, and Don Miguel gave the order to halt. It was -time. The horses, panting with fatigue, could scarce stand; besides, -whatever diligence the Apaches might display, the adventurers were a -whole night in advance of them, hence they could take a few hours of -indispensable rest. - -Marksman, who soon arrived with the rearguard, confirmed Don Miguel's -views. The Redskins, according to his report, had suddenly returned -towards the city. These news redoubled the serenity of the adventurers. -While the Gambusinos, in different groups, were preparing a meal, and -attending to their wounds, and the maidens, who had retired into the -grotto, were sleeping on a pile of furs and zarapés, Don Miguel and the -two Canadians were bathing, in order to remove the traces of Indian -paint, and, after dressing in their proper clothes, they went to get -a few minutes' necessary rest. Don Miguel alone entered the grotto. -Eglantine, seated at the feet of the sleeping girls, lulled them gently -with the plaintive melody of an Indian song. Don Mariano was asleep not -far from his daughter. The young man thanked the Chief's wife with a -grateful smile, lay down across the entrance of the grotto, and fell -asleep too, after assuring himself that sentries were watching the -common safety. - -The first words of the maidens on awaking, were to thank their -liberators. Don Mariano was never wearied of caressing his daughter, -who was at length restored to him; and he knew not how to express his -gratitude to Don Miguel. Doña Laura, with all the _naïve_ frankness -of a young heart, to which evasion is unknown, could not find words -sufficiently strong to express to Don Miguel the happiness with which -her heart overflowed. Doña Luisa alone remained gloomy and thoughtful. -On seeing with what devotion and readiness Don Miguel, with no other -interest than that of serving them, had so frequently risked his life, -the maiden discovered the greatness and nobility of the adventurer's -character; hence love entered her heart, the more violent because -the object yet did not seem to perceive it. Love renders persons -clear-sighted. Doña Luisa soon understood why her companion continually -boasted to her of the young man's generous qualities, and she guessed -the secret passion they felt for each other. A cruel pang gnawed her -heart at this discovery; in vain did she struggle against the horrible -tortures of an unbridled jealousy, for she felt that Don Miguel would -never love her. Still, the young girl yielded hopelessly to the chance -of seeing and hearing the man for whom she would have gladly laid down -her life. As for Don Miguel, he heard nothing, saw nothing; he was -intoxicated with joy, and indulged in the voluptuous felicity with -which Doña Laura's presence inundated him, as she sat, lovely and -careless, between himself and her father. Fortunately, Marksman was not -in love, and he saw clearly the dangers of the position. He summoned a -council, in which it was resolved that they should proceed in all haste -toward the nearest Mexican frontier, in order to place the ladies in -safety, and escape from any pursuit on the part of the Indians. They -must hasten, however, for, owing to an unlucky coincidence, it was -that period of the year called by the Redskins the "Moon of Mexico," -and which they had selected for their periodical depredations on the -frontiers of that hapless country. Marksman promised to reach the -clearings in four days, by roads known to himself alone. - -They set out. The adventurers were not disturbed in their rapid -flight, and, as Marksman had announced, on the afternoon of the fourth -day the party crossed a ford of the Rio Gila and entered Sonora. As -they advanced, however, on the Mexican territory, the hunter's brow -grew gloomier, and the glances he turned in every direction denoted -an anxious mind. The fact was, that the country, which should have -appeared at this season so luxuriant in vegetation, looked so strange -and desolate as to chill the heart. The fields turned up and trampled -by horses' hoofs; the ruins of burnt jacales, scattered here and -there; ashes piled up at places where mills must once have stood, -evidenced that war had passed along the road, with all the horrors -that march after it. About two leagues off, the houses of a fortified -pueblo an old presidio, could be seen glistening in the last beams -of the sun. All was calm in the vicinity; but the calmness was that -of death. Not a human being was visible; no _manada_ appeared on the -desolated prairie; the _recuas_ of the mules, the calls of the _nena_, -could neither be seen nor heard. On all sides, a leaden silence, a -mournful tranquillity, brooded over the scene, and imparted to it, -in the gay light of the sun, a crushing aspect. Suddenly Brighteye, -who rode a little ahead of the party, pulled up his horse, which had -shied so violently as nearly to throw him, and looked down with a cry -of surprise. Don Miguel and Marksman hurried up to him. A frightful -spectacle offered itself to the three men. At the bottom of a ditch -that ran along the road, a pile of Spanish corpses lay pell-mell, -horribly disfigured and stripped of their scalps. Don Miguel ordered -a halt, not knowing whether to advance or retire; it was permissible -to doubt under such circumstances. If they pushed on to the presidio, -it was probably deserted, or perhaps the Redskins had seized on it. -Still some determination must be formed within an hour. Don Miguel -at length noticed a ruined hacienda about five miles to their right; -though precarious, the shelter it afforded was better than bivouacking -on the plain. The adventurers pushed on, and soon reached the farm. -The hacienda bore traces of fire and devastation; the cracked walls -were blackened with smoke, the windows and doors broken in, and several -male and female bodies, half consumed, were piled up in the patio. Don -Miguel led the trembling girls to a room, after the ruins choking the -entrance had been removed; then, after urging them not to leave it, he -joined his companions, who, under Brighteye's directions, were settling -themselves as well as they could in the hacienda. Marksman had gone -out scouting with Ruperto. Don Mariano, excited by paternal love, had -turned engineer, and with the help of a dozen adventurers, was putting -the house in the best state of defence possible. - -Like all Mexican frontier haciendas, this one was surrounded by a tall -crenelated wall. Don Miguel had the gate blocked up; then, returning -to the house, he ordered the doors and windows to be put in, had -loopholes pierced, and placed sentries round the wall and on the -azotea. After this, he gave Brighteye the command of twelve resolute -men, and ordered them to ambush behind a wood covered mound, which rose -about two hundred yards from the hacienda. He then counted his forces; -including Don Mariano and his two servants, he had but twenty-one men -with him; but they were adventurers, determined to die to the last man -rather than surrender. Don Miguel did not lose all hope, and when these -precautions were taken, he waited. Ruperto soon arrived, and his report -was not reassuring. - -The Redskins had seized the presidio by surprise. The town had been -plundered, then abandoned; it was completely deserted. Numerous parties -of Apaches were visible in all directions, and it seemed certain that -the adventurers could not proceed a league from the hacienda without -falling into an ambuscade. - -Marksman at length arrived. He brought with him forty Mexican soldiers -and peasants, who had been wandering about at hazard for two days, at -the risk of being surprised by the Redskins, who pitilessly massacred -every white man who fell into their hands. Don Miguel gladly received -this unexpected help--a reinforcement of forty men was not to be -despised, especially as they were all armed, and capable of doing good -service. Marksman, as a good forager, also brought with him several -mules laden with provisions. The worthy Canadian thought of everything, -and nothing escaped him. When the men had been stationed at the spots -most exposed to a surprise, Don Miguel and Marksman ascended the -azotea, to have a look at the neighbourhood. - -Nothing had changed; the plain was still deserted. The calm was of -evil augury. The sun set in a mass of red vapour; the light suddenly -lessened, and night arrived, with its darkness and its mysteries. Don -Miguel, leaving the Canadian alone, went down to the apartment which -served as a refuge to the three females. The ladies were seated, sad -and silent. - -Eglantine walked up to him. - -"What does my sister want?" the young man asked. - -"Eglantine wishes to go," she answered, in her soft voice. - -"What, go!" he exclaimed, in surprise; "it is impossible. The night is -dark; my sister would run too much danger on the plain; the calcis of -her tribe are far away on the prairie." - -Eglantine assumed her usual pout as she shook her head. "Eglantine will -go," she said, impatiently. "My brother will give her a horse; she must -join Flying Eagle." - -"Alas! my poor girl, Flying Eagle is far away at this moment, I am -afraid; you will not find him." - -The girl raised her head quickly. "Flying Eagle does not desert his -friends," she said; "he is a great chief. Eglantine is proud to be his -squaw. Let my brother suffer her to go. Eglantine has in her heart a -little bird, that sings softly, and tells her where the Sachem is." - -Don Miguel suffered from considerable perplexity; he could not consent -to what the Indian girl asked him; he felt a repugnance to abandon the -woman who had given them so many proofs of devotion since she had been -among them. At this moment he felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned, -and saw Marksman. "Let her go," he said; "she knows better than we do -why she acts thus. The Redskins never do anything without a reason. -Come, dear child, I will accompany you to the gate, and give you a -horse." - -"Go, then," Don Miguel said; "but remember that you leave us against my -wish." - -Eglantine smiled, and kissed the two ladies, merely whispering one word -to them--"Courage!" - -Then she followed Marksman. - -"Poor, good creature!" Don Miguel muttered; "she wants to try and be -of use to us again, I feel convinced." Then he turned to the ladies. -"Niñas," he said to them, "regain your courage. We are numerous. -Tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall start again, with no fear of being -disturbed by the Indian marauders." - -"Don Miguel," Doña Laura answered, with a sad smile, "you will try in -vain to reassure us. We heard what the men said to each other: they are -expecting an attack." - -"Why not be frank with us, Don Miguel?" Doña Luisa added. "It is better -to tell us openly in what position we are, and to what we are exposed." - -"Good heavens! do I know it myself?" he replied. "I have taken all the -necessary precautions to defend the hacienda to the last extremity, but -I trust that our trail will not be discovered." - -"You are deceiving us again," Doña Laura said, in a reproachful voice, -so gentle that it went straight to the young man's heart. - -"Besides," the adventurer continued, not wishing to answer the -interruption, "be certain, señoritas, that, in case of an attack, we -shall all die, my comrades and myself, ere an Apache can cross the -threshold of this door." - -"The Apaches!" the maidens exclaimed, for the recollection of their -captivity was still quivering in their heart, and they trembled at the -mere thought of falling into their hands again. Still, this movement of -terror did not last an instant. Doña Laura's face immediately assumed -the angelic expression habitual to it, and she answered Don Miguel with -the softest possible intonation in her voice. - -"We have faith in you; we know that you will do all that is humanly -possible to save us. We thank you for your devotion; we know that our -fate is in the hands of God, and we place confidence in Him. Act like a -man, Don Miguel. Do not trouble about us further, but, I implore you, -watch over my father." - -"Yes," Doña Luisa added, "do your duty bravely; for our part, we will -do ours." - -Don Miguel looked without understanding her. She smiled and blushed, -but said no more. The young man seemed desirous to say a few words, -but, after a moment's hesitation, he bowed respectfully and left the -room. Laura and Luisa then threw themselves in each other's arms, and -embraced tenderly. - -When Don Miguel entered the patio, Marksman walked up to him, and -pointed to several rows of black dots, apparently crawling in the -direction of the hacienda. "Look!" he said, drily. - -"They are Redskins!" Don Miguel exclaimed. - -"I have seen them for the last ten minutes," the hunter continued; "but -we have time yet to prepare for their reception. They will not be here -for an hour." - -In truth, an hour passed away in this state of horrible expectation. -Suddenly the hideous head of an Apache appeared over the door of the -court, and looked furiously down into the patio. - -"No one can form an idea how impudent these Indians are," Marksman -said, with a grin; and, raising his axe, the body of the Apache rolled -outside, while his head fell, with grinning teeth, almost at Don -Miguel's feet. - -Several attempts of the same nature, made at various spots, were -repulsed with equal success. Then the Apaches, who had flattered -themselves with the idea of finding the whites asleep, seeing, on the -contrary, how badly they were received, uttered their war yell, and -rising tumultuously from the ground, where they had been hitherto -crawling, rushed toward the wall, which they tried to escalade on all -sides at once. - -A ball of fire flashed from the hacienda, and a shower of bullets -greeted them. Many fell; but the impetus of the charge was not felt. -A fresh discharge at point-blank range was impotent to repulse them, -although it caused them enormous losses. The attackers and attacked -were soon fighting hand to hand. It was an atrocious medley, a horrible -carnage, in which the hands were only unclutched by death, and in which -the conquered, after dragging his conqueror down with him, strangled -him in a last convulsion. For more than half an hour it was impossible -to recognize each other; the rifles, the lances, the arrows, and -machete strokes were interchanged with prodigious rapidity. At length -the Indians fell back; the wall was not yet escaladed. It was but a -short time; the Redskins returned almost immediately to the charge, -and the struggle recommenced with heightened fury. This time, in spite -of the prodigies of valour performed by the adventurers, they were -driven in by the mass of enemies that surrounded them, and compelled to -fall back on the house, contending every inch of ground; but now the -resistance could not last long. - -All at once shouts were heard in the rear of the Indians, and -Brighteye poured on them like an avalanche at the head of his party. -The Redskins, surprised and alarmed at this unforeseen attack, gave -way in disorder, and dispersed over the plain. Don Miguel rushed -forward, at the head of twenty men, to support Brighteye, and complete -the defeat of the Indians. The adventurers pursued the Apaches, whom -they furiously massacred; but all at once Don Miguel uttered a cry -of surprise and rage. While he had been led away in pursuit of the -Apaches, other Indians, suddenly springing up in the space left free, -rushed at the hacienda. The Gambusinos turned their horses round, and -retraced their steps at full gallop. It was too late. The hacienda -was invaded. The combat then became a horrible carnage--a nameless -butchery. In the midst of the Apaches, Atoyac, Addick, and Don Estevan -seemed to be multiplied, so rapid were their blows, so aroused was -their fury. On the highest step of the flight leading into the interior -of the house, Don Mariano and some Gambusinos he had rallied were -desperately resisting the repeated attacks of a swarm of Indians. -Suddenly a bloody veil was spread before Don Miguel's eyes; a cold -perspiration poured down his face; the Apaches had forced the entrance, -and were inundating the house. - -"Forward! Forward!" Don Leo howled, throwing himself headlong into the -medley. - -"Forward!" Brighteye and Marksman repeated. - -At this moment the two maidens appeared at the windows, closely -pursued by the Redskins, who seized them in their arms, and carried -them off, in spite of their shrieks and resistance. All was lost! At -this supreme moment, the war cry of the Comanches burst on the air, -and a cloud of warriors, at the head of whom Flying Eagle galloped, -fell like a thunderbolt on the Apaches, who believed themselves the -victors, Surrounded on all sides at once, after a heroic resistance, -the latter were compelled to give ground, and seek safety in flight. -The adventurers were saved at the moment when they believed nothing -was left them but to die, not to fall alive into the hands of their -ferocious enemies. - - - - -THE EPILOGUE. - - -Two hours later, the sun as it rose shone on a touching scene in that -hacienda which had been the scene of so obstinate a contest. - -The adventurers and the Comanche warriors, who arrived so fortunately -for them, hastily removed, as far as was possible, the traces of the -combat. The bodies of those who had fallen were piled up in a retired -corner of the patio, and covered with straw. Comanche sentries guarded -some twenty Apache prisoners, and the adventurers were busy, some -bandaging their wounds, others digging wide trenches to inter the dead. - -Under the saguon of the horses, two men and a woman had been laid on -trusses of straw, covered with zarapés. The woman was dead; it was -Doña Luisa. The poor child, whose life had only been one long self -denial and continued devotion, was killed by Don Estevan, at the moment -she blew out the brains of Addick, who was carrying off Doña Laura. -The two men were Don Mariano and Brighteye. Don Miguel and Laura were -standing on either side of the old gentleman, anxiously watching for -the moment when he should open his eyes. - -Marksman, sad, and with a pale brow, was bending over his old comrade, -who was on the point of death. - -"Courage!" he said to him; "courage, brother, it is nothing." - -The Canadian tried to smile. "Hum! I know what it is," he said in a -broken voice; "I have ten minutes left at the most, and after that--" - -He was silent for a moment, and seemed to be reflecting. "Tell me, -Marksman," he went on, "do you believe God will pardon me?" - -"Yes, my worthy friend; for you were a brave and good creature." - -"I have always acted in accordance with my heart. Well, it is said that -the mercy of God is infinite; I put my trust in Him." - -"Hope, my friend, hope!" - -"No matter. I was sure the Indians would never kill me; it was Don -Estevan, look ye, who wounded me, but I split his skull open. The -villain! I ought to have let him die in his pit, like a trapped wolf." - -His voice grew momentarily weaker; his eye was more glassy; his life -was ebbing fast. - -"Pardon him! Now he is dead, he is no longer dangerous." - -"Heaven be praised, I crushed the viper at last! Good-bye, Marksman, -my old comrade. We shall never again hunt buffalo and elk together on -the prairie; we shall no longer sound our war cry against the Apaches. -Where is Flying Eagle?" - -"Pursuing the Redskins." - -"Oh, he is a fine fellow. He was very young when I first knew him; -it was in 1845. I remember that I was returning from--" He stopped. -Marksman, who had bent as close as possible over him, to hear the words -he uttered in a voice that grew momentarily weaker, looked at him. He -was dead. The worthy hunter had surrendered his soul to God, without -feeling the cruel agonies of death. His friend piously closed his eyes, -knelt down by his side, and binding his pale forehead, prayed fervently -for his old comrade. - -Don Mariano, in the meanwhile, had remained in the same state of -apparent insensibility. Don Miguel and Doña Laura each held a hand, and -anxiously questioned his pulse. His two old servants were kneeling in a -corner of the room, and weeping silently. - -Suddenly Don Mariano uttered a deep sigh, a bright flush covered his -face, his eyes opened, and for some minutes he seemed trying to recall -his ideas, troubled by the approach of death. At length he made a -supreme effort, sat up, and looking by turns with an expression of -ineffable gentleness at the young people who had fallen on their knees, -he drew their hands towards him and forced them on his heart. - -"Don Miguel," he said, in a powerful voice, "guard her! Laura, you -love him, so be happy! My children, I bless you. Oh, God! In thy mercy -pardon the wretched man who is the cause of all our misfortunes. Lord, -receive me into Thy bosom! My children, my children, we shall meet -again!" His body was suddenly agitated by a convulsive tremor, his -features were contracted, and he fell back breathing his last sigh. He -was dead! - -After performing the last duties to his old comrade, Marksman followed -Flying Eagle and his warriors. From that moment he was never heard of -again; the death of Brighteye had broken all the energy and will in -this powerful man. Perhaps he is still dragging out the last days of a -wretched existence among those Indians with whom he formed the resolve -of living. - -The minute researches made by Don Leo de Torres, after his marriage -with Doña Laura de Real del Monte, led to no result; hence the young -man, to his great regret, was compelled to resign all hopes of ever -paying this simple and yet great-hearted man the debt of gratitude he -owed him. - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Scout, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - -***** This file should be named 44196-8.txt or 44196-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/1/9/44196/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 Scout - A Story of the Aztec City - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: November 16, 2013 [EBook #44196] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<h1>THE INDIAN SCOUT.</h1> - -<h3>A Story of the Aztec City</h3> - -<h3>BY</h3> - -<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD,</h2> - -<h4>AUTHOR OF "PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES," "TRAPPER'S BRIDE,"</h4> - -<h4>"PRAIRIE FLOWER," 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>The following work has been the most successful of all Gustave Aimard -has published in Paris, and it has run through an unparalleled number -of Editions. This is not surprising, however, when we bear in mind that -he describes in it his personal experiences in the Indian Aztec city, -from which no European ever returned prior to him, to tell the tale of -his adventures. From this volume we learn to regard the Indians from a -very different side than the one hitherto taken; for it is evident that -they are something more than savages, and possess their traditions just -as much as any nation of the Old World. At the present moment, when -the Redskins appear destined to play an important part in the American -struggle, I think that such knowledge as our Author is enabled alone to -give us about their manners and customs, will be read with interest.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 75%; font-size: 0.8em;">L. W.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<h5>CONTENTS</h5> - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-left: 5%;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE SURPRISE</a></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">BRIGHTEYE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">THE GUEST</a></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">THE CAMP</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">A NIGHT CONFERENCE</a></td><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">FLYING EAGLE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">INDIANS AND HUNTERS</a></td><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">QUIEPAA TANI</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS</a></td><td align="right">XXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">A TRIO OF VILLAINS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">A DARK HISTORY</a></td><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">A DARK HISTORY CONTINUED</a></td><td align="right">XXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE CONCLUDED</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED</a></td><td align="right">XXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">REDSKINS AND WHITE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN</a></td><td align="right">XXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">THE COUNCIL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">FRESH CHARACTERS</a></td><td align="right">XXX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">THE SECOND DETACHMENT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">THE FORD OF THE RUBIO</a></td><td align="right">XXXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">THE TLACATEOTZIN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">DON STEFANO COHECHO</a></td><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">THE AMBUSCADE</a></td><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">EXPLANATORY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">THE TRAVELLERS</a></td><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">CONVERSATIONAL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">RECALLED TO LIFE</a></td><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">THE INTERVIEW</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH</a></td><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">A MEETING</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">DON MARIANO</a></td><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">COMPLICATIONS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">BEFORE THE TRIAL</a></td><td align="right">XXXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">A WALK IN THE DARK</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">FACE TO FACE</a></td><td align="right">XXXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">THE GREAT MEDICINE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="left">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">THE JUDGMENT</a></td><td align="right">XL.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">THE FINAL STRUGGLE</a></td></tr> -</table></div> -<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;"> -<a href="#THE_EPILOGUE">THE EPILOGUE</a> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>THE INDIAN SCOUT.</h3> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SURPRISE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">It was towards the end of May, 1855, in one of the least visited parts -of the immense prairies of the Far West, and at a short distance from -the Rio Colorado del Norte, which the Indian tribes of those districts -call, in their language so full of imagery, "The endless river with the -golden waves."</p> - -<p>The night was profoundly dark. The moon, which had proceeded two-thirds -of its course, displayed between the lofty branches of the trees her -pallid face; and the scanty rays of vacillating light scarce brought -out the outlines of the abrupt and stern scenery. There was not a -breath in the air, not a star in the sky. A silence of death brooded -over the desert—a silence only interrupted, at long intervals, by the -sharp barking of the coyotes in search of prey, or the savage miaulings -of the panthers and jaguars at the watering place.</p> - -<p>During the darkness, the great American savannahs, on which no human -sound troubles the majesty of night, assume, beneath the eye of heaven, -an imposing splendour, which unconsciously affects the heart of the -strongest man, and imbues him involuntarily with a feeling of religious -respect.</p> - -<p>All at once the closely growing branches of a floripondio were -cautiously parted, and in the space thus left appeared the anxious -head of a man, whose eyes, flashing like those of a wild beast, darted -restless glances in every direction. After a few seconds of perfect -immobility, the man of whom we speak left the clump of trees in the -midst of which he was concealed, and leaped out on the plain.</p> - -<p>Although his bronzed complexion had assumed almost a brick colour, -still, from his hunting garb, and, above all, the light colour of -his long hair, and his bold, frank, and sharply-marked features, it -was easy to recognise in this man one of those daring Canadian wood -rangers, whose bold race is daily expiring, and will probably disappear -ere long.</p> - -<p>He walked a few paces, with the barrel of his rifle thrust forward, -and his finger on the trigger, minutely inspecting the thickets and -numberless bushes that surrounded him; then, probably reassured by the -silence and solitude that—continued to prevail around, he stopped, -rested the butt of his rifle on the ground, bent forward, and imitated, -with rare perfection, the song of the centzontle, the American -nightingale.</p> - -<p>Scarce had the last modulation of this song, which was gentle as a love -sigh, died away in the air, when a second person bounded forward from -the same shrub which had already offered passage to the hunter. It was -an Indian; he stationed himself by the Canadian's side, and, after -a few seconds' silence, said, affecting a tranquillity probably not -responded to by his heart,—"Well?"</p> - -<p>"All is calm," the hunter answered. "The <i>Cihuatl</i> can come."</p> - -<p>The Indian shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Since the rising of the moon, Mahchsi Karehde has been separated from -Eglantine; he knows not where she is at this moment."</p> - -<p>A kindly smile played round the hunter's lips.</p> - -<p>"Eglantine loves my brother," he said, gently. "The little bird that -sings in her heart will have led her on the trail of the Chief. Has -Mahchsi Karehde forgotten the song with which he called her to his love -meetings in the tribe?"</p> - -<p>"The Chief has forgotten nothing."</p> - -<p>"Let him call her then."</p> - -<p>The Indian did not let the invitation be repeated. The cry of the -walkon rose in the silence.</p> - -<p>At the same moment a rustling was heard in the branches, and a young -woman, bounding like a startled fawn, fell panting into the warrior's -arms, which were opened to receive her. This pressure was no longer -than a flash of lightning; the Chief, doubtlessly ashamed of the tender -emotion he had yielded to in the presence of a white man, even though -that white man was a friend, coldly repulsed the young female, saying -to her, in a voice in which no trace of feeling was visible, "My sister -is fatigued, without doubt; no danger menaces her at this moment; she -can sleep; the warriors will watch over her."</p> - -<p>"Eglantine is a Comanche maid," she answered in a timid voice. "Her -heart is strong; she will obey Mahchsi Karehde (the Flying Eagle). -Under the protection of so terrible a chief she knows herself in -safety."</p> - -<p>The Indian bent on her a glance full of indescribable tenderness; but -regaining, almost immediately, that apparent apathy which the Redskins -never depart from, "The warriors wish to hold a council; my sister can -sleep," he said.</p> - -<p>The young woman made no reply; she bowed respectfully to the two men, -and withdrawing a few paces, she lay down in the grass, and slept, or -feigned to sleep. The Canadian had contented himself with smiling, on -seeing the result obtained by the advice he had given the warrior, and -listened, with an approving nod of the head, to the few words exchanged -between the Redskins. The Chief, buried in thought, stood for a few -minutes with his eyes fixed, with a strange expression, on the young, -sleeping woman; then he passed his hand several times over his brow, as -if to dissipate the clouds that oppressed his mind, and turned to the -hunter.</p> - -<p>"My brother, the Paleface, has need of rest. The Chief will watch," he -said.</p> - -<p>"The coyotes have ceased barking, the moon has disappeared, a white -streak is rising on the horizon," the Canadian replied. "Day will -speedily appear; sleep has fled my eyelids; the men must hold a -council."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed, without further remark, and, laying his gun on the -ground, collected a few armfuls of dry wood, which he carried near -the sleeper. The Canadian struck a light; the wood soon caught, and -the flame coloured the trees with its blood red hue. The two men then -squatted by each other's side, filled their calumets with <i>manachie</i>, -the sacred tobacco, and commenced smoking silently, with that imposing -gravity which the Indians, under all circumstances, bring to this -symbolic operation.</p> - -<p>We will profit by this moment of rest, which accident offers us, to -draw a portrait of these three persons, who are destined to play an -important part in the course of our story.</p> - -<p>The Canadian was a man of about forty-five years of age, six feet in -height, long, thin, and dry; his was a nervous nature, composed of -muscle and sinews, perfectly adapted to the rude profession of wood -ranger, which demands a vigour and boldness beyond all expression. -Like all his countrymen, the Canadian offered, in his features, the -Norman type in its thorough purity. His wide forehead; his grey eyes, -full of intelligence; his slightly aquiline nose; his large mouth, -full of magnificent teeth; the long light hair, mingled with a few -silvery threads which escaped from under his otter skin cap, and fell -in enormous ringlets on his shoulders,—all these details gave this man -an open, frank, and honest appearance, which attracted sympathy, and -pleased at the first glance. This worthy, giant, whose real name was -Bonnaire, but who was only known on the prairies by the sobriquet of -Marksman, a sobriquet which he fully justified by the correctness of -his aim, and his skill in detecting the lurking places of wild beasts, -was born in the vicinity of Montreal; but having been taken, while very -young, into the forests of Upper Canada, desert life possessed such -charms for him, that he had given up civilized society, and for nearly -thirty years had traversed the vast solitudes of North America, only -consenting to visit the towns and villages when he wanted to dispose -of the skins of the animals he had killed, or renew his provision of -powder and bullets.</p> - -<p>Marksman's companion, Flying Eagle, was one of the most renowned chiefs -of the tribe of the White Buffaloes, the most powerful of all forming -the warlike Comanche race, that untameable and ferocious nation, which, -in its immeasurable pride, haughtily terms itself the Queen of the -Prairies, a title which no other tribe dares to challenge. Flying -Eagle, though still very young, for he was scarcely four-and-twenty, -had already distinguished himself, on several occasions, by deeds of -such unheard-of boldness and temerity, that his mere name inspired the -countless Indian hordes that constantly traverse the desert in every -direction, with invincible terror.</p> - -<p>He was tall, well built, and perfectly proportioned; his features were -elegant, and his black eyes acquired, beneath the influence of any -powerful emotion, that strange rigidity which commands respect; his -gestures were noble, and his carriage graceful, and stamped with that -majesty inborn in Indians. The Chief was attired in his war dress, and -that was so singular, as to deserve a detailed description.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle wore the cap which only distinguished warriors, who have -killed many warriors, have the right to assume; it is made of strips -of white ermine, with a large piece of red cloth fastened at the back, -and falling to the thigh, to which is fastened an upright crest of -black and white eagle plumes, which begins at the head, and continues -in close order to the extremity. Above his right ear he had passed -through his hair a wooden knife, painted red, and about the length -of a hand; this knife was the model of one with which he had killed -a Dacotah chief; he wore, in addition, eight small wooden skewers, -painted blue, and adorned at the upper extremity with a gilt nail, to -indicate the number of bullets that had wounded him; over his left ear -he wore a large tuft of yellow owl feathers, with the ends painted -red, as the totem of the Band of Dogs; one half his face was red, and -his body reddish brown, with stripes from which the colour had been -removed by a moistened finger. His arms, starting from the shoulder, -were adorned with twenty-seven yellow stripes, indicating the number -of his exploits, while on his chest he had painted a blue hand, to -announce that he had frequently made prisoners. Round his neck he wore -a magnificent collar of grizzly bear's claws, three inches in length, -and white at the point. His shoulders were covered by a large buffalo -robe, falling almost to the ground, and painted of various colours. -His breeches, composed of two separate parts, one for each leg, were -tightly fastened to his waist belt, and fell almost to his ankles, -embroidered externally with coloured porcupine quills, terminating in a -long tuft that trailed on the ground. Wide stripes of black and white -cloth were rolled round his hips, and fell before and behind in heavy -folds. His slippers, of buffalo hide, were but slightly decorated; -but wolf tails, trailing on the ground behind him, and equalling in -number the enemies he had conquered, were fastened above his ankles. -From his waist belt hung, on one side, his powder flask, ball pouch, -and scalping knife: on the other, a quiver of panther skin filled with -long, sharp arrows, and his tomahawk; his gun was laid on the ground, -within reach of his hand.</p> - -<p>This warrior, dressed in such a strange costume, had something imposing -and sinister about him which inspired terror.</p> - -<p>For the present we will confine ourselves to saying that Eglantine was -not more than fifteen years of age; that she was very beautiful for an -Indian girl; and wore, in all its elegant simplicity, the sweet costume -adopted by the women of her nation. Ending here this description, which -was perhaps too detailed, but which was necessary in order to know the -men we have introduced in the scene, we will return to our narrative.</p> - -<p>For a long time the two men smoked side by side without exchanging a -syllable; at length, the Canadian shook out the ashes of his pipe on -his thumb nail, and addressed his companion.</p> - -<p>"Is my brother satisfied?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Indian answered, and bowing assent; "my brother has a -friend."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the hunter continued; "and what will the Chief do now?"</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle will rejoin his tribe with Eglantine, and then return to -seek the Apache trail."</p> - -<p>"For what purpose?"</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle will avenge himself."</p> - -<p>"As you please, Chief. I will certainly not try to dissuade you from -projects against enemies who are also mine; still, I do not believe you -look at the matter in the right light."</p> - -<p>"What would my brother the Paleface warrior say?"</p> - -<p>"I mean that we are far from the lodges of the Comanches, and before -reaching them we shall have doubtlessly more than one turn-up with -the enemies from whom the Chief considers himself freed, perhaps, too -prematurely."</p> - -<p>The Indian shrugged his shoulders disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"The Apaches are old women, chattering, and cowardly," he said. "Flying -Eagle despises them."</p> - -<p>"That is possible," the hunter replied, with a toss of his head; -"still, in my opinion, we should have done better in continuing our -journey till sunrise, in order to put a greater distance between them -and us, instead of halting so imprudently; we are still very near the -camp of our enemies."</p> - -<p>"The fire water has stopped the ears and closed the eyes of the Apache -dogs; they are stretched on the ground and sleeping."</p> - -<p>"Hum! that is not my opinion; I am, on the contrary, persuaded that -they are watching and looking for us."</p> - -<p>At the same instant, as if chance wished to justify the apprehensions -of the prudent hunter, some dozen shots were fired; a horrible war -cry, to which the Canadian and the Comanche responded, with a yell of -defiance, was heard in the forest, and nearly thirty Indians rushed -howling toward the fire, at which our three characters were seated; but -the latter had disappeared, as if by enchantment.</p> - -<p>The Apaches stopped with an outburst of passion, not knowing in what -direction to turn, in order to find their crafty foes again. Suddenly -three shots were fired from the interior of the forest, and three -Apaches rolled on the ground, with holes in their chests. The Indians -uttered a yell of fury, and rushed in the direction of the shots. At -the moment they reached the edge of the forest, a man stepped forward, -waving in his right hand a buffalo robe, as a signal of peace. It was -Marksman, the Canadian.</p> - -<p>The Apaches stopped with an ill-omened hesitation, but the Canadian, -without seeming to notice the movement, walked resolutely toward them -with the slow and careless step habitual to him; on recognizing him, -the Indians brandished their weapons wrathfully, and wished to rush -upon him, for they had many reasons for hating the hunter; but their -Chief arrested them with a peremptory gesture.</p> - -<p>"Let my brothers be patient," he said, with a sinister smile, "they -will lose nothing by waiting."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE GUEST.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">On the same day that our story begins, and about three miles from where -the events narrated in our preceding chapter occurred, a numerous -caravan had halted at sunset, in a vast clearing situated on the skirt -of an immense virgin forest, the last species of which ended on the -banks of the Rio Colorado.</p> - -<p>This caravan came from the south-east, that is, from Mexico. It -appeared to have been on the march for a long time, as far as possible -to judge by the state in which the clothes of the men were, as well -as the harness of the horses and mules. In fact, the poor beasts -themselves were reduced to a state of leanness and weakness, which -amply testified to the rude fatigue they must have endured. The -caravan was composed of some thirty-five persons, all attired in -the picturesque and characteristic costume of the half-bred hunters -and Gambusinos, who alone, or in small bands, at the most of four, -incessantly traverse the Far West, which they explore in its most -mysterious depths, for the purpose of hunting, trapping, or discovering -the numberless gold veins it contains in its bosom.</p> - -<p>The adventurers halted, dismounted, fastened their horses to picket -ropes, and began immediately, with that skill and quickness only -attained by long habit, making their preparations to bivouac. The grass -was pulled up over a considerable extent of ground; the baggage, piled -up in a circle, formed a breastwork, behind which a sudden attack of -the desert marauders might be resisted; and then fires were lighted in -the shape of a St. Andrew's cross in the interior of the camp.</p> - -<p>When all this had been attended to, some of the adventurers put up a -large tent above a palanquin hermetically closed, which was carried by -two mules, one before and one behind. When the tent was pitched, the -mules were taken out of the palanquin, and the curtains, in falling, -covered it so completely, that it was entirely concealed.</p> - -<p>This palanquin was a riddle to the adventurers. No one knew what it -contained, though the general curiosity was singularly aroused on the -subject of a mystery so specially incomprehensible in this deserted -country; each kept carefully to himself the opinions he had formed -about it—above all, since the day when, in the midst of a difficult -piece of country, and during the momentary absence of the chief of the -Cuadrilla, who usually never left the palanquin, which he guarded like -a miser does his treasure, a hunter leaned over and slightly opened -one of the curtains; but the man had scarce time to take a furtive -peep through the opening, ere the chief, suddenly coming up, split his -skull open with a blow of his machete, and laid him dead at his feet. -Then he turned to the terrified witnesses, and said calmly,—"Is there -another among you who would like to discover what I think proper to -keep secret?"</p> - -<p>These words were uttered in such a tone of implacable raillery and -furious cruelty, that these villains, for the most part without faith -or law, and accustomed to brave, with a laugh, the greatest perils, -felt an internal shudder, and their blood stagnated in their veins. -This lesson had been sufficient. No one tried afterwards to discover -the captain's secret.</p> - -<p>The final arrangements had been scarcely made for the encampment, ere -the sound of horses was heard, and two horsemen arrived at a gallop.</p> - -<p>"Here is the Captain," the adventurers said to each other.</p> - -<p>The newcomers gave their reins to men who ran up to receive them, and -walked hastily toward the tent. On arriving there, the first stopped -and addressed his companion:—"Caballero," he said to him, "you are -welcome among us; although very poor ourselves, we will gladly share -the little we possess with you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks," the second said, with a bow, "I will not abuse your gracious -hospitality; tomorrow, at sunrise, I think I shall be sufficiently -rested to continue my journey."</p> - -<p>"You will act as you think proper: seat yourself by this fire prepared -for us, while I go for a few moments into that tent. I will soon rejoin -you, and have the honour of keeping you company."</p> - -<p>The stranger bowed, and took his place by the fire, lighted a short -distance from the tent, while the captain let the curtain he had lifted -fail behind him, and disappeared from his guest's sight.</p> - -<p>The latter was a man of marked features, his stalwart limbs denoting -a far from ordinary strength; the few wrinkles that furrowed his -energetic face served to indicate that he had already passed midlife, -though no trace of decrepitude was visible on his solidly-built body, -and not a white hair silvered his long and thick locks, which were -black as a raven's wing. He wore the costume of the rich Mexican -hacenderos, that is to say, the mança; the zarapé, of many colours; -the velvet calzoneras, open at the knee, and botas vaqueras; his hat, -of vicuna skin, gallooned with gold, was drawn in by a rich toquilla, -fastened with a costly diamond; a sheathless machete hung from his -right hip, merely passed through an iron ring: the barrels of two -six-chambered revolvers shone in his waist belt, and he had thrown on -the grass by his side an American rifle, beautifully damascened with -silver.</p> - -<p>When the Captain left him alone, this man, while installing himself -before the fire in the most comfortable way possible, that is to say, -arranging his zarapé and water bottles to serve as a bed, if necessary, -had cast a furtive glance around, whose expression would, doubtless, -have supplied the adventurers with serious matter of thought had they -been able to notice it; but all were busied in getting the bivouac -snug, and preparations for supper; and trusting entirely in the loyalty -of prairie hospitality, they did not at all dream of watching what the -stranger seated at their fire was about.</p> - -<p>The unknown, after a few moments' reflection, rose and walked up to a -party of trappers, whose conversation seemed very animated, and who -were gesticulating with that fire natural to southern races.</p> - -<p>"Eh!" one of them said, on noticing the stranger, "this señor will set -us right with a word."</p> - -<p>The latter, thus directly appealed to, turned toward the speaker.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, caballeros?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Oh, a very simple matter," the adventurer made answer; "your horse, a -noble and handsome animal, I must allow, señor, will not associate with -others; it stamps its feet and bites at the companions we have given -it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is, indeed, simple enough," a second adventurer remarked, -with a grin; "that horse is a <i>costeño</i>, and too proud to associate -with poor <i>tierras interiores</i> like our horses."</p> - -<p>At this singular reason, all burst into an Homeric laugh. The stranger -smiled cunningly.</p> - -<p>"It may be the reason you state, or perhaps some other," he said -gently; "at any rate, there is a very simple way of settling the -dispute, which I will employ."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the second speaker said, "what is it?"</p> - -<p>"This," the stranger replied, with the same air of placidity.</p> - -<p>Then, walking up to the horse, which two men had a difficulty in -holding, he said,—"Let go!"</p> - -<p>"But if we let go, nobody knows what will happen."</p> - -<p>"Let go! I answer for all then," addressing his horse,—"Lillo!" he -said.</p> - -<p>At this name, the horse raised its noble head, and fixing its sparkling -eye on the man who had called it, with a sharp and irresistible -movement, it threw off the two men who tried to check it, sent them -rolling on the grass, to the shouts of their comrades, and rubbed its -head against its master's chest with a neigh of pleasure.</p> - -<p>"You see," the stranger said, as he patted the noble animal, "it is not -difficult."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the first adventurer who picked himself up said, in an angry -tone, and rubbing his shoulder; "that is a <i>demonio</i> to which I would -not entrust my skin, old and wrinkled as it is at present."</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself any further about the horse, I will attend to -it."</p> - -<p>"On the faith of Domingo, I have had enough, for my part; 'tis a noble -brute, but it has a fiend inside it."</p> - -<p>The stranger shrugged his shoulders without replying, and returned -to the fire, followed by his horse, which paced step by step behind -him, not evincing the slightest wish to indulge further in those -eccentricities which had so greatly astonished the adventurers, who -are, however, all men well versed in the equine art. This horse was -a pure barb of Arab stock, and had probably cost its present owner -an enormous sum, and its pace seemed strange to men accustomed to -American horses. Its master gave it provender, hobbled it near him, -and then sat down again by the fire: at the same instant the Captain -appeared in the entrance of the tent.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon," he said, with that charming courtesy natural to -the Hispano-Americans; "I beg your pardon, Señor Caballero, for having -neglected you so long, but an imperative duty claimed my presence. Now, -I am quite at your service."</p> - -<p>The stranger bowed. "On the contrary," he replied, "I must ask you to -accept my apologies for the cool manner in which I avail myself of your -hospitality."</p> - -<p>"Not a word more on this head, if you wish not to annoy me."</p> - -<p>The Captain seated himself by his guest's side.</p> - -<p>"We will dine," he said. "I can only offer you scanty fare; but one -must put up with it, and I am reduced to tasajo and red beans with -pimento."</p> - -<p>"That is delicious, and I should assuredly do honour to it if I felt -the slightest appetite; but, at the present moment, it would be -impossible for me to swallow the smallest mouthful."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the Captain said, looking distrustfully at the stranger.</p> - -<p>But he met a face so simply calm, a smile so frank, that he felt -ashamed of his suspicions, and his face, which had grown gloomy, at -once regained all its serenity.</p> - -<p>"I am vexed. Still, I will ask permission to dine at once; for, -differently from you, Caballero, I must confess to you that I am -literally dying of hunger."</p> - -<p>"I should be in despair at causing you the slightest delay."</p> - -<p>"Domingo," the Captain shouted, "my dinner."</p> - -<p>The adventurer, whom the stranger's horse had treated so roughly, soon -came up limping, and carrying his chief's supper in a wooden tray; a -few tortillas he held in his hand completed the meal, which was worthy -of an anchorite.</p> - -<p>Domingo was an Indian half-bred, with a knowing look, angular features, -and crafty face: he appeared to be about fifty years of age, so far -as it is possible to judge an Indian's age by his looks. Since his -misadventure with the horse, Domingo felt a malice for the stranger.</p> - -<p>"<i>Con su permiso</i>," the Captain said, as he broke a tortilla.</p> - -<p>"I will smoke a cigarette, if that can be called keeping you company," -the stranger said, with his stereotyped smile.</p> - -<p>The other bowed politely, and fell to on his meagre repast with that -eagerness which denotes a lengthened abstinence. We will take advantage -of the opportunity to draw for the reader a portrait of the chief of -the caravan.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel Ortega, for such was the name by which he was known to his -comrades, was an elegant and handsome young man, not more than six and -twenty years of age, with a bronzed complexion, delicate features, -haughty and flashing eyes; while his tall stature, well-shaped limbs, -and wide and arched chest, denoted rare vigour. Assuredly, through -the whole extent of the old Spanish colonies, it would have been -difficult—if not impossible—to meet a more seductive cavalier, whom -the picturesque Mexican costume became so well, or combining to the -same extent as he did, those external advantages which charm women and -captivate the populace. Still, for the observer, Don Miguel had too -great a depth in his eye, too rude a frown, and a smile too false and -perfidious, not to conceal, beneath his pleasing exterior, an ulcerated -soul and evil instincts.</p> - -<p>A hunter's meal, seasoned by appetite, is never long. The present one -was promptly disposed of.</p> - -<p>"There," the Captain said, as he wiped his fingers with a tuft of -grass; "now for a cigarette to help digestion, and then I shall have -the honour to wish you good night. Of course, you do not intend to -leave us before daybreak."</p> - -<p>"I can hardly tell you. That will depend, to some extent, on the -weather tonight. I am in a considerable hurry, and you know, Caballero, -that—as our neighbours, the Gringos, so justly remark—time is money."</p> - -<p>"You know better than I do, Caballero, what you have to do. Act as you -please; but, before I retire, accept my wishes for a pleasant night's -rest, and the success of your plans."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, Caballero."</p> - -<p>"One last word, or rather, one last question before separating?"</p> - -<p>"Ask it."</p> - -<p>"Of course, if this question appears to you indiscreet, you are at -perfect liberty not to answer it."</p> - -<p>"It would surprise me, on the part of so accomplished a Caballero. -Hence, be kind enough to explain yourself."</p> - -<p>"My name is Don Miguel Ortega."</p> - -<p>"And mine, Don Stefano Cohecho."</p> - -<p>The Captain bowed.</p> - -<p>"Will you allow me, in my turn," the stranger said, "to ask you a -question?"</p> - -<p>"I beg you to do so."</p> - -<p>"Why this exchange of names?"</p> - -<p>"Because, on the prairie it is good to be able to distinguish friends -from foes."</p> - -<p>"That is true. And now?"</p> - -<p>"Now I am certain that I do not count you among the latter."</p> - -<p>"<i>¿Quién sabe?</i>" Don Stefano retorted, with a laugh. "There are such -strange accidents."</p> - -<p>The two men, after exchanging a few more words in the most friendly -manner, cordially shook hands. Don Miguel went into the tent, and Don -Stefano, after turning his feet towards the fire, slept, or pretended -to do so.</p> - -<p>An hour later, the deepest silence reigned in the camp. The fires only -produced a doubtful gleam; and the sentinels, leaning on their rifles, -were themselves yielding to that species of vague somnolency, which -is not quite sleep, but is no longer watching. All at once, an owl, -probably hidden in a neighbouring tree, twice uttered its melancholy -hu-hu.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano suddenly opened his eyes, without changing his position; he -assured himself, by an investigating glance, that all was quiet around -him; then, after convincing himself that his machete and revolvers had -not left him, he took up his rifle, and in his turn imitated the cry of -the owl, which was answered by a similar whoop.</p> - -<p>The stranger, after arranging his zarapé, so as to imitate a human -body, whispered a few words to his horse while patting it, in order to -calm it; and laying himself at full length on the ground, he crawled -towards one of the outlets from the camp, stopping at intervals to look -around him.</p> - -<p>All continued to be tranquil. On reaching the foot of the breastwork -formed by the baggage, he jumped up, leapt over the obstacles with a -tiger's bound, and disappeared in the prairie. At the same instant a -man rose, sprang over the entrenchment, and rushed in pursuit of him.</p> - -<p>That man was Domingo.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> - -<h3>A NIGHT CONFERENCE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Don Stefano Cohecho seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the -desert. So soon as he was on the prairie, and fancied himself safe -from any curious eye, he raised his head haughtily, his step grew more -confident, his eye sparkled with a gloomy fire, and he walked with long -steps towards a clump of palm trees, whose small fans formed but a -scanty protection by day against the burning sunbeams.</p> - -<p>Still he neglected no precaution; at times he stopped hurriedly, to -listen to the slightest suspicious sound, or interrogate with searching -glance the gloomy depths of the forest. But after a few seconds, -re-assured by the calm that prevailed around him, he jogged onwards -with that deliberate step he had adopted on leaving the camp.</p> - -<p>Domingo walked literally in his steps; spying and watching each of -his movements with that sagacity peculiar to the half-breeds, while -carefully keeping on his guard against any surprise on the part of the -man he was following. Domingo was one of those men of whom only too -many are met with on the frontiers. Gifted with great qualities and -great vices, equally fit for good and evil, capable of accomplishing -extraordinary things in either sense; but who, for the most part, are -only guided by their evil instincts.</p> - -<p>He was at this moment following the stranger, without exactly knowing -the motive that made him do so; not, even having decided whether to -be for or against him; awaiting, to make up his mind, a little better -knowledge of the state of affairs, and the chance of weighing the -advantage he should derive from treachery or the performance of his -duty. Hence, he carefully avoided letting his presence be suspected, -for he guessed that the mystery he wished to detect would, if he -succeeded, offer him great advantages, especially if he knew how to -work it.</p> - -<p>The two men marched thus for nearly an hour, one behind the other, Don -Stefano not suspecting for a moment that he was so cleverly watched, -and that one of the most knowing scoundrels on the prairie was at his -heels.</p> - -<p>After numberless turnings in the tall grass, Don Stefano at length -arrived at the bank of the Rio Colorado, which at this spot was as wide -and placid as a lake, running over a bed of sand, bordered by thick -clumps of cottonwood trees, and tall poplars, whose roots were bathed -in the water. On reaching the river, the stranger stopped, listened -for a moment, and, raising his fingers to his mouth, imitated the bark -of a coyote. Almost immediately, the same signal rose in the midst of -the mangrove trees, and a little birchbark canoe, pulled by two men, -appeared on the bank.</p> - -<p>"Eh!" Don Stefano said, in a suppressed voice, "I had given up all -hopes of meeting you."</p> - -<p>"Did you not hear our signal?" one of the men in the canoe answered.</p> - -<p>"Should I have come without that? Still, it seems to me you could have -come nearer to me."</p> - -<p>"It was not possible."</p> - -<p>The canoe ran on to the sand; the two men leaped on lightly, and in a -second joined Don Stefano. Both were dressed and armed like prairie -hunters.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Don Stefano continued; "it is a long journey from the camp here, -and I am afraid that my absence may be noticed."</p> - -<p>"That is a risk you must run," the first speaker remarked—a man of -tall stature, with a grave and stern face, whose hair, white as snow, -fell in long curls on his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Well, as you are here at last, let us come to an understanding; and -make haste about it, for time is precious. What have you done since we -parted?"</p> - -<p>"Not much; we followed you at a distance, that is all, ready to come to -your assistance if needed."</p> - -<p>"Thanks; no news?"</p> - -<p>"None. Who could have given us any?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; and have you not met your friend Marksman?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> That is annoying; for, if my presentiment do not -deceive me, we shall soon have to play at knives."</p> - -<p>"We will do so."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Brighteye. I have long been acquainted with your courage; -but you, Ruperto your comrade, and myself, are only three men, after -all."</p> - -<p>"What matter?"</p> - -<p>"What matter? you say, when we shall have to fight thirty or forty -hardened hunters! On my word, Brighteye, you will drive me mad with -your notions. You doubt about nothing; but remember, that this time -we have not to contend against badly-armed Indians, but white men, -thorough game for the galleys, who will die without yielding an inch, -and to whom we must inevitably succumb."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I did not think of that; they are numerous."</p> - -<p>"If we fall, what will become of her?"</p> - -<p>"Good, good," the hunter said, with a shake of his head. "I repeat to -you that I did not think of that."</p> - -<p>"You see, then, that it is indispensable for us to come to an -understanding with Marksman and the men he may have at his disposal."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but where are you going to find in the desert the trail of a man -like Marksman? Who knows where he is at this moment? He may be within -gunshot of us, or five hundred miles off."</p> - -<p>"It is enough to drive me mad."</p> - -<p>"The fact is, that the position is grave. Are you, at least, sure this -time that you are not mistaken, but are in the right trail?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot say with certainty, though everything leads me to suppose -that I am not mistaken. However, I shall soon know what I have to -depend on."</p> - -<p>"Besides, it is the same trail we have followed ever since leaving -Monterey; the chances are it is they."</p> - -<p>"What do we resolve on?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! I do not know what to say!"</p> - -<p>"On my word, you are a most heart breaking fellow! What! cannot you -suggest any way?"</p> - -<p>"I must have a certainty, and then, as you said yourself, it would be -madness for us thus to try a sudden attack."</p> - -<p>"You are right. I will return to the camp; tomorrow night we will meet -again, and I shall be very unlucky if this time I do not discover -what it is so important for us all to know. Do you, in the meanwhile, -ransack the prairie in every direction, and, if possible, bring me news -of Marksman."</p> - -<p>"The recommendation is unnecessary. I shall not be idle."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano seized the old hunter's hand, and pressed it between his -own.</p> - -<p>"Brighteye," he said to him, with considerable emotion,</p> - -<p>"I will not speak of our old friendship, nor of the services which I -have been several times so fortunate as to render you; I will only -repeat, and I know it will be sufficient for you, that the happiness of -my whole life depends on the success of our expedition."</p> - -<p>"Good, good; have confidence in me, Don José. I am too old to change my -friends; I do not know who is right or wrong in this business; I wish -that justice may be on your side; but that does not affect me. Whatever -may happen, I will be a good and faithful companion to you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, my old friend. Tomorrow night, then."</p> - -<p>After uttering these few words, Don Stefano, or, at least, the man who -called himself so, made a move as if to withdraw; but Brighteye stopped -him, with a sudden gesture.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" the stranger asked.</p> - -<p>The hunter laid a forefinger on his mouth, to recommend silence, and -turned to Ruperto, who had remained silent and apathetic during the -interview.</p> - -<p>"<i>Coyote</i>," he said to him, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>Without replying, Ruperto bounded like a jaguar, and disappeared in a -clump of cottonwood trees, which was a short distance off. After a few -moments, the two men who had remained, with their bodies bent forward -in the attitude of listeners, without uttering a syllable, heard a -rustling of leaves, a noise of broken branches, followed by the fall of -a heavy body on the ground, and after that nothing. Almost immediately -the cry of the owl rose in the night air.</p> - -<p>"Ruperto calls us," Brighteye then said, "all is over</p> - -<p>"What has happened?" Don Stefano asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Less than nothing," the hunter replied, making him a sign to follow. -"You had a spy at your heels; that is all."</p> - -<p>"A spy?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! you shall see."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! that is serious."</p> - -<p>"Less than you suppose, as we have him."</p> - -<p>"In that case, though, we must kill the man."</p> - -<p>"Who knows? That will probably depend on the explanation we may have -with him. At any rate, there is no great harm in crushing such vipers."</p> - -<p>While speaking thus, Brighteye and his companion had entered the -thicket. Domingo, thrown down, and tightly garotted by means of -Ruperto's reata, was vainly struggling to break the bonds that cut -into, his flesh. Ruperto, with his hands resting on the muzzle of his -rifle, was listening with a grin, but no other reply, to the flood of -insults and recriminations which rage drew from the half-breed.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Dios me ampare!</i>" the latter shouted, writhing like a viper. -"<i>¡Verdugo del Demonio!</i> Is this the way to behave between <i>gente de -razón?</i> Am I a Redskin, to be tied like a plug of tobacco, and have my -limbs fettered like a calf that is being taken to the shambles? If ever -you fall into my hands, accursed dog! you shall pay for the trick you -have played me."</p> - -<p>"Instead of threatening, my good man," Brighteye interposed, "it seems -to me you would do better by frankly allowing that you are in our -power, and acting in accordance."</p> - -<p>The bandit sharply turned his head, the only part of his person at -liberty, toward the hunter.</p> - -<p>"What right have you to call me good man, and give me advice, old -trapper of muskrats?" he said to him, irritably. "Are you white men or -Indians, to treat a hunter thus?"</p> - -<p>"If, instead of hearing what did not concern you, Señor Domingo, for I -believe that is your name," Don Stefano said, with a cunning look, "you -had remained quietly asleep in your camp, the little annoyance of which -you complain would not have occurred."</p> - -<p>"I am bound to recognize the justice of your reasoning," the bandit -replied ironically; "but, hang it! what would you have? I have ever -suffered from a mania of trying to find out what people sought to hide -from me."</p> - -<p>The stranger looked at him suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"And have you had the mania long, my good friend?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Since my earliest youth," he answered, with effrontery.</p> - -<p>"Only think of that! Then you must have learned a good many things?"</p> - -<p>"An enormous quantity, worthy sir."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano turned to Brighteye.</p> - -<p>"My friend," he said to him, "just unloosen this man's bonds a little. -There is much to be gained in his company; I wish to enjoy his -conversation for a little while."</p> - -<p>The hunter silently executed the orders he received. The bandit uttered -a sigh of satisfaction at finding himself more at his ease, and sat up.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i>" he exclaimed, with a mocking accent. "The -position is now, at any rate, bearable. We can talk."</p> - -<p>"I think so."</p> - -<p>"My faith! yes. I am quite at your service, for anything you please, -Excellency."</p> - -<p>"I will profit by your complaisance."</p> - -<p>"Profit by it! profit by it, Excellency? I can only gain in talking -with you."</p> - -<p>"Do you believe so?"</p> - -<p>"I am convinced of it."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, you may be right; but tell me, beside that noble curiosity, -which you so frankly confessed, have you not, by accident, a few other -defects?"</p> - -<p>The bandit appeared to reflect conscientiously for two or three -minutes, and then answered, with an affable grin,—</p> - -<p>"My faith! no, Excellency. I cannot find any."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure of that?"</p> - -<p>"Hum! it may be so, yet I do not believe it."</p> - -<p>"Come, you see, you are not sure."</p> - -<p>"That is indeed true!" the bandit exclaimed, with pretended candour. -"As you know, Excellency, human nature is so imperfect."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano gave a nod of assent.</p> - -<p>"If I were to help you," he said, "perhaps—"</p> - -<p>"We might find it out, Excellency," Domingo quickly interrupted him. -"Well, help me, help me, I ask for nothing better."</p> - -<p>"Hum! for instance—but notice that I affirm nothing; I suppose, that -is all."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caray!</i> I am well aware of it. Go on, Excellency, do not trouble -yourself."</p> - -<p>"Then, I say—have you not a certain weakness for money?"</p> - -<p>"For gold, especially."</p> - -<p>"That is what I meant to say."</p> - -<p>"The fact is, gold is very tempting, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to regard it as a crime, my friend. I only mention it; -besides, that passion is so natural—"</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"That you must be affected by it."</p> - -<p>"Well, I confess, Excellency, that you have guessed it."</p> - -<p>"Look you! I was sure of it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, money gained honestly."</p> - -<p>"Of course! Thus, for instance, suppose anyone offered you a thousand -piastres to discover the secret of Don Miguel Ortega's palanquin?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it!" the bandit said, fixing a sharp glance on the stranger, who, -for his part, examined him attentively.</p> - -<p>"And if that somebody," Don Stefano went on, "gave you in addition, -as earnest penny, a ring like this?" While saying this, he made a -magnificent diamond ring flash in the bandit's eyes.</p> - -<p>"I would accept," the latter said, with a greedy accent, "even if I -were compelled, in order to discover that secret, to imperil the share -I hope for in Paradise."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano turned to Brighteye. "Unfasten this man," he said, coldly, -"we understand each other."</p> - -<p>On feeling himself free, the half-breed gave a bound of joy. "The -ring!" he said.</p> - -<p>"There it is," Don Stefano said, as he handed it to him; "all is -arranged."</p> - -<p>Domingo laid his right-hand thumb across the left, and raised his head -proudly. "On the Holy Cross of the Redeemer," he said, in a clear and -impressive voice, "I swear to employ all my efforts in discovering -the secret Don Miguel hides so jealously; I swear never to betray the -Caballero with whom I am treating at this moment: this oath I take in -the presence of these three Caballeros, pledging myself, if I break it, -to endure any punishment, even death, which it may please these three -Caballeros to inflict on me."</p> - -<p>The oath taken by Domingo is the most terrible a Spanish American can -offer; there is not a single instance of it ever having been broken. -Don Stefano bowed, convinced of the bandit's sincerity.</p> - -<p>At this moment, several shots, followed by horrible yells, were heard -at a short distance off. Brighteye started. "Don José," he said to the -stranger, as he laid his hands on his shoulder, "Heaven favours us. -Return to the camp; tomorrow night I shall probably have some news for -you."</p> - -<p>"But those shots?"</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about them, but return to the camp, I tell -you, and let me act."</p> - -<p>"Well, as you wish it, I will retire."</p> - -<p>"Till tomorrow?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"And I?" Domingo said. "Caramba, comrades, if you are going to play at -knives, can you not take me with you?"</p> - -<p>The old hunter looked at him attentively. "Eh!" he said, at the -expiration of a moment, "your idea is not a bad one; you can come if -you desire it."</p> - -<p>"That is capital, for it is a pretext ready made to explain my absence."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano smiled, and after reminding Brighteye once again of their -meeting for the following night, he left the thicket, and proceeded -toward the camp. The two hunters and the half-breed were left alone.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> - -<h3>INDIANS AND HUNTERS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">As we have already said, at the spot where the three hunters were -standing, the Rio Colorado formed a wide sheet, whose silvery waters -wound through a superb and picturesque country. At times, on either -bank, the ground rose almost suddenly into bold mountains of grand -appearance; at other places, the river ran through fresh and laughing -prairies, covered with luxuriant vegetation, or graceful and undulating -valleys, in which grew trees of every description.</p> - -<p>It was in one of these valleys that Brighteye's canoe had been pulled -in. Sheltered on all sides by lofty forests, which begirt them with a -dense curtain of verdure, the hunters would have escaped, even during -the day, from the investigations of curious or indiscreet persons, who -might have attempted to surprise them at this advanced hour of the -night, by the flickering rays of the moon which only reached them after -being followed through the leafy dome that covered them: they could -consider themselves as being perfectly secure.</p> - -<p>Reassured by the strength of his position, Brighteye, so soon as Don -Stefano had left him, formed his plan of action with that lucidity -which can only be obtained from a lengthened knowledge of the desert.</p> - -<p>"Comrade," he said to the half-breed, "do you know the desert?"</p> - -<p>"Not so well as you, certainly, old hunter," the latter answered, -modestly, "but well enough to be of good service to you in the -expedition you wish to attempt."</p> - -<p>"I like that way of answering, for it shows a desire of doing well. -Listen to me attentively; the colour of my hair, and the wrinkles that -furrow my forehead, tell you sufficiently that I must possess a certain -amount of experience; my whole life has been spent in the woods; there -is not a blade of grass I do not know, a sound which I cannot explain, -a footstep which I cannot discover. A few moments back, several shots -were fired not far from us, followed by the Indian war yell; among -those shots I am certain I recognized the rifle of a man for whom I -feel the warmest friendship; that man is in danger at this moment—he -is fighting the Apaches, who have surprised and attacked him during -sleep. The number of shots leads me to suppose that my friend has only -two companions with him; if we do not go to his help, he is lost, for -his adversaries are numerous; the thing I am about to attempt is almost -desperate; we have every chance against us, so reflect before replying. -Are you still resolved to accompany Ruperto and myself; in a word, risk -your scalp in our company?"</p> - -<p>"Bah!" the bandit said, carelessly, "a man can only die once; perhaps -I shall never again have so fine an opportunity of dying honestly. -Dispose of me, old trapper—I am yours, body and soul."</p> - -<p>"Good; I expected that answer; still, it was my duty to warn you of -the danger that threatened you: now, no more talking, but let us act, -for time presses, and every minute we waste is an age for the man we -wish to save. Walk in my moccasins; keep your eye and ear on the watch; -above all, be prudent, and do nothing without orders."</p> - -<p>After having carefully inspected the cap on his rifle, a precaution -imitated by his two companions, Brighteye looked round him for a few -seconds, then, with that hunter's instinct which in them is almost -second sight, he advanced with a rapid though silent step in the -direction of the fighting, while making the men a sign to follow him.</p> - -<p>It is impossible to form an idea, even a distant one, of what a night -march is on the prairie, on foot, through the shrubs, the trees which -have grown together, the creepers that twine in every direction. -Walking on a shifting soil, composed of detritus of every nature -accumulated during centuries, at one place forming mounds several feet -high, surrounded by deep ditches, not only is it difficult to find a -path through this inextricable confusion, when walking quietly onward, -with no fear of betraying one's presence, but this becomes almost -impossible when you have to open a passage silently, not letting a -branch spring back, or a leaf rustle; for that sound, though almost -imperceptible, would be enough to place the enemy you wish to surprise -on his guard.</p> - -<p>A long residence in the desert can alone enable a man to acquire the -necessary skill to carry out this rude task successfully. This skill -Brighteye possessed in the highest degree; he seemed to guess the -obstacles which rose at each step before him—obstacles the slightest -of which, under such circumstances, would have made the most resolute -man recoil, through his conviction of it being an impossibility to -surmount them.</p> - -<p>The two other hunters had only to follow the track so cleverly and -laboriously made by their guide. Fortunately, the adventurers were -only a short distance from the men they were going to help; had it -been otherwise, they would have needed nearly the whole night to join -them. Had Brighteye wished it, he could have skirted the forest and -walked in the long grass—a road incomparably more easy, and especially -less fatiguing; but, with his usual correctness of conception, the -hunter understood that the direction he took was the only one which -would permit him to go straight to the scene of action without being -discovered by the Indians, who, in spite of all their sagacity, would -never suspect that a man would dare to attempt such a route.</p> - -<p>After a walk of about twenty minutes, Brighteye stopped—the hunters -had arrived. On lightly moving the branches and brambles aside, they -witnessed the following scene.</p> - -<p>Before them, and scarce ten paces off, was a clearing. In the centre of -that clearing three fires were burning, and were surrounded by Apache -warriors, smoking gravely, while their horses, fastened to pickets, -were nibbling the young tree shoots.</p> - -<p>Marksman was standing motionless near the chiefs, leaning on his rifle, -and exchanging a few words with them at intervals. Brighteye understood -nothing of what he saw; all these men seemed on the best terms with the -hunter, who, for his part, did not display the slightest uneasiness, -either by his gestures or his face.</p> - -<p>We have said that, after the Indians' sudden attack, Marksman advanced -towards them, waving a buffalo robe in sign of peace. The Indians -stopped, with that courteous deference which they display in all their -relations, in order to listen to the hunter's explanations. A chief -even stepped towards him, politely inviting him to say what he wanted.</p> - -<p>"My red brother does not know me! Then, is it necessary that I should -tell him my name, that he may know with whom he is speaking?" Marksman -said, angrily.</p> - -<p>"That is useless. I know that my brother is a great white warrior. My -ears are open; I await the explanation he will be good enough to give -me."</p> - -<p>The hunter shrugged his shoulders disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"Have the Apaches become cowardly or plundering coyotes, setting out in -flocks to hunt on the prairies? Why have they attacked me?"</p> - -<p>"My brother knows it."</p> - -<p>"No, as I ask it. The Antelope Apaches had a chief—a great -warrior—named Red Wolf. That chief was my friend. I had made a treaty -with him. But Red Wolf is, doubtlessly, dead; his scalp adorns the -lodge of a Comanche, as the young men of his tribe have come to attack -me, treacherously, and against the sworn peace, during my sleep."</p> - -<p>The Chief frowned, and drew himself up.</p> - -<p>"The Paleface, like all his countrymen, has a viper's tongue," he said, -rudely; "a skin covers his heart, and the words his chest exhales are -so many perfidies. Red Wolf is not dead; his scalp does not adorn the -lodge of a Comanche dog; he is still the first chief of the Antelope -Apaches. The hunter knows it well, since he is speaking to him at this -moment."</p> - -<p>"I am glad that my brother has made himself known," the hunter replied, -"for I should not have recognized him from his way of acting."</p> - -<p>"Yes, there is a traitor between us," the Chief said, drily; "but that -traitor is a Paleface, and not an Indian!"</p> - -<p>"I wait till my brother explains himself. I do not understand him; -a mist has spread over my eyes—my mind is veiled. The words of the -Chief, I have no doubt, will dissipate this cloud."</p> - -<p>"I hope so! Let the hunter answer with an honest tongue, and no deceit. -His voice is a music which for a long time sounded pleasantly in my -ears, and rejoiced my heart. I should be glad if his explanation -restored me the friend whom I fancied I had lost."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother speak. I will answer his questions."</p> - -<p>At a sign from Red Wolf, the Apaches had kindled several fires, and -formed a temporary camp. In spite of all his cleverness, doubt had -entered the heart of the Apache chief, and he wished to prove to -the white hunter, whom he feared, that he was acting frankly, and -entertained no ill design against him. The Apaches, seeing the good -understanding that apparently prevailed between their sachem and the -hunter, had hastened to execute the order they received. All traces -of the contest disappeared in a moment, and the clearing offered the -appearance of a bivouac of peaceful hunters receiving the visit of a -friend.</p> - -<p>Marksman smiled internally at the success of his plan, and the way -in which he managed, by a few words, to give quite a different turn -to the position of affairs. Still he was not without anxiety about -the explanation the Chief was going to ask of him. He felt he was in -a wasps' nest, from which he did not know how he should contrive to -emerge, without some providential accident. Redskin invited the hunter -to take a seat by his side at the fire, which he declined, however, not -being at all certain how matters would end, and wishing to retain a -chance of escape in the event of the explanation becoming stormy.</p> - -<p>"Is the pale hunter ready to reply?" Red Wolf asked him.</p> - -<p>"I am awaiting my brother's good pleasure."</p> - -<p>"Good! Let my brother open his ears, then. A Chief is about to speak."</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf is a renowned Chief. His name is cared by the Comanches, who -fly before him like timid squaws. One day, at the head of his young -men, Red Wolf entered an altopelt (village) of the Comanches. The -Buffalo Comanches were hunting on the prairies; their warriors and -young men were absent. Red Wolf burned the cabins, and carried off the -women prisoners. Is that true?"</p> - -<p>"It is true."</p> - -<p>"Among the women was one for whom the heart of the Apache chief spoke. -That woman was the Cihuatl of the sachem of the Buffalo Comanches. Red -Wolf led her to his hut and treated her not as a prisoner, but as a -well-beloved sister."</p> - -<p>"What did the pale hunter?"</p> - -<p>The Chief broke off and looked steadily at Marksman; but the latter did -not move a feature.</p> - -<p>"I wait till my brother answers me, in order to know with what he -reproaches me," he said.</p> - -<p>Red Wolf continued, with a certain degree of animation in his voice,—</p> - -<p>"The pale hunter, abusing the friendship of the Chief, introduced -himself into his village, under the pretext of visiting his red -brother. As he was known and beloved by all, he traversed the village -as he pleased, sauntered about everywhere, and when he had discovered -Eglantine, he carried her off during a dark night, like a traitor and a -coward."</p> - -<p>At this insult, the hunter pressed the barrel of his rifle with a -convulsive movement; but he immediately recovered his coolness.</p> - -<p>"The Chief is a great warrior," he said, "he speaks well. The words -reach his lips with an abundance that is charming. Unfortunately, he -lets himself be led astray by passion, and does not describe matters as -they occurred."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Chief exclaimed, "Red Wolf is an impostor, and his lying -tongue ought to be thrown to the dogs."</p> - -<p>"I have listened patiently to the Chief's words, it is his turn to hear -mine."</p> - -<p>"Good! Let my brother speak."</p> - -<p>At this moment, a whistle, no louder than a sigh, was audible. The -Indians paid no attention to it, but the hunter quivered, his eye -flashed, and a smile played round the corner of his lips.</p> - -<p>"I will be brief," he said. "It is true that I introduced myself into -my brother's village, but frankly and loyally to ask of him, in the -name of Mahchsi-Karehde, the great sachem of the Buffalo Comanches, his -wife, whom Red Wolf had carried off. I offered for her a rich ransom, -composed of four guns, six hides of she-buffalos, and two necklaces of -grizzly bears' claws. I acted thus, in the intention of preventing a -war between the Buffalo Comanches and the Antelope Apaches. My brother, -Red Wolf, instead of accepting my friendly proposals, despised them. I -then warned him, that, by will or force, Flying Eagle would recover his -wife, treacherously carried off from his village while he was absent. -Then I withdrew. What reproach can my brother address to me? Under what -circumstances did I behave badly to him? Flying Eagle has got back his -wife; he has acted well—he was in the right. Red Wolf has nothing to -say to that. Under similar circumstances, he would have done the same. -I have spoken. Let my brother answer if his heart proves to him that I -was wrong."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the Chief answered. "My brother was here with Eglantine a few -minutes ago; he will tell me where she is hidden, Red Wolf will capture -her again, and there will no longer be a cloud between Red Wolf and his -friend."</p> - -<p>"The Chief will forget that woman who does not love him and who cannot -be his. That will be better, especially as Flying Eagle will never -consent to give her up."</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf has warriors to support his words," the Indian said, proudly, -"Flying Eagle is alone; how will he oppose the will of the sachem?"</p> - -<p>Marksman smiled.</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle has numerous friends," he said, "he is at this moment -sheltered in the camp of the Palefaces, whose fires Red Wolf can see -from here, glistening in the darkness. Let my brother listen. I believe -I hear the sound of footsteps in the forest."</p> - -<p>The Indian rose with agitation.</p> - -<p>At this moment three men entered the clearing. They were Brighteye, -Ruperto, and Domingo.</p> - -<p>At the sight of them, the Apaches, who were thoroughly acquainted with -them, rose tumultuously and uttered a cry of astonishment, almost of -terror, while seizing their weapons. The three hunters continued to -advance calmly, not caring to trouble themselves about these almost -hostile demonstrations.</p> - -<p>We will explain in a few words the appearance of the hunters and their -interference, which was probably about to change the aspect of affairs.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> - -<h3>MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Brighteye and his two companions, owing to the position they occupied, -not only saw all that occurred in the clearing, but also heard, without -losing a word, the conversation between Marksman and Red Wolf.</p> - -<p>For many long years the two Canadian hunters had been on intimate -terms. Many times had they undertaken together some of those daring -expeditions which the wood rangers frequently carry out against the -Indians. These two men had no secrets from each other; all was in -common between them—hatred as well as friendship.</p> - -<p>Brighteye was thoroughly acquainted with the events to which Marksman -alluded, and, had not certain reasons, we shall learn presently, -prevented him, he would have probably aided his friend in rescuing -Eglantine from Red Wolf. Still, one point remained obscure on his mind; -that was the presence of Marksman in the middle of the Indians, the -quarrel which had begun in shouts and yells, and had now apparently -terminated with an amicable conversation.</p> - -<p>By what strange concourse of events was it that Marksman, the man best -acquainted with Indian tricks, whose reputation for skill and courage -was universal among the hunters and trappers of the Western Prairies, -now found himself in an equivocal position, in the midst of thirty or -forty Apaches, the most scoundrelly treacherous and ferocious of all -the Indians who wander about the desert? This it was that the worthy -hunter could not explain, and which rendered him so thoughtful. At -the risk of whatever might happen, he resolved to reveal his presence -to his friend by means of a signal arranged between them long ago, in -order to warn him that, in case of need, a friend was watching over -him. It was then that he gave the whistle, at the sound of which we saw -the hunter start. But this signal had a result which Brighteye was far -from expecting. The branches of the tree, against the trunk of which -the Canadian was leaning, parted, and a man, hanging by his arms, fell -suddenly to the ground a couple of yards from him, but so lightly, that -his fall did not produce the slightest sound.</p> - -<p>At the first glance, Brighteye recognized the man who seemed thus to -fall from the sky. Owing to his self-command, he displayed none of the -amazement this unforeseen appearance produced in him. The hunter rested -the butt of his rifle on the ground, and addressed the Indian politely.</p> - -<p>"That is a strange idea of yours, Chief," he said, with a smile, "to -go promenading on the trees at this hour of the night."</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle is watching the Apaches," the Indian answered, with a -guttural accent. "Did not my brother expect to see me?"</p> - -<p>"In the prairie we must expect everything, Chief. Still, I confess that -few meetings would be so agreeable to me as yours, especially at this -moment."</p> - -<p>"My brother is on the trail of the Antelopes?"</p> - -<p>"I declare to you, Chief, that an hour ago I did not expect I was so -near them. Had I not heard your shots, it is probable that at this -moment I should be quietly asleep in my bivouac."</p> - -<p>"Yes, my brother heard the rifle of a friend sing, and he has come."</p> - -<p>"You have guessed rightly, Chief. But now tell me all about it, for I -know nothing."</p> - -<p>"Has not my pale brother heard Red Wolf?"</p> - -<p>"Of course; but is there nothing else?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing. Flying Eagle rescued his wife; the Apaches pursued him, like -cowardly coyotes, and this night surprised him at his fire."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Is Eglantine in safety?"</p> - -<p>"Eglantine is a Comanche woman; she knows not fear."</p> - -<p>"I am aware of that—she is a good creature; but that is not the -question at this moment. What do you purpose doing?"</p> - -<p>"Wait for a favourable moment, then utter my war yell, and fall on -these dogs."</p> - -<p>"Hum! your project is rather quick. If you will allow me, I will make a -slight change."</p> - -<p>"Wisdom speaks by the mouth of the pale hunter. Flying Eagle is young: -he will obey."</p> - -<p>"Good; the more so, because I shall only act for your welfare. But now -let me listen, for the conversation seems to me to be taking a turn -extremely interesting for us."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed, but made no reply, while Brighteye bent forward, -better to hear what was said. After a few minutes the hunter probably -considered that it was time for him to interfere, for he turned to the -Chief and whispered in his ear, as he had done during the whole of the -previous conversation—"Let my brother leave this affair to me; his -presence would be more injurious than useful to us. We cannot attempt -to fight so large a number of enemies, so prudence demands that we -should have recourse to stratagem."</p> - -<p>"The Apaches are dogs," the Comanche muttered, angrily.</p> - -<p>"I am of your opinion; but, for the present, let us feign not to -consider them such. Believe me, we shall soon take our revenge; -besides, the advantage will be on our side, as we are cheating them."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle let his head drop.</p> - -<p>"Will the Chief promise me not to make a move without a signal from -me?" the hunter said, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle is a sachem. He has said that he will obey Greyhead."</p> - -<p>"Good. Now look, you will not have long to wait."</p> - -<p>After muttering these words, with that mocking accent peculiar to him, -the old hunter resolutely thrust the brambles on one side, and walked -firmly into the clearing, followed by his two companions. We have -already described the emotion produced by this unforeseen arrival.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle returned to his ambush up the tree, from which he had only -come down to speak with the hunter, and give him the information he -required. Brighteye stopped by Markham's side.</p> - -<p>"Friend," he then said, in Spanish, a language which most of the -Indians understand, "your order is executed. Flying Eagle and his wife -are at this moment in the camp of the Gambusinos."</p> - -<p>"Good," Marksman answered, catching his meaning at once; "who are the -two men who accompany you?"</p> - -<p>"Two hunters the Chief of the Gachupinos sent to accompany me, in spite -of my assurances that you were among friends. He will soon arrive -himself at the head of thirty horsemen."</p> - -<p>"Return to him, and tell him that he has no longer any occasion -to trouble himself; or, stay, I will go myself, to prevent any -misunderstanding."</p> - -<p>These words, spoken without any emphasis, and naturally, by a man -whom each of the Indians present had been frequently in a position to -appreciate, produced on them an effect impossible to describe.</p> - -<p>We have already mentioned several times, in our different works, that -the Redskins unite the greatest prudence with the maddest temerity, and -never attempt any enterprise without calculating beforehand all the -chances of success it may offer. So soon as those chances disappear, to -make room for probable ill results, they are not ashamed to recoil, for -the very simple reason that with them honour, as we understand it in -Europe, only holds a secondary place, and success alone is regarded.</p> - -<p>Red Wolf was assuredly a brave man; he had given innumerable proofs of -that in many a combat; still, he did not hesitate, in behalf of the -general welfare, to sacrifice his secret desires, and in doing so, as -we believe, he gave a grand proof of that family feeling, and almost -instinctive patriotism, which is one of the strongest points in the -Indian character. Clever as he was, the Apache Chief was completely -deluded by Brighteye, whose imperturbable coolness and unexpected -arrival would have sufficed to lead astray an individual even more -intelligent than the man with whom he had to deal. Red Wolf made up his -mind at once, without any thought of self.</p> - -<p>"Greyhead, my brother, is welcome at my fire," he said; "my heart -rejoices at greeting a friend; his companions and himself can take -their places round the council fire; the calumet of a Chief is ready to -be offered them."</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf is a great Chief," Brighteye replied; "I am pleased at the -kindly feeling he experiences towards me. I would accept his offer with -the greatest pleasure, did not urgent reasons oblige me to rejoin, as -soon as possible, my brothers the Palefaces, who are waiting for me at -a short distance from the spot where the Antelope Apaches are encamped."</p> - -<p>"I hope that no cloud has arisen between Greyhead and his brother, -Red Wolf," the Chief remarked, in a cautious tone: "two warriors must -esteem each other."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion too, Chief, and that is why I have presented myself -so frankly in your camp, when it would have been easy to have had -several warriors of my nation to accompany me."</p> - -<p>Brighteye knew perfectly well that the Apaches understood Spanish, and -consequently nothing he had said to Markham escaped them; but it was to -his interest, as well as that of his comrade, to pretend to be ignorant -of the fact, and accept as current coin the insidious propositions of -the Chief.</p> - -<p>"His friends, the Palefaces, are encamped not far from here?" the Chief -remarked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Brighteye replied, "at the most from four to five bowshots in a -westerly direction."</p> - -<p>"Wah! I am vexed at it," the Indian said, "for I would have accompanied -my brother to their camp."</p> - -<p>"And what prevents your coming with us?" the old hunter said, -distinctly. "Would you fear an ill reception by chance?"</p> - -<p>"Och! who would dare not to receive Red Wolf with the respect due to -him?" the Apache said, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"No one, assuredly."</p> - -<p>Red Wolf leaned over to a subaltern chief, and whispered a few words -in his ear; the man rose, and left the clearing. The hunters saw this -movement with anxiety, and exchanged a glance, which said, "Let us keep -on our guard." They also fell back a few paces, as if accidentally, -and drew nearer together, in order to be ready at the first suspicious -sign; for they knew the perfidy of the men among whom they were, -and expected anything from them. The Indian sent off by the Chief -re-entered the clearing at this moment. He had been absent hardly ten -minutes.</p> - -<p>"Well?" Red Wolf asked him.</p> - -<p>"It is true," the Indian answered, laconically.</p> - -<p>The sachem's face was overclouded; he felt certain then that Brighteye -had not deceived him; for the man he had sent out of the camp had -been ordered by him to assure himself whether the fires of a party of -white men could be really seen a short distance off; his emissary's -reply proved to him that no treachery could be possible, that he must -continue to feign kindly feelings, and separate on proper terms from -the troublesome guests, whom he would have liked so much to be rid of -in a very different manner. At his order the horses were unhobbled, and -the warriors mounted.</p> - -<p>"Day is approaching," he said; "the moon has again entered the great -mountain. I am about to start with my young men. May the Wacondah -protect my pale brothers!"</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Chief," Marksman answered. "But will you not come with us?"</p> - -<p>"We are not following the same path," the Chief replied drily, as he -let his horse go.</p> - -<p>"That is probable, accursed dog!" Brighteye growled between his teeth.</p> - -<p>The whole band started at full speed, and disappeared in the gloom. -Soon the sound of their horses' hoofs could no longer be heard, as they -became mingled in the distance with those thousand sounds, coming from -no apparent cause, which incessantly trouble the majestic silence of -the desert.</p> - -<p>The hunters were alone. Like the Augurs of ancient Rome, who could not -look at each other without laughing, little was needed for the hunters -to burst into a loud burst of delight after the hurried departure of -the Apaches. At a signal from Marksman, Flying Eagle and Eglantine -came to join the wood rangers, who had already seated themselves -unceremoniously at the fire of which they had so cleverly dispossessed -their enemies.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Brighteye said, as he charged his pipe, "I shall laugh for a -long time at this trick; it is almost as good as the one I played the -Pawnees in 1827, on the Upper Arkansas. I was very young at that time; -I had been traversing the prairie for only a few years, and was not, as -I now am, accustomed to Indian devilries; I remember that—"</p> - -<p>"By what accident did I meet you here, Brighteye?" his friend asked, -hastily interrupting him.</p> - -<p>Marksman knew that so soon as Brighteye began a story, no power on -earth would stop him. The worthy man, during the course of a long and -varied career, had seen and done so many extraordinary things, that -the slightest event which occurred to him, or of which he was merely -a witness, immediately became an excuse for one of his interminable -stories. His friends, who knew his weakness, felt no hesitation about -interrupting him; still we must do Brighteye the justice of saying that -he was never angry with his disturbers; for ten minutes later he would -begin another story, which they as mercilessly interrupted in a similar -way.</p> - -<p>To Marksman's question, he replied,—"We will talk, and I will tell you -that." Then, turning to Domingo, he said,—"My friend, I thank you for -the assistance you have given us. Return to the camp, and do not forget -your promise. Above all, do not omit to narrate all you have seen, -to—you know who!"</p> - -<p>"That is agreed, old hunter. Don't be uneasy. Good-bye."</p> - -<p>"Here's luck."</p> - -<p>Domingo threw his rifle over his shoulder, lit his pipe, and walked in -the direction of the camp, where he arrived an hour later.</p> - -<p>"There," Marksman said, "now I believe nothing will prevent your going -ahead."</p> - -<p>"Yes; one thing, my friend."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"The night is nearly spent; it has been fatiguing to everybody. -I presume that two or three hours' sleep are necessary, if not -indispensable, especially as we are in no hurry."</p> - -<p>"Tell me only one thing first, and then I will let you sleep as long as -you please."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"How you happened so fortunately to come to my aid."</p> - -<p>"Confound it! That is exactly what I was afraid of. Your question -obliges me to enter into details far too long for me to be able to -satisfy you at this moment."</p> - -<p>"The truth is, my friend, that, in spite of the lively desire I feel to -spend a few days with you, I am compelled to leave you at sunrise."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! It is not possible."</p> - -<p>"It is, indeed."</p> - -<p>"But what is your hurry?"</p> - -<p>"I have engaged myself as scout with a caravan, which I have given the -meeting at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, at the Del Rubio ford. That -appointment has been made for the last two months. You know that an -engagement is sacred with us hunters, and you would not like to make me -break my word!"</p> - -<p>"Not for the hides of all the buffalos killed every year on the -prairie. Towards what part of the Far West will you guide these men?"</p> - -<p>"I shall know that tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"And with what sort of people have you to do? Are they Spaniards, or -Gringos?"</p> - -<p>"On my word, I fancy they are Mexicans. Their chief’s name, I think, is -Don Miguel Ortega, or something like it."</p> - -<p>"Hallo!" Brighteye exclaimed, with a start of surprise; "what's that -you said?"</p> - -<p>"Don Miguel Ortega. I may be mistaken, but I hardly think so."</p> - -<p>"That is strange," the old hunter said, as if speaking to himself.</p> - -<p>"I do not see anything strange in it; the name appears to me common -enough."</p> - -<p>"To you, possibly. And you have made an agreement with him?"</p> - -<p>"Signed and sealed."</p> - -<p>"As scout?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I say, a thousand times."</p> - -<p>"Well, comfort yourself, Marksman; we have many a long day to spend -together."</p> - -<p>"Do you belong to his party?"</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid!"</p> - -<p>"Then, I don't understand anything."</p> - -<p>Brighteye seemed to be reflecting seriously for a few moments; then he -turned to his friend, and said,—</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, Marksman! So surely as you are my oldest friend, I do -not wish to see you going to the deuce your own road. I must give you -certain information, which will be indispensable to you in doing your -duty properly. I see that we shall not sleep this night, so listen to -me attentively. What you are about to hear is worth the trouble."</p> - -<p>Marksman, startled by the old hunter's solemn accent, looked at him -anxiously. "Speak!" he said to him.</p> - -<p>Brighteye collected his thoughts for a moment, and then took the word, -beginning a long history, to which his audience listened with a degree -of interest and attention which increased with every moment; for never, -till that day, had they heard the narrative of events so strange and -extraordinary.</p> - -<p>The sun had risen for a long time, but the hunter was still talking.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> - -<h3>A DARK HISTORY.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Freed from all the observations, more or less pertinent, with which -it pleased the prolix hunter to embellish it, the following is the -remarkable story the Canadian told his hearers. This narrative is so -closely connected with our story, that we are compelled to repeat it in -all its details:—</p> - -<p>"Few cities offer a more enchanting appearance than Mexico. The -ancient capital of the Aztecs lies stretched out, slothful and idle -as a Creole maid, half veiled by the thick curtain of lofty willows -which border at a distance the canals and roads. Built at exactly -equal distance from two oceans, at about 7,500 feet above their level, -or at the same height as the hospice of St. Bernard, this city, -however, enjoys a delicious tempered climate, between two magnificent -mountains—Popocatepetl, or the burning mountain, and Intaczehuatl, or -the white woman—whose rugged peaks, covered with eternal snows, are -lost in the clouds. The stranger who arrives before Mexico at sunset, -by the eastern road—one of the four great ways that lead to the City -of the Aztecs, and the only one now remaining isolated in the middle -of the waters of Lake Tezcuco, on which it is built—experiences, at -the first sight of this city, a strange emotion, for which he cannot -account. The Moorish architecture of the edifices; the houses painted -of bright colours; the numberless domes of churches and convents which -rise above the azoteas, and cover—if we may use the expression—the -entire capital with their vast yellow, blue, and red parasols, gilded -by the parching rays of the declining sun; the warm and perfumed -evening breeze which comes sporting through the leaf-laden branches; -all this combines to give Mexico a perfectly Eastern air, which -astonishes and seduces at the same time. Mexico, entirely burnt down by -Fernando Cortez, was rebuilt by that conqueror after the original plan; -all the streets intersect at right angles, and lead to the Plaza Mayor -by five principal arteries."</p> - -<p>"All Spanish towns in the New World have this in common—that, in -all, the Plaza Mayor is built after the same plan. Thus, at Mexico, -on one side are the Cathedral and the Sagrario; on the second, the -Palace of the President of the Republic, containing the ministerial -offices—four in number, barracks, a prison, &c.; on the third side -is the Ayuntamiento; while the fourth is occupied by two bazaars—the -Parián, and the Portal de los Flores."</p> - -<p>"On July 10, 1854, at ten of the night, after a torrid heat, which -compelled the inhabitants to shut themselves up in their houses -the whole day through, the breeze rose and refreshed the air, and -everybody, mounted on the flower-covered azoteas, which make them -resemble hanging gardens, hastened to enjoy that serene placidity -of American evenings, which seems to rain stars from the azure sky. -The streets and square were thronged with promenaders; there was an -inextricable throng of foot passengers, horsemen, men, women, Indians -and their squaws, where the rags, silk and gold were arranged in the -quaintest manner, in the midst of cries, jests, and merry bursts of -laughter. In a word, Mexico, like the enchanted city of the Arabian -Nights, seemed to have been aroused by the bell of Oración from a -centennial sleep—such joy did all faces display, and so happy did all -seem to inhale the fresh air."</p> - -<p>"At this moment, a non-commissioned officer, who could be easily -recognised as such by the vine stick he held in his hand, turned out -of the Calle San Francisco, and mingled with the crowd that thronged -the Plaza Mayor, giving himself all the airs peculiar to soldiers -in all parts of the world. He was a young man, of elegant features, -haughty glance, and his slight moustache was coquettishly turned up. -After walking round the square two or three times, ogling maidens and -elbowing the men, he approached, with the same careless air he had -displayed from the beginning, a shop built against one of the portales, -in which an old man with a ferret-face and cunning look was shutting up -in the drawers of a poor table, stained with a countless number of ink -spots, paper, pens, sand, and envelopes—in a word, all the articles -requisite for the profession of a public writer—the trade which the -little old man really carried on, as could be seen from a board hung -over the door of his shop, on which was written, in white letters on a -black ground,—<i>Juan Battista Leporello, Evangelista</i>. The sergeant -looked for a few seconds through the panes, which were covered with -specimens of calligraphy, and then, doubtless satisfied with what he -saw, he tapped thrice with his stick on the door."</p> - -<p>"A chain was moved in the interior; the soldier heard a key turned in -the lock, then the door opened slightly, and the evangelista thrust his -head out timidly."</p> - -<p>"'Ah, 'tis you, Don Annibal! <i>Dios me ampare</i>. I did not expect you so -soon,' he said, in that cringing tone which some men employ when they -feel themselves in the hands of a man stronger than themselves."</p> - -<p>"'<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> play the innocent, old coyote,' the sergeant -replied roughly, 'who but I would dare to set foot in your accursed -den?'"</p> - -<p>"The evangelista shrugged his shoulders with a grin, and pushed his -silver spectacles with their round glasses up on his forehead."</p> - -<p>"'Eh, eh,' he said, coughing mysteriously, 'many people have recourse -to my good offices, my young Springold.'"</p> - -<p>"'It is possible,' the soldier answered, thrusting him rudely back, and -entering the shop. 'I pity them for falling into the hands of an old -bird of prey like you; but it is not that which brings me here.'"</p> - -<p>"'Perhaps it would be better for both you and me, if your visits had -another motive from the one that brings you here!' the evangelista -remarked, timidly."</p> - -<p>"'Truce to your sermons; shut the door, fasten the shutters, so that no -one can see us from the street, and let us talk, for we have no time to -lose.'"</p> - -<p>"The old man made no reply; he at once set about closing the shutters, -which at night protected his shop from the assaults of the rateros, -with a celerity for which no one would have given him credit; then he -sat down by his visitor's side, after carefully bolting the door."</p> - -<p>"These two men, seen thus by the light of a smoky candle, offered a -striking contrast; one young, handsome, strong, and daring; the other -old, broken, and hypocritical: both taking side glances at each other, -full of a strange expression, and with an apparent cordiality, which -probably hid a deep hatred, talking in a low voice ear to ear, they -resembled two demons conspiring the ruin of an angel."</p> - -<p>"The soldier was the first to speak, in a tone hardly above his breath, -so much did he seem to fear being overheard."</p> - -<p>"'Look you, Tío Leporello,' he said, 'let us come to an understanding; -the half hour has just struck at the Sagrario, so speak; what have you -learnt new?'"</p> - -<p>"'Hum!' the other said, 'not much that is interesting.'"</p> - -<p>"The soldier flashed a suspicious glance at him, and appeared to be -reflecting."</p> - -<p>"'That is true,' he said, at the end of a moment, 'I did not think of -that; where could my head be?'"</p> - -<p>"He drew from the breast pocket of his uniform a purse tolerably well -filled, through the meshes of which glistened sundry ounces, and then a -long navaja, which he opened and placed on the table near him. The old -man trembled at the sight of the sharpened blade, whose blue steel sent -forth sinister rays; the soldier opened the purse, and poured forth -the pieces in a joyous cascade before him. The evangelista immediately -forgot the knife, only to attend to the gold, attracted involuntarily -by the trinkling of the metal, as by an irresistible magnet."</p> - -<p>"The soldier had done all we have just described with the coolness of a -man who knows that he has unfailing arguments in his possession."</p> - -<p>"'Then,' he said, 'rake up your memory, old demon, if you do not wish -my navaja to teach you with whom you have to deal, in case you have -forgotten.'"</p> - -<p>"The evangelista smiled pleasantly, while looking covetously at the -ounces. 'I know too well what I owe you, Don Annibal,' he said, 'not to -try to satisfy you by all the means in my power.'"</p> - -<p>"'A truce to your unnecessary and hypocritical compliments, old ape, -and come to facts. Take this first, it will encourage you to be -sincere.'"</p> - -<p>"He placed several ounces in his hand, which the evangelista disposed -of with such sleight of hand, that it was impossible for the soldier to -know where they had gone."</p> - -<p>"'You are generous, Don Annibal—that will bring you good fortune.'"</p> - -<p>"'Go on; I want facts.'"</p> - -<p>"'I am coming to them.'"</p> - -<p>"'I am listening.'"</p> - -<p>"And the sergeant leaned his elbows on the table, in the position of a -man preparing to listen, while the evangelista coughed, spat, and by -an old habit of prudence, though alone with the sergeant in his shop, -looked round him suspiciously."</p> - -<p>"The sounds on the Plaza Mayor had died out one after the other; the -crowd had dispersed in every direction, and returned to their houses, -and the greatest silence prevailed outside; at this moment eleven -o'clock struck slowly from the Cathedral, and the two men started -involuntarily at the mournful sounds of the clock; the serenos chanted -the hour in their drawling, drunken voice; then all was quiet."</p> - -<p>"'Will you speak, yes or no?' the soldier suddenly said, with a -menacing accent."</p> - -<p>"The evangelista bounded on his butaca, as if aroused from sleep, and -passed his hand several times over his forehead. 'I am beginning,' he -said in a humble voice."</p> - -<p>"'That is lucky,' the other remarked, coarsely."</p> - -<p>"'You must know, then——but,' he observed, suddenly interrupting -himself, 'must I enter into all the details?'"</p> - -<p>"'<i>Demonios!</i>' the soldier exclaimed, passionately, 'let us have an -end of this once for all; you know I want to have the most complete -information; <i>Canarios!</i> do not play with me like a cat with a mouse; -old man, I warn you, that game will be dangerous for you.'"</p> - -<p>"'Well, this morning, I had just settled myself in my office; I was -arranging my papers and mending my pens, when I heard a discreet tap at -the door; I rose and went to open it; it was a young and lovely lady, -as far as I could judge, for she was <i>embossed</i> in her black mantilla, -so as not to be seen.'"</p> - -<p>"'Then it was not the woman who has come to you every day for a month?' -the soldier interrupted."</p> - -<p>"'Yes; but as you have doubtlessly remarked, on each of her visits, she -is careful to change her dress, in order to prevent my recognizing her; -but, in spite of these precautions, I have been too long accustomed to -ladies' tricks to allow myself to be deceived, and I recognized her by -the first glance that shot from her black eye.'"</p> - -<p>"'Very good: go on.'"</p> - -<p>"'She stood for a moment before me in silence, playing with her -fan, with an air of embarrassment. I offered her a chair politely, -pretending not to recognize her, and asking her how I could be of -service to her.' 'Oh,' she answered me, with a petulant voice, 'I want -a very simple matter.' 'Speak, señorita; if it is connected with my -profession, believe me, I shall make a point of obeying you.' 'Should -I have come, had it not been so?' she replied; 'but are you a man who -can be trusted?' and while saying this, she fixed on me a searching -glance. I drew myself up, and replied in my most serious tone, as I -laid my hand on my heart—'An evangelista is a confessor; all secrets -die in his breast.' She then drew a paper from the pocket of her saga, -and turned it about in her fingers, but suddenly began laughing, as -she said, 'How foolish I am, I make a mystery of a trifle; besides, at -this moment you are only a machine, as you will not understand what you -write.' I bowed at all hazards, expecting some diabolical combination, -like those she has brought to me every day for a month.'"</p> - -<p>"'A truce to reflections,' the sergeant interrupted."</p> - -<p>"'She gave me the paper,' the evangelista continued, 'and, as was -arranged between you and me, I took a sheet of paper, which I laid -upon another prepared beforehand, and blackened on one side, so that -the words I wrote on my papers were reproduced by the black page on -another—the poor Niña not in the least suspecting it. After all, -the letter was not long, only two or three lines; but, may I be sent -to purgatory,' he added, crossing himself piously, 'if I understood -a syllable of the horrible gibberish I copied: it was doubtlessly -Morisco.'"</p> - -<p>"'Afterwards?'"</p> - -<p>"'I folded up the paper in the shape of a letter, and addressed it.'"</p> - -<p>"'Ah, ah!' the soldier said, with interest, 'that is the first time.'"</p> - -<p>"'Yes, but the information will not be of much use to you.'"</p> - -<p>"'Perhaps:—what was the address?'"</p> - -<p>"'Z. p. v. 2, calle S. P. Z.'"</p> - -<p>"'Hum!' the soldier said, thoughtfully; 'that is certainly rather -vague. What next?'"</p> - -<p>"'Then she went away, after giving me a gold ounce.'"</p> - -<p>"'She is generous.'"</p> - -<p>"'Pore Niña!' the evangelista said, laying his hooked fingers over his -dry eyes, with an air of tenderness."</p> - -<p>"'Enough of that mummery, which I do not believe. Is that all she said -to you?'"</p> - -<p>"'Nearly so,' the other said, with hesitation."</p> - -<p>"The sergeant looked at him. 'Is there anything else?' he remarked, as -he threw him several gold coins, which the evangelista disposed of at -once."</p> - -<p>"'Almost nothing.'"</p> - -<p>"'You had better tell me, Tío Leporello, for, as an evangelista, you -know that the reason why letters are written, is generally found in the -postscript.'"</p> - -<p>"'On leaving my office, the señorita made a sign to a <i>providencia</i> -which was passing. The carriage stopped, and though the niña spoke in -a very low voice, I heard her say to the driver, 'To the convent of the -Bernardines.'"</p> - -<p>"The sergeant gave an almost imperceptible start."</p> - -<p>"'Hum!' he said, with an indifferent air, perfectly well assumed; 'that -address does not mean much. Now give me the paper.'"</p> - -<p>"The evangelista fumbled in his drawer, and drew from it a sheet of -white paper, on which a few almost illegible words were written. So -soon as the soldier had the paper in his hands he eagerly perused it; -it appeared to have a great interest for him, for he turned visibly -pale, and a convulsive tremor passed over his limbs; but he recovered -himself almost immediately."</p> - -<p>"'It is well,' he said, as he tore up the paper into imperceptible -fragments; 'here's for you.'"</p> - -<p>"And he threw a fresh handful of ounces on the table."</p> - -<p>"'Thanks, caballero,' Tío Leporello exclaimed, as he bounded greedily -on the precious metal."</p> - -<p>"An ironical smile played round the soldier's lips, and, taking -advantage of the old man's position, as he leant over the table to -collect the gold, he raised his knife, and buried it to the hilt -between the evangelista's shoulders. The blow was dealt so truly, -and with such a firm hand, that the old man fell like a log, without -uttering a sigh or giving a cry. The soldier regarded him for a moment -coldly and apathetically, then, reassured by the immobility of his -victim, whom he believed dead,—"</p> - -<p>"'Come,' he muttered, 'that is all the better; at any rate, he will not -speak in that way.'"</p> - -<p>"After this philosophical funeral oration, the assassin tranquilly -wiped his knife, picked up the gold, put out the candle, opened the -door, closed it carefully after him, and walked off with the steady, -though somewhat hasty step of a belated traveller hurrying to his home."</p> - -<p>"The Plaza Mayor was deserted."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A DARK HISIORY CONTINUED.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">"Ancient Mexico was traversed by canals, like Venice, or, to speak more -correctly, like Dutch towns, for generally in all the streets there -was a path between the canal and the houses. At the present day, when -all the streets are paved, and the canals have disappeared save in one -quarter of the city, it is difficult to understand how Cervantes, in -one of his novels, could compare Venice with Mexico; but if the canals -are no longer visible, they still exist underground; and in certain low -quarters, where they have been converted into drains, they manifest -their presence by the foetid odours which they exhale, or by the heaps -of filth and stagnant water."</p> - -<p>"The sergeant, after so skilfully settling accounts with the hapless -evangelista, crossed the Plaza, and entered the Calle de la Monterilla."</p> - -<p>"He walked for a long time along the streets with the same quiet step -he had adopted on leaving the evangelista's stall. At length, after -about twenty minutes' walk through deserted streets and gloomy lanes, -whose miserable appearance became with every step more menacing, he -stopped before a house of more than suspicious aspect, above the door -of which a flaring candle burned behind <i>un retablo de las animas -veneritas;</i> the windows of the house were lit up, and on the azotea the -watchdogs were mournfully baying the moon. The sergeant tapped twice -on the door of this sinister abode with his vine stick."</p> - -<p>"It was a long time ere he was answered. The shouts and singing -suddenly ceased in the inside: at length the soldier heard a heavy step -approaching; the door was partly opened—for everywhere in Mexico an -iron chain is put up at night—and a drunken voice said harshly,—"</p> - -<p>"'<i>¿Quién es?</i> (Who's there?)'"</p> - -<p>"'Gente de paz,' the sergeant answered."</p> - -<p>"'Hum! it is very late to run about the <i>tuna</i> and enter the vilaio,' -the other remarked, apparently reflecting."</p> - -<p>"'I do not wish to enter.'"</p> - -<p>"'Then what the deuce do you want?'"</p> - -<p>"'<i>Pan y sal por los Caballeros errantes,'</i><a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> the sergeant answered, -in a tone of authority, and placing himself so that the moonbeams -should fall on his face."</p> - -<p>"The man fell back, uttering an exclamation of surprise."</p> - -<p>"'<i>¡Valga me Dios!</i> señor Don Torribio!' he exclaimed, with an accent -of profound respect; 'who could have recognized your Excellency under -that wretched dress? Come in! come in! they are waiting impatiently for -you.'"</p> - -<p>"And the man, who had become as obsequious as he had been insolent a -few moments previously, hastened to undo the chain, and threw the door -wide open."</p> - -<p>"'It is unnecessary, Pepito,' the soldier continued, 'I repeat to you -that I shall not come in. How many are there?'"</p> - -<p>"'Twenty, Excellency.'"</p> - -<p>"'Armed?'"</p> - -<p>"'Completely.'"</p> - -<p>"'Let them come down directly. I will wait for them here. Go, my son, -time presses.'"</p> - -<p>"'And you? Excellency,'"</p> - -<p>"'You will bring me a hat, an esclavina, my sword and pistols. Come, -make haste!'"</p> - -<p>"Pepito did not let the order be repeated. Leaving the door open, he -ran off. A few minutes after, some twenty bandits, armed to the teeth, -rushed into the street, jostling one another. On coming up to the -soldier, they saluted respectfully, and, at a sign from him, remained -motionless and silent."</p> - -<p>"Pepito had brought the articles demanded by the man whom the -evangelista called Don Annibal, himself Don Torribio, and who, -probably, had several other names, although we will keep temporarily to -the latter."</p> - -<p>"'Are the horses ready?' Don Torribio asked, as he concealed his -uniform under the esclavina, and placed in his girdle a long rapier and -a pair of double-barrelled pistols."</p> - -<p>"'Yes, Excellency,' Pepito answered, hat in hand."</p> - -<p>"'Good, my son. You will bring them to the spot I told you; but as it -is forbidden to go about the streets on horseback by night, you will -pay attention to the celadores and serenos.'"</p> - -<p>"All the bandits burst into a laugh at this singular recommendation."</p> - -<p>"'There,' Don Torribio continued, as he put on a broad brimmed hat, -which Pepito had brought him with the other things, 'that is all right; -we can now start. Listen to me attentively, Caballeros!'"</p> - -<p>"The leperos and other scoundrels who composed the audience, flattered -by being treated as caballeros, drew nearer to Don Torribio, in order -to hear his instructions. The latter continued,—"</p> - -<p>"'Twenty men, marching, in a troop, through the streets of the city -would, doubtless, arouse the susceptibility and suspicions of the -police agents; we must employ the greatest prudence, and, above all, -the utmost secrecy in order to succeed in the expedition for which I -have collected you. You will, therefore, separate, and go one by one -under the walls of the convent of the Bernardines; on arriving there, -you will conceal yourselves as well as you can, and not stir without my -orders. Above all, no disputes, no quarrelling. You have understood me -clearly?'"</p> - -<p>"'Yes, Excellency,' the bandits answered, unanimously."</p> - -<p>"'Very good. Be off, then, for you must reach the convent in a quarter -of an hour.'"</p> - -<p>"The bandits dispersed in every direction with the rapidity of a flock -of buzzards. Two minutes later they had disappeared round the corners -of the nearest streets. Pepito alone remained."</p> - -<p>"'And I?' he respectfully asked Don Torribio. 'Do you not wish, -Excellency, for me to accompany you? I should be very bored if I -remained here alone.'"</p> - -<p>"'I should be glad enough to take you with me; but who would get the -horses ready if you went with me?'"</p> - -<p>"'That is true. I did not think of it.'"</p> - -<p>"'But do not be alarmed, Muchacho, if I succeed as I hope, you shall -soon come with me.'"</p> - -<p>"Pepito, completely reassured by this promise, bowed respectfully to -the mysterious man, who seemed to be his chief, and re-entered his -house, carefully closing the door after him."</p> - -<p>"Don Torribio, when left alone, remained for several seconds plunged -in deep thought. At length he raised his head, drew his hat over his -eyes, carefully wrapped himself in his esclavina, and walked off -hurriedly, muttering, 'Shall I succeed?'"</p> - -<p>"A question which no one, not even himself, could have answered."</p> - -<p>"The convent of the Bernardines stands in one of the handsomest -quarters of Mexico, not far from the Paseo de Bernardo, the fashionable -promenade. It is a vast edifice, built entirely of hewn stone, which -dates from the rebuilding of the city after the conquest, and was -founded by Fernando Cortez himself. Its general appearance is imposing -and majestic, like all Spanish convents; it is almost a small city -within a large one, for it contains all that can be agreeable and -useful for life—a church, a hospital, a laundry, a large kitchen -garden, and a well-laid out flower garden, which offers pleasant shade, -reserved for the exercise of the nuns. There are wide cloisters, -decorated with grand pictures by good masters, representing scenes in -the life of the Virgin, and of St. Bernard, to whom the convent is -dedicated; these cloisters, bordered by circular galleries, out of -which the cells of the nuns open, enclose sandy courts, adorned with -pieces of water, in which fountains refresh the air at the burning -midday hour. The cells are charming retreats, in which nothing that can -promote comfort is wanting: a bed; two butacas covered with prepared -Cordovan leather, a <i>prie Dieu</i>, a small toilet table, in the drawer -of which you are sure to find a looking-glass, and several holy -pictures, occupy the principal space. In a corner of the room may be -seen, between a guitar and a scourge, a statue of the Virgin, of wood -or alabaster, wearing a coronal of white roses, before which a lamp -is continually burning. Such is the furniture which, with but few -exceptions, you are certain to find in the nuns' cells."</p> - -<p>"The convent of the Bernardines contained, at the period when our story -is laid, one hundred and fifty nuns, and about sixty novices. In this -country of toleration, it is rare to see nuns cloistered. The sisters -can go into town, pay and receive visits; the regulations are extremely -mild, and, with the exception of the offices, at which they are bound -to be present with great punctuality, the nuns, when they have entered -their cells, are almost at liberty to do as they please, nobody taking -the trouble, or seeming to do so, of watching them."</p> - -<p>"We have described the convent cells, which are all alike; but that of -the Mother Superior merits a particular description. Nothing could be -more luxurious, more religious, and yet more worldly, than its general -appearance. It was an immense square room, with large Gothic windows, -with small panes set in lead, upon which sacred subjects were painted -with admirable finish and admirable touch. The walls were covered -with long, stamped, and gilded hangings of Cordovan leather, while -valuable pictures, representing the principal events in the life of -the patron saint of the convent, were arranged with that symmetry and -taste only to be met with in people belonging to the Church. Between -the pictures hung a magnificent Virgin, by Raphael, before which was -an altar. A silver lamp, full of perfumed oil, hung from the ceiling, -and burnt night and day before the altar, which thick damask curtains -hid, when thought proper. The furniture consisted of a large Chinese -screen, concealing the couch of the abbess,—a simple frame of carved -oak, surrounded by white gauze mosquito curtains. A square table, also -of oak, on which were a few books and a desk, occupied the centre of -the room; in a corner a vast library, containing books on religious -subjects, and displaying the rich bindings of rare and precious works -through the glass doors, a few butacas and chairs, with twisted feet, -were arranged against the wall. Lastly, a silver brazier, filled with -olive kernels, stood opposite a superb coffer, the chasing of which was -a masterpiece of the Renaissance."</p> - -<p>"During the day, the light, filtered through the coloured glass, spread -but a gentle and mystic radiance around, which caused the visitor to -experience a feeling of respect and devotion, by giving this vast -apartment a stern and almost mournful aspect."</p> - -<p>"At the moment when we introduce the reader into this cell, that is -to say, a few moments prior to the scene we have just described, the -abbess was seated in a large straight-backed easy chair, which was -surmounted by an abbatical crown, while the cushion of gilt leather was -adorned with a double fringe of silk and gold."</p> - -<p>"The abbess was a little, plump woman, of about sixty years of age, -whose features would have appeared unmeaning, had it not been for the -bright and piercing glance that shot, like a jet of lava, from her grey -eyes, when a violent emotion agitated her. She held in her hand an open -book, and seemed plunged in profound meditation."</p> - -<p>"The door of the cell opened gently, and a girl, dressed in the -novice's robe, advanced timidly, scarce grazing the floor with her -light and hesitating foot. She stopped in front of the easy chair, and -waited silently till the abbess raised her eyes to her."</p> - -<p>"'Ah! it is you, my child,' the Mother Superior at length said, -noticing the novice's presence; 'come hither.'"</p> - -<p>"The latter advanced a few paces nearer."</p> - -<p>"'Why did you go out this morning without asking my permission?'"</p> - -<p>"On hearing these words, which the maiden, however, must have expected, -she turned pale, and stammered a few unintelligible words."</p> - -<p>"The abbess continued, in a stern voice:—"</p> - -<p>"'Take care, Niña! although you are still a novice, and will not take -the veil for several months, like all your companions, you are under my -authority—mine alone.'"</p> - -<p>"These words were spoken with an intonation which made the maiden -tremble."</p> - -<p>"'I Holy mother!' she murmured."</p> - -<p>"'You were the intimate friend, almost the sister, of that young fool -whom her resistance to our sovereign will snapped asunder like a reed, -and who died this morning.'"</p> - -<p>"'Do you really believe that she is dead, mother?' the girl answered -timidly, and in a voice interrupted by grief."</p> - -<p>"'Who doubts it?' the abbess exclaimed, violently, as she half rose in -her chair, and fixed a viper's glance on the poor child."</p> - -<p>"'No one, madam, no one,' she said, falling back with terror."</p> - -<p>"'Were you not, like the other members of the community,' the abbess -continued, with a terrible accent, 'present at her funeral? Did you not -hear the prayers uttered over her coffin?'"</p> - -<p>"'It is true, my mother!'"</p> - -<p>"'Did you not see her body lowered into the convent vaults, and the -tombstone laid over it, which the angel of divine justice can alone -raise at the day of judgment? Say, were you not present at this sad -and terrible ceremony? Would you dare to assert that this did not take -place, and that the wretched creature still lives, whom God suddenly -smote in his wrath, that she might serve as a warning to those whom -Satan impels to revolt?'"</p> - -<p>"'Pardon, holy mother, pardon! I saw what you say. I was present at -Doña Laura's interment. Alas! doubt is no longer possible; she is -really dead!'"</p> - -<p>"While uttering the last words, the maiden could not restrain her -tears, which flowed copiously. The abbess surveyed her with a -suspicious air."</p> - -<p>"'It is well,' she said; 'you can retire: but I repeat to you, take -care; I know that a spirit of revolt has seized on your heart as well, -and I shall watch you.'"</p> - -<p>"The maiden bowed humbly to the Mother Superior, and moved as if to -obey the order she had received."</p> - -<p>"At this moment a terrible disturbance was heard. Cries of terror and -threats reechoed in the corridor, and the hurried steps of a tumultuous -crowd could be heard rapidly approaching."</p> - -<p>"'What is the meaning of this?' the abbess asked with terror; 'What is -this noise?'"</p> - -<p>"She rose in agitation, and walked with tottering step toward the door -of the cell, on which repeated blows were being struck."</p> - -<p>"'Oh, heavens!' the novice murmured, as she turned a suppliant glance -toward the statue of the Virgin, which seemed to smile on her; 'Have -our liberators at length arrived?'"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"We will return to Don Torribio, whom we left walking with his -companions toward the convent."</p> - -<p>"As tad been arranged between himself and his accomplices, the young -man found all the band collected under the convent walls. Along the -streets the bandits, not to be disturbed by the serenos, had tied and -gagged them and carried them off, as they met them, separately. Thanks -to this skilful manoeuvre, they reached their destination without -hindrance. Twelve serenos were captured in this way: and, on reaching -the convent, Don Torribio gave orders for them to be laid one atop of -the other at the foot of the wall."</p> - -<p>"Then, drawing from his pocket a velvet mask, he covered his face with -it (a precaution imitated by his comrades), and, approaching a wretched -hut which stood a short distance off, he stove in the door with his -shoulder. The owner rose up, frightened and half dressed, to inquire -the meaning of this unusual mode of rapping at his door; but the poor -fellow fell back with a cry of terror on perceiving the masked men -assembled before his door. Don Torribio, being in a hurry, commenced -the conversation by going straight to the subject matter:—'<i>Buenas -noches</i> Tío Salado. I am delighted to see you in good health,' he said -to him."</p> - -<p>"The other answered, not knowing exactly what he said,—"</p> - -<p>"'I thank you, Caballero. You are too kind.'"</p> - -<p>"'Make haste! get your cloak, and come with us.'"</p> - -<p>"'I?' Salado said, with a start of terror."</p> - -<p>"'Yourself.'"</p> - -<p>"'But how can I be of service to you?'"</p> - -<p>"'I will tell you. I know that you are highly respected at the convent -of the Bernardines—in the first place as a pulquero; and, secondly, as -<i>hombre de bien y religioso.</i>'"</p> - -<p>"'Oh! oh! to a certain extent,' the pulquero answered, evasively."</p> - -<p>"'No false modesty. I know you have the power to get the gates of that -house opened when you please; it is for that reason I invite you to -accompany us.'"</p> - -<p>"'<i>¡Maria Purísima!</i> What are you thinking of, Caballero' the poor -fellow exclaimed, with terror."</p> - -<p>"'No remarks! Make haste! or, by Nuestra señora del Carmen, I will burn -your rookery.'"</p> - -<p>"'A hollow groan issued from Salado's chest; but, after taking one -despairing glance at the black masks that surrounded him, he prepared -to obey. From the pulquería to the convent was only a few paces—they -were soon passed, and Don Torribio turned to his prisoner, who was more -dead than alive."</p> - -<p>"'There, <i>compadre</i>,' he said, distinctly, 'we have arrived. It is now -your place to get the door opened for us.'"</p> - -<p>"'In heaven's name,' the pulquero exclaimed, making one last effort at -resistance, 'how do you expect me to set about it? You forget that I -have no means—'"</p> - -<p>"'Listen,' Don Torribio said, imperiously; 'you understand that I have -no time for discussion. You will either introduce us into the convent, -and this purse, which contains fifty ounces, is yours; or you refuse, -and in that case,' he added, coldly, as he drew a pistol from his -girdle, 'I blow out your brains with this.'"</p> - -<p>"A cold perspiration bedewed the pulquero's temples. He was too well -acquainted with the bandits of his country to insult them for a moment -by doubting their words."</p> - -<p>"'Well!' the other asked, as he cocked the pistol, 'have you -reflected?'"</p> - -<p>"'<i>Cáspita</i>, Caballero! Do not play with that thing. I will try.'"</p> - -<p>"'Here is the purse to sharpen your wits,' Don Torribio said."</p> - -<p>"The pulquero clutched it with a movement of joy, any idea of which it -is impossible to give; then he walked slowly towards the convent gate, -while cudgelling his brains for some way in which to earn the sum he -had received, without running any risk—a problem, we confess, of which -it was not easy to find the solution."</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> Literally "Bread and salt for the knight-errants."</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">"The pulquero at length decided on obedience. Suddenly a luminous -thought crossed his brain, and it was with a smile on his lips that -he lifted the knocker. At the moment he was going to let it fall, Don -Torribio caught his arm."</p> - -<p>"'What is the matter?' Salado asked."</p> - -<p>"'Eleven o'clock struck long ago; everybody must be asleep in the -convent, so perhaps it would be better to try another plan.'"</p> - -<p>"'You are mistaken, Caballero,' the pulquero answered; 'the portress is -awake.'"</p> - -<p>"'Are you sure of it?'"</p> - -<p>"'Caramba!' the other answered, who had formed his plan, and was afraid -he would be obliged to return the money, if his employé changed his -mind. 'The convent of the Bernardines is open day and night to persons -who come for medicines. Leave me to manage it.'"</p> - -<p>"'Go on, then,' the chief of the band said, letting loose his arm."</p> - -<p>"Salado did not allow the permission to be repeated, through fear -of a fresh objection, and he hastened to let go the knocker, which -resounded on a copper bolt. Don Torribio and his companions were -crouching under the wall."</p> - -<p>"In a moment the trapdoor was pushed back, and the wrinkled face of the -portress appeared."</p> - -<p>"'Who are you, my brother?' she asked, in a peevish, sleepy voice. 'Why -do you come at this late hour to tap at the gates of the convent?'"</p> - -<p>"'<i>Ave Maria purísima!</i>' Salado said, in his most nasal tone."</p> - -<p>"'<i>Sin pecado concebida</i>, my brother,—are you ill?'"</p> - -<p>"'I am a poor sinner, you know, sister; my soul is plunged in -affliction.'"</p> - -<p>"'Who are you, brother? I really believe that I can recognise your -voice; but the night is so dark, that I am unable to distinguish your -features.'"</p> - -<p>"'And I sincerely trust you will not see them,' Salado said, mentally; -then added, in a louder voice, 'I am Señor Templado, and keep a locanda -in the Calle Plateros.'"</p> - -<p>"'Ah! I remember you now, brother.'"</p> - -<p>"'I fancy that is biting,' the pulquero muttered."</p> - -<p>"'What do you desire, brother? Make haste to tell me, in the most holy -name of your Saviour!' she said, crossing herself devotedly, a movement -imitated by Salado; 'for the air is very cold, and I must continue my -orisons, which you have interrupted.'"</p> - -<p>"'Vulgo mi Dios! sister; my wife and two children are ill; the Reverend -Pater Guardian, of the Franciscans, urged me to come and ask you for -three bottles of your miraculous water.'"</p> - -<p>"We will observe, parenthetically, that every convent manufactures in -Mexico a so-called miraculous water, the receipt of which is carefully -kept secret; this water, we were told, cures all maladies—a miracle -which we were never in a position to test, for our part. We need hardly -say, that this universal panacea is sold at a very high rate, and -produces the best part of the community's revenue."</p> - -<p>"'Maria!' the old woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy at the -pulquero's large order. 'Three bottles!'"</p> - -<p>"'Yes, sister. I will also ask your permission to rest myself a little; -for I have come so quick, and the emotion produced by the illness of my -wife and children has so crushed me, that I find it difficult to keep -on my legs.'"</p> - -<p>"'Poor man!' the portress said, with pity."</p> - -<p>"'Oh! it would really be an act of charity, my sister.'"</p> - -<p>"'Señor Templado, please look around you, to make sure there is no one -in the street. We live in such wicked times, that a body cannot take -enough precautions.'"</p> - -<p>"'There is no one, my sister,' the pulquero answered, making the -bandits a sign to get ready."</p> - -<p>"'Then I will open.'"</p> - -<p>"'Heaven will reward you, my sister.'"</p> - -<p>"'Amen,' she said, piously."</p> - -<p>"The noise of a key turned in a lock could be heard, then the rumbling -of bolts, and the door opened."</p> - -<p>"'Come in quickly, brother,' the nun said."</p> - -<p>"But Salado had prudently withdrawn, and yielded his place to Don -Torribio. The latter rushed at the portress, not giving her time to -look round, seized her by the throat, and squeezed her windpipe as if -his hand were a vice."</p> - -<p>"'One word, sorceress,' he said to her, 'and I will kill you!'"</p> - -<p>"Terrified by this sudden attack from a man whose face was covered by a -black mask, the old woman fell back senseless."</p> - -<p>"'Devil take the old witch!' Don Torribio exclaimed, passionately; 'Who -will guide us now?'"</p> - -<p>"He tried to restore the portress to her senses, but soon perceiving -that he should not succeed, he made a sign to two of his men to tie -and gag her securely; then, after recommending them to stand sentry at -the door, he seized the bunch of keys entrusted to the nun, and began, -followed by his comrades, to find his way into the building inhabited -by the sisters. It was not an easy thing to discover, in this immense -Thebaïd, the cell occupied by the abbess, for it was that lady alone -whom Don Torribio wanted."</p> - -<p>"Now, to converse with the abbess, she must first be found, and it was -this that embarrassed the bandits, though masters of the place they had -seized by stratagem. At the moment, however, when they began to lose -all hopes, an incident, produced by their inopportune presence, came to -their aid."</p> - -<p>"The bandits had spread, like a torrent that had burst its dykes, -through the courts and cloisters, not troubling themselves in the least -as to the consequences their invasion might have for the convent; and, -shouting and cursing like demons, they appeared to wish to leave no -nook, however secret it might be, unvisited; but it is true that, in -acting thus, they only obeyed the orders of their chief."</p> - -<p>"The nuns, accustomed to calmness and silence, were soon aroused by -this disturbance, which they, for a moment, believed occasioned by an -earthquake; they rushed hurriedly from their beds, and, only half -dressed, went, like a flock of frightened doves, to seek shelter in the -cell of the abbess."</p> - -<p>"The Mother Superior, sharing the error of her nuns, had succeeded in -opening her door; and, collecting her flock around her, she walked -toward the spot whence the noise came, leaning majestically on her -abbatical cross."</p> - -<p>"Suddenly she perceived a band of masked demons, yelling, howling, and -brandishing weapons of every description. But, before she could utter -a cry, Don Torribio rushed toward her. 'No noise!' he said. 'We do not -wish to do you any harm; we have come, on the contrary, to repair that -which you have done.'"</p> - -<p>"Dumb with terror at the sight of so many masked men, the women stood -as if petrified."</p> - -<p>"'What do you want of me?' the Mother Superior stammered, in a -trembling voice."</p> - -<p>"'You shall know,' the Chief answered; and, turning to one of his men, -he said, 'the sulphur matches.'"</p> - -<p>"A bandit silently gave him what he asked for."</p> - -<p>"'Now listen to me attentively, Señora. Yesterday, a novice belonging -to your convent, who some days back refused to take the veil, died -suddenly.'"</p> - -<p>"The abbess looked around her with a commanding air, and then addressed -the man who was speaking to her."</p> - -<p>"'I do not know what you mean,' she replied boldly."</p> - -<p>"'Very good! I expected that answer. I will go on; this novice, -scarcely sixteen years of age, was Doña Laura de Acevedo del Real del -Monte; she belonged to one of the first families in the Republic. This -morning, her obsequies were performed, with all the ceremony employed -on such occasions, in the church of this convent; her body was then -lowered, with great pomp, into the vaults reserved for the burial of -the nuns.'"</p> - -<p>"He stopped, and fixed on the Mother Superior eyes that flashed through -his mask like lightning."</p> - -<p>"'I repeat to you that I do not know what you mean,' she replied -coldly."</p> - -<p>"'Ah, very good! Then listen to this, señora, and profit by it; for you -have fallen, I swear it, into the hands of men who will show you no -mercy, and will be moved neither by your tears nor your airs of grace, -if you compel them to proceed to extremities.'"</p> - -<p>"'You can do as you please,' the Mother Superior answered, still -perfectly collected. 'I am in your hands. I know that for the moment, -at least, I have no help to expect from any one; but Heaven will give -me strength to suffer martyrdom.'"</p> - -<p>"'Madam,' Don Torribio said with a grin, 'you are blaspheming, you -are wittingly committing a deadly sin; but no matter, that is your -business: this is mine. You will at once point out to me the entrance -of the vault, and the spot where Doña Laura is reposing. I have sworn -to carry off her body from here, no matter at what cost. I will -fulfil my oath, whatever may happen. If you consent to what I ask, my -companions and myself will retire, taking with us the body of the poor -deceased, but not touching a pin of the immense riches the convent -contains.'"</p> - -<p>"'And if I refuse?' she said, angrily."</p> - -<p>"'If you refuse,' he replied, laying a stress on each word, as if he -wished the lady addressed fully to understand them, 'the convent will -be sacked, these timid doves will become the prey of the demon.' He -added, with a gesture which made the nuns quiver with terror. 'And I -will apply to you a certain torture, which I do not doubt will loosen -your tongue.'"</p> - -<p>"The abbess smiled contemptuously."</p> - -<p>"'Begin with me,' she said."</p> - -<p>"'That is my intention. Come,' he added, in a rough voice, 'to work.'"</p> - -<p>"Two men stepped forward, and seized the Mother Superior; but she -made no attempt to defend herself. She remained motionless, seemingly -apathetic; still an almost imperceptible contraction of her eyebrows -evidenced the internal emotion she endured."</p> - -<p>"'Is that your last word, señora?' Don Torribio inquired."</p> - -<p>"'Do your duty, villains!' she replied, with disdain. 'Try to conquer -the will of an old woman.'"</p> - -<p>"'We are going to do so. Begin!' he ordered."</p> - -<p>"The two bandits prepared to obey their chief."</p> - -<p>"'Stay, in Heaven's name!' a maiden exclaimed, as she rushed bravely -before the Mother Superior, and repulsed the bandits."</p> - -<p>"It was the novice with whom the abbess was speaking at the moment the -convent was invaded. There was a moment of breathless hesitation."</p> - -<p>"'Be silent, I command you!' the abbess shrieked. 'Let me suffer. God -sees us!'"</p> - -<p>"'It is because He sees us that I will speak,' the maiden answered, -peremptorily; 'it is He who has sent these men I do not know, to -prevent a great crime. Follow me, Caballeros; you have not a moment to -lose; I will lead you to the vaults.'"</p> - -<p>"'Wretch!' the abbess cried, writhing furiously in the hands of the men -who held her. 'Wretch! my wrath will fall on you.'"</p> - -<p>"'I know it,' the maiden responded, sadly; 'but no personal -consideration will prevent my accomplishing a sacred duty.'"</p> - -<p>"'Gag that old wretch. We must finish our work,' the Chief commanded."</p> - -<p>"The order was immediately executed. In spite of her desperate -resistance, the Mother Superior was reduced to a state of impotence in -a few moments."</p> - -<p>"'One of you will guard her,' Don Torribio continued, 'and at the least -suspicious sign blow out her brains,' Then, changing his tone, he -addressed the novice, 'A thousand thanks, señorita! complete what you -have so well begun, and guide us to these terrible vaults.'"</p> - -<p>"'Come, Caballeros,' she answered, placing herself at their head."</p> - -<p>"The bandits, who had suddenly become quiet, followed her in silence, -with marks of the most profound respect. At a peremptory order from Don -Torribio, the nuns, now reassured, had dispersed and returned to their -cells."</p> - -<p>"While crossing the corridor, Don Torribio went up to the girl, and -whispered in her ear two or three words, which made her start."</p> - -<p>"'Fear nothing,' he added. 'I but wished to prove to you that I knew -all. I only desire, señorita, to be your most respectful and devoted -friend.'"</p> - -<p>"The maiden sighed, but made no reply."</p> - -<p>"'What will become of you afterwards? Alone in this convent, exposed -defencelessly to the hatred of this fury, who regards nothing as -sacred, you will soon take the place of her we are about to deliver. Is -it not better to follow her?'"</p> - -<p>"'Alas, poor Laura!' she muttered, hoarsely."</p> - -<p>"'Will you, who have done so much for her up to the present, abandon -her at this supreme moment, when your assistance and support will -become more than ever necessary to her? Are you not her foster sister? -her dearest friend? What prevents? You! an orphan from your earliest -youth, all your affections are concentrated on Laura. Answer me, Doña -Luisa, I conjure you!'"</p> - -<p>"The maiden gave a start of surprise, almost of terror."</p> - -<p>"'You know me!' she said."</p> - -<p>"'Have I not already said that I knew all? Come, my child, if not for -your own sake, then for hers, accompany her. Do not compel me to leave -you here in the hands of terrible enemies, who will inflict frightful -tortures on you.'"</p> - -<p>"'You wish it?' she stammered sadly."</p> - -<p>"'She begs you by my lips.'"</p> - -<p>"'Well, be it so; the sacrifice shall be complete. I will follow -you, though I know not whether, in doing so, I am acting rightly or -wrongly; but, although I do not know you, although a mask conceals your -features, I have faith in your words. You seem to have a noble heart, -and may heaven grant that I am not committing an error.'"</p> - -<p>"'It is the God of goodness and mercy who inspires you with this -resolution, poor child.'"</p> - -<p>"Doña Luisa let her head sink on her breast as she breathed a sigh that -resembled a sob."</p> - -<p>"They went onwards, side by side, without exchanging another word. The -party had left the cloisters, and were now crossing some unfinished -buildings, which did not seem to have been inhabited for many a long -year."</p> - -<p>"'Where are you leading us, then, Niña?' Don Torribio asked. 'I fancied -that in this convent, as in others, the vaults were under the chapel.'"</p> - -<p>"The maiden smiled sadly. 'I am not leading you to the vaults,' she -answered, in a trembling voice."</p> - -<p>"'Where to, then?'"</p> - -<p>"'To the <i>in pace!</i>'"</p> - -<p>"Don Torribio stifled an angry oath."</p> - -<p>"'Oh!' he muttered."</p> - -<p>"'The coffin that was lowered into the vaults this morning in the sight -of all,' Doña Luisa continued, 'really contained the body of my poor -Laura; it was impossible to do otherwise, owing to the custom which -demands that the dead should be buried in their clothes, and with -uncovered faces; but so soon as the crowd had departed, and the doors -of the chapel were closed on the congregation, the Mother Superior -had the tombstone removed again, the body brought up, and transferred -to the deepest <i>in pace</i> of the convent. But here we are,' she said, -as she stopped and pointed to a large stone in the paved floor of the -apartment in which they were."</p> - -<p>"The scene had something mournful and striking about it. In the -deserted apartment the masked men were grouped around the maiden -dressed in white, and only illumined by the ruddy glare of the torches -they waved, bore a strange likeness to those mysterious judges who in -old times met in ruins to try kings and emperors."</p> - -<p>"'Raise the stone,' Don Torribio said, in a hollow voice."</p> - -<p>"After a few efforts the stone was raised, leaving open a dark gulf, -from which poured a blast of hot and foetid air. Don Torribio took a -torch, and bent over the orifice."</p> - -<p>"'Why,' he said, at the expiration of a moment, 'this vault is -deserted.'"</p> - -<p>"'Yes,' Doña Luisa answered, simply, 'she, whom you seek, is lower.'"</p> - -<p>"'What! lower?' he cried, with a movement of terror, which he could not -control."</p> - -<p>"'That vault is not deep enough; an accident might cause a discovery; -shrieks could be heard from outside. There are two other vaults like -this, built above each other. When, through any reason, the abbess has -resolved on the disappearance of a nun, and that she shall be cut off -for ever from the number of the living, the victim is let down into the -last cave, called <i>Hell!</i> There all noise dies away; every sob remains -unechoed; every complaint is vain. Oh! the Inquisition managed matters -well; and it is so short a time since its rule ended in Mexico, that -some of its customs have been maintained in the convents. Seek lower, -Caballero, seek lower!'"</p> - -<p>"Don Torribio, at these words, felt a cold perspiration beading at the -roots of his hair. He believed himself a prey to a horrible nightmare. -Making a supreme effort to subdue the emotion that overpowered him, he -went down into the vault by means of a light ladder leaning against -one of the walls, and several of his comrades followed him. After some -searching, they discovered a stone like the first. Don Torribio plunged -a torch into the gulf."</p> - -<p>"'Empty!' he exclaimed, in horror."</p> - -<p>"'Lower, I tell you! Look lower,' Doña Luisa cried, in a gloomy voice, -who had remained on the edge of the topmost vault."</p> - -<p>"'What had this adorable creature done to them to endure such -martyrdom?' Don Torribio exclaimed, in his despair."</p> - -<p>"'Avarice and hatred are two terrible counsellors,' the maiden -answered; 'but make haste! make haste! every moment that passes is an -age for her who is waiting.'"</p> - -<p>"Don Torribio, a prey to incredible fury, began seeking the last vault. -After a few moments, his exertions were crowned with success. The -stone was scarce lifted, ere, paying no attention to the mephitic air -which rushed from the opening and almost extinguished his torch, he -bent over."</p> - -<p>"'I see her! I see her!' he said, with a cry more resembling a howl -than a human voice."</p> - -<p>"And, waiting no longer, without even calculating the height, he leaped -into the vault. A few moments later he returned to the hall, bearing in -his arms Doña Laura's inanimate body."</p> - -<p>"'Away, friends, away!' he exclaimed, addressing his companions; 'let -us not stay an instant longer in this den of wild beasts with human -faces!'"</p> - -<p>"At a sign from him, Doña Luisa was lifted in the arms of a sturdy -lepero, and all ran off in the direction of the cloisters. They soon -reached the cell of the Mother Superior. On seeing them, the abbess -made a violent effort to break her bonds, and writhed impotently like a -tiger, while flashing, at the men who had foiled her hideous projects, -glances full of hatred and rage."</p> - -<p>"'Wretch!' Don Torribio shouted, as he passed near her, and -disdainfully spurned her with his foot; 'be accursed! your chastisement -commences, for your victim escapes you.'"</p> - -<p>"By one of those efforts which only hatred which has reached its -paroxysm can render possible, the abbess succeeded in removing her gag -slightly."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps!' she yelled, in a voice which sounded like a knell in Don -Torribio's ears."</p> - -<p>"Overcome by this great effort, she fainted."</p> - -<p>"Five minutes after, there was no one in the convent beyond its usual -inmates."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> - -<h3>BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">At this point in his narrative Brighteye stopped, and began, with a -thoughtful air, filling his Indian pipe with tobacco.</p> - -<p>There was a lengthened silence. His auditors, still under the influence -of this extraordinary influence, dared not venture any reflections. At -length Marksman raised his head. "That story is very dramatic and very -gloomy," he said, "but pardon my rude frankness, old and dear comrade, -it seems to me to have no reference to what is going on around us, and -the events in which we shall, probably, be called upon to be interested -spectators, if not actors."</p> - -<p>"In truth," Ruperto observed, "what do we wood rangers care for -adventures that happen in Mexico, or any other city of the <i>Tierras -Adentro</i>? We are here in the desert to hunt, trap, and thrash the -Redskins. Any other question can affect us but slightly."</p> - -<p>Brighteye tossed his head in a significant manner, and laid his pipe -mechanically by his side.</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, comrades," he continued; "do you believe, then, that -I should have made you waste your time in listening to this long story, -if it did not possess an important reality for us?"</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself, then, my friend," Marksman observed, "for I honestly -confess that, for my part, I have understood nothing of what you have -been good enough to tell us."</p> - -<p>The old Canadian raised his head, and seemed, for a few moments, to be -calculating the sun's height. "It is half past six," he said; "you -have still more than sufficient time to reach the ford of the Rubio, -where the man is to wait, to whom you have engaged yourself as guide. -Listen to me, therefore, for I have not quite finished. Now that I have -told you the mystery, you must learn what has come out to clear it up."</p> - -<p>"Speak!" Marksman replied, in the tone of a man who is resolved to -listen through politeness to a story which he knows cannot interest him.</p> - -<p>Brighteye, not seeming to remark his friend's apathetic condescension, -went on in the following terms:—"You have remarked that Don Torribio -provided for everything with a degree of prudence which must keep off -any suspicion, and cover this adventure with an impenetrable veil. -Unfortunately for him, the evangelista was not killed. He could not -only speak, but show a copy of each of the letters he daily handed -to the young man—letters which the latter paid so dearly for, and -which, with that prudence innate in the Mexican race, he had previously -guarded, to employ, if needed, as a weapon against Don Torribio; or, -as was more probable, to avenge himself if he fell a victim to any -treachery. This was what happened:—The evangelista, found in a dying -state by an early customer, had strength enough to make a regular -declaration to the Juez de Lettras, and hand him the letters ere he -died. This assassination, taken in connection with the attack on the -serenos by a numerous band, and the invasion of the Convent of the -Bernardines, furnished a clue which the police begun following with -extreme tenacity; especially as the young lady whose body had been -so audaciously carried off had powerful relations, who, for certain -reasons known to themselves, would not let this crime pass unpunished, -and spent their gold profusely. It was soon learned that the bandits, -on leaving the convent, mounted horses brought by their confidants, and -started at full speed in the direction of the Presidios. The police -even succeeded in discovering one of the men who supplied the horses. -This individual, Pepito by name, bought over by the money offered -him, rather than frightened by threats, stated that he had sold to -Don Torribio Carvajal twenty-five post horses, to be delivered at the -Convent of the Bernardines at two o'clock in the morning. As these -horses were paid for in advance, he, Pepito, did not trouble himself -at all about the singularity of the spot, or of the hour. Don Torribio -and his companions had arrived, bearing with them two women, one of -whom appeared to have fainted, and immediately galloped off. The trail -of the ravishers was then followed to the Presidio de Tubar, where Don -Torribio allowed his party to rest for several days. There he purchased -a close palanquin, a field tent, and all the provisions necessary for a -lengthened journey in the desert, and one night suddenly disappeared, -with all his band, which was augmented by all the adventurers he could -pick up at the Presidio, no one being able to say in what direction -he had gone. This information, though vague, was sufficient up to a -certain point, and the relations of the young lady were continuing -their search."</p> - -<p>"I fancy I am beginning to see what you want to arrive at," Marksman -interrupted him; "but conclude your story; when you have finished, I -will make sundry observations, whose justice you will recognize, I am -sure."</p> - -<p>"I shall be delighted to hear them," Brighteye said, and went on:—"A -man who, twenty years ago, did me a rather important service, whom I -had not seen since, and whom I should assuredly not have recognized, -had he not told me his name—the only thing I had not forgotten—came -to me and my partner Ruperto, while we were at the Presidio de Tubar, -selling a few panther and tiger skins. This man told me what I have -just repeated to you: he added that he was a near relation of the young -lady, reminded me of the service he had rendered me—in a word, he -affected me so greatly, that I agreed to take vengeance on his enemy. -Two days later we took up the trail. For a man like myself, accustomed -to follow Indians' signs, it was child's play and I soon led him almost -into the Spanish caravan commanded by Don Miguel Ortega."</p> - -<p>"The other was called Don Torribio Carvajal."</p> - -<p>"Could he not have changed his name?"</p> - -<p>"For what good in the desert?"</p> - -<p>"In the consciousness that he would be pursued."</p> - -<p>"Then the relatives had a great interest in this pursuit?"</p> - -<p>"Don José told me he was the young lady's uncle, and felt a paternal -tenderness for her."</p> - -<p>"But I fancy she is dead, or at least you told me so, if I am not -mistaken."</p> - -<p>Brighteye scratched his ear. "That is the awkward part of the affair," -he said; "it seems she is not dead at all; on the contrary."</p> - -<p>"What!" Marksman exclaimed; "she is not dead! That uncle knows it, -then; it was by his consent that the poor creature was buried alive! -But, if that is the case, there must be some odious machination in the -business."</p> - -<p>"On my word, if I must confess it, I fear so too," the Canadian said, -in a hesitating voice. "Still, this man rendered me a great service. I -have no proof in support of my suspicions, and——"</p> - -<p>Marksman rose, and stood in front of the old hunter. "Brighteye," he -said to him, sternly; "we are fellow countrymen; we love each other -like brothers; for many long years we have slept side by side on the -prairie, sharing good fortune and ill between us, saving each other's -lives a hundred times, either in our struggles with wild beasts, or our -fights with the Indians—is it so?"</p> - -<p>"It is true, Marksman, it is true, and anyone who said the contrary -would lie," the hunter replied with emotion.</p> - -<p>"My friend, my brother, a great crime has been committed, or is on the -point of being committed. Let us watch—watch carefully; who knows -if we may not be the instruments chosen by Providence to unmask the -guilty, and cause the innocent to triumph? This Don José, you say, -wishes me to join you; well, I accept. Yourself, Ruperto, and I, will -go to the ford of the Rubio, and, believe me, my friend, now that I am -warned, I will discover the guilty party, whoever he may be."</p> - -<p>"I prefer things to be so," the hunter answered, simply. "I confess -that the strange position in which I found myself weighed heavily -upon me. I am only a poor hunter, and do not at all understand these -infamies of the cities."</p> - -<p>"You are an honest man, whose heart is just and mind upright. But -time is slipping away. Now that we are agreed as to our parts, and -understand one another, I believe we shall do well by starting."</p> - -<p>"I will go whenever you please."</p> - -<p>"One moment. Can you do without Ruperto for a little while?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" the latter asked.</p> - -<p>"You can do me a service."</p> - -<p>"Speak, Marksman, I am waiting."</p> - -<p>"No man can foresee the future. Perhaps, in a few days we shall need -allies on whom we may be able to count. These allies the Chief here -present will give us whenever we ask for them. Accompany him to his -village, Ruperto: and, so soon as he has arrived there, leave him, and -take up our trail—not positively joining us, but managing so that, if -necessary, we should know where to find you."</p> - -<p>"I have understood," the hunter said, laconically, as he rose. "All -right."</p> - -<p>Marksman turned to Flying Eagle, and explained what he wanted of him.</p> - -<p>"My brother saved Eglantine," the Chief answered, nobly; "Flying Eagle -is a sachem of his tribe. Two hundred warriors will follow the warpath -at the first signal from my father. The Comanches are men; the words -they utter come from the heart."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Chief," Marksman answered, warmly pressing the hand the -Redskin extended to him; "may the Wacondah watch over you during your -journey!"</p> - -<p>After hastily eating a slice of venison cooked on the ashes, and -drinking a draught of pulque—from which, after the custom of his -nation, the only one which does not drink strong liquors, the Comanche -declined to take a share—the four men separated; Ruperto, Flying -Eagle, and Eglantine going into the prairie in a western direction; -while Brighteye and Marksman, bending slightly to the left, proceeded -in an easterly course, in order to reach the ford of the Rubio, where -the latter was expected.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Brighteye observed, as he threw his rifle on to his left arm, -and starting with that elastic step peculiar to the wood rangers; "we -have some tough work cut out for us."</p> - -<p>"Who knows, my friend?" Marksman answered, anxiously. "At any rate, we -must discover the truth."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion, too."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing I want to know, above all."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"What Don Miguel's carefully-closed palanquin contains."</p> - -<p>"Why, hang it! a woman, of course."</p> - -<p>"Who told you so?"</p> - -<p>"Nobody; but I presume so."</p> - -<p>"Prejudge nothing, my friend; with time, all will be cleared up."</p> - -<p>"God grant it!"</p> - -<p>"He sees everything, and knows everything, my friend. Believe me, that -if it hath pleased Him to set those suspicions growing in our hearts -that trouble us now, it is because, as I told you a moment ago, He -wishes to make us the instruments of His justice."</p> - -<p>"May His will be done!" Brighteye answered, raising his cap piously. "I -am ready to obey Him in all that He may order me."</p> - -<p>After this mutual exchange of thoughts, the hunters, who till -this moment had walked side by side, proceeded in Indian file, in -consequence of the difficult nature of the ground. On reaching the tall -grass, after emerging from the forest, they stopped a moment to look -around.</p> - -<p>"It is late," Marksman observed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is nearly midday. Follow me, we shall soon catch up lost time."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Instead of walking, would you not be inclined to ride?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if we had horses."</p> - -<p>"That is just what I am going to procure."</p> - -<p>"You have horses?"</p> - -<p>"Last night Ruperto and I left our horses close by here, while going -to the meeting Don José had made with us, and in which I was obliged to -employ a canoe."</p> - -<p>"Eh! eh! those brave beasts turn up at a lucky moment. For my part, I -am worn out. I have been walking for many a long day over the prairie, -and my legs are beginning to refuse to carry me."</p> - -<p>"Come this way, we shall soon see them."</p> - -<p>In fact, the hunters had not walked one hundred yards in the direction -indicated by Brighteye, ere they found the horses quietly engaged in -nibbling the pea vines and young tree shoots. The noble animals, on -hearing a whistle, raised their intelligent heads, and hastened toward -the hunters with a neigh of pleasure. According to the usual fashion in -the prairies, they were saddled, but their <i>bozal</i> was hung round their -necks. The hunters bridled them, leapt on their backs, and started -again.</p> - -<p>"Now that we have each a good horse between our legs we are certain of -arriving in time," Marksman observed; "hence, it is useless to hurry -on, and we can talk at our ease. Tell me, Brighteye, have you seen Don -Miguel Ortega yet?"</p> - -<p>"Never, I allow."</p> - -<p>"Then you do not know him?"</p> - -<p>"If I may believe Don José, he is a villain. For my own part, never -having had any relations with him, I should be considerably troubled to -form any opinion, bad or good, about him."</p> - -<p>"With me it is different. I know him."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Very well indeed."</p> - -<p>"For any length of time?"</p> - -<p>"Long enough, I believe, at any rate to enable me to form an opinion -about him."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Well, what do you think of him?"</p> - -<p>"Much good and much bad."</p> - -<p>"Hang it? ah!"</p> - -<p>"Why are you surprised? Are not all men in the same case?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so, I grant."</p> - -<p>"This man is no worse or no better than the rest. This morning, as -I foresaw that you were about to speak to me about him, I wished to -leave you liberty of action by telling you that I was only slightly -acquainted with him; but it is possible that your opinion will soon be -greatly modified, and, perhaps, you will regret the support you have -hitherto given Don José, as you call him."</p> - -<p>"Would you like me to speak candidly, Marksman, now that no one, but He -above, can hear us?"</p> - -<p>"Do so, my friend. I should not be sorry to know your whole thoughts."</p> - -<p>"I am certain that you know a great deal more about the story I told -you last night than you pretend to do."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are right; but what makes you think so?"</p> - -<p>"Many things; and in the first place this."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"You are too sensible a man. You have acquired too great an experience -of the things of this world, to undertake, without serious cause, the -defence of a man who, according to the principles we profess on the -prairie, you ought to regard, if not as an enemy, still as one of those -men whom it is often disagreeable to come in contact, or have any -relations with."</p> - -<p>Marksman burst into a laugh. "There is truth in what you say, -Brighteye," he at length remarked.</p> - -<p>"Is there not?"</p> - -<p>"I will not attempt to play at cunning with you; but I have powerful -reasons for undertaking the defence of this man, but I cannot tell you -them at this moment. It is a secret which does not belong to me, and of -which I am only the depositary. I trust you will soon know all; but, -till then, rely on my old friendship, and leave me to act in any way."</p> - -<p>"Very good! At any rate, I am now beginning to see clearly, and, -whatever may happen, you can reckon upon me."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I felt certain we should end by understanding one another; -but, silence, and let nothing be seen. We are at the meeting place. -Hang it! the Mexicans have not kept us waiting. They have already -pitched their camp on the other side of the river."</p> - -<p>In fact, a hunter's camp could be seen a short distance off, one side -resting on the river, the other on the forest, and presenting perfectly -fortified outworks, with the front turned to the prairies, and composed -of bales and trees stoutly interlaced.</p> - -<p>The two hunters made themselves known to the sentries, and entered -without any difficulty. Don Miguel was absent; but the Gambusinos -expected him at any moment. The hunters dismounted, hobbled their -horses, and sat down quietly by the fire.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano Cohecho had left the Gambusinos at daybreak, as he had -announced on the previous evening.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> - -<h3>FRESH CHARACTERS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">In order to a right comprehension of ensuing facts, we will take -advantage of our privilege as story tellers, to go back a fortnight, -and allow the reader to be witness of a scene intimately connected with -the most important events of this history, and which took place a few -hundred miles from the spot where accident had collected our principal -characters.</p> - -<p>The Cordillera of the Andes, that immense spine of the American -continent, the whole length of which it traverses under different names -from north to south, forms, at various elevations, immense <i>llanos</i>, on -which entire people live at a height at which all vegetation ceases in -Europe.</p> - -<p>After crossing the Presidio de Tubar, the advanced post of civilization -on the extreme limit of the desert, and advancing into the mediano -region of the <i>tierra caliente</i> for about one hundred and twenty miles, -the traveller finds himself suddenly, and without any transition, in -front of a virgin forest, which is no less than three hundred and -twenty miles deep, by eighty odd miles wide.</p> - -<p>The most practised pen is powerless to describe the marvels innumerable -inclosed in that inexhaustible network of vegetation called a virgin -forest, and the sight, at once strange and peculiar, majestic and -imposing, which it offers to the dazzled sight. The most powerful -imagination recoils before this prodigious fecundity of elementary -nature, continually springing up again from its own destruction with -a strength and vigour ever new. The creepers, which run from tree to -tree, from branch to branch, plunge, at one moment, into the earth, -and then rise once more to the sky, and form, by their interlacing -and crossing, an almost insurmountable barrier, as if jealous nature -wished to hide from profane eyes the mysterious secrets of these -forests, beneath whose shade man's footsteps have only reached at long -intervals, and never unpunished. Trees of every age and species grow -without order or symmetry, as if sown by chance, like wheat in the -furrows. Some, tall and slight, count only a few years; the extremities -of their branches are covered by the tall and wide boughs of those -whose haughty heads have seen centuries pass over them. Beneath their -foliage softly murmur pure and limpid streams, which escape from the -fissures of the rocks, and, after a thousand meanderings, are lost in -some lake or unknown river, whose bright waters had never reflected -aught in their clear mirror save the sublime secrets of the solitude. -There may be found, pell-mell and in picturesque confusion, all -the magnificent productions of tropical regions:—The acajou; the -ebony; the palisander; the stunted mahogany; the black oak; the cork; -the maple; the mimosa, with its silvery foliage; and the tamarind, -thrusting in every direction their branches, laden with, flowers, -fruits, and leaves, which form a dome impenetrable to the sunbeams. -From the vast and unexplored depths of these forests emerge, from time -to time, inexplicable noises—furious howls, feline miauls, mocking -yells, mingled with shrill whistling or the joyous and harmonious song -of the birds.</p> - -<p>After plunging boldly into the centre of this chaos, and struggling -hand to hand with this uncultivated and wild nature, the traveller -succeeds, with axe in one hand and torch in the other, in gaining, inch -by inch, step by step, a road impossible to describe. At one moment, by -crawling like a reptile over the decaying leaves, dead wood, or guano, -piled up for centuries; or by leaping from branch to branch, at the -tops of the trees, standing, as it were, in the air. But woe to the man -who neglects to have his eye constantly open to all that surrounds -him, and his ear on the watch: for, in addition to the obstacles -caused by nature, he has to fear the venomous stings of the serpents -startled in their lairs, and the furious attacks of the wild beasts. -He must also carefully watch the course of the rivers and streams he -meets with, determine the position of the sun during the day, or guide -himself at night by the Southern Cross; for, once astray in a virgin -forest, it is impossible to get out of it—it is a maze, from which no -Ariadne's web would help to find the issue.</p> - -<p>At last the traveller, after he has succeeded in surmounting the -dangers we have describe, and a thousand others no less terrible, which -we have passed over in silence, emerges on an immense plain, in the -centre of which stands an Indian city. That is to say, he finds himself -before one of those mysterious cities into which no European has yet -penetrated, whose exact position even is unknown, and which, since -the conquest, have served as an asylum for the last relics of Aztec -civilization.</p> - -<p>The fabulous accounts given by some travellers about the incalculable -wealth buried in these cities, has inflamed the covetousness and -avarice of a great number of adventurers, who, at various periods, -have attempted to find the lost road to these queens of the Mexican -prairies and savannahs. Others again, only impelled by the irresistible -attraction extraordinary enterprises offer to vagabond imaginations, -have also, especially during the last fifty years, set out in search of -these Indian cities, though up to the present time success has never -crowned these various expeditions. Some have returned disenchanted, and -half killed by this journey toward the unknown; a considerable number -have left their bodies at the foot of precipices or in the quebradas, -to serve as food for birds of prey; while others, more unfortunate -still, have disappeared without leaving a trace, and no one has ever -heard what has become of them.</p> - -<p>Owing to events, too long to narrate here, but which we shall describe -some day, we have lived, against our will, in one of these impenetrable -cities, though, more fortunate than our predecessors, whose whitened -bones we saw scattered along the road, we succeeded in escaping -from it, through dangers innumerable, all miraculously avoided. The -description we are about to give, then, is scrupulously exact, and -cannot be doubted, for we write from personal observation.</p> - -<p>Quiepaa Tani, the city which presents itself to the traveller's sight -after leaving the virgin forest, of which we have given a sketch, -extends from east to west, and forms a parallelogram. A wide stream, -over which several bridges of incredible lightness and elegance are -thrown, runs through its entire length. At each corner of the square an -enormous block of rock cut perpendicularly on the side that faces the -plains, serves as an almost impregnable fortress; these four citadels -are also connected by a wall twenty feet thick, and forty feet high, -which, inside the city, forms a slope sixty feet wide at the base. This -wall is built of native bricks, made of sandy earth and chopped straw; -they are called <i>adobes</i>, and are about a yard long. A wide and deep -fosse almost doubles the height of the walls. Two gates alone give -access to the city. These gates are flanked by towers and pepper boxes, -exactly like a mediaeval fortress; and, what adds to the correctness of -our comparison, a small bridge, made of planks, extremely narrow and -light, and so arranged as to be carried away on the slightest alarm, is -the only communication between these gates and the exterior.</p> - -<p>The houses are low, and terminate in terraces, connected with each -other; they are slight, and built of wicker and canaverales covered -with cement, in consequence of the earthquakes so frequent in these -regions; but they are large, airy, and pierced with numerous windows. -None of them are more than one story in height, and the fronts are -covered with a varnish of dazzling whiteness.</p> - -<p>This strange city, seen from a distance, as it rises in the midst of -the tall prairie grass, offers the most singular and seductive sight.</p> - -<p>On a fine evening in the month of October, five travellers, whose -features or dress it would have been impossible to distinguish, owing -to the obscurity, came out of the forest we have described above, -stopped for a moment, with marked indecision, on the extreme edge of -the wood, and began examining the ground. Before them rose a hillock, -which, if no great height, yet cut the horizon at right angles.</p> - -<p>After exchanging a few words, two of these persons remained where they -were; the other three lay down on their faces, and, crawling on their -hands and feet, advanced through the rank grass, which they caused to -undulate, and which completely concealed their bodies. On reaching the -top of the mound, which they had found such difficulty in scaling, they -looked out into the country, and remained struck with astonishment and -admiration.</p> - -<p>The eminence, at the top of which they were, was perpendicular on the -other side, like all the rest of the ground which extended on either -side. A magnificent plain lay expanded a hundred feet below them, and -in the centre of the plain, at a distance of about a thousand yards -from them, stood, proud and imposing, Quiepaa Tani,<a name="FNanchor_1_2" id="FNanchor_1_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_2" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> the mysterious -city, defended by its massive towers and thick walls. The sight of this -vast city in the midst of the desert produced on the minds of the three -men a feeling of stupor, which they could not explain, and which for -a few moments rendered them dumb with surprise. At length one of them -rose on his elbow, and addressed his comrades.</p> - -<p>"Are my brothers satisfied?" he said, with a guttural accent, which, -though he expressed himself in Spanish, proved him to be an Indian. -"Has Addick (the Stag) kept his promise?"</p> - -<p>"Addick is one of the first warriors of his tribe; his tongue is -straight, and the blood flows clearly in his veins," one of the men he -addressed, answered.</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled silently, without replying;—this smile would have -given his companions much matter for thought, had they seen it.</p> - -<p>"It seems to me," the one who had not yet spoken said, "that it is very -late to enter the city."</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, at sunrise, Addick will lead the two Paleface maidens to -Quiepaa Tani," the Indian answered; "the night is too dark."</p> - -<p>"The warrior is right," the second speaker remarked, "we must put off -the affair till tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Yes, let us return to our friends, whom a longer absence may alarm."</p> - -<p>Joining deeds to words, the first speaker turned round, and, exactly -following the track his body had left in the grass, he soon found -himself, as well as his companions, who imitated all his movements, at -the skirt of the forest, into which, after their departure, the two -persons they left behind had returned.</p> - -<p>The silence which reigns beneath these gloomy roofs of foliage and -branches during the day, had been succeeded by the dull sounds of a -wild concert, formed by the shrill cries of the night birds, which -woke, and prepared to attack the loros, humming birds, and cardinals, -belated far from their nests; the roaring of the cougars; the -hypocritical miauling of the jaguars and panthers, and the snappish -barks of the coyotes, which reechoed, with a mournful sound, from the -roofs of the inaccessible caverns and gaping pits which served as -lurking places for these dangerous guests.</p> - -<p>Returning on the trail they had traced with their axes, the three men -soon found themselves near a fire of dead wood, burning in the centre -of a small clearing. Two women, or rather girls, were crouching, -pensive and sad, by the fire. They counted scarce thirty years between -them; they were lovely, and of that creole beauty which the divine -pencil of a Raphael has been alone able to reproduce. But at this -moment they were pale, seemed fatigued, and their faces reflected a -gloomy sorrow; At the sound of the approaching steps they raised their -eyes, and a flash of joy illumined their faces like a sunbeam.</p> - -<p>The Indian threw some sticks on the fire, which was threatening to -go out, while one of the hunters occupied himself with giving their -provender to the horses, hobbled a short distance off.</p> - -<p>"Well, Don Miguel," one of the ladies said, addressing the hunter -who had taken a seat by her side, "shall we soon near the end of our -journey?"</p> - -<p>"You have arrived, señorita; tomorrow, under the guidance of our friend -Addick, you will enter the city, that inviolable asylum, where no one -will pursue you."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she continued, looking absently at the Indian's gloomy and -apathetic face; "we shall separate tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"We must, señorita; the care for your safety demands it."</p> - -<p>"Who would dare to seek me in these unknown districts?"</p> - -<p>"Hatred dares everything. I implore you, señorita, to put faith in my -experience; my devotion to you is unbounded. Though still very young, -you have suffered enough, and it is time that a blessed sunbeam should -brighten your dreary brow, and dispel the clouds which thought and -grief have been so long collecting on it."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" she said, as she let her head droop, to hide the tears that ran -down her cheeks.</p> - -<p>"My sister, my friend, my Laura!" the other maiden said, embracing her -tenderly, "be courageous to the end. Shall I not be with you? Oh, fear -nothing!" she added, with a charming expression. "I will take half your -grief on myself, and your burthen will seem less heavy."</p> - -<p>"Poor Luisa!" the maiden murmured, as she returned her caresses. -"You are unhappy through me. How shall I ever be able to repay your -devotion?"</p> - -<p>"By loving me, as I love you, cherished angel, and by regaining hope."</p> - -<p>"Before a month, I trust," Don Miguel said, "your persecutors will be -prevented from troubling you again. I am playing a terrible game with -them, in which my head is the stake; but I care little, so long as I -save you. On leaving you, permit me to take with me, in my heart, the -hope that you will in no way attempt to leave the refuge I have found -for you, and that you will patiently await my return."</p> - -<p>"Alas, Caballero! you are aware that I live only by a miracle; my -relatives, my friends, indeed, all those I loved, have abandoned me, -except my Luisa, my foster sister, whose devotion to me has never -swerved; and you, whom I do not know, whom I never saw, and who -suddenly revealed yourself to me in my tomb, like the angel of divine -justice; since that terrible night, when, thanks to you, I emerged from -my sepulchre, like Lazarus, you have shown me the kindest and most -delicate attentions; you have taken the place of those who betrayed me; -you have been to me more than a father."</p> - -<p>"Señorita!" said the young man, at once confused and happy at these -words.</p> - -<p>"I say this to you, Don Miguel," she continued, with a certain feverish -animation, "because I am anxious to prove to you that I am not -ungrateful. I know not what God, in His wisdom, may do with me; but I -tell you, that my last thought, my last prayer will be for you. You -wish me to await you; I will obey you. Believe me, I only dispute my -life through a certain feeling of anxiety, like the gambler at his last -stake," she added, with a heartbreaking smile; "but I understand how -much you need liberty of action for the rude game you have undertaken. -Hence, you can go in peace; I have faith in you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, señorita; this promise doubles my strength. Oh, now I am -certain of success!"</p> - -<p>A rude jacal of branches had been prepared for the maidens by the other -hunters and the Indian warrior, and they retired to rest.</p> - -<p>Although the young man's mind was so full of restless alarms, after a -few moments of deep thought he laid himself down by the side of his -companions, and soon fell asleep. In the desert nature never surrenders -its claims, and the greatest grief rarely succeeds in gaining the -victory over the material claims of the human organization.</p> - -<p>Scarce had the first sunbeams begun to tinge the sky of an opal hue, -ere the hunters opened their eyes. The preparations for starting were -soon completed; the moment of separation arrived, and the parting was a -sad one. The two hunters had accompanied the maidens to the edge of the -forest, in order to remain longer with them.</p> - -<p>Doña Luisa, taking advantage of an instant when the road became so -narrow that it became almost impossible for two to walk side by side, -drew nearer Don Miguel's hunting companion.</p> - -<p>"Do me a service," she whispered, hurriedly.</p> - -<p>"Speak," he answered, in the same key.</p> - -<p>"That Indian inspires me with but slight confidence."</p> - -<p>"You are wrong; I know him."</p> - -<p>She shook her head petulantly. "That is possible," she said; "but will -you do me the service I want of you?—if not, I will ask Don Miguel, -though I should have preferred him not knowing it."</p> - -<p>"Speak, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"Give me a knife and your pistols."</p> - -<p>The hunter looked her in the face. "Good!" he said presently. "You are -a brave child. Here is what you ask for." And, without anyone noticing -it, he gave the objects she wished to obtain from him, adding to them -two little pouches, one of gunpowder, the other of bullets.</p> - -<p>"No one knows what may happen," he said.</p> - -<p>"Thanks," she answered, with a movement of joy she could not master.</p> - -<p>This was all that she said; and the weapons disappeared under her -clothes, with a speed and resolution which made the hunter smile. Five -minutes after, they reached the skirt of the virgin forest.</p> - -<p>"Addick," the hunter said laconically; "remember that you will answer -to me for these two women."</p> - -<p>"Addick has sworn it," the Indian merely replied. They separated; it -was impossible to remain longer at the spot where they were, without -running the risk of being discovered by the Indians. The maidens and -the warrior proceeded toward the city.</p> - -<p>"Let us mount the hill," Don Miguel said, "in order to see them for the -last time."</p> - -<p>"I was going to propose it," the hunter said, simply.</p> - -<p>They went, with similar precautions, to the spot they had occupied for -a few moments on the previous evening.</p> - -<p>In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had gloriously risen, the -verdurous landscape had assumed, a truly enchanting aspect. Nature -was aroused from her sleep, and a most varied spectacle had been -substituted for the gloomy and solitary view of the previous night. -From the gates of the city, which were now widely opened, emerged -groups of Indians on horseback and on foot, who dispersed in all -directions with shouts of joy and shriller bursts of laughter. Numerous -canoes traversed the stream, the fields were populated with flocks -of vicunas, and horses led by Indians, armed with long goads, who -were proceeding toward the city. Women quaintly attired, and bearing -on their heads long wicker baskets filled with meat, fruit, and -vegetables, walked along conversing together, and accompanying each -phrase with that continual, sharp, and metallic laugh, of which the -Indian nation possess the secret, and the noise of which resembles very -closely that produced by the full of a quantity of pebbles on a copper -dish.</p> - -<p>The maidens and their guide were soon mixed up in this motley crowd, in -the midst of which they disappeared. Don Miguel sighed.</p> - -<p>"Let us go," he said in a deep voice.</p> - -<p>They returned to the forest. A few moments later, they set out again.</p> - -<p>"We must separate," Don Miguel said when they had crossed the forest; -"I shall return to Tubar."</p> - -<p>"And I am going to try to render a small service to an Indian chief, a -friend of mine."</p> - -<p>"You are always thinking of others, and never of yourself, my worthy -Marksman; you are ever anxious to be of use to someone."</p> - -<p>"What would you have, Don Miguel? It seems to be my mission—you know -that every man has one."</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the young man answered in a hollow voice. "Good-bye!" he added -presently, "do not forget our meeting."</p> - -<p>"All right! In a fortnight, at the ford of the Rubio; that is settled."</p> - -<p>"Forgive me my chariness of speech during the few days we have spent -together; the secret is not mine alone, Marksman; I am not at liberty -to divulge it, even to so kind a friend as yourself."</p> - -<p>"Keep your secret, my friend; I am in no way curious to know it; still, -it is understood that we do not know one another."</p> - -<p>"Yes; that is very important."</p> - -<p>"Then, good-bye."</p> - -<p>"Good-bye!"</p> - -<p>The two horsemen shook hands, one turned to the right, the other to the -left, and they set off at full speed.</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> Literally, <i>Quiepaa</i>, sky, <i>tani</i>, mountain, in the -Zapothecan language.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FORD OF THE RUBIO.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The night was gloomy, not a star shone in the sky; the wind blew -violently through the heavy boughs of the virgin forest, with that -sad and monotonous soughing which resembles the sound of great waters -when the tempest menaces; the clouds were low, black, and charged -with electricity; they coursed rapidly through the sky, incessantly -veiling the wan disk of the moon, whose cold rays only rendered the -gloom denser; the atmosphere was oppressive, and those nameless noises, -dashed back by the echoes like the rolling of distant thunder, rose -from the quebradas and unknown barrancas of the prairies; the beasts -howled sadly all the notes of the human register, and the night birds, -troubled in their sleep by this strange uneasiness of nature, uttered -hoarse and discordant cries.</p> - -<p>In the camp of the Gambusinos all was calm; the sentries were watching, -leaning on their rifles, and crouching near the expiring fire. In the -centre of the camp two men were smoking their Indian pipes, and talking -in a low voice. They were Brighteye and Marksman.</p> - -<p>At length, Brighteye knocked the ashes out of his pipe, thrust it into -his girdle, stifled a yawn, and rose, throwing out his legs and arms to -restore the circulation.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do?" Marksman asked him, turning cautiously -round.</p> - -<p>"Sleep," the hunter answered.</p> - -<p>"Sleep!"</p> - -<p>"Why not? the night is advanced; we are the only persons watching, I -feel convinced; it is more than probable that we shall not see Don -Miguel before sunrise. Hum! the best plan for the moment, at least, is -to sleep, at any rate, if you have not decided otherwise."</p> - -<p>Marksman laid his finger on his lip, as if to recommend silence to his -friend.</p> - -<p>"The night is advanced," he said, in a low voice; "a terrible storm is -rising. Where can Don Miguel be gone? This prolonged absence alarms me -more than I can express: he is not the man to leave his friends thus, -without some powerful reason, or perhaps—"</p> - -<p>The hunter stopped, and shook his head sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Go on," Brighteye said; "tell me your whole thought."</p> - -<p>"Well, I am afraid lest some misfortune has happened to him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh, do you think so? Still, this Don Miguel, from what I have -heard you say, is a man of well-tried courage and uncommon strength."</p> - -<p>"All that is true," Marksman replied, with a preoccupied air.</p> - -<p>"Well! do you think that such a man, well armed, and acquainted with -prairie life, is not able to draw himself out of a difficulty, whatever -the danger which threatens him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if he has to deal with a loyal foe, who stands resolutely before -him, and fights with equal weapons."</p> - -<p>"What other danger can he fear?"</p> - -<p>"Brighteye, Brighteye!" the hunter continued, sadly, "you have lived -too long among the Missouri fur traders."</p> - -<p>"Which means—?" the Canadian asked, somewhat piqued.</p> - -<p>"Come, my friend, do not feel vexed at my remarks; but it is evident to -me, that you have, in a great measure, forgotten prairie habits."</p> - -<p>"Hum! that is a serious charge against a hunter, Marksman; and in what, -if you please, have I forgotten desert manners?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! in seeming no longer to remember that, in the country where -we now are, every weapon is good to get rid of an enemy."</p> - -<p>"Eh! I know that as well as you, my friend; I know, too, that the most -dangerous weapon is that which is concealed."</p> - -<p>"That is to say, treachery."</p> - -<p>The Canadian started. "Do you fear treachery, then?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"What else can I fear?"</p> - -<p>"That is true," the hunter said, with a drooping head; "but," he added, -a moment after, "what is to be done?"</p> - -<p>"That is the very thing that embarrasses me. Still I cannot remain much -longer in this state; the uncertainty is killing me; at all risks I -must know what has happened."</p> - -<p>"But in what way?"</p> - -<p>"I know not, Heaven will inspire me."</p> - -<p>"Still, you have an idea?"</p> - -<p>"Of course, I have."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"This—and I count on you to help me in carrying it out."</p> - -<p>Brighteye affectionately pressed his friend's hand. "You are right," he -said: "now for your idea."</p> - -<p>"It is very simple; we will leave the camp directly, and go along the -river side."</p> - -<p>"Yes,—I would merely draw your attention to the fact, that the storm -will soon break out, and the rain is already falling in large drops."</p> - -<p>"The greater reason to make haste."</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"Then you will accompany me?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! did you doubt it, perchance?"</p> - -<p>"I am a goose; forgive me, brother, and thank you."</p> - -<p>"Why so? on the contrary, I ought to thank you."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Why, thanks to you, I am going to take a delightful walk."</p> - -<p>Marksman did not answer; the hunters saddled and bridled their horses, -and after inspecting their arms with all the care of men who are -convinced that they will soon have occasion to use them, they mounted -and rode toward the gate of the camp. Two sentries were standing -motionless and upright at the gate; they placed themselves before the -wood rangers. The latter had no intention of going out unseen, as they -had no reason for hiding their departure.</p> - -<p>"You are going away?" one of the sentries asked.</p> - -<p>"No; we are merely going to make a survey of the country."</p> - -<p>"At this hour?"</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! I think it pleasanter to sleep in such weather, than ride -about the prairie."</p> - -<p>"You think wrong, comrade," Marksman answered, in a peremptory tone; -"and, in the first place, bear this in mind, I am not accountable for -my actions to anyone; if I go out at this hour in the storm which is -threatening, I have possibly powerful motives for my conduct; now, -will you or no let us pass? Remember, however, that I shall hold you -responsible for any delay you occasion in the execution of my plans."</p> - -<p>The tone employed by the hunter in addressing them struck the two -sentries; they consulted together in a low voice; after which, the man -who had hitherto spoken turned to the two hunters, who were quietly -awaiting the result of this deliberation. "You can pass," he said; "you -are at liberty to go wherever you think proper. I have done my duty in -questioning you, and may Heaven grant you are doing yours in going out -thus."</p> - -<p>"You will soon know. One word more."</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Our absence will probably be short; if not, we shall return by -sunrise; still, pay great attention to this recommendation: should you -hear the cry of the jaguar repeated thrice, at equal intervals, mount -at full speed, and come, not you alone, but followed by a dozen of your -comrades, for, when you hear that cry, a great danger will menace the -Cuadrilla. Now, you understand me?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"And will you do what I advise?"</p> - -<p>"I will do so, because you are the friends we expected, and treachery -could not be feared from you."</p> - -<p>"Good."</p> - -<p>"I wish you luck."</p> - -<p>The hunters went on, and the gate was immediately closed after them.</p> - -<p>The wood rangers had scarce entered the prairie, ere the hurricane, -which had threatened since sunset, broke out furiously. A brilliant -flash of lightning crossed the sky, followed almost instantaneously by -a startling clap of thunder. The trees bowed beneath the fury of the -blast, and the rain began falling in torrents. The adventurers advanced -with extreme difficulty, amid the chaos of the infuriated elements; -their horses, startled by the howling of the tempest, reared and shied -at every step. The darkness had become so dense, that, although walking -side by side, the two men could scarce see each other. The trees, -twisted by the omnipotent blast, uttered almost human cries, answered -by the mournful howling of the terrified wild beasts, while the stream, -swollen by the rain, rose into waves, whose foaming crests broke with a -crash against the sandy banks.</p> - -<p>Brighteye and Marksman, case-hardened against the desert temporales, -shook their heads contemptuously at every effort of the gust, which -passed over them like an ardent simoom, and continued to advance, -searching with the eye the gloom that enveloped them like a heavy -shroud, and listening to the noises which the echoes bandied about.</p> - -<p>In this way they reached the ford of the Rubio, without exchanging a -syllable. Then they stopped, as if by mutual agreement.</p> - -<p>The Rubio, a lost and unknown affluent of the Great Rio Colorado del -Norte, into which it falls after a winding course of hardly twenty -leagues, is in ordinary times a narrow stream, on which Indian canoes -have a difficulty in floating, and which horses can ford almost -anywhere, with the water scarce up to their girths; but at this hour -the placid stream had suddenly become a mad and impetuous torrent, -noisily rolling along, in its deep and muddy waters, uprooted trees, -and even masses of rock.</p> - -<p>To dream of crossing the Rubio at this moment would have been signal -folly; a man so rash as to attempt the enterprise, would have been -carried off in a few seconds by its furious waves, whose yellow surface -grew wider every moment.</p> - -<p>The hunters remained for a moment motionless beneath the torrents of -rain that inundated them, regarding with thoughtful eye the water -that still rose and rose, and holding in with great difficulty their -startled horses, which reared with hoarse snorts of fear.</p> - -<p>These men, with their hearts of bronze, stood stoically amid the -frightful uproar of the unchained elements, not seeming to notice the -awful tempest that howled around them, and as calm and easy minded as -if they were comfortably seated in some snug cave, near a merry fire -of twigs. They had only one idea, that of assisting the man whom they -suspected of running a terrible danger at this moment.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they started, and quickly raised their heads, while looking -fixedly and eagerly in front of them. But the darkness was too thick; -they could distinguish nothing.</p> - -<p>In the midst of the thousand sounds of the tempest, a cry had struck -their ear. This cry was a last appeal, a harsh and prolonged cry of -agony, such as the strong man conquered by fatality utters, when he is -forced to confess his impotence, when everything fails him at once, -and he has no other resource than Heaven. The two men leaned forward -quickly, and placing their hands to their mouth funnel wise, uttered in -their turn a shrill and lengthened cry.</p> - -<p>Then they listened. At the end of a moment a second cry, more piercing -and desperate than the first, reached their ears.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Marksman shouted, as he rose in his stirrups and closed his fists -in fury, "that man is in danger of death."</p> - -<p>"Whoever he is, we must save him," Brighteye answered, boldly.</p> - -<p>They had understood each other. But how to save this man? Where was he? -What danger menaced him? Who could answer these questions which they -mentally asked themselves?</p> - -<p>At the risk of being carried off by the torrent, the hunters forced -their horses to enter the river, and lying almost on the necks of the -noble animals, they investigated the waters. But, as we have said, the -darkness was too thick, they could see nothing.</p> - -<p>"The demon interferes," Marksman said, in despair. "Oh, heavens! shall -we let this man die without going to his aid?"</p> - -<p>At this moment a flash of lightning crossed the sky, with a dazzling -zigzag. By its fugitive gleam, the hunters saw a horseman struggling -furiously against the efforts of the waves.</p> - -<p>"Courage! courage!" they shouted.</p> - -<p>"Help!" the stranger replied, in a shaking voice.</p> - -<p>There was no time for hesitation, for every second was an age.</p> - -<p>The man and horse struggled courageously against the torrent that bore -them away, and the hunters' resolution was formed in a second. They -silently shook hands, and at the same moment dug their spurs into -their horses' flanks; the animals reared with a shriek of pain, but, -compelled to obey the iron hands that held them, they bounded in terror -into the middle of the stream.</p> - -<p>Suddenly two shots were heard; a bullet passed with a whistle between -our two friends, and a cry of pain was heard from the water. The man -they had come to help was wounded. The storm was still increasing; the -flashes succeeded each other with extraordinary rapidity. The hunters -noticed the stranger clinging to his saddle, and letting his horse -carry him where it liked; then, on the other bank, a man with his body -bent forward, and his rifle shouldered, in readiness to fire.</p> - -<p>"Each man his own," Marksman said, laconically.</p> - -<p>"Good!" Brighteye said, with equal brevity.</p> - -<p>The Canadian took the reata hanging at the saddlebow, and swinging it -round his head, awaited the gleam of the next flash. It did not last -long, but though it was so rapid, Brighteye had taken advantage of -the transient gleam to hurl his reata. The leather cord whizzed out, -and the running knot at the end fell on the neck of the horse which -wrestled so bravely with the torrent.</p> - -<p>"Courage! courage!" Brighteye shouted; "help, Marksman, help!" And -giving a smart shake to his horse, he made it rise on its hind legs -just as it was losing its footing, and forced it toward the river.</p> - -<p>"Here I am," Marksman said, who was watching for the opportunity to -fire: "patience, I am coming."</p> - -<p>Suddenly he pulled the trigger, the bullet went forth, and from the -other bank a cry of pain and rage reached the hunters.</p> - -<p>"He is hit," Marksman said; "tomorrow I shall know who the scamp is;" -and throwing his rifle behind him, he hurried forward to join Brighteye.</p> - -<p>The horse the Canadian had lassoed, feeling itself supported and -dragged toward the bank, seconded, with that intelligence possessed by -these noble animals, the efforts made to save it.</p> - -<p>The two hunters held on the reata. The united strength of their steeds, -helped by the lassoed horse, succeeded in breasting the current, and -after a minute's struggle, they at length reached the bank. So soon as -they were comparatively in safety, the Canadians leaped from their -saddles, and rushed toward the stranger's horse.</p> - -<p>So soon as it felt <i>terra firma</i> under its feet, the noble animal -had stopped, apparently comprehending that, if it advanced, it would -cast its master against the rocks that covered the ground, for, -although insensible, he still held the bridle firmly clasped in his -clenched hand. The hunters cut the bridle, raised the man they had so -miraculously saved in their arms, and carried him a few paces further -to the foot of a tree, where they gently laid him; then, both eagerly -bending over his body, awaited a flash which would enable them to see -him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Marksman said, as he drew himself up, with an expression of -grief, mingled with terror, "Don Miguel Ortega!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> - -<h3>DON STEFANO COHECHO.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">As we related a short time back, after leaving Brighteye Don Stefano -had returned to the camp of the Gambusinos, into which he had managed -to enter again unseen.</p> - -<p>Once inside the camp, the Mexican had nothing more to fear; he went -back to the fire, near which his horse was picketed, patted the -noble brute, which turned toward him, and pricked up its ears at his -approach, and then lay down calmly, rolled himself in his wraps, and -fell asleep with that placidity peculiar to consciences at rest.</p> - -<p>Several hours elapsed, and no sound arose to disturb the calmness that -brooded over the camp. Suddenly Don Stefano opened his eyes, for a hand -had been gently laid on his right shoulder.</p> - -<p>The Mexican looked at the man who interrupted his sleep; by the -light of the paling stars he recognized Domingo. Don Stefano rose, -and silently followed the Gambusino. The latter led him to the -entrenchments, probably with the design of speaking without fearing -indiscreet ears.</p> - -<p>"Well?" Don Stefano asked him, when the Gambusino had made a sign that -he could speak.</p> - -<p>Domingo, obeying the order he had received from Brighteye, concisely -related to him all that had happened in the prairie. On learning that -the Canadian had succeeded in meeting Marksman, Don Stefano gave -a start of joy, and began listening to the Gambusino's story with -increasing interest. When the latter at last finished, or at any rate -remained silent, he asked him—"Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"All," the other answered.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano drew out his purse, and took from it several gold pieces, -which he handed to Domingo; the latter took them with a gesture of -pleasure.</p> - -<p>"Did Brighteye give you no message for me?" the Mexican asked again.</p> - -<p>The other seemed to reflect for a moment. "Ah!" he said, "I forgot; the -hunter bade me tell you, Excellency, not to leave the camp."</p> - -<p>"Do you know the reason of this recommendation?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly; he intends to join the Cuadrilla this evening at the ford -of the Rubio."</p> - -<p>The Mexican's brow grew dark. "You are sure of that?" he said.</p> - -<p>"That is what he said to me."</p> - -<p>There was a few moments' silence. "Good!" he then continued; "the -hunter added nothing further?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Don Stefano muttered, "after all, it is of no consequence;" -then, leaning heavily on the Gambusino's shoulder, he looked him -fiercely in the face. "Now," he added, laying a stress upon every word, -"remember this carefully; you do not know me, whatever happens; you -will not breathe a syllable of the way in which we met on the prairie."</p> - -<p>"You may be assured of it, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"I am assured," the Mexican replied, with an accent which made Domingo -tremble, brave as he was: "remember the oath you took, and the pledge -you gave me."</p> - -<p>"I shall remember."</p> - -<p>"If you keep your promise, and are faithful to me, it will be mine to -keep you from want for life,—if not, look out."</p> - -<p>The Gambusino shook his shoulders with disdain, and answered -ill-temperedly—"It is unnecessary to threaten me, Excellency; what is -said is said; what is promised is promised."</p> - -<p>"We shall see."</p> - -<p>"If you have nothing else to recommend to me, I believe we had better -separate. The day is beginning to break; my comrades will soon awake, -and I fancy you are no more anxious than I am to be surprised together."</p> - -<p>"You are right." They then parted. Don Stefano returned to his place, -while the Gambusino laid himself down where he was, and both slept, or -seemed to do so.</p> - -<p>With the first beams of the sun, Don Miguel raised the curtain of the -tent, and walked toward his guest; the latter was soundly asleep. Don -Miguel felt unwilling to trouble this peaceful sleep; he sat down at -the fire, brought together the logs, blew them up, rolled one maize -cigarette, and smoked philosophically, while awaiting his guest's -awakening.</p> - -<p>By this time all was movement in the camp; the Gambusinos were -attending to their morning duties, some leading the horses to water, -others lighting the fires, in order to prepare breakfast for the -Cuadrilla; in short, everybody was engaged in his own way on the -general behalf.</p> - -<p>At length Don Stefano, on whose face a sunbeam had been playing for -some minutes, thought it advisable to wake; he turned round, stretched -his limbs, and opened his eyes, while yawning several times.</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i>" he said, as he drew himself up, "it is day already; how -quickly a night is passed; I feel as if I had been hardly an hour -asleep."</p> - -<p>"I see with pleasure that you have slept soundly, Caballero," Don -Miguel said politely to him.</p> - -<p>"What! is that you, my host?" Don Stefano exclaimed, with perfectly -well-acted surprise; "the day will be a happy one for me, since the -first face I notice, on opening my eyes, is that of a friend."</p> - -<p>"I accept the compliment as politeness on your part."</p> - -<p>"On my word, no: I assure you that what I say to you is the sincere -expression of my thought," the Mexican said, simply; "it is impossible -to do the honours of the desert better, or comprehend the holy laws of -hospitality more thoroughly."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for the good opinion you are kind enough to have of me. -I trust that you will not leave us yet, but consent to remain several -days with us."</p> - -<p>"Would I could, Don Miguel—Heaven is my witness, that I should -be delighted to enjoy your charming company for a short time; -unfortunately, that is utterly impossible."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! an imperious duty compels me to leave you this very day; I am -really in despair at this vexatious mischance."</p> - -<p>"What motive can be so powerful as to force you to leave us so -suddenly?"</p> - -<p>"A very trivial motive, and which will probably make you smile. I am -a merchant of Santa Fé; a few days back, the successive failures of -several houses at Monterey, with which I am extensively connected, -obliged me to leave my house suddenly, in order to try and save, by my -presence, a few waifs from the shipwreck with which I am threatened; I -set out without asking anybody's advice, and here I am."</p> - -<p>"But," Don Miguel objected, "you are still along way from Monterey."</p> - -<p>"I know it; and it is that which drives me to despair. I have a -frightful fear of arriving too late; the more so, as I have been warned -that the people with whom I have to do are rogues: the sums they owe me -are large, and form, I am sorry to say, the largest part of my fortune."</p> - -<p>"<i>Cáspita!</i> if that is the case, I can understand that you are anxious -to get there. I could not suspect that you had so serious a motive for -pressing on."</p> - -<p>"You see how it is; so pity me, Don Miguel."</p> - -<p>All this conversation was carried on by the two men with a charming -ease, and a simplicity perfectly well assumed on both sides; still -neither was duped: Don Stefano, as so often happens, had committed the -enormous fault of being too clever, and advancing beyond the limits of -prudence, while trying to persuade this man of the sincerity of his -words. This feigned sincerity had aroused Don Miguel's suspicions for -two reasons: in the first place, if Don Stefano were going from Santa -Fé to Monterey, he was not only off the road he ought to have followed, -but was completely turning his back on those two towns—an error which -his ignorance of the topography of the country made him commit without -suspecting it. The second instance was equally premature: no merchant -would have ever attempted, however grave the motive of such a journey, -to cross the desert alone, for fear of the Indian bravos, the pirates, -the wild beasts, and countless other dangers no less great, to which he -would be exposed, without possible hope of escaping them.</p> - -<p>Still, Don Miguel pretended to admit, without discussion, the reasons -his guest offered him, and it was with an air of the utmost conviction -that he answered,—"In spite of the earnest desire I may have of -enjoying your agreeable society longer, I will not detain you, friend, -for I understand how urgent it must be for you to hurry on."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano bowed with an almost imperceptible smile of triumph.</p> - -<p>"In short," Don Miguel added, "I wish that you may succeed in saving -your fortune from the claws of those rogues; but at any rate, I hope, -Caballero, that we shall not separate before breakfasting. I confess -that your refusal to accept a share of my scanty supper last night -pained me."</p> - -<p>"Oh," Don Stefano interrupted him, "believe me, Caballero—"</p> - -<p>"You gave me a very admirable excuse," Don Miguel continued, "but," -he added, significantly, "we Gambusinos and adventurers are singular -fellows—we fancy, rightly or wrongly, that the guest who refuses to -eat with us is our enemy, or will become so."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano gave a slight start at this unforeseen attack. "How can you -imagine such a thing, Caballero?" he said, evasively.</p> - -<p>"It is not I who suppose, but all of us; it is a prejudice, a foolish -superstition; call it as you like, but so it is," he said, with a -smile as sharp as a dagger's point, "and nothing will change our -nature; so that is settled, we will breakfast together, then I will -wish you a prosperous journey, and we shall part."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano's face assumed an expression of despair.</p> - -<p>"Really, I am the plaything of ill luck," he said, with a toss of the -head.</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Good gracious, I know not how to explain it to you; it is so absurd, -that I really dare not—"</p> - -<p>"Pray speak, Caballero; although I am only an illiterate adventurer, I -may possibly manage to understand you."</p> - -<p>"The truth is, I shall hurt your feelings."</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world: are you not my guest? a guest is sent by -heaven, that is to say, is sacred."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Well," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "I will have breakfast served; -perhaps that will undo your tongue."</p> - -<p>"That is the embarrassing point!" the Mexican exclaimed, quickly, with -an accent of chagrin; "the fact is, that, in spite of my great desire -to be agreeable to you, I cannot accept your kind invitation."</p> - -<p>The young man frowned. "Ah, ah!" he said, fixing a suspicious glance on -the speaker, "why so?"</p> - -<p>"That is the very thing I dare not confess to you."</p> - -<p>"You can, Caballero; have I not told you that you had the right to say -anything?"</p> - -<p>"Good heavens, you force me to it," he continued, in a voice that grew -even more melancholy; "first imagine, then, that I have made a vow to -Nuestra señora de los Ángeles, never to take food before sunset, so -long as this accursed journey lasts."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with an accent of but slight conversion, "but -last evening, when I offered you supper, the sun had set a long time, I -fancy."</p> - -<p>"Listen; I have not finished."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"And even then," the Mexican continued, "only to eat one of the maize -tortillas I carry with me in my alforjas, and which I had blessed by -a priest, prior to my departure from Santa Fé; you see, all this must -seem to you very ridiculous, but we are fellow countrymen, we have -Spanish blood in our veins, and instead of laughing at my foolish -superstition, you will pity me."</p> - -<p>"<i>Cáspita!</i> the more so, because you have a rude penance to undergo. I -will not attempt to make you give up your superstition, for I too have -mine; I believe that it is best not to return to the subject."</p> - -<p>"You are not angry with me, at least?"</p> - -<p>"I—why should I be angry?"</p> - -<p>"Then we are still good friends?"</p> - -<p>"More than ever," Don Miguel remarked, with a laugh. Still, the way -in which these words were pronounced, but slightly reassured the -Mexican—he took a side glance at the speaker, and then rose.</p> - -<p>"Are you going?" the young man asked him.</p> - -<p>"If you will permit me, I shall start."</p> - -<p>"Do so, my guest."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano, without further reply, immediately began saddling his -horse.</p> - -<p>"You have a noble brute there," Don Miguel observed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he is a purely bred barb."</p> - -<p>"That is the first time I ever saw one of that precious race."</p> - -<p>"Pray have a good look at him."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, but I should be afraid of delaying you;—hola! my -horse," he added, addressing Domingo.</p> - -<p>The latter brought up a mustang full of fire, on the back of which Don -Miguel leaped at a bound, while Don Stefano also mounted.</p> - -<p>"If you have no objection, I will have the honour of accompanying you a -little way, unless," he added, with a sarcastic smile, "you have made a -vow which prevents it."</p> - -<p>"Come," Don Stefano said, reproachfully, "you are angry with me."</p> - -<p>"On my faith, no; I swear it."</p> - -<p>"Very good: we will start when you please."</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders."</p> - -<p>They spurred their horses, and went out of the camp. They had scarce -gone twenty yards, ere Don Miguel pulled up his horse and stopped.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to leave me already?" Don Stefano asked him.</p> - -<p>"I shall not go a step further," the young man answered, and drawing -himself up fiercely and frowning, he said in a haughty tone, "Here you -are no longer my guest; we are out of my camp in the desert; I can, -therefore, explain myself clearly and plainly, and <i>voto a brios</i>, I -will do so."</p> - -<p>The Mexican regarded him with surprise. "I do not understand you," he -said.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so: I hope it is so, but I do not believe it. So long as you -were my guest, I pretended to believe the falsehoods you told me; but -now that you are to me no more than the first comer, a stranger, I wish -to tell you my thoughts frankly. I do not know by what name to address -you to your livid face, but I am certain that you are my enemy, or, at -any rate, a spy of my enemies."</p> - -<p>"Caballero! these words—" Don Stefano exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Do not interrupt me," the young man continued, violently. "I care -little who you are; it is sufficient to have asked you: I thank you -for having entered my camp, at any rate; if ever I meet you again, -I shall recognize you: but let me give you one piece of advice on -parting: shake the dust off your boots on leaving me, and do not come -across me again, for it might bring you misfortune."</p> - -<p>"Threats!" the Mexican interrupted, pale with rage.</p> - -<p>"Take my words as you please, but remember them in the interest of your -safety; although I am only an adventurer, I give you at this moment -a lesson in honesty you will do well to profit by; nothing would be -easier for me than to acquire proofs of your treachery; I have with me -twenty devoted comrades, who, at a sign, would treat you very scurvily; -and who, by searching your clothes and alforjas, would doubtless find -among your <i>blessed tortillas</i>," he said, with a sardonic smile, "the -reasons for the conduct you have employed toward me ever since we met; -but you have been my guest, and that title is your safeguard: go in -peace, but do not cross my path again."</p> - -<p>While uttering the last words, he raised his arm and dealt a vigorous -blow with his <i>chicote</i> on the rear of Don Stefano's horse. The barb, -but little used to such treatment, started off like an arrow from a -bow, in spite of all his rider's efforts to hold him in.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked after him for a moment, and then returned to the -camp, laughing heartily at the way in which he had ended the interview.</p> - -<p>"Come, lads," he said to the Gambusinos, "let us be off at once; we -must reach the ford of the Rubio before sunset, where the guide is -awaiting us."</p> - -<p>And half an hour later the caravan set out.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE AMBUSCADE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">No incident worthy of description troubled the journey during the day. -The Cuadrilla traversed an undulating country, intersected by streams -of slight depth, on the banks of which grew tall bushes, and clumps of -cottonwood trees, peopled by an infinity of birds, of every description -and variety of plumage: on the horizon a long yellowish line, above -which hung a dense cloud which indicated the Rio Colorado Grande del -Norte.</p> - -<p>As Don Miguel had announced, the ford of the Rubio was reached a few -minutes before sunset. We will explain here in a few words the mode in -which caravans camp in the desert; this description is indispensable, -in order that the reader may understand how it is easy to leave or -return to the camp unnoticed.</p> - -<p>The Cuadrilla, in addition to the baggage mules, had with it fifteen -waggons, loaded with merchandise. When the spot for camping was -selected, the waggons were arranged in a square, with a distance of -thirty-five feet between each: between the intervals were stationed six -or eight men, who lit a fire, round which they assembled to cook, eat, -smoke, and sleep. The horses were placed in the middle of the square, -not far from the mysterious tent, which occupied exactly the centre. -Each horse had the two off legs hobbled with a cord twenty inches long. -We may remark that, although a horse thus hobbled feels very awkward at -first, it soon accustoms itself to it sufficiently to be able to walk -slowly. Besides, this prudential measure is taken in order that the -horses may not stray, or be carried off by the Indians. Two horses are -also put together, one with its feet tied, and the other only held by -a picket rope, so that, in case of an alarm, it may gallop round its -companion, which thus serves, as it were, as a pivot.</p> - -<p>The space left free between the waggons was filled up with fascines, -trees piled up on top of one another, and the mule bales.</p> - -<p>Nothing is more singular than the appearance of one of these camps on -the prairie. The fires are surrounded by picturesque groups, seated -or standing; some cooking, others mending their clothes or their -horses' trappings, others furbishing their weapons; at intervals, -bursts of laughter rise from the midst of the groups, which announce -that merry stories are going the rounds, and that they are trying to -forget the fatigues of the day, and preparing for those of the morrow. -Then, to complete the picture, from distance to distance behind the -entrenchments sentinels, calm and motionless, lean on their rifles.</p> - -<p>From the description we have given, it is easy to understand that the -waggons form a species of embrasures, by means of which an active man -crawling under the carts can easily go out without being noticed by -the sentries, and return whenever he pleases, without attracting the -attention of his comrades, whose glances, usually directed on the -prairie, have no reason to watch what goes on inside the camp.</p> - -<p>So soon as all was in order, and each installed as comfortably as -circumstances permitted, Don Miguel had a fresh horse brought him, -which he mounted, and addressed his comrades collected around him. -"Señores," he said, "business of a pressing nature obliges me to go -out for a few hours. Watch carefully over the camp during my absence; -above all, let no one enter. We are now in regions where the greatest -caution is necessary to guard against the treachery which incessantly -menaces, and assumes every shape in order to deceive those whom -negligence prevents being on their guard. The guide we are expecting so -impatiently will, doubtless, arrive in a few moments. All know him by -repute; perhaps he may come alone, or he may have somebody with him. -This man, in whom we must place the greatest confidence, must, during -my absence, be entirely free in his actions—go and come without the -slightest obstacle being offered him. You have understood me; so follow -my instructions point by point. Besides, I repeat, I shall soon return."</p> - -<p>After making a farewell signal to his comrades, Don Miguel left the -camp, and proceeded to the Rubio, the ford of which, being nearly dry -at the moment, he easily crossed.</p> - -<p>What the chief of the adventurers had said to his comrades with -reference to Marksman, was an inspiration of Heaven; for, if he had -not peremptorily ordered that the hunter should be allowed to act as -he pleased, it is probable that the sentinels would have barred his -passage; and, in that case, the young man, deprived of the providential -aid of the two backwoodsmen, would have been hopelessly lost.</p> - -<p>After crossing the ford, Don Miguel urged his horse at full speed -straight ahead. This furious race lasted nearly two hours, through -thickets, which at every moment grew more closely together, and -gradually were metamorphosed into a forest.</p> - -<p>After crossing a deep gorge, whose perpendicular sides were covered -with impenetrable thickets, the young man arrived at a species of -narrow lane, into which the paths of wild beasts opened, and in the -centre of which an Indian, dressed in his war costume, and smoking -gravely, crouched over a fire of <i>bois de vache</i>; while his horse, -hobbled a short distance off, was busily browsing on the young tree -shoots. So soon as he saw the Indian, Don Miguel pushed on even at -greater speed. "Good evening, Chief!" he said, as he leaped lightly to -the ground, and amicably pressed the hand the warrior held out to him.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Chief said to him, "I no longer expected my pale brother."</p> - -<p>"Why so, as I had promised to come?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would have been better for the Paleface to remain in his -camp. Addick is a warrior; he has discovered a trail."</p> - -<p>"Good; but trails are not wanting on the prairie."</p> - -<p>"Och! this is wide, and incautiously trodden; it is a Paleface trail."</p> - -<p>"Bah! what do I care?" the young man remarked, carelessly. "Do you -fancy my band the only one crossing the prairie at this moment?"</p> - -<p>The Redskin shook his head. "An Indian warrior is not mistaken on the -war trail. It is the trail of an enemy of my brother's."</p> - -<p>"What makes you suppose that?"</p> - -<p>The Indian did not seem willing to explain himself more clearly; he -turned his head, and, after a moment, said, "My brother will see."</p> - -<p>"I am strong—well-armed. I care very little for those who would try to -surprise us."</p> - -<p>"One man is not worth ten," the Indian remarked, sententiously.</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" the young man answered, lightly. "But," he continued, -"that is not the question of the moment. I have come here to seek the -news the Chief promised me."</p> - -<p>"The promise of Addick is sacred."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Chief, and that is why I did not hesitate to come. But time -is slipping away. I have a long journey to go, to join my comrades -again. A storm is getting up; and I confess that I should like very -little to be exposed to it during my return. Be kind enough to be -brief."</p> - -<p>The Chief bowed in assent, and pointed to a place by his side.</p> - -<p>"Good. Now begin, Chief; I am all attention," Don Miguel said, as he -threw himself on the ground. "And, in the first place, how comes it -that I have not seen you till today?"</p> - -<p>"Because," the Indian answered, phlegmatically, "as my brother knows, -it is far from here to Queche Pitao (the City of God). A warrior is but -a man; Addick has accomplished impossibilities to join his Paleface -brother sooner."</p> - -<p>"Be it so, Chief; I thank you. Now let us come to facts. What has -happened to you since our parting?"</p> - -<p>"Quiepaa Tani opened its gates wide before the two young pale virgins. -They are in safety, in the Queche, far from the eyes of their enemies."</p> - -<p>"And did they give you no message for me?"</p> - -<p>The Indian hesitated for a second.</p> - -<p>"No," he said at length; "they are happy, and they wait."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel sighed. "That's strange," he muttered.</p> - -<p>The Chief took a stealthy look at him. "What will my brother do?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"I shall soon be near them."</p> - -<p>"My brother is wrong. No one knows where they are. For what good reveal -their refuge?"</p> - -<p>"Soon, I hope, I shall be free to act without fearing indiscreet eyes."</p> - -<p>A gloomy flame sparkled in the Indian's eye.</p> - -<p>"Wacondah alone is master of tomorrow," he said.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked at him.</p> - -<p>"What does the Chief mean?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing but what I say."</p> - -<p>"Good. Will my brother accompany me to my camp?"</p> - -<p>"Addick will return to Quiepaa Tani, that he may watch over those whom -his brother has confided to him."</p> - -<p>"Shall I see you again soon?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," he answered evasively: "but," he added, "did not my -brother say that he expected soon to go to the Queche?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"When will my brother come?"</p> - -<p>"At the latest, on the first day of next month. Why this question?"</p> - -<p>"My brother is a Paleface: if Addick himself does not introduce him -into the Queche, the white Chief cannot enter it."</p> - -<p>"That is true; at the period I stated, I will meet you at the foot of -the mound where we parted."</p> - -<p>"Addick will be there."</p> - -<p>"Good! I count upon you; but now I must leave you: night is rapidly -falling; the wind is beginning to blow furiously. I must be off."</p> - -<p>"Farewell," the Chief said laconically, making no attempt to stop him.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye."</p> - -<p>The young man leapt into the saddle, and started at full speed. Addick -watched him depart with a pensive air; then, when he had disappeared -behind a clump of trees, he leaned slightly forward, and imitated twice -the hiss of a cobra capello. At this signal the branches of a thicket -a short distance from the fire parted cautiously, and a man appeared. -After looking suspiciously around him, he walked toward the Chief, in -front of whom he stopped.</p> - -<p>The man was Don Stefano Cohecho. "Well?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Has my father heard?" the Indian asked, in an equivocal tone.</p> - -<p>"All."</p> - -<p>"Then I have nothing to tell my father."</p> - -<p>"Nothing."</p> - -<p>"The storm is beginning: what will my father do?"</p> - -<p>"What is agreed on. Are the Chiefs warriors ready?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Where are they?"</p> - -<p>"At the appointed spot."</p> - -<p>"Good; let us start."</p> - -<p>"I am ready."</p> - -<p>These two men, who had evidently known each other for a long while, -came to an understanding in a few words.</p> - -<p>"Come!" Don Stefano said in a loud voice.</p> - -<p>A dozen Mexican horsemen appeared.</p> - -<p>"Here is a reinforcement, in case the warriors are not sufficient," he -said, turning to the Chief.</p> - -<p>The latter checked a movement of ill temper, and replied, as he -shrugged his shoulders disdainfully,—"What need of twenty warriors -against a single man?"</p> - -<p>"Because the man is worth a hundred," Don Stefano said, with an accent -of conviction which caused the Chief to reflect.</p> - -<p>They started. In the meantime, Don Miguel had galloped on: still, -he was far from suspecting the plot that was at this moment being -formed against him; and, if he hurried on, it was not through any -apprehension, but because the wind, whose violence increased every -minute, and the heavy drops of rain, which began falling, warned him -to seek shelter as speedily as possible. While galloping, he reflected -on the short interview he had had with the Redskin warrior. While -turning over in his mind the words exchanged between them, he felt a -vague alarm, a secret fear, invade his heart, though it was impossible -to account for the emotion he experienced; he fancied he could read -treachery behind the Chief's studied reticence; he now remembered that -he at times seemed embarrassed while talking with him. Trembling lest a -misfortune had happened to the young ladies, or a peril menaced them, -he felt his anxiety heightened; the more so, as he knew not what means -he should employ to insure the fidelity of the man whom he suspected of -perfidiousness.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, a dazzling flash shot across the open, his horse suddenly -bounded aside, and two or three bullets whistled past him. The young -man sat up in his saddle. He was in the middle of the gorge he had -traversed a few hours previously; a profound obscurity enveloped him on -all sides, and in the shadow all around him, he fancied he could detect -the outlines of human forms. At this moment, other shots were fired at -him, his hat was carried off by a bullet, and several arrows passed -close to his face.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel raised his head boldly. "Ah! traitors!" he shouted in a loud -voice. And, lifting his horse with his knees, he rushed forward at -headlong speed, holding the bridle between his teeth, half bending over -his steed's neck, and with a revolver in each hand.</p> - -<p>A frightful war yell was heard, mingled with piercing imprecations -uttered in Spanish.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel passed like a tornado through the body of men moving round -him, and discharged his revolvers in the thickest of his unknown -enemies. Cries of pain and rage, bullets and arrows pursued him, but -did not check the headlong speed of his horse, which seemed no longer -to touch the earth, and rapidly did it course along.</p> - -<p>Behind him the young man heard the galloping of several horses, -hastening in pursuit. "Treachery, treachery!" he shouted, brandishing -his sabre, making his horse rear, and bounding like a jackal in the -midst of the throng which incessantly closed in upon him.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, at the height of the contest, at the superior moment when -he felt his strength was deserting him, three shots came from the -darkness, and his assailants, attacked in the rear, were compelled in -their turn to defend themselves against invisible foes.</p> - -<p>"We are coming!" a stout voice shouted, whose energetic accent made the -assailants tremble. "Hold your own! hold your own!"</p> - -<p>Don Miguel responded by a terrific yell, and threw himself into the -thick of the fight with redoubled efforts: now that he knew himself -to be supported, he felt he was saved. The crowd gave way in the -shadow, like ripe corn beneath the reaper's scythe; the compact mass -of assailants parted asunder, and three men, or three demons, rushed -into the hole they had made, and bounded forward to the side of the -adventurer.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" the latter exclaimed, with a bitter burst of laughter, "the -fight is now equal; forward, comrades, forward!" And he threw himself -once more into the medley, followed by these intrepid allies.</p> - -<p>Who were these men? Whence did they come? he did not know or dream of -asking them. Besides, this was not the moment for explanations: they -must conquer or die.</p> - -<p>"Kill him, kill him!" a man yelled, who rushed upon him every moment -with uplifted sabre, and in all the ferocious ardour of an inveterate -hatred.</p> - -<p>"Ah! it is you, Don Stefano Cohecho!" Don Miguel shouted; "I felt sure -we should meet; your voice has denounced you."</p> - -<p>"Death to him!" the latter answered.</p> - -<p>The two men rushed upon each other, their horses met with a terrible -shock, and the man whom the adventurer took for Don Stefano rolled on -the ground.</p> - -<p>"Victory!" Don Miguel shouted, as he cut down with his machete all -within his reach.</p> - -<p>His unknown friends, who were still by his side, rushed after him. In -spite of all their efforts, the attacking party were unable to keep -their position, and began flying in every direction. The gorge was -free; no obstacle longer opposed Don Miguel's flight: he pressed his -horse, and the noble beast redoubled its ardour. When so far free, -the young man looked around him. His unknown defenders had suddenly -disappeared, as if by enchantment.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this?" he murmured.</p> - -<p>At this moment he felt on his left arm something resembling a blow from -a whip: a bullet had struck him. This wound recalled him to a sense of -his present position.</p> - -<p>His enemies had rallied, and recommenced their pursuit. Before him he -heard the yellow waters of the Rubio growling; the wrath of heaven and -of man seemed leagued together to overwhelm him; it was then that a mad -terror seized upon him; he fancied himself lost, and uttered that first -cry of agony heard by the hunters.</p> - -<p>Still, his pursuers gained rapidly upon him; without hesitation or -reflection, he plunged into the Rubio with his horse; some twenty -bullets dashed up the water round him; he turned bravely on his steed, -and fired the last shots from his revolvers, uttering that cry to -which the hunters had replied with the word,—"Courage!"</p> - -<p>But human nature has limits which it cannot pass. This last effort -exhausted the little strength left him, and, frantically clutching -the bridle of his horse, he rolled into the river and fainted, while -saying, in a stifled voice,—"Laura, Laura!"</p> - -<p>Two shots crossed each other above his head, one fired by the man who -was aiming at him from the bank, the other by Marksman. The stranger -uttered a yell like a wild beast, turned away staggering like a drunken -man, and disappeared.</p> - -<p>Who was this man?—was he dead or merely wounded?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TRAVELLERS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The events we have undertaken to narrate are so mingled with incidents -intertwined in each other by that fatality of accident which governs -human life that we are compelled once more, to our great regret, to -interrupt our story, and let the reader be present at a scene which -took place not far from the Rubio ford, on the same day that the events -occurred which we have described in preceding chapters.</p> - -<p>At about one o'clock of the <i>tarde</i>, that is to say, at the moment -when the beams of the sun, which has reached its zenith, pour down -on the prairie such an intense heat, that everything which lives and -breathes seeks shelter in the deepest part of the woods, three horsemen -passed over the ford, and boldly entered the path Don Miguel Ortega was -destined to follow a few hours later.</p> - -<p>These horsemen were white men, and what is more, Mexicans; it was -easy to perceive, at the first glance, that they had not the slightest -connection with any class of the adventurers who, under various names, -such as Gambusinos, hunters, trappers, wood rangers, or pirates, -swarm on the Western Prairies, which they incessantly cross in every -direction.</p> - -<p>The dress of these horsemen was that usually worn by the Mexican -hacenderos on the frontiers:—The wide brimmed hat, gallooned, and -decorated with the toquilla, the manga; the short calzoneras, open at -the knee; the zarapé; the <i>botas vaqueras</i>, and the <i>armas de agua</i>, -without which no one ventures on the desert. They were armed with -rifles, revolvers, navajas, and machetes. Their horses, at this moment -oppressed by the heat, but slightly refreshed by passing the ford, held -their heads up proudly, and showed that, if necessary, they could have -gone a long journey, in spite of their apparent fatigue.</p> - -<p>Of the three horsemen, one seemed to be the master, or at least the -superior, of the other two. He was a man of fifty years of age, with -hard, energetic features, imprinted, however, with rare frankness, -and great resolution; he was tall, well built, and robust; and he sat -upright and stiff on his saddle, with that confidence which denotes the -old soldier. His companions belonged to the class of Indios Manzos, a -bastard race, in which Spanish blood and Indian blood are so mixed that -it is impossible to assign them any characteristic type. Still, the -richness of their dress, and the way in which they rode by the first -horseman's side, rendered it easy to guess that they were confidential -servants, men whose fidelity had been long proved—almost friends, in -short, and not domestics, in the vulgar acceptation of the term. As far -as it is possible to recognize the age of an Indian, in whose face -traces of decrepitude are nearly always invisible, these two men must -have reached middle age, that is, from forty to forty-five years.</p> - -<p>These three horsemen rode a short distance behind each other, with -a thoughtful and sorrowful air: at times they turned a glance of -discouragement around, stifled a sigh, and continued their journey with -drooping heads, like men convinced they have undertaken a task beyond -their strength, but whom their will and, before all, their devotion -urge onwards at all risks.</p> - -<p>The presence of these strangers on the banks of the Rubio was, indeed, -one of those unusual facts which no one would have been able to -explain, and which would certainly have greatly surprised the hunters -or Indians who might have seen them.</p> - -<p>In the country where they now were, animals were rare; hence they were -not hunting. These regions, remote from all civilized zones, fatally -bordered unexplored countries, the last refuge of the Indians; these -men were, therefore, neither traders nor ordinary travellers.</p> - -<p>What reason could have been so powerful as to urge them to bury -themselves in the desert, so few in number, where every human face must -be to them that of an enemy? Where were they going? what were they -seeking? This question none but the men themselves could have answered.</p> - -<p>The ford had been passed; before them lay extended a barren and sandy -plain, opening on the gorge to which we have already alluded. On this -plain not a blade of grass glistened: the burning beams of the sun -descended perpendicularly on the parched sand, which rendered the heat, -if possible, more oppressive and stifling. The eldest of the travellers -turned to his companions:—"Courage, Muchachos!" he said, in a gentle -voice and a sad smile, as he pointed to the edge of the forest, not -more than three miles from them, whose close and thick vegetation -promised them a refreshing shade. "Courage! we shall soon rest."</p> - -<p>"Your Excellency need not trouble yourself about us," one of the -criados answered; "what your Excellency endures without complaining, we -can also endure."</p> - -<p>"The heat is stifling: hence, like yourselves, I feel the want of a few -hours' rest."</p> - -<p>"If absolutely necessary, we could go on a long time yet," the man who -had already spoken said, "but our horses can hardly drag themselves -along. The poor beasts are almost foundered."</p> - -<p>"Yes, men and beasts want rest. However strong our will may be, there -are limits before which the human organization must yield. Courage! in -an hour we shall have arrived."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, Excellency, do not think of us any more."</p> - -<p>The first traveller made no answer, and they continued their journey in -silence.</p> - -<p>They soon reached the gorge, which they passed through, and found -themselves among thickets, which, gently approaching, began to offer -them a scanty shade, but, just as they reached the spot the first -traveller had pointed out for their halt, he suddenly stopped and -turned to his companions,—"Look there," he said, "Do you not see a -slight pillar of smoke rising in the thicket, down there in front of -us, a little on the left of the skirt of the forest?"</p> - -<p>They looked. "In truth," the elder answered, "there can be no mistake -about it, although from here it might be taken for a mist; still, the -way in which the spiral rises, and its blue tinge, prove that it is -smoke."</p> - -<p>"After the ten mortal days we have been wandering about these immense -solitudes without meeting a living soul, that fire must be welcome to -us, for it indicates man, that is, friends; let us go straight up to -them, then; perhaps we shall obtain from them some valuable information -about the object of our journey."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, Excellency," the criado answered, quickly, "when we quitted -the Presidio, you promised to place yourself in my hands, so excuse my -giving you some advice, which, under present circumstances, will be -very useful to you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, my excellent Bermudez, I place the most perfect confidence in -your experience and fidelity; your advice will be well received by me."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Excellency," the man answered, whom he had called Bermudez, -"I have been a long time your vaquero, and in that capacity have been -frequently mixed up both with hunters and Indians, which has given me -certain notions of desert life, by which I have profited, although I -never before went so far on to the prairie as today. Hence, in the -spot where we are, we must above all avoid a meeting with our fellow -men, and only accost them prudently, while employing the greatest -precautions; the more so, as we do not know whom we have before us, and -if we have to deal with friend or foe."</p> - -<p>"It is true; your remark is correct; but, unfortunately, it is a little -late."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because, if we have seen the smoke of their fire, it is probable the -people down there saw us long ago, and are spying all our movements, -especially as we made no attempt at concealment."</p> - -<p>"That is certain, Don Mariano, that is certain," Bermudez continued, -with a shake of his head. "Hear, then, what, with your permission, -Excellency, I propose, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which -is always unpleasant; you will remain here with Juanito, while I go on -alone, and push on my reconnoissance up to the fire."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano hesitated to reply, for it seemed to him hard to refuse his -old servant thus.</p> - -<p>"Decide, Excellency," the latter said, quickly; "I know the Redskin -way of talking; they will salute me either with a shower of arrows, or -a bullet; but, as they are generally very bad shots, they are almost -certain not to hit me, and then I will easily enter into negotiations -with them. You see that the risk I have to run is not tremendous."</p> - -<p>"Bermudez is right, Excellency," Juanito answered, sententiously; being -a methodical and silent man, who never took the word save under grave -circumstances; "you must let him act as he thinks proper."</p> - -<p>"No!" Don Mariano said, resolutely, "I will never consent to that. God -is master of our existence; He alone can dispose of it at His will: if -any accident happened to you, my poor Bermudez, I should never pardon -myself; we will continue to advance together; at any rate, if they are -enemies before us, we shall be able to defend ourselves."</p> - -<p>Bermudez and Juanito were preparing to answer their master's -objections, and the discussion would have probably lasted a long while, -but at this moment the galloping of a horse was heard, the grass -parted, and a rider appeared about a dozen paces from the group. It was -a white man, and dressed in the garb of the prairie hunters. "Hold, -Caballeros," he cried, as he made a friendly sign with his hand, and -checked his horse; "advance without fear, you are welcome: I noticed -your indecision, and am come to put an end to it."</p> - -<p>The three men exchanged glances.</p> - -<p>"I thank you for your cordial invitation," Don Mariano at length -answered, "and accept it gladly."</p> - -<p>All suspicion being done away with, the four persons walked together -toward the fire, which they reached a few moments later. Near this fire -were two Indians, man and wife.</p> - -<p>The travellers dismounted, took off saddle and bridle, and after giving -their horses food, seated themselves with a sign of satisfaction by -their new friends, who did the honour of their provisions and bivouac -with all the cordial simplicity of the desert.</p> - -<p>The reader has doubtless recognized Ruperto, Flying Eagle, and -Eglantine, whom we left proceeding toward the Chief's village, whither -Ruperto had received orders from Marksman to accompany the Chief.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano and his companions were not only fatigued, but also -excessively hungry; the hunter and the Indians left them at full -liberty to assuage their appetites, and when they saw them light their -papelitos, they imitated them, and the conversation began. Turning at -first on the ordinary topics of the desert, the weather, the heat, and -the abundance of game, it soon grew more intricate, and assumed even a -serious character.</p> - -<p>"Now that the meal is ended, Chief," Ruperto said, "put out the fire; -it is unnecessary for us to reveal our presence to the vagabonds who -are doubtless prowling about the prairie."</p> - -<p>Eglantine, at a sign from Flying Eagle, put out the fire.</p> - -<p>"It was, indeed, your smoke which betrayed you," Don Mariano remarked.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Ruperto said, with a laugh, "because we wished it; had we not, -we should have made our fire so as to remain unseen."</p> - -<p>"You wish, then, to be discovered?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; it was a throw of the dice."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"What I say to you seems an enigma, but you will soon be able to -understand it. Look," the hunter added, stretching out his arm in the -direction of the gorge, "do you see that horseman going at full speed? -In a quarter of an hour, at the most, he will be up with us; owing to -the precaution I have taken, he will pass without noticing us."</p> - -<p>"Do you fear anything from that horseman?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing; on the contrary, the Chief and myself are here to help him."</p> - -<p>"You know him then?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world."</p> - -<p>"Hum! you are becoming more and more incomprehensible, Caballero."</p> - -<p>"Patience," the hunter said, with a laugh, "did I not tell you you -should soon have a solution of the enigma?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I confess that my curiosity is so excited, that I am -impatiently waiting it."</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, the horseman Ruperto had pointed out to Don Mariano -came up rapidly, and soon passed, as the hunter had foreseen, a -few paces from the bivouac, without noticing it. So soon as he had -disappeared in the forest, Ruperto began again:—"A few hours ago," -he said, "not far from the spot where we now are, the Chief and I, -without wishing it, overheard a conversation of which this horseman was -the object, a conversation in which the question was simply to make -him fall into an odious snare. I do not know who this horseman is, -nor do I wish to know it, but I have an instinctive repulsion to all -that in the slightest degree resembles treachery. This Indian Chief, -like myself, immediately resolved on saving this Caballero, if it were -possible; we knew that he must pass by here, as he had an appointment -with one of the men whom accident, or rather Providence, had made us -so singularly listen to. Two men, however brave they may be, are very -weak against some twenty bandits, still we did not lose courage, but -resolved, if Heaven sent us no allies, bravely to attempt the adventure -by ourselves; the more so, as the persons whose bloodthirsty plans we -had surprised seemed to us to be atrocious villains; still, by the -Chief's advice, I lit this fire, certain that if any traveller came -this way the smoke would serve him as a beacon, and assuredly lead him -here; you see, Caballero, that I was not mistaken, as you have come."</p> - -<p>"And I am glad I have," Don Mariano warmly replied: "I most readily -join in your plan, which appears to be suggested in every respect by an -honest and good heart."</p> - -<p>"Do not make me out better than I am, Caballero," the hunter made -answer; "I am only a poor devil of a wood ranger, very ignorant of city -matters; but under all circumstances, I obey the inspirations of my -heart."</p> - -<p>"And you are right, for they are sound and just."</p> - -<p>"Thanks; now we are in force, I assure you that the pícaros, however -numerous they may be, will see some fun; but we have still time before -us; rest yourselves, sleep a few hours; when the moment arrives, we -will arrange what to do."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano was too tired to need a repetition of this invitation; a -few moments later he and his companions were plunged in a deep and -restorative sleep. At sunset Ruperto woke them, "It is time," he said.</p> - -<p>They rose; for the few hours' rest had restored them all their -strength. The arrangements to be made were simple, and soon decided on.</p> - -<p>We have seen what took place; Addick and Don Stefano, themselves -surprised, when they expected to surprise Don Miguel, not knowing -how many enemies they had to contend with, fled after an obstinate -struggle. Don Mariano and Ruperto, satisfied with having saved Don -Miguel, retired so soon as the issue of the combat appeared no longer -dubious.</p> - -<p>Recalled, however, to the banks of the Rubio by the shots fired at -the last moment by Don Miguel, they saw a man and rushed toward him, -possibly more with the hope of helping him than taking him prisoner. -The man had fainted. Don Mariano and Ruperto raised him in their arms, -and transported him beneath the covert of the forest, where Eglantine -had contrived with great difficulty to light a fire; but when they were -enabled to see the wounded man's face by the glare, both uttered a cry -of stupefaction.</p> - -<p>"Don Stefano Cohecho!" Ruperto exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"My brother!" Don Mariano said, with mingled grief and horror.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> - -<h3>RECALLED TO LIFE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">With the first gleam of day, the terrible hurricane, which had raged so -cruelly through nearly the whole night, gradually calmed; the wind had -swept the sky, and borne far away the gloomy clouds which studded the -blue heavens with black spots; the sun rose majestically in floods of -light; the trees, refreshed by the tempests, had reassumed that pale -green hue, sullied on the previous day by the dusty sand of the desert; -and the birds, hid in countless myriads beneath the dense foliage, -poured forth that harmonious concert which they offer every morning -at sunrise to the All High—a sublime and grand hymn, a ravishing -hymn, whose rhythm, full of simple melodies, causes the man buried -in this ocean of verdure to indulge in sweet dreams, and plunges him -unconsciously into a melancholy reverie of the hope, whose realization -is in heaven.</p> - -<p>As we have said, Don Miguel Ortega, saved by the tried courage and -presence of mind of the two wood rangers, was carried by them to the -foot of a tree, beneath which they laid him.</p> - -<p>The young man had fainted. The hunters' first care was to examine his -wounds: he had two, one on the right arm, the other on the head, but -neither of them was dangerous. The wound in the arm bled profusely, a -bullet had torn the flesh, but had produced no fracture of the bone, or -any grave accident; as for the wound in the head, evidently produced by -a sharp instrument, the hair had already matted over it, and checked -the haemorrhage.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel's faintness was produced by the loss of blood in the first -place, and next by the nervous excitement of a long and obstinate -struggle, and the immense amount of strength he had been compelled to -expend to resist the numerous enemies who had treacherously attacked -him.</p> - -<p>The wood rangers, owing to the life they led, and the innumerable -accidents to which they are constantly exposed, are obliged to possess -some practical knowledge of medicine, and particularly of surgery. -Pupils of the Redskins, simples play a great part in their medical -system. Brighteye and Marksman were masters of the art of treating -wounds summarily, after the Indian fashion. After carefully washing -the wounds, and removing the hair from that on the head, they plucked -<i>oregano</i> leaves, formed them into a species of cataplasm, by slightly -moistening them with spirits diluted in water, and applied this -primitive remedy to the wounds, fastening it on with leaves of the -<i>abanigo</i>, cut into strips, round which they wound aloe threads. Then, -with the blade of a knife, they slightly opened the wounded man's -tightly closed jaws, and poured a few drops of spirits into his mouth. -In a few moments Don Miguel half opened his eyes, and a fugitive glow -coloured his pallid cheeks.</p> - -<p>The hunters, with their hands crossed on the muzzles of their rifles, -carefully inspected the wounded man's face, trying to read on his -features the probable results of the means they had thought it -necessary to employ, in order to relieve him.</p> - -<p>The man who recovers from a deep fainting fit is not at the first -moment conscious of external objects, nor does he remember what has -happened: the equilibrium of his faculties, suddenly interrupted by the -successive blows they have experienced, is only re-established slowly -and gradually, in proportion as the eye grows brighter, the memory -clearer. Don Miguel looked around him with a glance that contained no -warmth or expression, and almost immediately closed his eyes again, as -if already wearied by the effort he had been forced to make in opening -them.</p> - -<p>"In a few hours his strength will be restored, and before three days -there will not be a trace of it," Brighteye said, tossing his head -sententiously. "By Jove! he is one of those sturdy fellows I like."</p> - -<p>"Is he not?" Marksman answered,—"so young and so valiant? What a rude -attack he sustained."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and bravely, we must say; still, for all that, if we had not been -there, he would have found it difficult to get out of the scrape."</p> - -<p>"He would have perished, there is not the least doubt of it, and that -would have been unfortunate."</p> - -<p>"Very unfortunate! however, he is well out of it. By the way, what are -we going to do with him now? We cannot stay here for ever; on the other -hand, he is unable to make a movement; but we must take him back to -the camp, his men will feel alarmed at his absence, and who knows what -would happen if it were prolonged?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; we cannot think of putting him on his horse, so we must -hit on some other expedient."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! that will not trouble us; the torpor into which he has fallen -will last about two hours; in the meantime, he will be hardly capable -of uttering a few words, and vaguely recalling what has happened to -him; it is not, therefore, necessary for both of us to remain by him, -one will be enough—say myself: you will go to the camp, state what has -occurred, tell the Gambusinos in what condition their Chief is, ask for -help, and bring it here as speedily as possible."</p> - -<p>"You are right, Brighteye, on my word; your advice is excellent, and I -will set about it at once. I shall not be gone more than two hours, so -keep good watch, for we do not know who may be prowling round us, and -spying our movements."</p> - -<p>"Don't be frightened, Marksman, I am not one of those men who let -themselves be surprised;—stay, I remember an adventure that occurred -to me in every respect similar to this. It was a long time ago, in -1824, I was very young, and—"</p> - -<p>But Marksman, who heard with secret terror his comrade beginning one -of his interminable stories, hastily interrupted him without ceremony, -saying—"By Jove! I have been acquainted with you for a long time, -Brighteye, and know what manner of man you are, so I go perfectly easy -in mind."</p> - -<p>"No matter," the hunter replied, "if you would let me explain—"</p> - -<p>"Useless, useless, my friend; explanations are uncalled for from a man -of your stamp and experience," Marksman said, as he leaped into his -saddle, and started at full speed.</p> - -<p>Brighteye looked after him for a long time. "Hum!" he said, -thoughtfully; "the Lord is my witness that that man is one of the most -excellent creatures in existence; I love him as a brother, and regret -that I can never make him understand how useful and precious it is to -keep up a recollection of past events, so as not to feel embarrassed -when any of those difficulties so common in desert life suddenly spring -up:—well, I cannot help it." And he began once more examining the -wounded man, with that intelligent attention he had not once ceased -testifying toward him.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel had not made a movement; more than an hour had elapsed, -and when the effects of the fainting fit wore off, he instantaneously -fell into that heavy, agitated sleep, from which nothing could arouse -him for a long time. Brighteye, seated by his side, with his rifle -betwixt his legs, philosophically smoked his Indian pipe, waiting, with -the patience peculiar to hunters, till some symptom told him that the -wounded man had succeeded in shaking off that torpor of evil augury -which had seized upon him.</p> - -<p>The old Canadian would have desired, even at the risk of an intense -fever setting in, that a sudden commotion should recall the young man -roughly to life; he built on the arrival of the Gambusinos to obtain -this result, and he frequently consulted the desert with anxiety to try -and perceive them, but he saw and heard nothing: all was silent around -him.</p> - -<p>"Come," he muttered at times, bending a dissatisfied glance at Don -Miguel, who lay stretched at his feet, "the shock has been too rude, -and nothing <i>will</i> happen to restore him to a consciousness of life; on -my soul, I am most unlucky."</p> - -<p>At the moment when, perhaps for the hundredth time, he repeated this -sentence with ever-increasing annoyance, he heard at a short distance -off a rather loud rustling, and the breaking of some dead branches.</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh!" the hunter said, "what is the meaning of this?"</p> - -<p>He raised his head smartly, and looked carefully around; suddenly he -broke into a concentrated burst of laughter, and his eyes sparkled with -joy.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" he said, gaily, "this is exactly what I want. Heaven has -sent that young gentleman to draw me from my dilemma, and he is right -welcome."</p> - -<p>At about twenty paces from the hunter, a magnificent jaguar, crouching -on the largest branch of an enormous cochineal tree, fixed a glaring -look upon him, while at intervals passing one of its fore claws over -its ears, with the airs and purring sound peculiar to the feline race. -This wild beast, probably terrified by the hurricane of the past night, -had not been able to regain its den, toward which it was proceeding, -when it found the two men in its path.</p> - -<p>The jaguar, or American tiger, far from attacking men, carefully avoids -a meeting with them, and only accepts a combat when compelled and -driven to bay, but then it becomes terrible, and a contest with it is -frequently mortal, unless its opponent is accustomed to the numerous -tricks it employs to insure the victory. At the moment the tiger -perceived the hunter, the latter saw the tiger, hence the combat was -imminent. The two enemies remained for several minutes in an attitude -of observation; their glances crossed like sword blades.</p> - -<p>"Come, make up your mind, sluggard," Brighteye muttered.</p> - -<p>The jaguar uttered a hoarse yell, sharpened its formidable claws for -a few seconds on the branch which served it for a pedestal, and then, -drawing itself up, bounded on the hunter. The latter did not stir; with -his rifle to his shoulder, his feet well apart and firmly fixed, and -his body bent slightly forward, he followed with a careful eye all the -movements of the wild beast; at the moment the latter made its spring, -the hunter pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>The tiger turned a somersault with a ferocious yell, and fell at -Brighteye's feet. The Canadian bent down to it, but the jaguar was -dead; the hunter's bullet had entered its brain through the right eye, -and killed it on the spot. At the howl of the brute, and the sound -of Brighteye's rifle, Don Miguel opened his eyes and suddenly raised -himself on his elbow, with a terrified look, and features contracted by -a strange and terrible emotion, which reddened his face.</p> - -<p>"Help! help!" he shouted in a thundering voice.</p> - -<p>"Here I am!" Brighteye exclaimed, as he rose up, and forced him to lie -down again.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked at him.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he said, at the expiration of a minute; "what do you -want with me? I do not know you."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the hunter said, imperturbably, and addressing him like -a child, "but you will soon know me: do not be alarmed; for the moment, -it is enough for you to know that I am a friend."</p> - -<p>"A friend!" the wounded man repeated, trying to restore order to his -ideas, which were still confused, "what friend?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" the hunter said, "you do not count them by thousands, I -suppose; I have been your friend for some hours past. I saved you at -the moment when you were dying."</p> - -<p>"But all that tells me nothing—teaches me nothing. How am I here? how -are you here?"</p> - -<p>"Those are a good many questions all at once, and it is impossible -for me to answer them: you are wounded, and your state forbids any -conversation. Will you drink?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Miguel answered, mechanically. Brighteye held his gourd to -him.</p> - -<p>"Still," he continued, after a moment, "I have not been dreaming."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?"</p> - -<p>"Those shots, the shouts I heard?"</p> - -<p>"Quite a trifle;—a jaguar I killed, and which you can see a few yards -off."</p> - -<p>There was silence for a few minutes: Don Miguel was thinking deeply; -light was beginning to dawn on his mind, his memory was returning. -The hunter anxiously followed on the young man's face the incessant -progress of returning thought. At length a flash of intelligence lit up -the young man's eye, and fixing his feverish glance on the old hunter, -he asked him,—"How long is it since you saved me?"</p> - -<p>"Scarce three hours."</p> - -<p>"Then, since the events that brought me here—there has only passed—?"</p> - -<p>"One night."</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the young man continued in a deep voice, a terrible voice, "I -fancied I was dead."</p> - -<p>"You only escaped by a miracle."</p> - -<p>"Thanks."</p> - -<p>"I was not alone."</p> - -<p>"Who else came to my assistance? tell me his name, that I may preserve -it preciously in my memory."</p> - -<p>"Marksman."</p> - -<p>"Marksman!" the wounded man exclaimed, tenderly, "always he. Oh! I -ought to have expected that name, for he loves me."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"And what is your name?"</p> - -<p>"Brighteye."</p> - -<p>The young man trembled, and held out his arm. "Your hand," he said; -"you were right just now in saying you were a friend, you have been so -for a long time, Marksman has often spoken to me about you."</p> - -<p>"We have been connected for thirty years."</p> - -<p>"I know it: but where is he, that I do not see him?"</p> - -<p>"He went, about two hours back, to the camp of the Cuadrilla to bring -help."</p> - -<p>"He thinks of everything."</p> - -<p>"I remained here to watch over and take care of you during his absence; -but he will soon return."</p> - -<p>"Do you believe that I shall be long helpless?"</p> - -<p>"No; your wounds are not serious. What floors you at this moment is the -moral shock you received, and chiefly the blood you lost when you fell -in a fainting state into the Rubio."</p> - -<p>"Then that river—"</p> - -<p>"Is the Rubio."</p> - -<p>"I am, then, on the spot where the struggle ended?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"How many days do you think I shall remain in this state?"</p> - -<p>"Four or five at the most."</p> - -<p>There was silence for several minutes.</p> - -<p>"You told me that it is the weakness of my senses, produced by the -moral shock I received, which overpowers me, I think?" Don Miguel began -again.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I said so."</p> - -<p>"Do you believe that a firm and powerful will could produce a -favourable reaction?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"Give me your hand."</p> - -<p>"There it is."</p> - -<p>"Good: now help me."</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do?"</p> - -<p>"Get up."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I was right in saying you were a man. Come, I consent: have a -try."</p> - -<p>After a few minutes spent in fruitless efforts, Don Miguel at length -succeeded in standing upright.</p> - -<p>"At last!" he said, triumphantly.</p> - -<p>At the first step he took, he lost his balance, and rolled on the -ground. Brighteye rushed toward him.</p> - -<p>"Leave me," he shouted to him, "leave me; I wish to get up by myself."</p> - -<p>He succeeded: this time he took his precautions better, and succeeded -in walking a few steps. Brighteye regarded him with admiration.</p> - -<p>"Oh! the will must subdue the matter," Don Miguel continued, with -frowning brow and swollen veins, "I will succeed."</p> - -<p>"You will kill yourself."</p> - -<p>"No, for I must live; give me something to drink."</p> - -<p>For the second time Brighteye handed him the gourd; the young man -eagerly raised it to his lips. "Now!" he exclaimed, with a feverish -accent, as he returned the gourd to the hunter, "to horse."</p> - -<p>"What, to horse?" Brighteye said, with stupefaction.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I must be moving."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is madness."</p> - -<p>"Let me alone, I tell you, I will hold on; but as the wound in the left -arm prevents my getting into the saddle, I must claim your assistance."</p> - -<p>"You wish it."</p> - -<p>"I insist on it."</p> - -<p>"Be it so; and may God be merciful to us."</p> - -<p>"He will protect us, be assured."</p> - -<p>Brighteye helped the young man into the saddle; against the hunter's -previsions, he kept firm and upright. "Now," he said, "take up your -jaguar's skin, and let us be off."</p> - -<p>"Where are we going?"</p> - -<p>"To the camp; Marksman will be greatly astonished to see me, when he -believes me to be half dead."</p> - -<p>Brighteye silently followed the young man; he gave up any further -attempts to understand this strange character.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">In spite of Don Miguel's firm will to overcome the pain, the horse's -movement occasioned him a degree of suffering which made his features -quiver, and drops of cold perspiration stand on his face, which was -pale as that of a corpse; at times his sight troubled him, he found -everything turning around him, he tottered in his saddle, and held on -convulsively to his horse's mane through fear of falling.</p> - -<p>"Stupid matter," he muttered in a hoarse voice, "shall I not succeed in -conquering you?"</p> - -<p>Then he redoubled his efforts to seem apathetic, smiled on Brighteye, -and gaily addressed him.</p> - -<p>For the first time in his life, the old hunter felt himself nonplussed: -though he ransacked his memory to try and find an analogous -circumstance to this in the course of his varied life, to his great -regret he was forced to confess to himself that he had never witnessed -anything like it. This annoyed him, and he therefore walked with a -dissatisfied air by the young man's side.</p> - -<p>Still they advanced. Suddenly, however, they heard the sound of horses -near them on the trail they were following.</p> - -<p>"Here is Marksman," Don Miguel said.</p> - -<p>"That is probable."</p> - -<p>"He will be greatly astonished to meet me coming toward the help he is -bringing."</p> - -<p>"That is certain."</p> - -<p>"Let us hurry our horses on a little."</p> - -<p>Brighteye looked at him. "You have sworn, then, to bring on a -congestion of the brain?" he said to him plainly.</p> - -<p>"How so?" the young man asked in surprise.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! that is easy to see," the hunter went on, hastily; "for an -hour you have been committing one act of madness after the other; but -do not deceive yourself, Caballero, what you take for strength is only -fever. It is that alone which sustains you, so take care, do not -obstinately continue an impossible struggle, from which, I warn you, -you will not emerge the victor. I let you act as you pleased, because -I saw no harm in doing so up to the present; but, believe me, you have -done enough. You have measured your strength, and know what you are -capable of doing under urgent circumstances. That is all you want; so -now let us stop and wait."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," Don Miguel said, cordially squeezing his hand; "you are -really my friend, your rude words prove it to me. Yes, I am a madman; -but what would you? I am in a strange position, when every hour I lose -may entail extreme dangers on myself and other persons, and I am afraid -of succumbing before I have accomplished the task which misfortune has -imposed on me."</p> - -<p>"You will succumb much sooner if you will not be reasonable. Four or -five days are soon passed; and, besides, what you cannot do, your -friends will accomplish."</p> - -<p>"That is true. You make me blush for myself. I am not only mad, but -also ungrateful."</p> - -<p>"Come, do not talk about that any more. The noise is approaching. -They are probably your companions; still they might be enemies, for -everything must be expected in the desert. Let us enter this thicket, -where we shall be perfectly concealed from the eyes of the comers. If -it be Marksman, we will show ourselves; if not, we will keep close."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel warmly approved of the idea, for he understood that, in -case of a fight, he should be but slight help to his companion in his -present condition. The two men disappeared in the thicket, which closed -on them, and they awaited, pistol in hand, the arrival of the persons.</p> - -<p>Brighteye was not mistaken. It was really Marksman, returning with -some fifteen Gambusinos. When they were only a few paces off, the two -horsemen showed themselves. Marksman could not believe his eyes. He -did not understand how the man he had left deprived of consciousness, -stretched out on the ground like an inert and almost lifeless body, had -possessed the strength to come and meet him, and to sit so upright and -firm in his saddle.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel enjoyed for a little while his triumph, and the admiration -he inspired in these men, with whom the sole supremacy is that of -strength, and then bent down with a smile to Marksman.</p> - -<p>"You are not the less welcome with the help you bring me," he said in -a low voice; "this help has become, at this moment, very necessary, if -not indispensable; for my resolution alone keeps me in the saddle."</p> - -<p>"You must make haste to return to the camp, and, for fear of accident, -lie down on a litter."</p> - -<p>"A litter?" Don Miguel objected.</p> - -<p>"You must, believe me. It is urgent that you should reassume, as soon -as possible, the command of your Cuadrilla, so do not waste your -strength in useless bravado."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel bowed without replying, for he understood the truth of the -hunter's remark. So, after getting off his horse with the aid of the -two Canadians, he himself ordered his companions to make the litter in -which he should be carried to the camp.</p> - -<p>Marksman passed his arm through the young man's, and, making a sign to -Brighteye to follow them, led him a few paces from the party, and made -him sit down on the grass.</p> - -<p>"Now that you are in a condition to answer me, profit by the time -during which your litter is being made. You have plenty to tell me."</p> - -<p>The young man sighed. "Question me," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, that will be better. How and by whom were you attacked?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you. It is a strange history; so confused that it is -impossible for me, in spite of all my efforts, to disentangle it."</p> - -<p>"No matter. Tell me what happened to you; perhaps we, who are better -accustomed to the prairies than yourself, will find a thread which will -guide us through this apparently inextricable labyrinth."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel then told all the facts that had occurred, in all their -detail. At the name of Addick, Marksman frowned; when the Mexican spoke -of Don Stefano, the hunters exchanged an intelligent glance; but when -the young man reached that singular turn in the combat when, on the -point of succumbing, he had been suddenly surrounded by strangers, who -disappeared as if by enchantment, after disengaging him, the hunters -displayed marks of the greatest surprise.</p> - -<p>"Such," Don Miguel concluded, "was the odious ambush into which I fell; -and to which I should have been a victim, if you had not arrived so -opportunely to save me. Now that you know all as well as I do, what is -your opinion?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter said; "all that is really very extraordinary. There -is at the bottom of the affair a dark machination, carried out with -a diabolical skill and perversity which startles me. I have certain -suspicions which I wish first to clear up; hence, I cannot give you my -opinion at once. Before all, I must investigate certain matters; but -trust to me for that. But these men who came so fortunately to your -help—did you not see them?—did you not speak to them?"</p> - -<p>"You forget," Don Miguel said, with a smile, "that they appeared in the -thick of the fight; brought as it were by the hurricane, that raged so -furiously. The time would have been badly chosen for conversation."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I did not know what I was saying. But," the hunter -added, striking the ground with the butt of his rifle, "I will not -be beaten. I swear to you that I shall soon have discovered who your -enemies are, whatever care they may take, and precautions employ, to -conceal themselves."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I intend to go in pursuit of them, so soon as I have got back my -strength."</p> - -<p>"You, Caballero," Marksman remarked drily, "have first to get well. On -reaching your camp, you will have to shut yourself up, as in a citadel, -and not take a step till you have seen me again."</p> - -<p>"What! do you intend to leave me, then?"</p> - -<p>"Brighteye and myself are going to start directly. We should be of no -use near you, while we may be of service elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"What do you intend to do?"</p> - -<p>"On our return, you shall know all."</p> - -<p>"I cannot remain in such a state of uncertainty. Besides, I do not -understand you."</p> - -<p>"Yet it is clear enough. I intend, aided by Brighteye, to tear the mask -from this Don Stefano—a mask which, in my opinion, hides a very ugly -countenance—to know who this man is, and why he is such an obstinate -enemy to you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Marksman; now I am easy in my mind. Go; do all that seems -proper to you. I am convinced that you will accomplish everything that -can be humanly accomplished. But, before separating, promise me one -thing."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Promise me, that so soon as you have obtained all the information -you are going to seek, you will bring it to me, without undertaking -anything against this man, on whom I intend to take personally—you -understand me, Marksman, personally—exemplary vengeance."</p> - -<p>"That is your affair. I shall not interfere with you. Every man has his -task in this world; the man is your enemy, and not mine. So soon as I -have succeeded in bringing you face to face, or at least putting you -opposite each other in an equal position, you will do as you please. I -shall wash my hands of it."</p> - -<p>"Good, good!" Don Miguel muttered. "If any day I hold that demon in my -clutches, as he held me in his, he shall not escape, I swear!"</p> - -<p>"So it is settled, we can start?"</p> - -<p>"When you please."</p> - -<p>Brighteye had hitherto listened calmly to the conversation; but at this -remark he stepped forward, and laid his hand on Marksman's arm. "One -moment," he said.</p> - -<p>"What, more last words?" the hunter answered.</p> - -<p>"Only a word; but one which, I fancy, possesses some value in the -present state of affairs."</p> - -<p>"Make haste, then!"</p> - -<p>"You wish to discover who this Don Stefano is, as he thinks proper to -call himself, and I approve it; but there is another matter, I fancy, -quite as serious, which we ought to try and make out first."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>Brighteye turned his head to the right, and then to the left, bent -his body slightly forward, and lowering his voice so that the -persons he addressed could hardly hear him, he continued in a severe -tone,—"Desert life in no way resembles that in the towns. Down there -people know each other slightly or intimately, either by name or -through personal relations; they are frequently connected by interests -more or less direct; in a word, socialities exist between all the -inhabitants of towns, attaching them one to the other, and forming -them, as it were, into one family. In the desert this is no longer the -case; egotism and personality are the masters; the 'I' is the supreme -law; each man only thinks of himself, only acts for himself, and I will -say, further, only loves himself."</p> - -<p>"Cut it short, for goodness sake, Brighteye; cut it short!" Marksman -said impatiently. "What the deuce are you driving at?"</p> - -<p>"Patience!" the imperturbable Canadian said; "patience! and you shall -know. In short, then, in the desert, unless a man has lived for years -side by side with another—sharing pain and pleasure, good fortune -and ill, with him—he lives alone, without friends, only counting -indifferent persons as enemies. In the trap to which Don Miguel almost -fell a victim last night, two sorts of people revealed themselves -spontaneously to him. These were, first, inveterate enemies, and then -equally staunch friends. Do not fancy," the hunter continued, growing -warm, "that I have not calculated the range of the words I have just -made use of; you would be greatly mistaken. Does it not seem strange -to you, as it does to me, now that you are cool, and reason in all -the plenitude of your faculties,—does it not seem strange to you, I -repeat, that, at a given moment, without it being possible to know -how or why—these men suddenly emerged, as it were, from the ground, -to lend you a hand; then, when the danger was past, or nearly so, -they disappeared as suddenly as they came, leaving no trace of their -passage, and not breaking the incognito which covered them,—is not -this strange?—answer!"</p> - -<p>"In truth," Marksman muttered, "I did not think of that till now; the -conduct of those men is inexplicable."</p> - -<p>"That is exactly what must be explained!" Brighteye exclaimed -violently. "The prairie is not so densely populated that, at a given -moment, and amid a frightful hurricane, there should be men ready to -defend you for the mere satisfaction of doing so; those people must -have had secret motives for doing so, and that object it is urgent for -us to discover. Who tells us that they did not form part of the band -which attacked you? that it was not a trick to seize you more easily—a -part of the game, the execution of which our unforeseen presence -destroyed? I repeat to you, we must, before all, find these men, know -who they are, and what they want; in a word, whether they are friends -or enemies."</p> - -<p>"It is very late now to undertake such a search," Don Miguel observed.</p> - -<p>The two hunters smiled, as they exchanged a significant glance. "Very -late for you, certainly, who do not possess the key of the desert," -Brighteye replied; "but with us it is different."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Marksman supported him: "let us only find a trace of their -passage, however light it may be—a footstep on the damp sand, so as to -hold one end of their trail—that will be enough to reach the other, -and we shall give a good account of these strangers, whose conduct, -as Brighteye observed very truly, is too strange and too fine to be -honest."</p> - -<p>"Oh! why cannot I follow you?" Don Miguel exclaimed, regretfully.</p> - -<p>"Get well first; then, I am certain, your part will begin; for, before -three days, we shall bring you all the information you want today, and -without which you can effect nothing."</p> - -<p>"So you promise me that in three days—"</p> - -<p>"Yes, in three days we shall return from our expedition. Trust to our -promise, and nurse yourself, so as to be able to begin the campaign at -once."</p> - -<p>"I shall be ready."</p> - -<p>"So, now, good-bye! the sun is already high in the heavens; we have not -a moment to lose."</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, and good luck!"</p> - -<p>The hunters cordially pressed Don Miguel's hand, remounted their -horses, and went off rapidly in the direction of the Rubio ford. The -chief of the Gambusinos, laid on a litter, went quickly back to his -camp, which he reached a little before sunset.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>DON MARIANO.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">We will now return to Don Stefano Cohecho, whom we left in a fainting -state between Ruperto and Don Mariano.</p> - -<p>The double exclamation drawn from the hunter and the Mexican traveller, -on recognizing the man they had picked up on the river bank, had -plunged all three of them into a profound state of stupefaction. -Bermudez was the first to recover his coolness, and he walked up to his -master. "Come, Don Mariano," he said to him, "do not stay here. Perhaps -it will be as well that, when your brother opens his eyes, he should -not see you."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano fixed a burning glance on the wounded man. "How is it that -I find him here?" he said, as if speaking to himself. "What is he -doing in these savage regions? It was false, then, what he wrote about -important business calling him to the United States, and that he had -started for New Orleans?"</p> - -<p>"Señor Don Estevan, your brother," Bermudez replied gravely, "is one -of those darkly-intriguing men with whom it is impossible to know -their thoughts, or guess their motives or action. You see the hunter -gives him a name which does not belong to him. For what purpose does -he conceal himself, then? Believe me, Don Mariano, there is a mystery -beneath this which we will clear up, with the aid of Heaven; but let us -be prudent; let us not reveal our presence to Don Estevan; there will -always be time to do so when we discover that we have been deceived."</p> - -<p>"That is true, Bermudez; your advice is good, and I will follow it; -but, before retiring, let me assure myself as to his present condition. -That man is my brother; and, however great the injuries he has done me -may be, I should not like to see him die without assistance."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would be better," Bermudez muttered.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano looked at him angrily, and bent over the wounded man. The -latter was still in a fainting state. Eglantine lavished on him those -delicate and intelligent attentions, of which women of all nations and -every colour possess the secret, but yet could not recall him to life.</p> - -<p>"Pray, Excellency, take my advice," Bermudez urged, "and retire."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano took a last look at his brother, and seemed to hesitate; -then turning away, with an effort, he said—"Let us go." The old -servant's face brightened.</p> - -<p>"I recommend this man to you," Don Mariano added, addressing Ruperto. -"Pay him all the attention his condition demands and humanity orders."</p> - -<p>The hunter bowed. The Mexican gentleman walked a few steps toward his -horse, which, with those of his companions, was fastened to a young -ebony tree. Don Mariano retired with regret: a secret voice seemed to -warn him to remain. At the moment he placed his foot in the stirrup, a -hand was laid on his arm, and he turned sharply. A man was standing by -his side. It was Flying Eagle.</p> - -<p>The chief had left to the whites the care of transporting the wounded. -With the instinct peculiar to his race, he had examined with the -utmost attention the scene of the ambush and all the spots whither the -accidents of the combat had led the fighters. His object in thus acting -had been to discover some trace, some sign, which, in case of need, -might be useful to those who had an interest in discovering the causes -of the snare laid for Don Miguel. Accident had aided him admirably, -by supplying him with a proof whose value must be immense, and which, -doubtlessly, Don Stefano would have bought back with his best blood, in -order to destroy it. Unfortunately, this proof, interesting as it was, -was a sealed letter for the Indian, and in his hands possessed no value.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle immediately thought of Don Mariano, who would probably -explain to him the importance of the mysterious find he had made. After -turning it over several times, he hid it in his bosom, and with the -characteristic decision of his race, walked rapidly back to the camp, -where he was certain of finding the Mexican.</p> - -<p>"Is my father going away?" the Redskin asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Mariano answered; "but I am glad to see you, Chief, before -my departure, that I may thank you for your cordial hospitality."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed. "My father can decipher the 'collars' of the -Palefaces. I think," he continued, "the whites have great knowledge. My -father must be a chief of his nation."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano looked at the Comanche in surprise.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Our Indian fathers taught us to preserve, on the skins of animals, -prepared for the purpose, the interesting events that happened in -our tribe in the old ages of the world. The Palefaces know all; they -possess the great medicine; they also have collars."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, we have books, in which, by means of recognized signs, the -history of nations, and even the thoughts of men, can be traced."</p> - -<p>The Indian made a gesture of joy.</p> - -<p>"Good!" he said; "my father must know these signs, for his head is -grey."</p> - -<p>"I do know them. Can the simple knowledge I possess be of any service -to you?"</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle shook his head negatively.</p> - -<p>"No," he said; "not to me, but perhaps to others."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you, Chief; be good enough, therefore, to explain -yourself more clearly, for I wish to go away before that man regains -his consciousness."</p> - -<p>The Indian took a side glance at the injured man.</p> - -<p>"He will not open his eyes for an hour," he said. "Flying Eagle can -talk to his father."</p> - -<p>In spite of himself, Don Mariano felt interested in knowing what the -Indian wished to tell him; so he resolved to wait, and made him a sign -to speak. The chief continued in a low voice,—"Let my father listen," -he said. "Flying Eagle is not an old gossiping woman; he is a renowned -chief. The words his breast breathes are all inspired by the Wacondah. -Flying Eagle loves the Palefaces, because they have been good to him, -and have, in certain circumstances, rendered him great services. After -the fight, the Chief went over the field of battle; near the spot where -the man fell whom my father brought here, Flying Eagle found a medicine -bag, containing several collars. The Indian looked at them on all -sides, but could not understand them, because the Wacondah had spread -over his eyes the thick bandage which prevents the Redskins equalling -the Whites. Still the Chief, suspecting that perhaps this mysterious -bag, useless to him, might be important for my father, or some of his -friends, previously concealed it in his breast, and ran in all haste -to hand it to my father. Here it is," he added, drawing a portfolio -from his bosom, and handing it to Don Mariano; "let my father take it; -perhaps he will be able to discover what it contains."</p> - -<p>Though the Redskin's action was perfectly natural on his part, and the -portfolio and its contents might be matters of indifference to the -gentleman, he only took it from the Chief's hands with reluctance. The -Indian folded his arms and waited, perfectly satisfied with what he had -done.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano absently examined the portfolio he held in his hand. It was -made of very ordinary shagreen, with no ornaments or gilding; it could -be seen that it was more for use than luxury; and it was crammed with -papers, and fastened with a small silver clasp. The examination, begun -absently, suddenly assumed a great importance for Don Mariano, for his -eyes had fallen on these words, half effaced, engraved in letters of -gold on one of the sides of the portfolio,—"Don Estevan de Real del -Monte."</p> - -<p>At the sight of these words, which revealed to him the name of the -owner of the object he held, he gave a start of surprise. While turning -and speaking, he came on his brother, who still lay unconscious, and by -a movement independent of his will, his hand squeezed it forcibly. This -pressure opened the hasp, and several papers fell out.</p> - -<p>Bermudez stooped quickly, and handed them to his master. The latter -mechanically held out his hand to receive them, and return them to the -portfolio; but Bermudez checked him resolutely.</p> - -<p>"Heaven gives you the means to know the truth at last," he said; "do -not neglect the opportunity it affords you, or you may repent it when -too late."</p> - -<p>"Violate my brother's secrets!" Don Mariano muttered, with a movement -of repulsion.</p> - -<p>"No," Bermudez retorted drily, "but learn how he became master of -yours. Excellency, remember the object of our journey."</p> - -<p>"But if I were discovered—if he were not guilty?"</p> - -<p>"All the better. In that way you will acquire certainty."</p> - -<p>"What you urge me to do is wrong. I have no right to act so."</p> - -<p>"Well, I, who am only a wretched Criado, Excellency, whose actions have -no serious import, will assume that right for your sake, Excellency." -And by a gesture swift as thought, he seized the portfolio.</p> - -<p>"Wretch!" Don Mariano shouted. "Stay, what are you going to do?"</p> - -<p>"Save, perhaps, her you love, as you dare not do it yourself."</p> - -<p>"My father will leave his slave free," the Indian interposed, "the -Wacondah inspires him."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano had not the courage to resist longer, for involuntarily -an unknown feeling he could not explain, told him that he was wrong, -and Bermudez did well to act so. The half-caste had, with the greatest -coolness, opened the papers, not appearing to care for any seeming -impropriety in his conduct.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, "did I not tell you, Excellency, that -Heaven placed in your hands the proofs you had so long been seeking in -vain? Read! read! and if it be possible, still doubt the testimony of -your eyes, and refuse longer to believe in your brother's perfidy, and -odious treason."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano seized the papers with a feverish gesture, and hurriedly -read them. After reading them two or three times, he stopped, raised -his eyes to heaven, and then let his head fall in his hands with an -expression of the utmost pain. "Oh, oh!" he muttered, in despair, "my -brother! my brother!"</p> - -<p>"Courage!" Bermudez said, softly.</p> - -<p>"I will have it," he answered; "the hour of justice has arrived."</p> - -<p>A strange change had suddenly taken place in him. This man, a few -moments previously so timid, and whose hesitation was extreme, was -metamorphosed. He seemed to have grown; his features had assumed an -imposing rigidity, and his eyes flashed fire.</p> - -<p>"No more childish fears," he said; "no further tergiversation. We must -act."</p> - -<p>Then turning to Flying Eagle, he asked him,—</p> - -<p>"Is that man seriously wounded?"</p> - -<p>The Indian carefully examined Don Stefano.</p> - -<p>During the whole period of the examination, no one uttered a word. -Everyone understood that Don Mariano had at length formed an energetic -resolution, and that he would accomplish it remorselessly, and without -hesitation, no matter what the consequences might be to him hereafter.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle returned in a few minutes.</p> - -<p>"Well?" the gentleman asked him.</p> - -<p>"That man is not really wounded," the Indian answered; "he has only -received a serious contusion on the head, which has plunged him into a -sort of lethargic faint, from which he will not recover for an hour."</p> - -<p>"Very well; and on waking, in what state will he be?"</p> - -<p>"Very weak; but that weakness will soon wear off, and tomorrow he will -be as right as before he received the blow."</p> - -<p>A bitter smile played round Don Mariano's lips. "Tell that hunter, your -friend, to come here; I must speak to you both," he said. "I have a -service to ask of you."</p> - -<p>The Chief obeyed.</p> - -<p>"I am at your service, Excellency," Ruperto remarked.</p> - -<p>"We will hold a council," Don Mariano then said. "Is not that the term -you employ in the desert when you have to discuss important business?"</p> - -<p>The hunter and the Indian made a sign of assent.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me attentively," the gentleman continued, in a firm and -impressive voice. "The man there is my brother, and he must die. I -do not wish to kill him, but to try him. All you now present will be -his judges; I his accuser. Will you aid me to accomplish an act of -vengeance, but a deed of the most rigorous justice? I repeat to you, I -will accuse him before you all, and documents in hand. He will be at -liberty to defend himself; your conscience will be clear; he will have -entire freedom to do so; and, moreover, you will condemn or acquit him, -according to the opinion you form on the evidence. You have heard me; -reflect; I await your reply."</p> - -<p>There was a supreme silence. After a few moments, Ruperto took the -word. "In the desert, where human justice does not penetrate," he said, -"the law of God must prevail. If we have a right to kill the noxious -and malevolent brutes, why should we not the right to punish a villain? -I accept the office you offer me, because in my heart I am persuaded -that in doing so I am doing my duty, and am useful to society, of -which I make myself the avenger."</p> - -<p>"Good!" Don Mariano answered. "I thank you. And you, Chief?"</p> - -<p>"I accept," the Comanche said distinctly. "Traitors must be punished, -no matter to what race they belong. Flying Eagle is a chief; he has the -right to sit at the council fire, in the first rank of the Sachems, and -condemn or acquit."</p> - -<p>"It is now your turn," Don Mariano continued, addressing his servant; -"answer."</p> - -<p>Bermudez stepped forward a pace, and bowed respectfully to Don Mariano. -"Excellency," he said, "we knew this man when he was a child; we -dandled him on our knees. At a later date he became our master; our -hearts would not be free in his presence. We cannot judge him; we ought -not to condemn him. We are only fit to execute the sentence, whatever -it may be, which is dealt out to him, if we receive the order. Old -slaves, liberated by the kindness of their master, are never equal to -him."</p> - -<p>"Those feelings are what I expected from you. I thank you for your -frankness, my children. In truth, you should not interfere in this -matter. Heaven, I hope, will send us two men with loyal hearts and firm -will to take your places, and fulfil the duty of judges impartially."</p> - -<p>"Heaven has heard you, Caballero," a rough voice said; "we are here at -your disposal."</p> - -<p>The branches of the thicket near which our characters were, were then -torn boldly asunder, and two men appeared. They walked a few steps -forward, rested their rifles on the ground, and waited.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" Don Mariano asked.</p> - -<p>"Hunters."</p> - -<p>"Your name?"</p> - -<p>"Marksman."</p> - -<p>"And yours?"</p> - -<p>"Brighteye. For about half an hour we have been hidden behind this -bush. We heard all you said, and hence it is useless to repeat your -statement. But there is another man who must be present at the trial."</p> - -<p>"Another man! Who?"</p> - -<p>"The one he attacked so traitorously, whom you drew from his hand, and -whom we saved."</p> - -<p>"Ha! who knows where to find that man at present?"</p> - -<p>"We do," Marksman said, "as we only left him an hour ago, to take up -your trail."</p> - -<p>"Oh, if that is the case, you are right; that man must come."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately, he is seriously wounded; but if he cannot come of -himself, he can be carried: and I know not why, but his presence seems -to me not only necessary, but even indispensable, in order to clear up -certain facts which it is our duty to fathom."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Patience, Caballero! you will soon understand. This man's camp is not -far off, and he can be here before sunset."</p> - -<p>"But who will warn him?"</p> - -<p>"Myself," Brighteye answered.</p> - -<p>"I thank you for the hearty offer."</p> - -<p>"We are possibly more interested than yourself in clearing up this -mysterious machination," Marksman answered.</p> - -<p>At a sign from his friend, Brighteye remounted his horse, which he had -left in the thicket, and rode off at full speed, while Don Mariano -followed him with a glance at once curious and puzzled. "You speak to -me in riddles," he said to Marksman, who was still leaning on his rifle.</p> - -<p>The latter shook his head.</p> - -<p>"The history, whose odious incidents will be unrolled before you, is a -sad one, Excellency, and you have not the key, in spite of the proofs -you believe you possess."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano sighed, and two burning tears ran down his cheeks, which -were furrowed by grief.</p> - -<p>"Courage, <i>mi amo!</i>" Bermudez said. "Heaven is at length on your side."</p> - -<p>The gentleman pressed the hand of his faithful servant, and turned his -head away to conceal the emotion he felt.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>BEFORE THE TRIAL.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">When Brighteye went off, Marksman, the Indian, and Ruperto approached -the wounded man, who was still plunged in the same state of lethargy, -and collected around him, in order to await his recovery.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, whose scruples were now extinguished, and who was anxious -to know all the windings of his brother's dark machinations, in order -to have solid arguments for the accusations he was about to bring -against him before that supreme tribunal he had so unexpectedly found, -withdrew from his servants into a dense coppice, where, free from all -glances, he opened the portfolio with feverish impatience, and began -reading the papers it contained, with a horror that increased with -every fresh letter he unfolded.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano did not wish his brother to be aware of his presence before -being confronted with his judges, for he counted on his unexpected -apparition to foil his perspicacity and presence of mind, by making -him lose his coolness. Hence he concealed himself in a spot invisible -to the most searching glance, reserving the right of appearing at the -decisive moment.</p> - -<p>More than an hour elapsed, ere Don Stefano, in spite of Eglantine's -incessant care, made a movement indicating his return to life. Still -the three men, crouched silently round him, did not for a moment relax -in their watchfulness; they understood the full extent of the act they -were about to accomplish, and desired, with that intuitive mistrusting -possessed by loyal souls, that the man they were about to try should be -sufficiently collected, and so far in possession of his faculties, as -to defend his life bravely.</p> - -<p>At the moment when the sun, rapidly declining on the horizon, -lengthened the shadows of the trees, and only appeared through the -lower branches like a huge ball of fire, the evening breeze passed like -a fresh breath over the pale brow of the wounded man, who uttered a -deep sigh at the feeling of comfort this beneficial freshness caused -him to experience, after the stifling heat of the day.</p> - -<p>"He is going to open his eyes," Marksman muttered.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle laid his finger on his lips as he pointed to the wounded -man.</p> - -<p>Low as the hunter had spoken, Don Stefano had heard him; though not, -perhaps, understanding the meaning of the words that had struck his -ears, but sufficiently so to recall him to a sense of existence.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano was no common man, and a worthy son of the bastard race -of Mexico. Cunning was the most prominent point in his eminently -dissimulating character; accustomed ever to judge men and things badly, -distrust seemed innate in his heart. Marksman's words warned him to -keep on his guard, without stirring, without opening his eyes, lest he -should reveal his return to life; he made a supreme effort to recall -the events that preceded his accident, so as to arrive, from deduction -to deduction, at the position in which he now was, and guess, if that -were possible, into whose hands chance, or his ill fortune, had made -him fall.</p> - -<p>The task Don Stefano imposed on himself was not easy, for, by the force -of circumstances, he was deprived of his most potent auxiliary, sight, -which would have enabled him to recognize the persons who surrounded -him, or, at any rate, perceive were they friends or enemies. Thus, -though he listened with the utmost attention, in order to catch a word -or a phrase to guide him in his suppositions, and show him how to base -his calculations on probable, if not positive, data, as the hunters, -warned by the Chief, and suspecting a trick, abstained for their part -from making a gesture or uttering a word, all his previsions were -foiled, and he remained in the most utter ignorance.</p> - -<p>This prolonged silence further heightened Don Stefano's anxiety, and -presently threw him into such a state of alarm that he resolved, at all -risks, on removing his doubts. Putting his plans almost at once into -execution, he made a movement as if to rise, and suddenly opened his -eyes, and took an inquiring and searching glance around.</p> - -<p>"How do you feel?" Marksman asked, as he bent over him.</p> - -<p>"Very weak," Don Stefano answered, in a suffering voice. "I feel a -general heaviness, and frightful buzzing in my ears."</p> - -<p>"Good," the hunter continued, "that is not dangerous. It is always so -after a fall."</p> - -<p>"I have had a fall, then?" the wounded man continued, whom the sight -of Ruperto, an old acquaintance, began to reassure.</p> - -<p>"Hang it! it is probable, as we found you lying on the banks of the -Rubio."</p> - -<p>"Ah, you found me, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, about three hours back."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for the aid you gave me; had it not been for that, I should -probably be dead."</p> - -<p>"Very possibly; but do not be in a hurry to thank us."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" Don Stefano suddenly said, as he cocked his ears at this -ambiguous answer, which seemed to him a disguised threat.</p> - -<p>"Eh, who knows?" Marksman retorted, simply; "No one can answer for the -future."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano, whose strength was rapidly returning, and who had already -regained all his lucidity of mind, rose quickly, and fixed on the -Canadian a glance which seemed meant to read his most intricate -thoughts. "I am not your prisoner, though?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" was all the hunter replied.</p> - -<p>This interjection made the wounded man thoughtful, and disturbed him -more than a long phrase. "Let us speak frankly," he said, after a few -moments' reflection.</p> - -<p>"I wish for nothing better."</p> - -<p>"Of you, then, there is one I know," he continued, pointing to Ruperto, -who gave a silent nod of assent. "I never, to my knowledge, injured -that man; on the contrary—"</p> - -<p>"That is true," Ruperto answered.</p> - -<p>"I never saw you, so you can have no feelings of animosity against me."</p> - -<p>"That is correct. This is the first time Providence has brought us face -to face."</p> - -<p>"There remains this Indian warrior, who, like yourself, is a perfect -stranger to me."</p> - -<p>"All that is correct."</p> - -<p>"For what reason, then, can I be your prisoner? Unless, as I cannot -believe, you belong to those birds of prey, called pirates, who swarm -in the desert?"</p> - -<p>"We are not pirates, but frank and honest hunters."</p> - -<p>"A further reason why I should address my question to you again, and -ask you if I am your prisoner or no?"</p> - -<p>"The question is not so simple as you suppose, although we have no -reproaches to bring against you personally. Have you not insulted or -offended other persons since you have been on the prairie?"</p> - -<p>"I?"</p> - -<p>"Who else but you? Did you not try, no later than last night, to -assassinate a man in an ambuscade you laid for him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but that man is my enemy."</p> - -<p>"Well! Suppose, for a moment, we are friends of that man!"</p> - -<p>"But it is not so. It cannot be."</p> - -<p>"Why not? What makes you suppose so?"</p> - -<p>Don Stefano shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"You must think me very foolish," he said, "if you would try to make me -believe that quibble."</p> - -<p>"It is not so much one as you imagine."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! If I had fallen into the hands of that man, he would have -had me conveyed to his camp, in order to revenge himself on me in -the presence of the bandits he commands, and to whom the sight of my -punishment would, doubtlessly, have been too agreeable for him to have -tried to deprive them of the delightful sight."</p> - -<p>The old hunter, whose language had hitherto been ironical and face -malicious, suddenly changed his tone, and became as serious and stern -as he had previously been sarcastic. "Listen," he said, "and profit -by what you are going to hear. We are not the dupes of your feigned -weakness. We know very well that your strength has nearly returned. The -advice I give you is frank, and intended to guard you against yourself; -you are not our prisoner, it is true, and yet you are not free."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you," Don Stefano interrupted him, the last words -clouding over his face, which had suddenly grown brighter.</p> - -<p>"Not one of the persons present," Marksman continued, "has any charge -to bring against you. We do not know who you are; and before today, I, -at least, was entirely ignorant of your existence; but there is a man -who asserts that he has against you—not feelings of hatred, for that -would be a matter to settle between yourselves in a fair fight—but -motives of complaint sufficiently great to justify your immediate -trial."</p> - -<p>"My trial!" Don Stefano repeated, in the utmost astonishment; "but -before what tribunal does that man intend to try me? We are here in the -desert."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and you seem to forget it. In the desert, where the laws of -cities are powerless to punish the guilty, there is a terrible, -summary, implacable legislature, to which, in the common welfare, every -aggrieved person has a right to appeal, when suspicious circumstances -demand it."</p> - -<p>"And what is this law?" Don Stefano asked, whose pale face had already -assumed a cadaverous hue.—</p> - -<p>"It is Lynch law."</p> - -<p>"Lynch law?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and in the name of that law we, who, as you say, you do not know, -have been assembled to try you."</p> - -<p>"Try me! But that is impossible. What crime have I committed? Who is -the man that accuses me?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot answer these questions. I do not know the crime of which you -are accused, nor the name of your accuser; but believe me, we have no -hatred or prejudice against you, and we shall, therefore, be impartial. -Prepare your defence during the few moments left you, and when the -moment arrives, try to prove your innocence, by confounding your -accuser—a thing which I ardently desire."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano let his head fall in his hands with an expression of -despair. "But how would you have me prepare my defence, when I am -ignorant of the nature of the crimes imputed to me? Give me a light -through the darkness, a flash, however slight, that I may be able to -guide myself, and know where I am."</p> - -<p>"In speaking as I did, Caballero, I obeyed my conscience, which -ordered me to warn you of the danger that threatened you. It would be -impossible for me to tell you more, for I am as ignorant as yourself."</p> - -<p>"Oh! it is enough to drive a man mad," Don Stefano exclaimed.</p> - -<p>At a sign from Marksman, Ruperto and Flying Eagle rose. The hunter -nodded to Eglantine to imitate their example. All four withdrew, and -Don Stefano was left alone.</p> - -<p>The Mexican rolled on the ground with the insensate fury of a man -before whom an insurmountable obstacle suddenly rises, and who, driven -into a desperate position, is forced to confess himself vanquished. -A prey to the deepest anxiety, ignorant whither to turn in order -to dispel the tempest growling over his head, he sought in vain in -his mind for the means to escape from the hands that held him. His -inventive genius, so fertile in schemes of every description, furnished -him with no subterfuge, no stratagem, that would aid him advantageously -in supporting this supreme contest with the unknown. In vain he racked -his brains: he found nothing. Suddenly he drew himself up, and by a -movement rapid as thought, thrust his hand into his chest. "Ah!" he -exclaimed, sorrowfully, and let his hand fall again by his side, "what -has become of my portfolio?" He searched eagerly around him, but found -nothing. "I am lost," he added, "if those men have found it. What shall -I do? What will become of me?"</p> - -<p>A sound of horses was heard in the distance, gradually approaching -the spot where the hunters were encamped. The sound soon became more -distinct, and it was easy to recognize the advent of a numerous party -of horsemen. In fact, within a quarter of an hour, some thirty mounted -men, led by Brighteye, entered the clearing. "Brighteye among these -bandits!" Don Stefano muttered. "What can be the meaning of it?"</p> - -<p>His uncertainty did not last long. The new arrivals escorted a man whom -Don Stefano recognized at once. "Don Miguel Ortega! oh, oh!" Then he -added, with one of those cunning smiles habitual to him, "Now I know -my accuser. Come, come," he said to himself, "the position is not so -desperate as I supposed. It is evident these men know nothing, and my -precious papers have not fallen into their hands. Hum! I fancy that -this terrible Lynch law will be wrong this time, and I shall escape -from this peril, as I have done from so many others."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel had passed without seeing Don Stefano, or perhaps, as was -more likely, without appearing to notice him. As for the prisoner, -interested as he was in observing everything, and not allowing the -slightest detail to escape his notice, he followed with watchful eye, -while feigning the most indifferent behaviour, all the movements -of the hunters. After gently depositing the litter at the side of -the clearing opposite to that where Don Stefano lay, the Gambusinos, -instead of dismounting, formed a large circle, and remained motionless, -rifle on thigh, thus rendering any attempt at flight impossible.</p> - -<p>Buffalo skulls, intended to act as seats, were arranged in a semicircle -round a fire of dry branches. On these skulls, five in number, five men -immediately took their seats, arranged in the following order:—Don -Miguel Ortega, performing the duties of president, in the centre, -having on his right Marksman, on his left Brighteye, and then the -Indian Chief and a Gambusino. This tribunal in the open air, in the -heart of the virgin forest, surrounded by these horsemen, in their -strange costume, motionless as bronze statues, produced an effect -at once imposing and striking. These five men, with stern looks and -frowning eyebrows, calm and apathetic, bore a marvellous resemblance to -that Holy Vehm, which in old times, on the banks of the Rhine, took the -place of legal justice, no longer able to repress crime, and gave its -judgments in the open air, to the hoarse growling of the winds, and the -mysterious murmurs of the waters.</p> - -<p>In spite of his daring, Don Stefano felt a shudder of terror all over -him, as he looked round the clearing, and saw all eyes fatally fixed -upon him, with the implacable rigidity of desert force and justice. -"Hum!" he muttered to himself, "I believe I shall have a difficulty to -get out of the scrape, and was too hasty in claiming victory."</p> - -<p>At this moment, two hunters, at a sign from Don Miguel, quitted the -ranks, dismounted, and approached the wounded man. The latter made an -effort, and succeeded in gaining his feet. The hunters took him by -the arms, and led him before the tribunal. Don Stefano drew himself -up, crossed his arms on his chest, and bent a sardonic glance on the -men before whom he was led. "Oh, oh!" he said, with a mocking accent, -addressing Don Miguel, "it is you, then, Caballero, who are my accuser?"</p> - -<p>The captain shrugged his shoulders slightly. "No," he replied; "I am -not your accuser, but your judge."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>FACE TO FACE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">After these words, there was a moment of expectation—almost of -hesitation. A leaden silence seemed to brood over the forest.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano was the first to overcome the feeling of terror which -involuntarily pervaded him. "Well!" he said, with a contemptuous tone, -and a clear, cutting voice; "if it be not you, where is this accuser? -Will he hide himself, now that the hour has arrived? Will he recoil -before the responsibility he has assumed? Let him appear—I am ready -for him!"</p> - -<p>Don Miguel shook his head. "When he does appear, you may, perhaps, find -that he has come too soon," he answered.</p> - -<p>"What do you want with me, then?"</p> - -<p>"You shall hear."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel was pale and sombre; a sad smile played round his -discoloured lips; it was evident that he was making extraordinary -exertions to overcome his weakness and keep his seat. After a few -moments' consideration, he raised his head. "What is your name?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"Don Stefano Cohecho," the accused answered without hesitation.</p> - -<p>The judges exchanged a glance.</p> - -<p>"Where were you born?"</p> - -<p>"At Mazatlán, in 1808."</p> - -<p>"What is your profession?"</p> - -<p>"Merchant, at Santa Fé."</p> - -<p>"What motive brought you into the desert?"</p> - -<p>"I have told you already."</p> - -<p>"Repeat it!" Don Miguel said, with perfect coldness.</p> - -<p>"I would remark that these questions, perfectly unnecessary for you, -are beginning to grow tiresome."</p> - -<p>"I ask you what motive brought you into the desert?"</p> - -<p>"The failure of several of my correspondents compelled me to take a -journey, in the hope of saving some fragments of my endangered fortune. -I am in the desert, because there is no other road to the town I wish -to reach."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"To Monterey. You see the docility with which I answer all your -questions," he said, with the impertinent tone he had assumed ever -since he was led before his judges.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Miguel replied, slowly, and laying a stress on each word, -"you display great docility. I wish, for your own sake, you were -equally truthful."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that remark?" Don Stefano asked, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"I mean that you have answered each of my questions with a falsehood," -Don Miguel said, coolly and drily.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano frowned, and his tawny eye emitted a flash. "Caballero!" he -said, violently, "such an insult—"</p> - -<p>"It is no insult," the adventurer answered, in his old tone; "it is the -truth, and you know it as well as I."</p> - -<p>"I should be curious to know the meaning of this," the Mexican tried to -say.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked at him fixedly; and, in spite of his impudence, Don -Stefano could not endure the glance.</p> - -<p>"I will satisfy you," the adventurer said.</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"To my first question you answered that your name was Don Stefano -Cohecho?"</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"That is false; for your name is Don Estevan de Real del Monte."</p> - -<p>The accused gave a slight start. Don Miguel continued:—"To my second -question, you replied that you were born at Mazatlán, in 1808. That is -false; you were born at Guanajuato, in 1805."</p> - -<p>The adventurer waited a moment, to give the man he addressed time to -reply. But Don Estevan, whose right name we will in future adhere to, -did not think it advisable to do so. He remained cold and gloomy. Don -Miguel smiled contemptuously, and continued:—</p> - -<p>"To my third question, you answered that you carried on the business -of a merchant, and were established at Santa Fé. That is all false. -You never were a merchant. You are a senator, and reside in Mexico. -Lastly—You said you were only crossing the desert on your road to -Monterey, where the interests of your pretended business called you. As -for the latter assertion, I need hardly, I believe, prove its falsehood -to you, for that is palpable from the other answers you made. Now I -await your reply, if you have one to make—which I doubt."</p> - -<p>Don Estevan had had time enough to recover from the rude blow he had -received; hence he did not feel alarmed, as he believed he could guess -whence the attack came, and by what means those in whose presence he -now was had obtained this information about him. Hence he replied in -a sarcastic tone, and drawing in his lips spitefully,—"Why do you -fancy I cannot answer you, Caballero? Nothing is more easy; on the -contrary, <i>cáspita!</i> because, during my fainting fit, you—shall I say -robbed me? No, I am polite; I will therefore say—adroitly carried -off my portfolio; and because, after opening it, you obtained certain -information, you throw it in my face, convinced that I shall feel -disarmed by your being so conversant with my affairs. Nonsense! You -are mad, on my soul. All these things are absurdities, which will not -bear analysis. Yes, it is true that my name is Don Estevan. I was born -at Guanajuato, in 1805, and am a senator—what next? Those are strong -motives on which to base an accusation against a Caballero! <i>Cuerpo -de Cristo!</i> Am I the only man in the desert who assumes a name other -than his own? By what right do you, who only call each other by your -surnames, wish to prevent me from following your example? It is the -height of absurdity; and if you have no better reason to allege, I must -ask you to let me go and attend to my affairs in peace."</p> - -<p>"We have others," Don Miguel answered, in an icy tone.</p> - -<p>"I know your reasons. You, Don Miguel, who are also called Don -Torribio, and sometimes Don José, accuse me of having laid a trap for -you, from which you were only saved by a miracle. But that is a matter -between ourselves, in which Heaven alone must be the arbiter."</p> - -<p>"Do not bring that name forward. I have already told you that I was not -your accuser, but your judge."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Restore me my portfolio, and let us stop here, believe me, -for in all this there is no advantage for you, unless you have resolved -to assassinate me, which is very possible; and in that case I am at -your service. I do not pretend to contend against the thirty or forty -bandits who surround me. So kill me if you think proper, and let us -have an end of it."</p> - -<p>Don Stefano uttered these words with a tone of sovereign contempt, -which his judges, like men whose mind is made up beforehand, did not -appear to notice.</p> - -<p>"We have not stolen your portfolio," Don Miguel answered; "not one of -us has seen it, much less opened it. We are not bandits, and have no -design to assassinate you. We are assembled to try you according to -the regulations of Lynch Law; and we perform this duty with all the -impartiality of which we are capable."</p> - -<p>"If that be the case, let my accuser appear, and I will confound him. -Why does he hide himself so obstinately? Justice must be done in the -sight of all. Let this man come, who asserts that he has such heavy -crimes to bring against me—let him come, and I will prove him a vile -calumniator."</p> - -<p>Don Estevan had scarcely uttered these words, ere the branches of -a neighbouring bush were drawn back, and a man appeared. He walked -hastily toward the Mexican, and laid his hand boldly on his shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Prove to me, then, that I am a vile calumniator, Don Estevan," he -said, in a low and concentrated voice, as he regarded him with an -expression of implacable hatred.</p> - -<p>"Oh," Don Estevan exclaimed, "my brother!" and lolling like a drunken -man, he recoiled a few paces, his face covered with a deadly pallor, -his eyes suffused with blood, and immeasurably dilated. Don Mariano -held him with a firm hand, to prevent him falling on the ground, and -placed his face almost close to his.</p> - -<p>"I am your accuser, Estevan," he said. "Accursed one, what have you -done with my daughter?"</p> - -<p>The other made no reply. Don Mariano regarded him for a moment with an -expression impossible to describe, and disdainfully threw him off with -a gesture of sovereign contempt. The wretch tottered, and stretched -out his arms, trying instinctively to keep up; but his strength failed -him; he fell on his knees, and buried his face in his hand, with an -expression of despair and baffled rage, the hideousness of which no -pencil could render.</p> - -<p>The spectators remained calm and stoical. They had not uttered a -word or made a sign; but a secret terror had seized upon them, and -they exchanged looks which, if the accused had seen them, would have -revealed to him the fate which in their minds they reserved for him.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano gave his two servants a signal to follow him, and, with -one on either side, he took his place in the centre of the clearing, -in front of the improvised tribunal, and began speaking in a powerful, -clear, and accented voice. "Listen to me, Caballeros, and when I -have told you all I have to say about the man you see there crushed -and confounded, before I had even uttered a word, you will judge him -according to your conscience, without hatred or anger. That man is my -brother. When young, for a reason it is unnecessary to explain here, -my father wished to drive him from his presence. I interceded for him, -and though I did not obtain his entire pardon, still he was tolerated -beneath the paternal roof. Days passed, years slipped away; the boy -became a man; my father, at his death, gave me his whole fortune, to -the prejudice of his other son, whom he had cursed. I tore up the -will, summoned that man to my side, and restored him, a beggar and a -wretch, that share of the wealth and comfort of which his father, in my -opinion, had not the right to deprive him."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano stopped, and turned to his servants. The two men stretched -out their right hands together, took off their hats, and said, in one -voice, as if replying to their master's dumb questioning,—"We affirm -that all this is strictly true."</p> - -<p>"Hence this man owed me everything—fortune, position, future; for, -owing to my influence, I succeeded in having him elected a senator. -Let us now see how he rewarded me for so many kindnesses, and the -extent of his gratitude. He had succeeded in making me forget what I -regarded as errors of youth, and persuade myself that he was entirely -reformed: his conduct was ostensibly irreproachable; under certain -circumstances, he had even displayed a rigour of principle, for which -I was obliged to reprove him; in a word, he had succeeded in making -me his dupe. Married, and father of two children, he brought them up -with a strictness which, in my eyes, was a proof of his reformation; -and he carefully repeated to me often—'I do not wish my children -to become what I have been.' Owing to one of those numberless -<i>pronunciamientos</i> which undermine and dismember our fine country, I -was an object of suspicion to the new government, through some dark -machination, and compelled to fly at once to save my threatened life, -I knew not to whom to confide my wife and daughter, who, in spite of -their desire, could not follow me. My brother offered to watch over -them. A secret presentiment, a voice from heaven, which I did wrong to -despise, warned my heart not to put faith in this man, nor accept his -proposition. Time pressed; I must depart; the soldiers sent to arrest -me were thundering at the door of my house; I confided what was dearest -to me in the world to that coward there, and fled. During the two years -my absence lasted, I wrote letter after letter to my brother, and -received no reply. I was suffering from mortal alarm, and was almost -resolved, at all risks, to return to Mexico, when, thanks to certain -friends who were indefatigable in my behalf, my name was erased from -the list of postscripts, and I was permitted to return to my country. -Scarcely two hours after receiving the news, I set out. I arrived at -Veracruz four days later. Without taking time to rest, I mounted a -horse, and galloped off, only leaving my wearied steed to take another, -along the seventy leagues of road separating the capital from the -port, and dismounted at my brother's door. He was away, but a letter -from him informed me that, compelled by urgent business to proceed to -New Orleans, he would return in a month, and begged me to await him. -But not a word about my wife and daughter; not a syllable about the -fortune I had entrusted to him. My alarm was changed into terror, and I -presaged a misfortune. I left my brother's house, half mad, remounted -the almost foundered horse that had brought me there, and proceeded as -rapidly as possible to my own house. Windows and doors were closed; the -house I had left so gay and animated was silent and gloomy as a tomb. I -stood for a moment, not daring to rap at the door. At length I made up -my mind, preferring the reality, however horrible it might be, to the -uncertainty which drove me mad."</p> - -<p>At this point in his story Don Mariano stopped. His voice was broken -by the internal emotion he experienced, and which it was impossible for -him to master any longer.</p> - -<p>There was a solemn silence. Don Estevan had not changed his position. -Since the beginning of his brother's narrative, he appeared to be -plunged in profound grief, and crushed by remorse.</p> - -<p>Presently, Bermudez, seeing that his master was incapable of continuing -his narrative, took the word in his turn,—"It was I who opened the -door. Heaven is my witness that I love my master, and unhesitatingly -would lay down my life for him. Alas! I was fated to cause him the -greatest grief it is possible for a man to suffer—forced to answer -the questions he pressed on me. I told him of the decease of his wife -and daughter, who had died a few weeks after each other in the convent -of the Bernardines. The blow was terrible; Don Mariano fell as if -struck by lightning. One evening, when, as was his custom since his -return, Don Mariano was alone in his bedroom, with his face buried -in his hands, giving way to sorrowful reflections, while regarding, -with eyes full of tears, the portrait of the dear beings he was never -to see again, a man wrapped up in a large cloak, and with a sombrero -pulled down over his eyes, demanded speech of señor de Real del Monte. -On my remarking that his Excellency saw nobody, this man insisted with -strange tenacity, declaring he had to hand to my master a letter, the -contents of which were of the utmost importance. I know not how it was, -but the man's tone appeared to me so sincere, that, in spite of myself, -I infringed the positive orders I had received, and led him to Don -Mariano."</p> - -<p>That gentleman at this moment raised his head, and laid his hand on the -old servant's arm. "Let me continue now, Bermudez," he said. "What I -have to add is not much."</p> - -<p>Then, turning to the hunters, who still appeared cold and apathetic, -he went on,—"When this man was in my presence, he said, without any -introductory remarks, 'Excellency, you weep for two persons who were -very dear to you, and whose fate is unknown to you.' 'They are dead,' I -replied. 'Perhaps so,' he said. 'What will you give the man who brings -you, I will not say good news, but a slight hope?'"</p> - -<p>"Without replying, I rose, and went to a cabinet, in which I kept my -gold and jewels. 'Hold out your hat,' I said to him. In a second the -hat was full of gold and diamonds. The stranger put them all out of -sight, and said, with a low bow,—'My name is Pepito; I am a little of -all trades. A man, whose name you need not know, gave me this strip of -paper, with orders to hand it to you immediately on your arrival in -Mexico. I only learned your return this morning, and have now come to -carry out the order I received.'"</p> - -<p>"I tore the paper from his hands, and read it, while Pepito deluged me -with thanks, to which I did not listen, and then retired. This was what -the paper contained."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel stretched out his arm toward Don Mariano.</p> - -<p>"'A friend of the Real del Monte family,'" the Gambusino said, in a -loud voice, "'warns Don Mariano that he has been shamelessly deceived -by the man in whom he placed entire confidence, and who owed everything -to him. That man poisoned Doña Serafina de Real del Monte. Don -Mariano's daughter was buried alive in the <i>In pace</i> of the Bernardine -convent. If señor del Monte desires to examine thoroughly the frightful -machinations of which he has been the victim, and perchance see -again one of the two persons whom the man who deceived fancied had -disappeared for ever, let Don Mariano keep the contents of this letter -the most profound secret, feign the same ignorance, but quietly make -preparations for a long journey, which no one must suspect. On the next -5th November, at sunset, a man will be at the Teocali do Quinametzin -(the Giant). This man will accost Don Mariano by pronouncing two -names, those of his wife and daughter. Then he will tell him all that -he is ignorant of, and perhaps be able to restore him a little of the -happiness he has lost.' The note ended here, and was not signed."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Don Mariano said, utterly astounded; "but how did you -learn these details? It was doubtlessly yourself who—"</p> - -<p>"When the time arrives, I will answer you," Don Miguel said, in a -peremptory tone. "Go on."</p> - -<p>"What more shall I say? I started for the strange meeting promised -me, nourishing in my heart I know not what mad hopes. Alas! man is -so constituted that he clings to everything which can aid him in -doubting a misfortune. This day, God, who has probably taken pity on -me, made me meet the man who is my brother; the sight of him caused -me an astonishment I cannot express. How could it be him, when he had -written me he was gone to New Orleans? A vague suspicion, which I had -hitherto repulsed, gnawed at my heart with such force, that I began to -believe, though it appeared to me very horrible, that my brother was -the traitor to whom I owed all my misfortunes. Still I doubted, I was -undecided, when this portfolio, lost by the wretch and found by the -Indian Chief, Flying Eagle, suddenly tore off the thick bandage that -covered my eyes, by giving me all the proofs of the odious machinations -and crimes committed by this wretch, this cruel fratricide, for the -ignoble object of robbing me of my fortune to enrich his children. -Here is the portfolio. Read the papers it contains, and decide between -my villainous brother and myself."</p> - -<p>While saying this, Don Mariano offered the portfolio to Don Miguel, -who, however, declined it.</p> - -<p>"Those proofs are unnecessary for us, Don Mariano," he said; "we -possess others more convincing still."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"You shall understand." And Don Miguel rose.</p> - -<p>Without being able to explain why it was so, Don Estevan felt a shiver -all over his body, for he guessed, by a species of intuition, that his -brother's accusation contained nothing so terrible as the facts Don -Miguel was preparing to reveal. He threw up his head slightly, bent -forward, and with panting chest and dilated nostrils, fascinated, as -it were, by the chief of the adventurers, he awaited, with constantly -increasing anxiety, what Don Miguel was going to say.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE JUDGMENT.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The sun had disappeared on the horizon; shadows had assumed the place -of light; the darkness falling from the sky had covered the forest -with an impenetrable brown shroud. The Gambusinos lighted branches of -<i>ocote</i>, and then the clearing, in which the events we are describing -took place, was fantastically lighted by torches, whose flickering, -ensanguined glare played on the trees and the persons collected under -their dense foliage, and gave the whole scene a strange and sinister -stamp.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel, after looking around to demand attention, began -speaking:—"As you have found that portfolio," he said, "I have -nothing more to tell you. It was really your brother who committed the -fearful crime with which you charge him. Fortunately, his object could -not be completely attained. Your wife is dead, it is true, Don Mariano; -but your daughter still lives. She is in safety, and it was I who was -fortunate enough to tear her from her tortures, and from that <i>In pace</i> -in which she was thrust alive. I will restore your daughter to you, Don -Mariano, pure and uncontaminated as when I took her from her tomb."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, so fierce in grief, was unable to bear joy. The commotion -the news produced was so violent, that he rolled unconsciously on -the ground; clasping his hands fervently with a last effort to thank -Heaven for having granted him so much joy, after visiting him with so -much suffering. The gentleman's servants, aided by several Gambusinos, -hastened round him, and paid him all the attention his condition -demanded.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel allowed time for the emotion produced by Don Mariano's fall -to calm, and then made a sign for silence. "It is now our turn, Don -Estevan," he said. "Furious at seeing one of your victims escape you, -you did not fear to pursue her even to this spot. Knowing that it was -I who saved her, you laid a snare for me, in which you hoped I should -perish. The hour has arrived to settle our accounts."</p> - -<p>On seeing that he no longer had his brother as his adversary, Don -Estevan regained all his boldness and impudence. At this address he -drew himself up coldly, and fixed a sarcastic glance on the young man. -"Oh! oh!" he said ironically; "my good gentleman, you would not be -sorry to assassinate me, eh? so as to make me hold my tongue. Do you -fancy me the dupe of the fine sentiments you utter so complacently? -Yes, you saved my niece, that is true; and I should thank you for it, -did I not know you so thoroughly."</p> - -<p>At these singular words, his hearers made a movement of surprise, which -did not escape Don Estevan's notice. Satisfied with the effect he found -he had produced, he went on.</p> - -<p>The scoundrel had judged the question at the first glance. Unable -completely to exonerate himself, he resolved to turn the difficulty, -which he expected to do the more easily, because the only person -capable of contradicting him was unable to hear him and put matters -in the right light. He assumed a placid countenance, and said, with -affected honesty:—"Good heavens! not one of us is infallible. Who -does not commit an error, at least once in his life? Far from me be -the thought of lessening the opprobrium of the deed I am accused of. -Yes, I broke my pledged faith; I deceived my brother, the man to whom -I owed all. You see, Caballeros, that I do not attempt to exculpate -myself; but between that fault and the committal of a crime, there is -a vast difference, and, thanks to Heaven, I cannot be accused of an -assassination; and I throw back the responsibility of this shameful -deed on the right person."</p> - -<p>"Who is that man?" Don Miguel asked, involuntarily astonished and -terrified by the fellow's cunning.</p> - -<p>"Oh," he said, with imperturbable coolness, "I will throw the -responsibility on those too zealous people who ever understand much -more than they should understand, and who, either through covetousness -or some other motive, always go further than they ought. I confess that -I certainly desired to get hold of my brother's fortune; but I intended -to do so legally."</p> - -<p>The Gambusinos, all scoundrels gifted with a marvellously elastic -conscience, which naturally rendered them very unscrupulous as to -deeds more or less reprehensible, were, however, terrified on hearing -such a theory. They asked each other, in a low voice, with the simple -credulity of semi-savages, if the man before them, who spoke thus, were -really their fellow being, or whether the Evil Spirit had not assumed -this shape in order to deceive them?</p> - -<p>"Understand me clearly, Caballeros," Don Estevan continued, in a voice -growing, every moment firmer, "the Mother Superior of the Bernardines -is my relative, and has an unbounded affection for me. When I let her -see through my plans, she urged me to persevere, assuring me that -she knew an infallible means to make my projects succeed. I believed -her words the more easily, because these means were very simple, -and consisted in compelling my niece to take the veil. I looked no -further, I swear to you. Poor child, I loved her too dearly to desire -her death! All went on as I desired, though I in no way interfered; -my sister-in-law died; that death seemed to me perfectly natural, -after the numberless sorrows that had overpowered her. I am accused -of having poisoned her. It is false! Perhaps she was so; I will not -affirm the contrary; but in that case my relative must be accused of -the crime, whose object it was, evidently, to bring the fortune I -coveted nearer to my grasp. I wrote at once to my brother, telling him -of this death, which really grieved me; but he did not receive the -letter. I see nothing astonishing in that, because he was continually -going from town to town, as his fancy led him. I frequently went to -the convent to visit my niece; she seemed to me determined to take the -veil. The Mother Superior, for her part, incessantly told me not to -trouble myself about anything; hence I let matters go on without any -interference on my part. On the day my niece was to take the veil, I -went to the convent; then, something unusual and scandalous occurred. -At the moment of professing, the girl refused distinctly to become a -nun, and I retired in despair at this misadventure. In the evening, a -nun came to my house and told me that my niece, after a very violent -scene with the Mother Superior, had been attacked by congestion of the -brain, and died suddenly. This news caused me considerable grief. All -night I walked about my room, deploring the irreparable misfortune -which overwhelmed my unhappy brother. On reflection, a suspicion sprung -up in my mind. This death appeared to me peculiar, and I dreaded -a crime. In order to clear up my doubts, I hurried to the convent -at daybreak; there a fresh surprise awaited me. The community were -upset—terror was visible on every face. During the night a band of -armed men entered the convent; my niece was torn from her tomb and -carried off by these men, who at the same time took away a young -novice. Then, convinced that I was not deceived, and that a crime had -been committed, I shut myself up with the Mother Superior in her cell, -and, by menaces and entreaties, succeeded in dragging the truth from -her. My horror was extreme on learning that my unfortunate niece had -really been interred alive. One thing was left me to do; one duty to -fulfil. I must discover traces of her, rescue her, and restore her to -her father's arms. I did not hesitate, but set out two days later. That -is the entire truth; my conduct has been reprehensible, even culpable; -but, I swear it, it has not been criminal."</p> - -<p>The audience had listened to this daring justification with icy -silence. When Don Estevan stopped speaking, not a sign of approval gave -him a hope of having convinced his hearers.</p> - -<p>"Supposing—though I do not admit it, for there are too many proofs to -the contrary—that what you assert be true," Don Miguel answered him, -"for what reason did you wish to assassinate me, when I had saved her -whom you had wished to restore to her father's arms?"</p> - -<p>"Do you not understand that?" Don Estevan exclaimed, in feigned -surprise. "Must I tell you everything?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, everything," the young man answered, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Well, yes, I did wish to assassinate you, because at the Presidio de -Tubar I was assured that you had only carried off my niece for the -purpose of dishonouring her. I wished to avenge on you the outrage I -believed you had done her."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel turned pale at this insult. "Villain!" he shouted, in a -voice of thunder, "do you dare to utter such an atrocious calumny?"</p> - -<p>The auditors had started in horror at Don Estevan's words, and, feeling -himself conquered, in spite of all his audacity, he was compelled to -bow his head beneath the weight of the general reprobation.</p> - -<p>Marksman then rose. "Caballeros," he said, "you have heard the -accusation brought against this man by his brother. During the whole -time that accusation lasted, you remarked his countenance; now you have -heard his defence. We have allowed him to say what he pleased, without -trying to interrupt or intimidate him: the hour has now arrived to -pronounce judgment. It is always a serious thing to condemn a man, even -the worst of malefactors. Lynch law, you know as well as I, admits no -compromises; it kills or it acquits. Although chosen to try this man, -we will not alone assume the responsibility of the act. Reflect, then, -seriously before answering the questions I shall address to you, and, -before all, remember that on your answer depends the life or death of -this wretched man. Caballeros, on your soul and conscience, is this man -guilty?"</p> - -<p>There was a moment of supreme silence; all the faces were grave, all -hearts beat forcibly. Don Estevan, with frowning brow, pale face, but -firm look—for he was brave—waited, a prey to an anxiety which he -could only conceal by the firmness of his will.</p> - -<p>Marksman, after waiting several minutes, went on in a slow and solemn -voice,—"Caballeros, is this man guilty?"</p> - -<p>"Yes!" all exclaimed, unanimously.</p> - -<p>At this moment, Don Mariano, through the care of his servants, -was beginning to give signs of life, precursors of his return to -consciousness. Brighteye bent over to Marksman. "Is it right," he -whispered, "that Don Mariano should be present at his brother's -condemnation?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," the old hunter said, quickly; "the more so, as -now that the first outbreak of wrath has passed, he would probably -intercede in his favour. But how shall we get him away?"</p> - -<p>"I'll manage that, and take him to the Gambusinos' camp."</p> - -<p>"Make haste!"</p> - -<p>Brighteye rose, and walked to Bermudez, in whose ear he whispered a -few words; then the two servants, taking their master under the arms, -disappeared with him in the thickets, followed by the hunter and -Eglantine, to whom the Canadian had made a sign to come. In the state -of agitation and excitement the Gambusinos were in, no one noticed this -departure, and not even the sound of several horses going away was -heard.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan alone noticed this removal, the purpose of which he -understood. "I am lost," he muttered.</p> - -<p>Marksman made a sign, and silence was restored, as if by enchantment. -"What penalty does the culprit deserve?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Death!" the audience replied, like a funeral echo.</p> - -<p>Then, turning to the condemned man, Marksman continued—"Don Estevan de -Real del Monte, you, who came into the desert with criminal intentions, -have fallen beneath the stroke of Lynch law; it is the law of God; -eye for eye, tooth for tooth; it admits of only one punishment, that -of retaliation; it is the primitive law of old times restored to -humanity. You condemned a hapless maiden to be buried alive, and perish -of hunger. You will also be buried alive, to die of hunger; but as -you might long call on death ere it came to your aid, we will give -you the means to put an end to your sufferings when the courage to -endure them longer fails you. We are more merciful than you were to -your unhappy victim; for you will be only interred up to the armpits, -your left arm will remain at liberty, and we will place within your -reach a pistol, with which you can blow out your brains when you have -suffered sufficiently. I have spoken. Is this sentence just?" he added, -addressing his audience.</p> - -<p>"Yes," they said, in a low and concentrated voice. "Eye for eye, tooth -for tooth!"</p> - -<p>Don Estevan had listened with horror to the old hunter's words; the -fearful punishment to which he was condemned had struck him with -stupor; for though he expected death, that prepared for him seemed -so frightful, that at first he could not believe it; still, when he -saw, at a sign from Marksman, two Gambusinos set to work digging a -hole, his hair stood upright with terror, an icy perspiration beaded -on his temples, and he cried, in a hoarse voice, as he clasped his -hands,—"Oh, not that atrocious death, I implore you; kill me at once!"</p> - -<p>"You are condemned, and must endure your punishment, such as it was -pronounced," the old hunter answered.</p> - -<p>"Oh, give me the pistol you promised me, that I may blow out my brains -on the spot. You will be avenged."</p> - -<p>"We are not taking vengeance; the pistol will be left you when we -depart."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are implacable!" he said, as he fell to the ground, where he -writhed in impotent rage.</p> - -<p>"We are just," Marksman merely answered.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan, having arrived at the height of fury, leaped up suddenly, -and, bounding like a jaguar, rushed head down, against a tree, with the -intention of dashing out his brains. But the Gambusinos watched his -movements too closely to let him carry out his desperate resolve; they -seized, and, despite his obstinate resistance and wild ravings, they -bound him, and rendered it impossible for him to make a movement. His -wrath then changed to despair. "Oh!" he shouted, "were my brother here, -he would save me. Oh, heavens! Mariano, help me, help me!"</p> - -<p>Marksman walked up to him.</p> - -<p>"You are about to be placed in your grave," he said to him. "Have you -any final arrangements to make?"</p> - -<p>"Then this horrible punishment is true?" he said, wildly.</p> - -<p>"It is true."</p> - -<p>"You must be wild beasts, then."</p> - -<p>"We are your judges."</p> - -<p>"Oh, let me live, be it only for a day!"</p> - -<p>"You are condemned."</p> - -<p>"Maldición on you, demons with human faces! Assassins, who gives you -the right to kill me?"</p> - -<p>"By the right every man possesses to crush a serpent. For the last -time, have you any arrangements to make?"</p> - -<p>Don Estevan, crushed by this fearful contest, kept silence for an -instant; then two tears slowly dropped from his fever-burned eyes, and -he murmured in a gentle, almost childlike voice,—"Oh, my sons, my poor -darlings! What will become of you when I am no longer here?"</p> - -<p>"Make haste," the hunter said.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan fixed a haggard eye upon him. "I have two sons," he said, -speaking as in a dream; "they have only me left, alas! and I am about -to die! Listen, if you are not utterly a wild beast. Swear to perform -what I ask of you?"</p> - -<p>The hunter felt moved by this poignant grief.</p> - -<p>"I swear it," he said.</p> - -<p>The condemned seemed to be collecting his ideas. "Paper and a pencil," -he said.</p> - -<p>Marksman still held the portfolio; he tore a leaf from it, and gave it -to him, with the pencil.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan smiled bitterly at the sight of his portfolio. He clutched -the paper, and hurriedly wrote a few lines, which he gave to the -hunter. An extraordinary change had taken place in the prisoner's face; -his features were calm, his glance gentle and suppliant. "Here," he -said, "I count on your word. Take this letter; it is for my brother. -I recommend my children to him; it is for their sake I am dying. No -matter! if they are happy, I shall have attained my object—that is all -I want. My brother is good; he will not abandon the unhappy orphans I -leave as a heritage to him. I implore you, give him that paper."</p> - -<p>"Within an hour it shall be in his hands; I swear it!"</p> - -<p>"Thanks. Now do with me what you please; I care little. I have insured -the welfare of my children; that was all I wished for."</p> - -<p>The hole had been dug. Two Gambusinos seized Don Estevan, and lowered -him into it. When he was standing upright in the hole, the ground was -just on a level with his armpits; his right arm was fastened along his -side, the other left free. Then the earth was piled up around this -living man, who was already no more than a corpse. When the hole was -filled up, a Gambusino approached the condemned man with a scarf.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do?" he asked in terror, though he guessed the -man's purpose.</p> - -<p>"To gag you," the Gambusino said, brutally.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he remarked.</p> - -<p>He allowed himself to be gagged without resistance, and was, indeed, -hardly conscious of what was being done with him. Marksman then placed -a pistol under the wretch's quivering hand, and took off his hat. "Don -Estevan," he said, in a grave and solemn voice, "men have condemned -you. Pray to God that He may be merciful to you, for you have no hope -but in Him."</p> - -<p>The hunters and Gambusinos then remounted their horses, extinguished -the torches, and disappeared in the darkness, like a legion of black -phantoms. The culprit was left alone in the gloom, which his remorse -peopled with hideous spectres. With neck stretched out, eyes widely -dilated, and ears on the watch, he looked and listened. So long as he -heard the echo of the horses' footfalls in the distance, a wild hope -still filled his soul; he waited—he expected. What did he await—what -expect? He could not have said, himself; but man is so constituted. -Gradually every sound died out, and Don Estevan at length found himself -alone, in the heart of an unknown desert, with no hope of help from -anyone. Then he uttered a profound sigh, closed his hand on the pistol, -and placed the icy muzzle against his temple, muttering for the last -time the name of his children.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>In the meantime the Gambusinos withdrew, a prey to that feeling of -undefinable uneasiness which involuntarily contracts the heart of -every man, when he has accomplished an act in which he knows that he -had, perhaps, no right to take the initiative—even when recognizing -its necessity and even strict justice. No one spoke; all heads were -bowed. They rode along, gloomy and thoughtful, by each other's side, -not daring to interchange their reflections, and listening to the -mysterious sounds of the solitude. They had just reached the last -limits of the forest covert: before them the waters of the Rubio -glistened like a long, silver ribbon in the pale moonlight. They had -gained the ford, when suddenly the distant explosion of a firearm -resounded hoarsely, driven back by the echoes of the Quebradas. -Instinctively these men, for all they were so brave and well tried, -shuddered, and stopped with a movement of stupor—almost of terror. -There was a minute of ghostly silence. Marksman understood that he must -break the gloomy dream which weighed like remorse on all these men. -Hence, masking with some difficulty the emotion that almost choked him, -he said, in a grave voice:—"Brothers! the vengeance of the desert is -satisfied. The scoundrel we condemned has at length done justice on -himself."</p> - -<p>There is in the human voice a strange and incomprehensible power. The -few words uttered by the Scout sufficed to restore to all these men -their pristine energy.</p> - -<p>"May heaven be merciful to him!" Don Miguel responded.</p> - -<p>"Amen!" the Gambusinos said, crossing themselves piously.</p> - -<p>From this moment the heavy weight that oppressed them was removed; the -culprit was dead. The unpleasant logic of an accomplished fact once -again justified Lynch Law, and at the same time stifled regret and -remorse, by putting an end to the cruel uncertainty which had hitherto -oppressed them.</p> - -<p>Don Stefano once dead, the girl he had so pitilessly pursued was saved, -in the eyes of these iron-hearted men: this reason alone was sufficient -to extinguish in them all pity for the criminal. A sudden reaction took -place in them, and their rebel natures, momentarily subdued, rose again -stronger and more implacable than ever.</p> - -<p>At a signal from the Canadian, the party recommenced their march, and -soon disappeared among the sandhills which cover the banks of the Rubio -ford. The desert, for an instant troubled by the sound of the horses' -feet on the pebbles, fell back into its calm and majestic silence.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>BRIGHTEYE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Brighteye, as we mentioned, aided by the two servants, had succeeded in -carrying off Don Mariano, who was still in a half-fainting state, in -order to spare him the atrocious sight of his brother's execution. The -motion and the night air rapidly restored the old gentleman to life. On -opening his eyes, his first word, after looking around him to see where -he was, was to ask about his brother. No one answered; the people who -led him along redoubled their speed.</p> - -<p>"Stay!" Don Mariano then shouted, as he rose with an effort, and tore -the bridle from the hands of his leader. "Stop—I insist!"</p> - -<p>"Are you in a condition to manage your own horse?" Brighteye asked him.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Then we will let loose; but on one condition."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"That you will promise to follow us."</p> - -<p>"Am I your prisoner, then?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! far from that!"</p> - -<p>"Why, then, is this attempt to force my will?"</p> - -<p>"We are merely acting on your behalf."</p> - -<p>"How am I here?"</p> - -<p>"Cannot you guess?"</p> - -<p>"I am waiting for your explanation."</p> - -<p>"We did not wish that, after accusing your brother, you should witness -his execution."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, overpowered, let his head droop, sadly. "Is he dead?" he -asked, with a shudder.</p> - -<p>"Not yet," Brighteye answered.</p> - -<p>The hunter's accent was so gloomy, his face so mournful, that the -Mexican gentleman was struck with terror. "Oh, you have killed him!" he -muttered.</p> - -<p>"No," Brighteye answered, drily, "he must die by his own hand. He will -kill himself."</p> - -<p>"Oh! that is horrible! In Heaven's name tell me all; I prefer the -truth, however fearful it may be, to this frightful uncertainty."</p> - -<p>"Why describe the same to you? You will know all the details only too -well presently."</p> - -<p>"Very good," Don Mariano answered, resolutely, as he stopped his horse; -"I know what is left me to do."</p> - -<p>Brighteye looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and laid his hand -on his bridle. "Take care," he said, drily, "not to let yourself be -carried away by the first impulse, which is always unreflecting, and -regret presently what you have done tonight."</p> - -<p>"Still, I cannot let my brother perish," he exclaimed; "I should be a -fratricide."</p> - -<p>"No! for he has been justly condemned. You were only the instrument -Divine Justice employed to punish a criminal."</p> - -<p>"Oh! your spurious arguments will not convince me, my master. If, in a -moment of passion and senseless hatred, I forgot the ties that attached -me to that unhappy man, now that I see and understand all the horror of -my action, I will repair the evil I have done."</p> - -<p>Brighteye pressed his arm forcibly, leaned over to his ear, and -said:—"Silence! you will destroy him by trying to save him. It is not -your place to try it; leave that to others."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano tried to read in the hunter's eye the determination he -seemed to have formed, and, letting go of the bridle, he went on with -a thoughtful air. A quarter of an hour later, they reached the Rubio -ford. They stopped on the bank of the river, which, having fallen back -into its narrow bed, flowed on calmly and gently at this moment.</p> - -<p>"Go to the camp," Brighteye said; "it is useless for me to accompany -you further. I am going," he added, with a significant glance at Don -Mariano, "to join the Gambusinos. Continue your road gently, and you -will arrive at the camp only a few minutes before us."</p> - -<p>"Then you return?" Don Mariano asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" Brighteye answered; "good-bye for the present."</p> - -<p>"For the present!" the old gentleman said, as he held out his hand. -The hunter took it, and pressed it cordially. Don Mariano urged -his horse into the water, and his servants silently imitated him. -Brighteye remained motionless on the bank, and watched them cross. Don -Mariano turned, waved his hand to him, and the three men disappeared -in the tall grass. So soon as they were out of sight, Brighteye -turned his horse round, and regained the covert of the virgin forest. -The hunter seemed to be sadly troubled with thought. At length, on -reaching a certain spot, he halted and looked around, inquiringly -and suspiciously. The deepest silence and most complete tranquillity -prevailed all round him.</p> - -<p>"It must be!" the hunter muttered. "Not to do it would be worse than a -crime, for it would be cowardice. Well, Heaven will judge between us."</p> - -<p>After again carefully examining the neighbourhood, probably reassured -by the silence and solitude, he dismounted, took off his horse's bridle -to let it graze at its ease, hobbled it lest it should stray too far, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and cautiously entered the forest.</p> - -<p>The hunter was doubtlessly ruminating on one of those schemes whose -execution demands the continual tension of a man's faculties, for his -progress was slow and calculated, his eye constantly peered into the -gloom. With head outstretched, he listened to the nameless sounds -of the desert, stopping at times when an unusual rustling in the -brambles struck his ear, and revealed to him the presence of some -unknown being. Suddenly he stopped, remained for a second motionless, -and then disappeared in an inextricable medley of leaves, brambles, -and creepers, in which his presence could not possibly be suspected. -Scarcely was he hidden, ere the hoofs of several horses reechoed in the -distance, beneath the dense dome of forest verdure. Gradually the sound -came nearer, the steps grew more distinct, and a band of horsemen at -length appeared, marching in close column. They were the hunters and -Gambusinos.</p> - -<p>Marksman was conversing in a low voice with Don Miguel, carried on a -litter on the shoulders of two Mexicans, for he was still too weak to -sit a horse. The little party advanced gently, owing to the wounded man -they had in their midst, and were proceeding toward the Rubio ford.</p> - -<p>Brighteye watched his comrades pass, without making a movement to -reveal his presence. It was evident that he wished them to remain -ignorant of the fact that he had turned back, and that the motives -which impelled him to act must remain a secret between him and Heaven. -It was in vain that he looked for Flying Eagle and Eglantine among -the Gambusinos: the two Redskins had separated from the band. This -absence appeared greatly to vex the hunter. Still, after a minute, his -face resumed its serenity, and he shrugged his shoulders with that -careless air which indicates that a man has put up with an annoyance -against which he cannot contend. When the Gambusinos had disappeared, -the hunter emerged from his hiding place: he listened for a moment to -the sound of the horses' hoofs, which grew every moment weaker, and -soon died out in the distance. Brighteye drew himself up. "Good!" he -muttered, with an air of satisfaction; "I can now act as I please, -without fear of being disturbed, unless Flying Eagle and his squaw have -remained prowling about the place. Bah! we shall soon see; besides, -that is not probable, for the Chief is too anxious to rejoin his tribe, -to amuse himself by losing his time here. I will go on, at any rate."</p> - -<p>With this, he threw his rifle on his shoulder, and set out again with -a light and deliberate step, though not neglecting the precautions -usual in the desert on any march; for, by night, the wood rangers know -that they are ever watched by invisible foes, be they men or beasts. -Brighteye thus reached the skirt of the clearing, in which the dramatic -events we have described took place, and in which there only remained -at this moment a man buried alive, face to face with his crimes, -with no hope of possible help, and abandoned by all nature, if not -by Heaven. The hunter stopped, lay down on the ground, and looked. A -funeral silence, the silence of the tomb, brooded over the clearing. -Don Estevan, with eyes dilated by fear, his chest oppressed by the -earth, which collected round his body, with a slow and continuous -movement, felt the breath gradually departing from his lungs, his -temples beat ready to burst, the blood boiled in his veins, drops of -icy perspiration beaded at the roots of his hair, a bloodstained veil -was stretched over his eyes, and he felt himself dying.</p> - -<p>At this supreme moment, when all deserted him at once, the wretched man -uttered a hoarse and piercing cry; tears burst from his proud eyes; his -hand, as we have stated, nervously clutched the butt of the pistol left -to abridge his punishment, and he raised the barrel to his temples, -muttering, with an accent of indescribable despair—"Heaven! Heaven! -pardon me!"</p> - -<p>He pulled the trigger. Suddenly a hand was laid on his arm, the bullet -whizzed into the air, and a severe yet gentle voice replied—"God has -heard you. He pardons you!"</p> - -<p>The wretch turned his head wildly, looked, with an air of terror, at -the man who spoke thus, and, too weak to resist the terrible emotion -that agitated him, he uttered a cry resembling a sob, and fainted.</p> - -<p>As the reader will doubtlessly have guessed, the man who arrived so -opportunely for Don Estevan was Brighteye. "Hum!" he said, with a shake -of his head, "it was time for me to interfere."</p> - -<p>Then, without losing a moment, the worthy fellow busied himself with -drawing from his tomb the man he wished to save. It was a rude task, -especially as he lacked the necessary tools. The Gambusinos had -laboured conscientiously, and filled up the hole in such a way that the -man they were burying was solidly blocked in.</p> - -<p>Brighteye was compelled to dig with his knife, while using the utmost -precautions not to wound Don Estevan. At times the hunter stopped, -wiped his perspiring brow, and looked at the pale face of the Mexican, -who was still in a faint; then, after a few moments of this silent -contemplation, he shook his head two or three times, and set to work -again with redoubled ardour.</p> - -<p>These two men in the desert, surrounded by dense gloom, offered a -strange spectacle. Certainly, had a wayfarer been able to see what -was taking place in this unknown clearing, in the heart of the virgin -forest, peopled by wild beasts, whose hoarse roars rose at intervals -in the darkness, as if protesting against this invasion of their -domain—he would have fancied himself witness of some diabolical -incantation, and have fled at full speed, a prey to the wildest terror. -Still Brighteye went on digging. His task progressed but slowly, -because, in proportion as he went deeper, his difficulties grew greater.</p> - -<p>For a moment the hunter stopped, in despair of succeeding in saving -the condemned man; but this moment of discouragement lasted a very -short time. The Canadian, ashamed of the thought, began digging again -with that feverish energy which the reaction of a powerful will upon -a passing weakness imparts to a man of resolution. At length, after -extraordinary difficulties, the task, twenty times interrupted and -twenty times recommenced, was completed. The hunter uttered a shout of -triumph and pleasure; he then seized Don Estevan under the armpits, -drew him vigorously towards him, and, with some trouble, succeeded in -laying him on the ground. His first task was to cut asunder the bonds -that formed an inextricable network round the wretch's body; he opened -his clothes, to give his lungs the necessary freedom to inhale the -external air, then half filled a calabash of water from his gourd, -and threw the contents over Don Estevan's face. The fainting fit had -been produced by the emotion he felt on seeing a saviour arrive at the -moment when he believed that he had nought left but to die. The sudden -shock of the cold water effected a favourable reaction; he gave out a -sigh, and opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>His first movement, on regaining consciousness, was to look defiantly -up to heaven; then he held out his hand to Brighteye. "Thanks!" he said -to him.</p> - -<p>The hunter fell back, and declined to take the proffered hand. "You -must not thank me," he said.</p> - -<p>"Who then?"</p> - -<p>"God!"</p> - -<p>Don Estevan drew in his pale lips contemptuously; but soon -understanding that he must deceive his saviour, if he wished for a -continuance of that protection which he cared not yet to do without, he -said, with feigned humility—"That is true. God first, and you next."</p> - -<p>"I," Brighteye continued, "have only performed a duty—paid a debt; -now we are quits. Ten years ago, you rendered me an important service; -today I have saved your life. I discharge you from all gratitude, and -you must do the same with me. From this hour we no longer know each -other—our ways are different."</p> - -<p>"Will you abandon me thus?" he said, with a movement of terror, which -he could not overcome.</p> - -<p>"What more can I do?"</p> - -<p>"All!"</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"It would have been better to leave me to die in the hole, into which -you helped to place me, than save me to die of hunger in the desert, -become the prey of wild beasts, or fall into the hands of the Indians. -You know, Brighteye, that on the prairies a disarmed man is a dead -man; you do not save me at this moment, but render my agony longer and -more painful, since the weapon which, in their cruel generosity, your -friends left me to put an end to my misfortunes, when courage and hope -failed me, can no longer serve me at present."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Brighteye muttered.</p> - -<p>The hunter let his head sink on his chest, and reflected deeply for -several seconds. Don Estevan anxiously followed in the loyal and -characteristic face of the hunter all the emotions by turns reflected -there. The Canadian continued—"You are right in asking me for weapons. -If you are deprived of them, you run the risk of being, in a few hours, -in a similar position to that from which I took you."</p> - -<p>"You allow it."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! there is no doubt about it."</p> - -<p>"Then be generous to the end. Give me the means of defending myself." -The hunter shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I did not think of that," he said.</p> - -<p>"Which means, that had you thought of it, you would have let me die."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so."</p> - -<p>This word fell like the blow of a sledgehammer on Don Estevan's heart. -He gave the hunter a suspicious glance. "What you say, then, is not -well," he remarked.</p> - -<p>"What would you have me answer you?" the other retorted. "In my eyes -you were justly condemned. I ought to have let justice follow its -course. I did not do so. Perhaps I was wrong. Now that I regard the -matter in cool blood, while allowing that you are right in asking me -for arms, and that it is indispensable for you to have them, in the -first place for your personal safety, and next to provide for your -wants, I am afraid to give them to you."</p> - -<p>Don Estevan had sat down by the hunter's side; he was playing -carelessly with the discharged pistol, and appearing to listen very -attentively to what Brighteye was saying. "Why so?" he answered.</p> - -<p>"Well, for a very simple reason. I have known you for a long time, as -you are well aware, Don Estevan. I know that you are not the man to -forget an insult. I am convinced that, if I give you arms, you will -only think of vengeance, and it is that I wish to avoid."</p> - -<p>"As for that," the Mexican exclaimed, with a fiendish laugh, "you can -only think of one method—leaving me to die of hunger. Oh, oh, yours -is singular philanthropy, <i>compañero!</i> You have rather a brutal way -of arranging matters for a man who piques himself on his honour and -loyalty."</p> - -<p>"You do not understand me. I will not give you arms—that is true; -but, at the same time, I will not leave the service I have done you -incomplete."</p> - -<p>"Hum! and what will you do to effect that result? I am curious to know -it," Don Estevan said, with a grin.</p> - -<p>"I will escort you to the frontiers of the prairie, guarding you from -all danger during the journey, defending you, and hunting for you. That -is simple enough, I believe."</p> - -<p>"Very simple, indeed; and, on getting there, I will purchase arms, and -return to seek my revenge."</p> - -<p>"Not so."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because you will swear to me on the spot, by your honour, to forget -every feeling of hatred toward your enemy, and never to return to the -prairie."</p> - -<p>"And if I will not swear?"</p> - -<p>"Then it will be different. I shall leave you to your fate; and as that -will have happened by your own fault, I shall consider myself entirely -quits with you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh! but assuming that I accept the harsh conditions you force on -me, I must know how we are to travel. The road is long from here to the -establishments, and I am not in a condition to go afoot."</p> - -<p>"That is true, but need not trouble you. I have left my horse in a -thicket, a few paces from the Rubio. You will ride it till I can -procure another."</p> - -<p>"And you?"</p> - -<p>"I will follow on foot. We hunters are as good, walkers as riders. -Come, make up your mind."</p> - -<p>"Well, I must do what you desire."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I believe that is the best for you. Then you consent to take the -oath I demand?"</p> - -<p>"I see no way of getting out of the scrape otherwise. But," he -suddenly said, "what is the matter behind that tree?"</p> - -<p>"Where?" the hunter asked.</p> - -<p>"Over there," Don Estevan continued, pointing in the direction of a -dense clump of trees.</p> - -<p>The hunter turned his head quickly towards the spot indicated by the -Mexican. The latter lost no time in seizing the pistol he had been -playing with by the end. He raised it quickly, and dealt a blow with -the butt on the hunter's head. The blow was given with such force and -precision, that Brighteye stretched out his arms, closed his eyes, and -rolled on the ground with a heavy sigh.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan regarded him for a moment with an expression of contempt -and satisfied hatred, "Idiot!" he muttered, kicking him aside, "you -ought to have made those absurd conditions before saving me; but for -the present it is too late. I am free, <i>Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> I will -avenge myself."</p> - -<p>After uttering these words, and looking up to heaven defiantly, he bent -over the hunter, stripped him of his weapons without the slightest -shame, and left him, not even stopping to see were he dead or only -wounded. "It is you, accursed dog!" he went on, "who will die of -hunger, or be devoured by wild beasts. As for myself, I no longer fear -anything, for I have in my hands the means to accomplish my vengeance."</p> - -<p>And the wretch walked hurriedly from the clearing to look for -Brighteye's horse, which he intended to mount.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE CAMP.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The Gambusinos reached their camp a little before sunrise. During their -absence, the few men left in charge of the entrenchments had not been -disturbed.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano awaited the return of the Mexicans with lively impatience. -So soon as he saw them, he went to meet them.</p> - -<p>Marksman was gloomy. The reception he gave the gentleman, though -cordial, was still rather dry. The hunter, although convinced he had -accomplished a duty in condemning Don Estevan, was for all that sad, -when thinking of the responsibility he had taken on himself in the -affair.</p> - -<p>It is one thing to kill a man in action while defending one's life, -in the midst of the intoxication of battle, another to try and coldly -execute an individual against whom no personal motive of hatred or -anger is felt. The old Canadian, in his heart, feared Don Mariano's -reproaches. He knew the human heart too well not to be assured that the -gentleman, when he regarded in cold blood the action he had excited the -Gambusinos to commit, would detest it, and curse the docile instruments -he had found. However great Don Estevan's crimes against Don Mariano -might be, however cruel his conduct, it was not his brother's place to -accuse him, or to demand his death at the hands of these implacable -men, in whom all feelings of clemency are extinguished through the -rough life they are forced to lead.</p> - -<p>Now that some hours had elapsed since Don Estevan's condemnation, -Marksman, who had begun to reflect again, and was able to regard that -action under a different light, had asked himself if he really had the -right to act as he had done, and if what he took for a deed of stern -and strict justice were not an assassination and disguised vengeance. -Hence he expected that Don Mariano, on seeing him, would reproach him, -and ask his brother's life at his hands.</p> - -<p>The hunter prepared to answer the questions Don Mariano was doubtless -going to address to him; and so soon as he perceived him, his brow, -already troubled by sad thoughts, grew even more overcast. But Marksman -was mistaken, not a reproach, not a word having reference to the -judgment passed Don Mariano's lips; not an allusion, however remote, -caused the hunter to suspect that the gentleman intended to attack that -delicate subject.</p> - -<p>The Canadian breathed again; but during the few moments they occupied -in returning to the camp side by side, he took a side glance at Don -Mariano's face. The old gentleman was pale and sad, but his countenance -was calm, and his features apathetic.</p> - -<p>The hunter shook his head. "He is turning over some scheme in his -mind," he muttered, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>So soon as the camp was entered, and the barriers were closed again -behind the Gambusinos, Don Miguel, after placing sentries at the -entrenchments, turned to Marksman and Don Mariano. "The sun will rise -in about two hours," he said to them; "deign to accept my hospitality, -and accompany me to my tent."</p> - -<p>The two men bowed. Don Miguel made his bearers a sign to place the -litter on the ground. He rose, helped by Marksman, and leaning on the -hunter's arm, entered the tent, followed by Don Mariano. The curtain -fell behind them.</p> - -<p>The Gambusinos, wearied with their night march, had hastened to -unsaddle their horses and give them food. Then, after throwing some -handfuls of dried wood on the fires, in order to revive the flame, -they wrapped themselves in their frasadas and zarapés, and lay down -on the ground, where they speedily fell asleep. Ten minutes after the -adventurers' return, they were all in the deepest sleep. Three men -alone were awake, and they were assembled in the tent, and holding a -conversation, at which we will invite the reader to be present.</p> - -<p>The interior of the tent into which Don Miguel had introduced his two -companions was furnished in the most simple fashion. In one corner was -the hermetically closed palanquin; in the opposite one, several furs -stretched on the ground marked the place of a bed; four or five buffalo -skulls served as chairs; it was impossible to meet with anything so -simple and less comfortable than this.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel threw himself on the bed, bidding his comrades, by a -graceful bow, to sit down on the buffalo skulls. Marksman and Don -Mariano drew them up by their host's side, and sat down silently. Don -Miguel then took the word. "Caballeros," he said, "the events which -have occurred this night, to which I shall not further allude, require -to be clearly explained, especially in the provision of the probable -complications which may result from them in the affairs which, I hope, -we shall undertake ere long. What I have to say regards and interests -you peculiarly, Don Mariano. Hence I address myself principally to -you. As for Marksman, he knows pretty nearly all the connecting links -of what I am about to tell you. If I beg him to be present at the -interview I wish to have with you, it is first owing to the old -friendship that unites us, and secondly, because his advice will be of -great help to us in the further resolutions we shall have to take."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano looked at the adventurer in a way which made him comprehend -that he understood not a syllable of this long prelude.</p> - -<p>"Do you not remember, Don Mariano," the Canadian then said, "that -before sending Brighteye to the camp to fetch Don Miguel, I told you -that you were ignorant of the most interesting portion of the history?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I remember it, although, at the moment, I did not attach to the -statement all the value it deserved."</p> - -<p>"Well, if I am not mistaken, Don Miguel is about to explain these -frightful machinations to you in a few words." Then he added, as if -on reflection, "There is one man I should like to see here. It is -important that he should know the whole truth also; but since our -return to the camp I have not seen him."</p> - -<p>"Whom do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Brighteye, whom I asked to accompany you here."</p> - -<p>"He did so; but on reaching the camp, as he doubtlessly supposed that I -had no further need of his protection, he left me."</p> - -<p>"Did he not tell you for what object?" the hunter asked, looking firmly -at the old gentleman.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, in his heart, was troubled by this inquiry; but wishing -to leave to Brighteye the care of explaining his absence, and not at -all desirous of avowing his wish to save his brother, he replied, with -a degree of hesitation he could not entirely conceal,—"No; he told -me nothing, I fancied that he had joined you again, and am as much -surprised as yourself at his absence."</p> - -<p>Marksman frowned slightly. "That is strange," he said. "However," he -added, "he will not fail to return soon, and then we shall know what -he has been about."</p> - -<p>"Yes. Now, Don Miguel, I am at your orders. Speak; I am listening to -you attentively," Don Mariano said, not at all wishful to see the -conversation continued on that subject.</p> - -<p>"Give me my real name, Don Mariano," the young man answered, "for it -will perhaps inspire you with some confidence in me. I am neither Don -Torribio Carvajal, nor Don Miguel Ortega. My right name is Don Leo de -Torres."</p> - -<p>"Leo de Torres!" Don Mariano exclaimed, rising with stupefaction. "The -son of my dearest friend."</p> - -<p>"It is so," the young man answered, simply.</p> - -<p>"But no; that is not possible. Basilio de Torres was massacred, with -his entire family, by the Apache Indians, amid the smoking ruins of his -hacienda, twenty years ago."</p> - -<p>"I am the son of Don Basilio de Torres," the adventurer continued. -"Look at me carefully, Don Mariano. Do not my features remind you of -anyone?"</p> - -<p>The gentleman approached, laid his hand on the adventurer's shoulder, -and examined him for a few moments with the profoundest attention. "It -is true," he then said, with tears in his eyes, "the resemblance is -extraordinary. Yes, yes," he exclaimed, impetuously; "I now recognize -you."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the young man continued, with a smile, "I have in my possession -the documents that guarantee my identity. But," he said, "that is not -the question. Let us return to what I wished to say to you."</p> - -<p>"How is it that since the fearful catastrophe which made you an orphan, -I never heard any mention of you? I, the best friend, almost the -brother of your father, I should have been so happy to provide for -you."</p> - -<p>Don Leo, to whom we will henceforth give his real name, frowned; his -brow was furrowed with deep wrinkles. He answered, with a sorrowful -accent and trembling voice,—"Thank you, Don Mariano, for the -friendship you evince for me. Believe that I am worthy of it; but, I -implore you, let me keep in my heart the secret of my silence. One day, -I trust, I shall be permitted to speak, and then I will tell you all."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano pressed his hand. "Act as you think proper," he said, with -deep emotion; "only remember one thing—that you have found in me the -father you lost."</p> - -<p>The young man turned his head away to conceal the tears he felt rising -in his eyes. There was a lengthened silence without; the barking of -the coyotes alone disturbed at intervals the imposing solitude of the -desert. The interior of the tent was only lighted by a torch of ocote -wood fixed in the ground, whose flickering flame played on the faces -of the three men with shadows and lights which imprinted on their -countenances a strange and fantastic expression.</p> - -<p>"The sky is beginning to be studded with broad white bands," Don Leo -continued: "the owls hidden beneath the leaves are saluting the return -of day; the sun is about to rise; permit me, in a few words, to explain -to you the facts with which you are unacquainted; for if I believe my -presentiments, we shall soon have to act vigorously, in order to repair -the ill deeds committed by Don Estevan."</p> - -<p>The two men bowed in affirmation. Don Leo went on:—"Certain reasons, -unnecessary to give here, led me to Mexico a few months ago. Owing to -those reasons, I led rather a singular life, frequenting the worst -society, and mingling, when the occasion offered, in society more or -less corrupt, according as you understand my words. Do not believe, -from what I have said, that I was engaged in any criminal operations, -for you would commit a grave error. I merely, like a goodly number of -my countrymen, carried on certain contraband trade; perhaps regarded -with an evil eye by government officials, but which had nothing very -reprehensible about it."</p> - -<p>Marksman and Don Mariano exchanged a glance; they understood, or -fancied they did. Don Leo feigned not to notice this glance.</p> - -<p>"One of the places I frequented most assiduously," he said, "was the -Plaza Mayor. There I visited an evangelista, a man of about fifty, half -Jew, half pawnbroker, who, under a venerable appearance, concealed the -most venal soul and most corrupt mind. This thorough scamp, through -the thousand secret negotiations he carried on, and his duties of -evangelista, was thoroughly acquainted with the secrets of an infinite -number of families, and all the infamies daily committed in that -immense capital. One day, when I happened to be in his shop at the -Oración, a young girl entered. She was lovely, and seemed respectable. -She trembled like a leaf on entering the scoundrel's den; the latter -put on his most captivating smile, and obsequiously asked how he could -serve her. She turned a timid glance around, and noticed me. I know not -why, I scented a mystery. I pretended to be asleep, with my head on the -table, and my forehead resting on my crossed arms."</p> - -<p>"'That man!' she said, pointing to me."</p> - -<p>"'Oh!' the evangelista answered, 'he is intoxicated with pulque; he is -a poor sergeant, of no importance; besides, he is asleep.'"</p> - -<p>"She hesitated; then, seeming suddenly to form a resolution, she drew a -small paper from her bosom."</p> - -<p>"'Copy that,' she said to the evangelista, 'and I will give you two -ounces.'"</p> - -<p>"The old villain seized the paper, and looked at it."</p> - -<p>"'But it is not Castilian,' he said."</p> - -<p>"'It is French,' she answered, 'But what consequence is it to you?'"</p> - -<p>"'To me, none.'"</p> - -<p>"He prepared his paper and pens, and copied the note without further -observation. When it was finished, the girl compared the two notes, -gave a smile of satisfaction, tore up the original, folded the note, -and dictated a short address to the evangelista. Then she placed the -letter in her bosom, and went out, after paying the agreed on price, -which the evangelista seized gaily, for he had gained more in a few -minutes than he usually did in a month. The girl had scarce departed, -ere I raised my head: but the evangelista made me a sign to re-assume -my position. He had heard the key turning in his door. I obeyed, and -lucky it was I did so, for a man entered almost immediately. This man -evidently desired not to be known. He was carefully wrapped up in a -large rebozo, and the brim of his sombrero was pulled down over his -eyes. On entering, he gave an angry start."</p> - -<p>"'Who is that man?' he asked, pointing to me."</p> - -<p>"'I A poor drunkard asleep.'"</p> - -<p>"'A young girl has just left here.'"</p> - -<p>"'It is possible,' the evangelista answered, put on his guard by the -question."</p> - -<p>"'No ambiguous phrases, scoundrel,' the stranger answered haughtily. -'I know you, and pay you,' he added, as he threw a heavy purse on the -table. 'Answer!'"</p> - -<p>"The evangelista quivered. All his scruples disappeared at the sight of -the gold sparkling through the meshes of the purse."</p> - -<p>"'A young girl has just left here?' the stranger continued."</p> - -<p>"'Yes.'"</p> - -<p>"'What did she want of you?'"</p> - -<p>"'To copy a letter written in French.'"</p> - -<p>"'Very good. Show me the letter.'"</p> - -<p>"'She folded it up, wrote an address, and took it away.'"</p> - -<p>"'I know all that.'"</p> - -<p>"'Well?'"</p> - -<p>"'Well!' the stranger retorted, with a grin, 'as you are no fool, you -kept a copy of the note, and that copy I must have.'"</p> - -<p>"The man's voice had struck me. I could not tell why. As his back -was almost turned to me, I made the evangelista a sign, which he -understood."</p> - -<p>"'I did not think of that,' he answered."</p> - -<p>"He assumed such a simple face as he said this, that the stranger was -deceived. He made a move of annoyance. At length he said,—'She will -return.'"</p> - -<p>"'I do not know.'"</p> - -<p>"The stranger shrugged his shoulders. 'I know it though. Every time she -comes, you will keep a copy of what she makes you write. The answers -will come here?'"</p> - -<p>"'Not to my knowledge.'"</p> - -<p>"'You will not deliver them till you have shown them to me. I shall -return tomorrow; and do not be such a fool as you have been today, if -you wish me to make your fortune.'"</p> - -<p>"The evangelista grinned a smile. The stranger turned to go away. At -this moment the corner of his cloak caught in the table, and I saw his -face. I needed all my self-command not to utter a cry on recognizing -him, for it was Don Estevan, your brother. He drew his cloak over his -face again with a stifled curse, and went away. He had scarce gone -ere I leaped up. I bolted the door, and placed myself in front of the -evangelista. 'It is now our turn,' I said to him."</p> - -<p>"He made a movement of terror. My face had a terrible expression, which -made him fall back against the wall, clutching the purse he had just -received, and which he doubtless supposed I wished to take from him."</p> - -<p>"'I am a poor old man,' he said to me."</p> - -<p>"'Where is the copy you refused that man?' I said sharply."</p> - -<p>"He bent down to his desk, took the copy, and handed it to me, -trembling. I read it with a shudder, for I understood."</p> - -<p>"'Stay,' I said, giving him an ounce; 'every time you will hand me -the young lady's note, I allow you to show it also to that man. But -remember this carefully; not one of the answers written by the person -who has just left will be handed by you to the lady until I have read -it. I am not so rich as that stranger, still I can pay you properly. -You know me. I have only one thing more to say. If you betray me, I -will kill you like a dog.'"</p> - -<p>"I went out, and, as I closed the door, I heard the evangelista mutter -to himself, 'Santa Viring, into what wasp's nest have I got?'"</p> - -<p>"This is the key of the mystery. The young lady I saw at the -evangelista's was a novice in the convent of the Bernardines, where -your daughter was. Doña Laura, not knowing in whom to confide, had -begged her to let Don Francisco de Paulo Serrano know—"</p> - -<p>"My brother-in-law! her godfather!" Don Mariano exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"The same," Don Leo continued. "She had, I said, desired her friend, -Doña Luisa, to let señor Serrano receive the note, in which she -revealed to him her uncle's criminal machinations, and the persecutions -to which she was exposed, while imploring him, as her father's best -friend, to come to her aid, and take her under his protection."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my poor child!" Don Mariano murmured.</p> - -<p>"Don Estevan," Don Leo continued, "had by some means learned your -daughter's intentions. In order to be thoroughly acquainted with her -plans, and be able to overthrow them at the right moment, he pretended -to be entirely ignorant of them; let the young girl carry the letters -to the evangelista, reading the copies, and answering them himself, for -the simple reason that señor Serrano did not receive your daughter's -letters, because Don Estevan had bought his valet, who gave them to -him with seals unbroken. This skilful perfidy would doubtless have -succeeded, had not accident, or rather providence, placed me so -fortunately in the evangelista's shop."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Don Mariano muttered, "the man was a monster."</p> - -<p>"No," Don Leo remarked; "circumstances compelled him to go much further -than he perhaps intended. Nothing proves that he meditated the death of -your daughter."</p> - -<p>"What would he then?"</p> - -<p>"Your fortune. By forcing Doña Laura to take the veil, he gained his -object. Unfortunately, as always happens when a man enters on that -thorny path which fatally leads to crime, although he had coldly -calculated all the chances of success, he could not foresee my -intervention in the execution of his plans—an intervention which must -make them fail, and compel him to commit a crime, in order to ensure -success. Doña Laura, persuaded that Don Francisco's protection would -not fail her, scrupulously followed the advice I sent her by means of -letters I myself wrote in the name of the friend she addressed. For my -own part, I held myself in readiness to act when the moment arrived. I -will enter into no details on this subject. Doña Laura refused to take -the vows in the church itself. The scandal was extreme, and the abbess, -in her fury, resolved to put an end to matters. The hapless young lady, -sent to sleep by means of a powerful narcotic, was buried alive in the -<i>in pace</i>, where she must die of hunger."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the two men exclaimed, shuddering with horror.</p> - -<p>"I repeat to you," Don Leo continued, "that I do not believe Don -Estevan capable of this barbarity. He was probably the indirect -accomplice, but nothing more; the abbess was the sole culprit. Don -Estevan accepted accomplished facts; he profited by them, nothing more. -We must suppose so, for the honour of humanity; otherwise, this man -would be a monster. Warned on the same day of what had occurred in -the convent, I collected a band of banditti and adventurers. Then, at -nightfall, I entered the building by stratagem, and, pistol in hand, -carried off your daughter."</p> - -<p>"You!" Don Mariano exclaimed, with a movement of surprise, mingled with -joy. "Oh, heavens! then she is saved—she is in safety!"</p> - -<p>"Yes; at a place where I, aided by Marksman, concealed her."</p> - -<p>"Don Estevan would never have found her," the hunter added, with a -crafty smile.</p> - -<p>The gentleman was fearfully agitated. "Where is she?" he exclaimed. "I -will see her. Tell me where my poor darling child is."</p> - -<p>"You can understand," the young man answered, "that I did not keep her -near me. I knew that Don Estevan's spies and your brother himself were -pursuing me, and following my every step. After placing Doña Laura in -safety, I enticed all the pursuers on to my trail. In this way, this -palanquin," he said, pointing to it, "contained Doña Laura till we -reached the Presidio de Tubar. I was careful to let her be seen once or -twice; no more was needed to make it supposed that she was still with -me. By the care I took to keep the palanquin constantly closed, and let -no one approach it, I hoped to lead my enemies after me, and, once I -had them in the desert, punish them. My calculations were more correct -than Don Estevan's, for Heaven, helped me. Now that the criminal has -been punished, and Doña Laura has no more to fear, I am ready to make -known her place of concealment, and lead you to her."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my God! Thou art just and merciful," Don Mariano exclaimed, with -an expression of ineffable joy. "I shall see my child again. She is -saved."</p> - -<p>"She is lost, if you do not make haste," a sepulchral voice replied.</p> - -<p>The three men turned in terror. Brighteye, with a pale and bleeding -face, his clothes torn and bloodstained, was standing upright and -motionless in the entrance of the tent, holding the curtain back.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>FLYING EAGLE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The Indians, owing to the life they are compelled to lead, and the -education they receive, are of an essentially suspicious character. -Accustomed to be constantly on their guard against everything that -surrounds them, to regard intentions ostensibly the most honest as -concealing treachery and perfidy, they have acquired an uncommon skill -in guessing the projects of persons with whom accident brings them in -contact, and foiling the snares set for them by their enemies.</p> - -<p>Mahchsi Karehde, we have already said, was an experienced warrior, as -wise in council as he was valiant in war, and, though still very young, -he justly enjoyed a great reputation in his tribe.</p> - -<p>So soon as Marksman had, in the name of Lynch law, pronounced Don -Estevan's sentence, there was a species of disorder among the hunters, -who broke their ranks, and began eagerly conversing together, as -generally happens in such a case. Flying Eagle took advantage of the -general attention being diverted, and no one noticing him, to give -Eglantine, whose eyes were incessantly fixed on him, a signal, which -the young woman understood, and he silently stepped into a thicket, -where he disappeared before anyone noticed his absence.</p> - -<p>After walking for about twenty minutes in the forest, the Chief, -probably supposing he was far enough off, stopped, and turned to his -squaw, who had remained a little distance behind the whole time. "Let -the Palefaces," he said, "accomplish their work. Flying Eagle is a -Comanche warrior; he must no longer interfere between them."</p> - -<p>"The Chief will return to his village?" Eglantine asked, timidly.</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled craftily. "All is not over yet," he replied. "Flying -Eagle will watch over his friends."</p> - -<p>The young woman let her head fall, and, seeing that the Indian had -seated himself, prepared to light the campfire; but the Chief stopped -her by a sign. "Flying Eagle does not wish to be discovered," he said. -"Let my sister take her place by his side, and wait; a friend is in -danger at this time."</p> - -<p>At this moment a great noise of breaking branches could be heard not -far from the spot where the Redskins had halted. The Indian listened -attentively for a few moments, with his head on the ground. "Flying -Eagle will return," he said, as he rose.</p> - -<p>"Eglantine will wait for him," the squaw said, looking at him tenderly.</p> - -<p>The Chief laid by her side the weapons that might have impeded him in -the project he meditated; he only kept his reata, which he carefully -coiled round his right hand, and crept in the direction of the sound -he had heard, which every moment grew louder. He had scarce advanced -twenty yards, by forcing his way through the intertwined creepers and -tall grass that barred his passage, ere he perceived, a few paces off, -a magnificent black horse, which, with ears laid back, head extended, -and all four feet fixed on the ground, was snorting in alarm; its -nostrils covered with foam, and its mouth bleeding.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Chief muttered, stopping short, and admiring the splendid -animal. He drew a few steps nearer, being careful not to startle the -animal more, which followed all his movements with a restless eye; and, -at the instant he saw it bound to escape, he made his reata whistle -round his neck, and threw it with such skill, that the running knot -fell on the horse's shoulders. The latter tried, for three or four -minutes, to regain the liberty so suddenly snatched from it; but soon -recognizing the futility of its efforts, it yielded once again to -slavery, and allowed the Indian to approach, with no further attempts -to maintain the struggle. The animal was not a wild horse, but Don -Estevan's magnificent barb, which he had probably lost during the -fight, when he was wounded. The horse's trappings were partly broken -and torn by the branches; but still they were in a good state of -service.</p> - -<p>The Chief, delighted with the windfall accident procured him, mounted -the horse, and returned to Eglantine, who, submissive and obedient as a -true Indian woman, had not stirred since his departure.</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle will return to his village mounted on a horse worthy of -so great a Chief," she said, on noticing him.</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled haughtily. "Yes," he answered, "the sachems will be -proud of him."</p> - -<p>And with the simple childishness so well suited to the primitive -roughness of these men of iron, he amused himself, for some time, -with making the horse perform the most difficult passes and curvets, -happy at the terrified admiration of the woman he loved, and who could -not refrain from trembling on perceiving him manage this magnificent -animal with such ease. The Chief at length dismounted, and, while still -holding the bridle in his hand, sat down by the young woman's side.</p> - -<p>They remained thus for a long time, without exchanging a word. Flying -Eagle seemed to be reflecting deeply; his eyes wandered about in the -darkness, as if wishing to penetrate it, and distinguish some distant -object in the distance. He listened eagerly to the sounds of the -solitude, while playing mechanically with his scalping knife. "There -they are," he suddenly cried, as he rose, as if moved by a spring.</p> - -<p>Eglantine looked at him with astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Does not my sister hear?" he asked her.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she replied in a moment, "I hear the sound of horses in the -forest."</p> - -<p>"They are the Palefaces returning to their camp."</p> - -<p>"Shall we follow them?"</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle never leaves, without a reason, the path made by his -moccasins. Eglantine will accompany the warrior."</p> - -<p>"Does my father doubt it?"</p> - -<p>"No; Eglantine is a worthy daughter of the Comanches; she will come -without a murmur. A Paleface, a friend of Mahchsi Karehde, is in danger -at this moment."</p> - -<p>"The Chief will save him?"</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled. "Yes," he said; "or, if I arrive too late for that, -I will at least avenge him, and his soul will quiver with joy in the -blessed prairies, on learning from his people that his friend has not -forgotten him."</p> - -<p>"I am ready to follow the Chief."</p> - -<p>"Let us go, then; it is time."</p> - -<p>The Indian leaped into his saddle at a bound, and Eglantine prepared -to follow on foot. Indian squaws never mount the warhorse of their -husbands or brothers. Condemned, by the laws that govern their tribe, -to remain constantly bowed beneath a yoke of iron, to be reduced to -the most complete abjectness, and devote themselves to the harshest -and most painful tasks, they endure everything without complaining, -persuaded that it must be so, and that nothing can save them from the -implacable tyranny that weighs on them from their birth to their death. -In compelling his wife to follow him on foot, through a virgin forest, -by impracticable roads, rendered more difficult through the darkness, -Flying Eagle was convinced that he was only doing a very simple and -natural thing. Eglantine, for her part, understood it so, for she did -not make the slightest remark.</p> - -<p>They set out, then, turning their back on the noise, and proceeding -towards the clearing. For what object did the Chief retrace his steps, -and return to the spot he had left an hour previously, in order to get -rid of the Gambusinos? We shall probably soon learn.</p> - -<p>When about a hundred yards from the clearing, they heard a shot. Flying -Eagle stopped. "Wah!" he said, "what has happened? Can I be mistaken?"</p> - -<p>Immediately dismounting, he gave his wife his horse to hold, bidding -her follow him at a distance; and, gliding through the grass, he -advanced hurriedly toward the clearing, feeling much alarmed by the -shot, which he could not account for, as the idea did not for a moment -occur to him that Don Estevan had fired it with the intention of -killing himself. The Chief was convinced that a man of that stamp would -never give the game up, however desperate it was. His appreciation was -not entirely false.</p> - -<p>Persuaded of this, Flying Eagle, fearing a mishap, the possibility of -which he seemed to have foreseen, hastened to reach the clearing, in -order to settle his doubts, and trembling to see them converted into a -certainty.</p> - -<p>On reaching the skirt of the clearing, he stopped, removed the branches -cautiously, and looked out. The darkness was so dense, that he could -distinguish nothing; a funereal silence prevailed over this portion -of the forest. Suddenly the bushes parted, a man, or rather a demon, -bounded out like a jackal, passed him with extreme velocity, and was -soon lost in the darkness.</p> - -<p>A sad presentiment contracted the Redskin's heart; he made a movement -to rush after the stranger, but altered his mind almost in the same -moment. "Let us look here first," he muttered, "I am certain of finding -that man again when I please."</p> - -<p>He entered the clearing. The deserted fires no longer gave out any -light. All was shadow and silence. The Chief walked rapidly toward -the spot where the grave had been dug. It was empty, Don Estevan had -disappeared. On the slope formed of the earth thrown out of the hole, a -man lay, motionless.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle bent over him, and examined him attentively for some -seconds. "I knew it," he muttered, as he drew himself up with a smile -of disdain; "that must happen, the Palefaces are gossiping old women. -Ingratitude is a white vice—vengeance a red virtue."</p> - -<p>The Chief stood thoughtfully, with his eyes fixed on the wounded man. -"Shall I save him?" he at length said. "For what good? It is almost -better to let the coyotes tear him limb from limb; the red warriors -laugh at their fury. This man," he added, "was, yet, one of the best of -those plundering Palefaces who come to drive us from our last refuge. -Wah! what do I care our races are hostile, the wild beasts will finish -him—to each his prey."</p> - -<p>And he made a move to withdraw. Suddenly he felt a hand laid on his -shoulder, and a soft voice muttered gently in his ear,—"This Paleface -is the friend of the grey head who delivered Eglantine. Is my father -ignorant of it?"</p> - -<p>The Chief started at this question, which answered so truly his -innermost thoughts; for, while speaking to himself, and tying to prove -that he did right in abandoning the wounded man, the Indian knew -very well that the deed he premeditated was reprehensible, and that -honour commanded him to help the man stretched out at his feet. "Does -Eglantine know this hunter?" he answered evasively.</p> - -<p>"Eglantine saw him for the first time two days ago, when he so -courageously saved the friend of the Chief."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Indian muttered, "my sister speaks true. This warrior is -brave, his heart is large, he is the friend of the Redskins. Flying -Eagle is a Chief renowned for his goodness of soul, he will not abandon -the Paleface to the hideous coyotes."</p> - -<p>"Mahchsi Karehde is the greatest warrior of his nation, his head is -full of wisdom. What he does is well."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle smiled with satisfaction at this compliment. "Let us -examine this man's wounds."</p> - -<p>Eglantine lighted a branch of ocote, which she made into a torch. The -two Indians bent down over the wounded man, who still lay motionless, -and by the oscillating light of the torch examined him more attentively.</p> - -<p>Brighteye had only a slight wound, produced by the butt of the pistol -by which he had been struck; the force of the blow, by producing an -abundant hemorrhage, had caused a stunning sensation, followed by a -syncope. The wound was narrow, of no great depth, and on the upper -part of the forehead between the eyebrows. Don Estevan had tried to -kill the worthy hunter in the same way as the bulls in the corridas. -The experienced Espadas often amuse themselves by killing the animals -in this fashion, in order to display their skill before the assembled -spectators. This blow, though dealt with a firm hand, was too hurried, -and had not been calculated with sufficient precision to be mortal. -Still it is evident that if the Indian Chief had not succoured him -before daybreak, the hunter would have been devoured alive by the wild -beasts prowling about in quest of prey.</p> - -<p>All Indians, when travelling, carry by a sling a parchment bag, which -they call the medicine bag. It contains the simples these primitive -men employ to cure the wounds they receive in combat, their surgical -instruments, and the powders intended to get rid of fevers.</p> - -<p>After examining Brighteye's wound, the Chief tossed his head with -pleasure, and immediately set about dressing. With a sharp instrument, -made of an onyx, and with the edge of a razor, he first cleared off the -hair round the wound; then he felt in his medicine bag, pulled out a -handful of oregano leaves, which he carefully pounded and mixed up with -Catalonian refino. We will remark here, that in all Indian medicaments -spirits play a great part. He added to this mixture a little water and -salt, formed the whole into a thick paste, and, after washing the wound -twice with spirits and water, he applied this species of cataplasm to -it, fastening it on with abanigo leaves. This simple remedy produced an -almost instantaneous effect; within ten minutes the hunter gave a sigh, -opened his eyes, and sat up, looking round him like a man suddenly -roused from a deep sleep, and who does not completely recognize -external objects.</p> - -<p>Brighteye, however, was a man endowed with far too powerful an -organization for this state to last long; he soon managed to restore -order in his ideas, recalled what had passed, and the treachery dealt -him by the man he had saved. "Thanks, Redskin," he said, in a still -weak voice, and holding out his hand to the Indian, who pressed it -cordially.</p> - -<p>"My brother feels better?" he asked, with solicitude.</p> - -<p>"I feel as well as if nothing had happened to me."</p> - -<p>"Wah! my brother will then avenge himself on his enemy."</p> - -<p>"Trust me for that; the traitor shall not escape me, so truly as my -name is. Brighteye," the hunter answered energetically.</p> - -<p>"Good! my brother will kill his enemy, and hang up his scalp at the -entrance of his wigwam."</p> - -<p>"No, no, Chief; that revenge may suit a Redskin, but it is not that of -a man of my race and colour."</p> - -<p>"What will my brother do, then?"</p> - -<p>The hunter smiled cleverly, but after a few moments continued the -conversation, though not in answer to the Indian's questions. "How long -have I been here?" he said.</p> - -<p>"About an hour."</p> - -<p>"No longer?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised. My assassin cannot be gone far."</p> - -<p>"Och! An evil conscience is a powerful spur," the Indian observed, -sententiously.</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"What will my brother do?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know yet; the position I am in is very delicate," Brighteye -answered, thoughtfully, "Urged by my heart, and the memory of a service -done me long ago, I committed an action which may be interpreted in -various ways. I now perceive that I was wrong; still, I confess to you, -Redskin, that I do not at all wish to be exposed to the reproaches of -my friends. It is hard for a man of my age, whose hair is white, and -who must possess experience, to have it said that he has acted like a -child, and is an old fool."</p> - -<p>"Still, you must make up your mind."</p> - -<p>"I know it. That is the thing which torments me; the more so as it is -urgent that Don Miguel and Don Mariano should be warned as speedily as -possible of what has happened, in order to remedy the consequences of -my folly."</p> - -<p>"Listen," the Chief remarked. "I understand how repugnant the -confession you have to make will be to you. It is excessively painful -for an old man to bow his head under reproaches, however well deserved -they may be."</p> - -<p>"Well!"</p> - -<p>"If you consent, I will do what you have so much difficulty in -resolving on. While you accompany Eglantine, I will go to your friends, -the Palefaces; I will tell them what has happened. I will put them on -their guard against their enemy, and you will have nothing to fear from -their anger."</p> - -<p>At this proposition, an indignant flush suffused the hunter's face. -"No," he exclaimed, "I will not add cowardice to my fault. I will -endure the consequences of my deed,—all the worse for myself. I thank -you, Chief; your proposition comes from a good heart, but I cannot -accept it."</p> - -<p>"My brother is the master."</p> - -<p>"Let us make haste," the hunter continued; "we have lost too much time -already. Heaven alone knows what may be the consequences of my deed, -and the misfortunes that will probably spring from it. It is impossible -for me to prevent them, it is my duty to do everything to lessen their -effect. Come, Chief, follow me; let us proceed to the camp without -further delay."</p> - -<p>While uttering these words, the hunter rose with feverish impatience.</p> - -<p>"I am unarmed," he said; "the villain has stripped me."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother not feel vexed at that," the Indian answered; "he will -find the needful arms at the camp."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Let us go and look for my horse, which I left a few -yards off."</p> - -<p>The Indian stopped him. "It is useless," he said.</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"That man has taken it."</p> - -<p>The hunter struck his brow in his discouragement. "What shall I do?" he -muttered.</p> - -<p>"My brother will take my horse."</p> - -<p>"And you, Chief?"</p> - -<p>"I have another."</p> - -<p>At a sign from Flying Eagle, Eglantine led up the horse. The two men -mounted; the Chief took his squaw up behind him, and leaning over the -necks of their horses, they started at full gallop in the direction of -the Gambusino camp, which they reached about an hour later without any -fresh incident.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>QUIEPAA TANI.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">We must return to the two chief characters of our story, whom we have -neglected too long. For that purpose we will go back a little way, and -take up our narrative at the moment when Addick, followed by the two -young ladies Don Miguel confided to him, set out for Quiepaa Tani.</p> - -<p>A quiver of extraordinary voluptuousness passed over the Indian so -soon as he saw himself in the plains with the maidens, free from the -inquisitive glances of Don Miguel, and those even more clear-sighted of -Marksman. His eye, sparkling with pleasure, passed from Doña Laura to -Doña Luisa, unable to rest longer on one than the other. He found them -both so lovely, that he was never satiated with gazing on them with the -frenzied admiration Indians experience at the sight of Spanish women, -whom they infinitely prefer to their own squaws.</p> - -<p>While mentioning this peculiarity to the reader, we must add that for -their part the Spaniards eagerly seek the good graces of the Indian -women, in whom they find, irresistible charms. Is this the effect of a -wise combination of Providence, wishing to effect the complete fusion -of the two people? No one knows; but what cannot be doubted is, that -there are few Spaniards in America who have not sundry drops of Indian -blood in their veins.</p> - -<p>The young Indian chief, in possession of his two captives—for it was -thus he regarded them so soon as they were placed in his charge—had -at first thought of conducting them to his tribe, to decide presently -which he would select; but several reasons made him abandon this plan -almost as soon as he formed it. In the first place, the distance to -traverse, before reaching his village, was immense, and it was not very -probable he could manage it in the company of two frail and delicate -girls, who could not endure the numberless fatigues of a desert -journey. On the other hand, the city was only a couple of miles before -him; the crowd, momentarily increasing, hampered his movements; and the -dark outlines of the two hunters, standing out blackly on the top of -the mound, warned him that, at the slightest suspicious movement, he -would see two formidable adversaries rise before him.</p> - -<p>Making a virtue of necessity, then, he shut up in the depths of his -heart the emotions that agitated him, and resolved, ostensibly, -to accomplish his mission, by entering the city; but he intended -to confide the maidens to his foster brother, Chicukcoatl (Eight -Serpents), Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, who, in his functions as High -Priest of the Temple of the Sun, would be able to hide them from the -sight of all, until the day when, all obstacles being removed, Addick -would be free to act as he pleased, and take back his captives.</p> - -<p>The two unhappy girls, violently separated from the only friends left -to them, had fallen into a state of prostration, which prevented them -from noticing the hesitations and tergiversations of the perfidious -guide in whose hands they found themselves. Surrendered defencelessly -to the will of a savage, who could, if he thought proper, treat them -with the utmost violence, although he had guaranteed their safety, they -knew that they had no human succour to expect. They were compelled to -leave their fate in the hands of Heaven, and resigned themselves with a -Christian spirit to the hard trials they would doubtless have to endure -during their residence among the Indians.</p> - -<p>The three travellers, mixed up in the dense crowd of persons proceeding -like themselves to the city, soon reached the edge of the fosse, -followed by the inquisitive glances of those who surrounded them, for -the Indians speedily recognized the young girls as Spaniards.</p> - -<p>Addick having, by a glance, bidden his companions be prudent, assumed -the most careless air he could well affect, although his heart beat as -if ready to burst, and presented himself at the gateway.</p> - -<p>After crossing the wooden bridge, he stood in apparent apathy before -the gate; a lance was lowered before the strangers, and barred their -passage. A man, whom it was easy to recognize, by his rich costume, -as an influential chief of the city, rose from a butaca, on which he -was carelessly seated, smoking his pipe, advanced with measured steps, -and stopped, carefully examining the group formed by Addick and his -companions.</p> - -<p>The Indian, at first surprised and almost frightened by this hostile -demonstration, recovered almost immediately; a flash of joy burst from -his savage eye; he bent over to the sentry, and whispered a few words -in his ear. The Redskin immediately raised his lance with a respectful -gesture, fell back a step, and made room for them to pass. They entered.</p> - -<p>Addick walked hastily toward the Temple of the Sun, congratulating -himself on having so easily escaped the danger which had been suspended -for several minutes over his head. The maidens followed him with -that resignation of despair which bears so striking a likeness to -docility and deference, but which is, in reality, only the recognized -impossibility of escaping a fate one fears. While our friends are -crossing the streets of the city to reach their destination, we will -describe, in a few words, Quiepaa Tani, the exterior of which the -reader is only acquainted with. The narrow streets, running at right -angles, open on an immense square, situated exactly in the centre of -the city, and which bears the name of Conaciuhtzin.<a name="FNanchor_1_3" id="FNanchor_1_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_3" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> It is probable -that it was in compliment to the sun that the Indians conceived -this square, from which the streets of the city radiate; for it is -impossible to imagine a more correct representation of the planet -they adore than this mysteriously and emblematically significant -arrangement. Four magnificent palaces rise in the direction of the -four cardinal points. On the western side is the great temple, called -Amantzin-expan, surrounded by an infinite number of chiselled columns -of gold and silver. The appearance of this edifice is most imposing. -You reach it by a flight of twenty steps, each made of a single stone, -thirty feet in length; the walls are excessively lofty, and the roof, -like that of all the other buildings, is terraced. The Indians, -though perfectly acquainted with the art of building subterranean -arches, are completely ignorant of the way of raising domes in the -air. The interior of the temple is relatively very simple. Long -tapestries, embroidered with feathers of a thousand different hues, -and representing, in hieroglyphic writing, the entire history of the -Indian religion, cover the walls. In the centre of the temple stands -the <i>teocali</i>, or isolated altar, surmounted by a brilliant sun, made -of gold and precious stones, supported on the great <i>ayotl</i>, or sacred -tortoise. By an ingenious artifice, each morning the first beams of -the rising sun fall on this splendid idol, and make it sparkle with -such brilliant fire, that it really seems to be animated, and lights up -the surrounding scene. Before the altar is the sacrificial table, an -immense block of marble, representing one of those Druidic <i>menhies</i> -so common in old Armorica. It is a species of stone table, supported -by four blocks of rock. The table, slightly hollowed in the centre, -is supplied with a conduit, intended to carry off the blood of the -victims. We must remark that human sacrifices are growing daily rarer. -We are, fortunately, far from an epoch when, in order to dedicate a -temple, sixty thousand human victims were immolated in one day at -Mexico. At present these sacrifices only take place under the most -exceptional circumstances; and, in that case, the victims are selected -from the prisoners condemned to death. At the back of the temple is a -space closed in with heavy curtains, entrance to which is interdicted -to the people. These curtains conceal the top of a staircase leading -to vast cellars, which extend under the whole temple, and which the -priests alone have the right to enter. It is in the most secret and -retired spot of these vaults that the sacred fire of Motecuhzoma burns -uninterruptedly. The floor of the temple is covered with leaves and -flowers, renewed every morning.</p> - -<p>On the southern side of the square is the <i>Tanamitec</i>, or Palace of -the Chief. This palace, whose name, literally translated, signifies "a -spot surrounded by water," is merely a succession of reception rooms -and immense courts, employed by the warriors entrusted with the defence -of the city for their military exercises. A separate building, to -which visitors are not admitted, is set apart for the residence of the -chief's family. Another building serves as arsenal, and contains all -the arms of the city, such as arrows, saoaies, lances, bows, and Indian -shields from the most remote period; European sabres, swords, and guns, -which, after fearing for so long, the Indians have learned to employ as -well as ourselves, if not better. The greatest curiosity, undoubtedly, -contained in this arsenal is a small cannon which belonged to Cortez, -and which that conqueror was compelled to abandon on the high road, -during his precipitate retreat from Mexico on the <i>noche triste</i>. This -cannon is still an object of fear and veneration to the Indians; for -many recollections of the conquest have remained in their hearts after -so many years and vicissitudes of every description.</p> - -<p>On the same square stands the famous <i>Ciuatl-expan</i>, or Palace of the -Vestals. It is here that, far from the glance of men, the Virgins of -the Sun live and die. No man, the High Priest excepted, can penetrate -to the interior of this building, reserved for the women dedicated to -the sun. A fearful death would immediately punish the daring man who -attempted to transgress this law. The life of the Indian vestals bears -considerable resemblance to that of the nuns peopling the European -convents. They are shut up, take a vow of perpetual chastity, and -pledge themselves never to speak to a man, unless it be their father -or brother, and in that case they can only converse through a grating -and in the presence of a third party, while careful to veil their -faces. When, during the ceremonies, they appear in public, or assist in -the religious festivals in the temple, they are completely veiled. A -vestal convicted of letting a man see her face is condemned to death.</p> - -<p>In the interior of their abode they amuse themselves with feminine -occupations, and privately perform the rites of their religion. Their -vows are voluntary. A young girl cannot be admitted into the ranks of -the Virgins of the Sun until the High Priest has acquired the certainty -that no one has forced her to this determination, and that she is -really following her vocation.</p> - -<p>Lastly, the fourth palace, situated on the eastern side of the square, -is the most splendid, and at the same time the most gloomy of all. -It is called the Iztlacat-expan, or Palace of the Prophets. It is -the residence of the priests. It would be impossible to describe the -mysterious, sad, and cold appearance of this residence; the windows of -which are covered with a wicker frame, so closely interwoven, as almost -to entirely exclude the light of day. A gloomy silence perpetually -prevails in this building; but at times, in the middle of the night, -when all are reposing in the city, the Indians awake in terror at the -strange sounds that appear to issue from the Iztlacat-expan. What is -the life of men who inhabit it? In what do they spend their time? No -one knows. Woe to the imprudent man, who, curious for information -on this point, would try to surprise the secrets of which he should -remain in ignorance; for the vengeance of the insulted priests would be -implacable.</p> - -<p>If the vow of chastity be imposed on the vestals, it is not so with -regard to the High Priest and his assistants; still we must remark, -that very few of them marry, and all abstain, at least openly, from -any connection with the other sex. The noviciates of the priests -lasts ten years, and it is only at the expiration of that period, -and after undergoing numberless trials, that the novices assume the -title of Chalchiuh. Until then they can alter their minds, and embrace -another career; but the case is extremely rare. It is true, that if -they took advantage of the law's permission, they would be infallibly -assassinated by their brothers, who would fear seeing a portion of -their secrets unveiled to the public. In other respects the priests are -highly respected by the Indians, whose love they contrive to acquire; -and we may say, that next to the chief, the Amanani is the most -powerful man in the tribe.</p> - -<p>Among peoples with whom religion is so powerful a lever, it may -be observed that the temporal and spiritual power never come into -collision; each knows how far his attributes extend, and follows the -line traced for him, without trying to infringe on the rights of the -other. Owing to this intelligent diplomacy, priests and chiefs act in -concert, and double their strength.</p> - -<p>The European, habituated to the tumult, noise, and movement of the -cities of the old world, whose streets are constantly encumbered by -vehicles of every description, and with the passers-by, who come into -collision at each step, would be strangely surprised at the sight of -the interior of an Indian city. There, there are no noisy ways of -communication, bordered by magnificent shops, offering to the curiosity -or greed of the purchasers and rogues the superb and dazzling specimens -of European industry; there are no carriages, not even carts; the -silence is only disturbed by the step of the few passers hastening -back to their dwellings, and who walk with the imposing gravity of -professors or magistrates of all nations.</p> - -<p>The houses, which are all hermetically closed, allow none of -the internal noises to be heard from the street. Indian life is -concentrated in the family, and closed against the stranger; the -manners are patriarchal, and the public way never becomes, as is too -often the case amongst our civilized peoples, the disgraceful scene of -the disputes, quarrels, or fights of the citizen.</p> - -<p>The vendors collect in immense bazaars, where, until midday, they -sell their merchandise; that is to say, fruits, vegetables, and meat; -for all other trade is unknown to the Indians, each family weaving or -making for itself the garments, furniture, or household articles it -requires. Then, when the sun has run half its course, the bazaars are -closed, and the Indian traders, who all inhabit the country, quit the -city, to return next morning with fresh vegetables. Each family lays in -its stock for the day.</p> - -<p>Among the Indians the men never work, the women are entrusted with -the purchases, the household cares, and the preparation of all that -is indispensable for existence. The men, too proud to do any domestic -work, hunt or go on the warpath.</p> - -<p>The payment for what is purchased is not effected, as in Europe, by -means of coins, which are generally only known to, or accepted by, -the coast Indians, who traffic with the whites; but by means of a -free exchange, which is practised by all the tribes residing in the -interior. The plan is most simple. The purchaser exchanges some article -for that he wishes to acquire, and all is settled.</p> - -<p>Now that we have made Quiepaa Tani known to the reader, let us -terminate this chapter by saying that Addick and his companions, after -wandering for some time through the streets, at length reached the -Iztlacat-expan.</p> - -<p>The Indian Chief had, as he desired, found a complaisant auxiliary -in the Amanani, who swore, on his head, to guard, with scrupulous -attention, the prisoners entrusted to him.</p> - -<p>We may as well add, that Addick told the High Priest that the ladies -he confided to his care were the daughters of one of the most powerful -men in Mexico, and that, in order to compel him to grant his protection -to the Indians, he had resolved on taking one of them to wife; still, -as the two girls pleased him equally—and for that reason it had -been impossible for him, up to that moment, to make a choice between -them—he prudently abstained from pointing out the object of his -purpose. Then he added, in order completely to conquer the good graces -of the man he took as his accomplice, and whose sordid avarice had long -been known to him, that a magnificent present would amply reward him -for the guardianship he begged him to accept.</p> - -<p>Tranquil for the future about the fate of the two maidens, and the -first part of the plot he had formed having completely succeeded, -Addick purposed to carry out the second in the same way; he -consequently took leave of those he had sworn to protect, and whom he -betrayed so shamefully: and, mounting his horse again, he left the -city, and proceeded, at full speed, towards the ford of the Rubio, -where he knew he should meet Don Miguel.</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> Square of the Sun.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>A TRIO OF VILLAINS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Leaving Addick to depart at full gallop from Quiepaa Tani, let us -turn for a little while to the maidens whom, prior to his departure, -he confided to the Amantzin. The latter shut the maidens up in the -Ciuatl-expan, inhabited by the Virgins of the Sun. Although prisoners, -they were treated with the utmost respect, after the orders Addick had -given, and they would have probably endured the annoyance of their -unjust captivity with patience, had not a deep alarm as to the fate -reserved for them, and an invincible sorrow, resulting from the events -to which they had been victims, and the terrible circumstances which -had led them to their present condition, by suddenly separating them -from their last defender, seized upon them.</p> - -<p>It was now that the difference of character between the two friends -was clearly shown. Doña Laura, accustomed to the eager homage of the -brilliant cavaliers who visited her father's house, and the enjoyment -of a slothful and luxurious life, as is that of all rich Mexican -families, suffered on feeling herself so roughly deprived of the -delights and caresses by which her childhood had been surrounded; -forgetting the tortures of the convent only to remember the joys of the -paternal mansion, and incapable of resisting the sorrow that preyed -upon her, she fell into a state of discouragement and torpor which she -did not even attempt to combat.</p> - -<p>Doña Luisa, on the contrary, who found in her present condition but -little change from her noviciate, while deploring the blow that struck -her, endured it with courage and resignation: her well-tempered soul -accepted misfortune as the consequence of her devotion to her friend. -Unconsciously, perhaps, another feeling had for some time past glided -into the maiden's heart—a feeling which she did not attempt to -explain, whose strength she did not thoroughly know; but which doubled -her courage, and made her hope for a deliverance, if not prompt, at -least possible, executed by the man who had already risked everything -for her friend and herself, and would not abandon them in the fresh -tribulations by which they were assailed, owing to the odious treachery -of their guide.</p> - -<p>When the two friends conversed together at times about any probability -of deliverance, Laura did not dare to pronounce the name of Don Miguel, -and through a reserve, the reason of which may be easily divined, she -pretended to rely on the name and power of her father. Luisa, more -frank, contented herself with answering that the bravery and devotion -that Don Miguel had displayed were a sure guarantee that he would, ere -long, come to their assistance.</p> - -<p>Laura, whom her companion had not thought it advisable to inform of -the numberless obligations which she owed the young man, could not -understand the connection that could possibly exist between him and the -future, and cross-questioned Luisa. But the latter remained dumb, or -eluded the question.</p> - -<p>"In truth, my friend," Laura said to her, "you speak incessantly of Don -Miguel. We certainly owe him great gratitude for the service he has -rendered us; but now his part is almost played out; my father, warned -by him of the position in which we are, will come, ere long, to deliver -us."</p> - -<p>"<i>Querida de mi corazón</i>"<a name="FNanchor_1_4" id="FNanchor_1_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_4" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Luisa answered her, with a toss of her -head; "who knows where your father is at this moment? <i>I</i> trust in -help from Don Miguel, because he alone saved us from his own impulse, -without hope of reward of any sort, and he is too loyal and too much of -a gentleman not to finish an enterprise he has begun so well."</p> - -<p>This last sentence was uttered by the young lady with such an air of -conviction, that Laura felt surprised at it, and raised her eyes to her -friend, who felt herself instinctively blush beneath the weight of this -inquiring glance.</p> - -<p>Laura added nothing; but she asked herself what could be the nature -of the feeling which urged her friend to defend a man whom no one -attacked, and to whom she, Luisa, only owed such slight obligations, -and, indeed, scarce knew?</p> - -<p>From that day, as if by a tacit agreement, they never spoke of Don -Miguel, and his name was never mentioned by the maidens.</p> - -<p>It is a strange fact, and yet undoubtedly true, that priests, no matter -of what country they are, or the religion to which they belong, are -continually devoured by a desire to make proselytes at any price. The -Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, in this respect, resembled all his brethren; -he would not allow the opportunity to slip which was apparently -afforded him of converting two Spanish girls to the religion of the -Sun. Gifted with a great intellect, thoroughly convinced of the -excellence of the religious principles he professed, and, besides, -an obstinate enemy of the Spaniards, he conceived the plan, so soon -as Addick intrusted him with the care of the maidens, of making them -priestesses of the Sun. In America, there is no lack of instances -of conversions of this nature, for what may seem monstrous to us is -regarded as perfectly natural in that country.</p> - -<p>The Amantzin planted his batteries in consequence. The maidens did -not speak Indian; on his side, he did not know a word of Spanish; but -this difficulty, apparently enormous, was quickly removed by the High -Priest. He was related to a renowned Indian warrior, of the name of -Atoyac, the very man, indeed, who was sentry at the gate of the city -upon Addick's arrival. This man had married a civilized Indian girl, -who, brought up not far from Monterey, spoke Spanish sufficiently -well to make herself understood. She was a woman of about thirty -years of age, although she appeared at least fifty. In these regions, -where growth is so rapid, a woman is usually married at the age of -twelve or thirteen. Continually forced to those hard tasks which, in -other countries, fall to the lot of men, their freshness speedily -disappears; on reaching the age of twenty-five, they are attacked by a -precocious decrepitude, which, ten years later, converts into hideous -and repulsive beings women who, in their youth, were endowed with great -beauty and exquisite grace, of which many European women would be -justly proud.</p> - -<p>Atoyac's wife was named Huitlotl, or the Pigeon. She was a gentle and -simple creature, who, having herself suffered much, was instinctively -urged to sympathize with the sufferings of others. Hence, in spite of -the law which forbade the introduction of strangers into the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun, the High Priest took on himself to let the -Pigeon enter the presence of the maidens.</p> - -<p>A person must have been a prisoner himself among individuals whose -language he does not understand, in order to imagine the satisfaction -which the prisoners must have felt on at length receiving a visit from -somebody who could converse with them, and help them to subdue the -utter weariness in which they passed their time. The Indian was hence -accosted as a friend, and her presence regarded as a most agreeable -interlude.</p> - -<p>In the second interview, however, the Spaniards guessed with what an -interested design these visits were permitted, and then a real tyranny -succeeded on the short joyous conversation of the first day. It was -a permanent punishment to the maidens. As Spaniards, and attached to -the religion of their fathers, they could not fulfil the High Priest's -hopes, while the Indian woman, incapable of playing the false and -roguish part to which she was condemned, did not hide from them that, -in spite of the honied words and insinuating manner of the Amanani, -they must expect to suffer the most frightful tortures, if they refused -to devote themselves to the worship of the Sun. The prospect was far -from being reassuring. The maidens knew the Indians to be capable -of putting their odious threats in execution without the slightest -remorse; hence, while promising in their hearts to remain staunch in -the faith of their fathers, the poor creatures were devoured by mortal -alarm.</p> - -<p>Time passed away, and the High Priest began to grow impatient at the -slowness of the conversion. The little hope the two maidens had kept up -of escaping from the sacrifice demanded of them was gradually deserting -them. This painful situation, which was further aggravated by the -absence of all news from without, at length produced an illness whose -progress was so rapid, that the High Priest considered it prudent to -suspend the execution of his ardent project of proselytism.</p> - -<p>Let us leave the wretched prisoners for a few moments, almost -felicitating themselves on the change that had taken place in their -health, as it for a time at least almost freed them from the odious -presence to which they were exposed, and take up the course of events -which happened to other persons who figure in this story.</p> - -<p>So soon as Don Estevan found himself at liberty, he dug his spurs into -the flanks of Brighteye's horse, and began a furious race across the -forest, whose evident object was to remove him as speedily as possible -from the clearing which had all but proved so fearfully fatal to him. -A prey to a mad terror which every moment that passed doubled, the -wretched man galloped haphazard, without object or idea, following -no direction, but flying straight before him, pursued by the hideous -phantom of the death which, for an hour that was as long as an age, had -bent over his shoulders, and had already stretched forth its skeleton -hand to seize him, when a miraculous accident sent a liberator.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan, in proportion as lucidity re-entered his brain, and -calmness sprung up again in his thoughts, became once more the man -he had ever been; that is to say, the implacable villain so justly -condemned and executed by Lynch law. Instead of recognising in his -deliverance the omnipotent finger of Providence wishing thus to show -him the path of repentance, he only saw a naturally accidental fact, -and entertained but one thought—that of avenging himself on the men -who prostrated him and set their feet on his chest.</p> - -<p>No one could say how many hours he thus galloped in the darkness, -revolving schemes of vengeance, and casting ironical looks of defiance -at Heaven. The whole night was passed in this mad race, and sunrise -surprised him at a long distance from the spot where he had undergone -his sentence.</p> - -<p>He stopped for a moment in order to restore a little connection in his -ideas and look around him. The trees, rather scattered at the spot -where he halted, enabled him to see between their trunks a plain in -front of him, terminating in the distance in tall mountains, whose -blue-grey summits mingled in the horizon with the sky: a rather wide -river flowed silently between two scarped banks, denuded of vegetation. -Don Estevan gave a sigh of relief. Supposing, as was not at all -probable, that anyone had started in pursuit, the rapidity of his -flight, and the innumerable turns he had taken, must have completely -hidden his trail. He advanced slowly to the edge of the forest, -resolved to stop for an hour or two to rest his panting steed, and -himself take that repose so absolutely necessary after so much fatigue -and agony. So soon as he reached the first trees of the wood, he -stopped again. Assured himself by a glance round that no human being -was in the vicinity, and reassured by the calmness and silence that -reigned around him, he dismounted, unsaddled and hobbled his horse, -and, lying down on the ground, he began reflecting. His position was -far from agreeable. He was alone, almost unarmed, in a strange country, -compelled to fly from men of his own colour, and obliged to depend on -himself alone to face all the events which might occur, and the dangers -that surrounded him on every side.</p> - -<p>Assuredly, a man more resolute than was Don Estevan, and gifted by -nature with a more powerful organization than he possessed, would, in -his place, have felt greatly embarrassed, and would have given way, -if not to despair, at least to discouragement. The Mexican, overcome -by the atrocious emotions and extraordinary fatigue he had endured -during the fatal night which had just passed, fell involuntarily into -such a state of prostration and insensibility, that gradually external -objects disappeared from his sight, and he only existed in his mind, -that ever-shining beacon in the human brain, and which God in his -infinite goodness allows to shine there in the darkest gloom, in order -to restore to the creature, in extreme situations, the feeling of his -strength and the will to struggle.</p> - -<p>For a long time Don Estevan had been seated, with his elbow on his -knee and his head on his hand, looking without seeing, listening -without hearing, when he suddenly started, and drew himself up sharply. -A hand had been gently laid on his shoulder. Slight as the touch was, -it was enough to arouse the Mexican, and restore him to a sense of his -present situation. He looked up: two men, two Indians, were by his -side; they were Addick and Red Wolf.</p> - -<p>A gleam of joy shone in Don Estevan's eye: these two men, he had a -presentiment, were two allies. He wanted them without hoping ever to -meet them. In fact, in the desert, who can be certain of meeting those -he seeks?</p> - -<p>Addick fixed a sardonic glance on him. "Och!" he said, "my pale brother -sleeps with his eyes open; his fatigue, it seems, is great."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Estevan answered.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of silence. "I did not hope to find my brother again -so soon, and in such an agreeable position," the Indian continued.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Don Estevan said again.</p> - -<p>"Yes, aided by my brother Red Wolf and his warriors, I had set out to -bring help, if it were possible, to the Paleface."</p> - -<p>The Mexican looked at him suspiciously. "Thanks," he at length said, -with piercing irony; "I required help from nobody."</p> - -<p>"All the better—that does not astonish me: my brother is a great -warrior in his nation; but perhaps the help now useless to him will be -of service to him later."</p> - -<p>"Listen, Redskin," Don Estevan said; "take my advice, let us not deal -in repartees, but be frank towards each other. You know a great deal -more of my affairs than I should have wished anyone to discover. How -you learned it is of little consequence; still, if I understand you, -you have a proposal to make to me, a proposal you doubtless think I -shall accept, because of the position in which you find me. Make it, -then, frankly, briefly, as a man ought to do, and let us come to an -end, instead of wasting precious time in idle discourse and useless -beating about the bush."</p> - -<p>Addick smiled craftily. "My brother speaks well," he said, in a honied -voice; "his wisdom is great. I will be frank with him; he wants me; I -will serve him."</p> - -<p>"<i>Voto a brios!</i> that is talking like a man; that pleases me. Go on, -Chief; if the end of your speech resembles the beginning, I do not -doubt we shall come to an understanding."</p> - -<p>"Wah! I am convinced of it; but, before sitting down to the council -fire, my brother needs to regain his strength, weakened by a long fast -and heavy fatigue. Red Wolf's warriors are encamped close by. Let my -brother follow me. When he has taken a little nourishment, we will -settle our business."</p> - -<p>"Be it so. Go on; I follow you," Don Estevan answered.</p> - -<p>The three men then went off in the direction of the Redskin camp, which -was not more than a hundred paces from the spot they left.</p> - -<p>The Indians understand hospitality better than any other people, -excepting the Arabs—that virtue ignored in cities, where, to the -disgrace of civilized peoples, a cold egotism and shameful distrust is -substituted for it. Don Estevan was treated by the Indians as well as -it was possible for them to do. After he had eaten and drank as much as -he wanted, Addick returned to the charge. "Will my Paleface brother -hear me at present?" he said. "Are his ears open?"</p> - -<p>"My ears are open, Chief. I am listening to you with all the attention -of which I am capable."</p> - -<p>"Does my brother wish to avenge himself on his enemies?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Estevan exclaimed, passionately.</p> - -<p>"But those enemies are powerful; they are numerous. My brother has -already succumbed in the contest he tried to wage with them. A man, -when he is alone, is weaker than a child."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the Mexican muttered.</p> - -<p>"If my brother consents to grant to Red Wolf and Addick what they will -ask of him, the Red Chiefs will help my brother to avenge himself, and -ensure him success."</p> - -<p>A feverish flush covered Don Estevan's face; a convulsive tremor flew -over his limbs. "<i>Voto a brios!</i>" he muttered, gloomily; "whatever be -the condition you lay down, I accept it, if you serve me as you say."</p> - -<p>"My brother must not pledge himself lightly," the Indian retorted, with -a grin. "He does not know the condition yet; perhaps he will regret -having been so hasty."</p> - -<p>"I repeat to you," Don Estevan repeated firmly, "that I accept the -condition, whatever it be. Let me know it, then, without further delay."</p> - -<p>The cautious Indian hesitated, or appeared to hesitate, for two or -three minutes, which seemed an age to the Mexican. At length he went -on, in a perfidiously gentle voice. "I know where the two Palefaced -maidens are whom my brother seeks in vain."</p> - -<p>Don Estevan, at these words, bounded as if he had been stung by a -serpent. "You know it!" he shouted, as he squeezed his arm violently, -and looked fixedly at him.</p> - -<p>"I know it," Addick answered, still with perfect calmness.</p> - -<p>"It is not possible."</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled contemptuously. "It was under my guardianship," he -said, "and guided by me, that they reached their present abode."</p> - -<p>"And you can lead me to it?"</p> - -<p>"I can."</p> - -<p>"On the instant?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you accept my conditions."</p> - -<p>"That is true; tell me them."</p> - -<p>"Which does my brother prefer, these young girls, or vengeance?"</p> - -<p>"Vengeance!"</p> - -<p>"Good; the young pale girls will remain where they are. Addick and Red -Wolf are alone; their cabins are desolate; they each need a wife. The -warriors hunt; the cihuatls prepare the food, and nurse the papooses. -Does my brother understand me?"</p> - -<p>These words were pronounced with so strange an intonation, that the -Mexican shuddered involuntarily, but he recovered almost immediately. -"And if I accept?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf has two hundred warriors. They are at my brother's service, -to aid him in accomplishing his vengeance."</p> - -<p>Don Estevan let his head fall in his hands. For a few moments he -remained motionless. This man, who had so coolly resolved on his -niece's death, hesitated at the odious proposition now made him. This -condition seemed to him more horrible than death.</p> - -<p>The Indians waited, apparently apathetic witnesses of the contest -that was going on in the heart of the man they wished to seduce. They -watched this conflict of good and evil inclinations, coldly calculating -the chances of success offered them by the evil instincts of the wretch -they held beneath their eye. However, the struggle was not long. Don -Estevan raised his head, and said, with a calm voice, cold face, and no -sign of emotion,—"Well, be it so, the die is cast. I accept, and will -keep my word; but first keep yours."</p> - -<p>"We will keep it," the Indians answered.</p> - -<p>"Before the eighth sun," Addick added, "my brother's enemies will be in -his power; he will deal with them as he thinks proper."</p> - -<p>"And now, what must I do?" Don Estevan asked.</p> - -<p>"Here is our plan," Addick replied.</p> - -<p>The three men then discussed the plan of campaign they intended to -follow, in order to gain the object they proposed. But, as we shall -soon see it work out, we will leave it, to return to our other -characters.</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> Cherished one of my heart.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The persons collected in Don Miguel's tent could not repress a movement -of surprise, almost of terror, at the sudden appearance of Brighteye, -pale, bleeding, and with disordered garments. The hunter had stopped in -the entrance of the tent, tottering, and looking around with haggard -eyes, while his face gradually assumed an expression of sorrow and -profound discouragement. All these men, accustomed to the incessantly -changing life of the desert, whose courage, incessantly put to the -rudest trials, was surprised at nothing, felt themselves, however, -shudder, and a foreboding of misfortune.</p> - -<p>Brighteye still remained motionless and dumb. Don Miguel was the first -to recall his presence of mind, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -mastery over himself to address the newcomer. "What is the matter, -Brighteye?" he asked him in a voice which he tried in vain to render -firm; "of what sad news are you the bearer?"</p> - -<p>The Canadian passed his hand several times over his damp forehead, and, -after casting a last suspicious glance around him, he at length found -courage to reply in a low and inarticulate voice—"I have terrible news -to announce."</p> - -<p>The adventurer's heart beat audibly; still, he mastered his emotion, -and said in a calm voice, with a sigh of resignation—"It will be -welcome, for we can hear nothing from you which is not so. Speak, then, -my friend, we are listening to you."</p> - -<p>Brighteye hesitated, a feverish flush mounted over his face; but, -making a supreme effort, he said, "I have betrayed you—betrayed you -like a coward."</p> - -<p>"You!" they all exclaimed, unanimously, in denial, and shrugging their -shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I!"</p> - -<p>These two words were uttered in the tone of a man whose resolution is -definitely formed, and who loyally accepts the responsibility of an act -which he recognises in his heart as culpable.</p> - -<p>His hearers regarded him in stupor. "Hum!" Marksman muttered, shaking -his head sorrowfully; "there is something incomprehensible in all this. -Leave it to me to find it out," he continued, addressing Don Miguel, -who seemed preparing to address fresh questions to the hunter. "I know -how to make him speak."</p> - -<p>The adventurer consented with a mute sign, and then fell back on his -bed, while bending an interrogatory glance on the Canadian.</p> - -<p>Marksman quitted the spot he had hitherto occupied, and walking up to -Brighteye, laid his hand on his shoulder. The Canadian quivered at this -friendly touch, and looked sorrowfully at the old hunter. "By Jove!" -the latter said, with a smile, "deuce take me if our ears were not -tingling just now! Come, Brighteye, old comrade, what is the matter? -Why this terrified look, as if the sky was on the point of falling on -our heads! What means this pretended treachery of which you accuse -yourself, and whose flagrant impossibility I guarantee; I, who have -known you these forty years?"</p> - -<p>"Do not pledge yourself so for me, brother," Brighteye answered, in a -hollow voice; "I have broken the law of the prairies. I have betrayed -you, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"But, in the devil's name, explain yourself! You cannot have bargained -to our injury with those Apache dogs, our enemies? Such a supposition -would be ridiculous."</p> - -<p>"I have done worse."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh! What, then?"</p> - -<p>"I have—" Brighteye hesitated.</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>Don Mariano suddenly interposed. "Silence!" he said, in a firm voice, -"I guess what you have done, and thank you for it. To me it belongs to -justify you in the sight of our friends, so let me do so."</p> - -<p>All eyes were curiously turned on the gentleman.</p> - -<p>"Caballeros," he continued, "this worthy man accuses himself of -treachery towards you, because he consented to do me an immense -service. In a word, he has saved my brother."</p> - -<p>"Can it be possible?" Don Miguel passionately exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Brighteye bowed in affirmation.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the adventurer said, "wretched man, what have you done?"</p> - -<p>"I would not be a fratricide," Don Mariano nobly answered.</p> - -<p>This word burst like a bombshell amid these lion-hearted men. They let -their heads sink instinctively, and quivered involuntarily.</p> - -<p>"Do not reproach this honest hunter," Don Mariano continued, "with -having saved that wretch. Has he not been sufficiently punished? The -lesson has been too rude for him not to profit by it. Forced to allow -his defeat, bowed beneath shame and remorse, he is now wandering alone -and without help beneath the omnipotent eye of God, who, when his hour -arrives, will inflict on him the chastisement for his crimes. Now, Don -Estevan is no longer an object of alarm to us; we shall never meet him -again on our path."</p> - -<p>"Stop!" Brighteye shouted, vehemently; "were it as you state, I should -not reproach myself so greatly for having consented to obey you. No, -no, Don Mariano, I ought to have refused. When the serpent is dead, the -venom is dead also! Do you know what this man did? So soon as he was -free, thanks to me, immediately forgetting that I was his saviour, he -treacherously tried to deprive me of the life I had just restored him. -Look at the gaping wound on my skull," he added, suddenly raising the -bandage that surrounded his head, "here is the proof of his gratitude -he left me on separating from me."</p> - -<p>All present uttered an exclamation of horror.</p> - -<p>Brighteye then narrated, in their fullest detail, the events which had -occurred. The hunters listened attentively. When his story was ended, -there was a moment of silence.</p> - -<p>"What is to be done?" Don Miguel muttered, sorrowfully. "All must be -begun afresh. There is no lack of villains on the prairie with whom -this man can come to an understanding."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, overwhelmed by what he had just heard, remained gloomy and -silent, taking no part in the discussion, recognizing in his heart the -fault he had committed, but not feeling the courage to avow it, and -thus assume the immense responsibility of the sentence passed by the -wood rangers.</p> - -<p>"We must come to an end of this," Marksman said, "moments are precious. -Who knows what that villain is doing while we are consulting? Let us -raise the camp as speedily as possible, and proceed to those maidens, -for they must be saved in the first place. As for ourselves, we shall -be able to foil the scoundrel's machinations, when aimed directly at -ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Miguel exclaimed, "let us start. Heaven grant that we arrive -in time."</p> - -<p>And forgetting his weakness and wounds, the adventurer rose boldly. -Brighteye stopped him. The old hunter, freed from the burthen that -weighed so heavily on his conscience, had regained all his boldness and -freedom of mind.</p> - -<p>"Permit me," he said, "to have to deal with a powerful foe. Let us -not act lightly, or let ourselves be deceived this time. Hear what I -propose."</p> - -<p>"Speak," Don Leo answered.</p> - -<p>"From what I know of this unhappy story, you, Don Miguel, aided by my -old companion, Marksman, have hidden these young girls in a place where -you suppose them safe from the attack of your enemy."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the adventurer answered, "except by treachery."</p> - -<p>"We must always suspect treachery as possible in the desert," the -hunter went on, roughly; "you have a proof of it before you; hence -redouble your prudence. Don Miguel and his Cuadrilla will, guided by -us, set out immediately in pursuit of Don Stefano. Believe me, the -most important thing for us is to secure the person of our enemy, and, -by heavens, I swear to do all humanly possible to catch him. I have a -terrible account to settle with him now," he added, with an expression -of concentrated hatred which no one misunderstood.</p> - -<p>"But the young ladies?" Don Leo exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Patience! Don Miguel; if you possessed as much strength as good will, -I should have reserved for you the honour of going to seek them in the -asylum you so judiciously selected for them; but that task will be too -rude for you; leave to Marksman, then, the care of carrying it out, and -be assured he will give you a good account of it."</p> - -<p>Don Leo de Torres remained for a moment gloomy and thoughtful. Marksman -took his hand, and pressed it warmly. "Brighteye's advice is good," -he said; "under the present circumstances, it is the only plan we can -follow; we must play a game of trickery with our adversaries, in order -to foil their villainy. Leave that to me; I have not been christened -'The Scout' in vain. I swear to you, on my life, that I will bring the -two maidens back to you."</p> - -<p>The adventurer breathed a sigh. "Do as you think proper," he said, in -a sorrowful voice, "as I am quite powerless."</p> - -<p>"Good, Don Leo!" Don Mariano exclaimed; "I perceive that your -intentions are truly honourable, and I thank you for your self-denial. -As for you, my worthy friend," he said, turning to Marksman, "though I -am old, and but little accustomed to desert life, I will accompany you."</p> - -<p>"Your desire is just, señor, and I have no right to oppose it, as it -is your daughter I am going to try and save; the fatigue you will -endure, and the perils you incur during this expedition, will add to -the happiness you experience in embracing your daughter, when I have -succeeded in restoring her to you."</p> - -<p>"Now," Brighteye said, "do you, Marksman, who know the direction you -are about to follow, give us a place of meeting, where we can assemble -again when each of us has accomplished his allotted task."</p> - -<p>"That is important," the Canadian answered; "it would be even as well -if a detachment from Don Miguel's Cuadrilla were to proceed directly to -the meeting place we select, in order that, in the event of a mishap, -each band can find succour or support there."</p> - -<p>"Fifteen of my most resolute men shall go at once to encamp at the spot -you select, Marksman," Don Miguel said, "in order to be ready to go -wherever their presence is necessary."</p> - -<p>"We are carrying on regular warfare; do not forget that; hence we must -neglect no precaution. Ruperto, who is an old buffalo hunter, will, -with your permission, Don Miguel, take the command of this party, and -proceed to Amaxtlan."<a name="FNanchor_1_5" id="FNanchor_1_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_5" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>"Oh, I know the spot well," Ruperto interrupted; "I have often hunted -beaver and otter there."</p> - -<p>"That is all right," Marksman continued. "Now, whatever happens, we -must all be at the appointed place this day month, except through a -grave impediment, and, in that case, the detachment missing will send a -scout to Ruperto, in order to inform him of the cause of its delay. Is -that agreed?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," his auditors answered.</p> - -<p>"But," Don Miguel added, "I suppose that you will not go alone with Don -Mariano?"</p> - -<p>"No; I shall also take Domingo, who, for certain reasons known to -myself, I shall not be sorry to have constantly under my hand. Don -Mariano's two servants will also follow me; they are brave and devoted. -I need no more people."</p> - -<p>"They are very few," Don Leo remarked.</p> - -<p>The old hunter smiled in a peculiar way. "The less We are, the better -it will be," he said, "for the dangerous enterprise we meditate; our -little band will pass invisible, where a larger party would be stopped; -trust to me for that."</p> - -<p>"I have one more word to add."</p> - -<p>"Say it."</p> - -<p>"Succeed!"</p> - -<p>The Canadian smiled again, but this time with an expression of tender -pity. "I shall succeed," he answered, simply, as he forcibly pressed -the hand his friend offered him.</p> - -<p>The two men understood one another. Don Leo then left the tent.</p> - -<p>Soon all was bustle in the camp. The Gambusinos were busily engaged in -destroying the entrenchments, loading the waggons, and saddling the -horses; in short, everybody made preparations for a hurried departure.</p> - -<p>"Did you not tell me, Marksman," asked Brighteye, "that you were picked -up by Flying Eagle?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the other answered.</p> - -<p>"Did the Chief leave you at once, then?"</p> - -<p>"No; he followed me to the camp, and so did Eglantine."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised! He will accompany me on my expedition; he is a -brave and experienced warrior; his help, I believe, will be very -necessary to the success of my plans. Where is he?"</p> - -<p>"A few steps off; let us go and find him, for I have also something to -say to him."</p> - -<p>The two hunters left the camp together. They soon perceived Flying -Eagle, squatting by a fire, and calmly smoking his Indian calumet; his -wife sat motionless by his side, anxious to satisfy his slightest wish. -On seeing the hunters, the Chief took the pipe from his mouth, and -saluted them courteously.</p> - -<p>Brighteye knew that the Comanche had taken several measurements of -the footsteps left by Don Estevan on his flight, and he wished to -ask the Chief for them, as he hoped to employ them in following his -enemy's trail. The Indian gave them to him without the slightest -hesitation. The hunter placed them carefully in his bosom, with a nod -of satisfaction. "Eh!" he muttered to himself. "This will enable me to -find one end of the trail; with the help of heaven, I hope that I shall -soon hold the other."</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, Marksman had seated himself by Flying Eagle's side.</p> - -<p>"Does my red brother still intend to return to his tribe?" he asked -him.</p> - -<p>"The Sachem has been absent for a long time," the Indian answered; "his -sons are anxious to see him."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the hunter said; "it should be so. Flying Eagle is a renowned -Chief; his sons have need of him."</p> - -<p>"The Comanches are too wise to notice the absence of a warrior."</p> - -<p>"My brother is modest; but his heart flies toward the village of his -fathers."</p> - -<p>"Are not all men the same?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; the feeling of one's country is innate in the heart of -man."</p> - -<p>"The Palefaces are raising their camp."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Are they returning to the side of the great Salt Lake, into their -stone villages?"</p> - -<p>"No; they are starting for a great buffalo hunt in the prairies, down -by the endless river with the golden waves."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Chief said, with a certain degree of emotion; "then many -moons will pass ere I see my brother again."</p> - -<p>"Why so, Chief?"</p> - -<p>"Does not the great Pale hunter accompany his brothers?"</p> - -<p>"No!" Marksman answered, laconically.</p> - -<p>"Och! my brother must be laughing. What will the Palefaces do, if he -does not accompany them?"</p> - -<p>"I am going in the direction of the sun!"</p> - -<p>The Indian started, and fixed a piercing glance on the speaker. "The -direction of the sun," he said, as if speaking to himself.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Marksman continued; "to the evergreen prairies of the country -of Acatlan,<a name="FNanchor_2_6" id="FNanchor_2_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_6" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> on the banks of the fair streams of Atonatiah."<a name="FNanchor_3_7" id="FNanchor_3_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_7" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<p>The Chief started violently. Marksman remained calm, and apparently -indifferent, although he attentively followed the various emotions -which contracted the Chief's features, in spite of the mask he tried to -draw over them. "My brother is wrong," he said, presently.</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"My brother is ignorant that this land of which he speaks is sacred. -Never has the foot of a white man trodden it with impunity."</p> - -<p>"I know it," the hunter answered, carelessly.</p> - -<p>"My brother knows it, and persists in going there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>There was a silence of several moments' duration between the two men, -the Indian hastily puffing the smoke from his calumet, a prey to an -emotion he could not master. At length he spoke again. "Every man -has his destiny," he said, in that sententious tone peculiar to the -Indians. "My brother doubtless attaches a great importance to this -journey."</p> - -<p>"An immense importance, Chief; I am going to that country, though -perfectly aware of the perils that await us, for interests of value, -and impelled by a will more powerful than my own."</p> - -<p>"Good! I do not ask my brother's secrets. The heart of a man is his -own; he alone must read in it. Flying Eagle is a powerful Sachem; -he also follows that road; he will protect his Pale brother, if the -hunter's intentions are pure."</p> - -<p>"They are so."</p> - -<p>"Wah! my brother has the word of a Chief; I have spoken." After -uttering these words, the Indian took up his calumet again, and -began smoking silently. Marksman was too conversant with the Indian -manners to press him further. He rose, with joy in his heart at having -succeeded in obtaining an ally so powerful as the Comanche Chief, and -he went in all haste to make the preparations for departure.</p> - -<p>For their part, during the conversation we have reported, the -Gambusinos had not remained inactive. Don Miguel or Don Leo, whichever -it pleases the reader to call him, had so urged on his men, that -everything was ready,—waggons loaded and horsed, and the riders -mounted, with rifle on thigh, only awaited the signal for setting out. -Don Miguel selected from his band fifteen old Gambusinos, practised in -Indian tricks, and in whom he believed he could trust. He said a few -words to them, explanatory of his intentions, and placed them under -Ruperto's command, with orders to obey him as they would himself. The -Gambusinos swore to do so. This duty accomplished, he summoned Domingo. -The Gambusino came up to his Chief with that cunningly indolent manner -familiar to him, and waited respectfully for his orders. When Domingo -learned what was expected from him, he was in no way flattered by the -confidential commission his Chief gave him, especially as he was not at -all anxious to be under the immediate supervision of Marksman, whose -peering glance incessantly occasioned him a nervous tremor, and whose -assiduous watchfulness was most disagreeable to him. Still, as it was -impossible openly to disobey Don Miguel, the worthy Gambusino made up -his mind for the worst, making himself a secret promise to keep on his -guard, and double his prudence.</p> - -<p>When Don Miguel had completed all the duties of a wise and intelligent -Chief, he mounted his horse, though with difficulty, owing to the -weakness occasioned by his wounds. He placed himself at the head -of his band, to the right of Brighteye, and after giving a parting -salutation to Don Mariano and Marksman, he ordered his men to start. -The two parties set out immediately, that led by Ruperto turning to -the left, and proceeding toward the mountains, and Brighteye, with his -men, temporarily following the course of the Rubio. All now left in -the deserted camp were Marksman, Don Mariano, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, -the two servants, and Domingo, who followed with a look of envy his -gradually disappearing comrades. The old hunter, for reasons he kept -secret, did not wish to set out before sunset. Scarcely had that planet -disappeared on the horizon, amid floods of vapours, ere the night set -in, and the landscape was almost immediately plunged in dense gloom. We -have already several times remarked that, in high American latitudes, -there is no twilight, or, at least, it is so weak, that night arrives -almost without any transition.</p> - -<p>Marksman, since the departure of the two first detachments, had not -uttered a syllable, or made a movement; his comrades, doubtless for -motives resembling his own, respected their Chief's silence; but night -had scarcely set in, ere the hunter rose sharply. "Start!" he said, in -a quick voice.</p> - -<p>All rose. Marksman took an inquiring glance around. "Leave the horses," -he said; "they are useless to us. We are not going to begin a journey, -but a manhunt. We must be unimpeded in our movements, for the trail -we shall follow is difficult. Juanito, you will remain here with the -animals, until you hear from us."</p> - -<p>The creole made a sign of discontent. "I should have preferred to -follow you, and not quit my master," he said.</p> - -<p>"I understand that, but I want a courageous and resolute man to guard -our horses, and I cannot select a better one than you; besides, I -trust that you will not remain alone long. Still, as we do not know -what route we shall have to follow, or what obstacles may arise, build -yourself a tent. Hunt, do what you think proper, but remember that you -must not stir from this place without my orders."</p> - -<p>"That is agreed, compadre," Juanito answered; "you can start when you -please. If your journey were to last six months, you will be certain to -find me here on your return."</p> - -<p>"Good," Marksman said; "I reckon on you."</p> - -<p>Then he whistled his mustang, which ran up at the summons, and laid -its intelligent head on its master's shoulder. It was a noble animal, -rather tall, with a small head, but its eyes flashed with ardour; its -wide chest, its firm and nervous legs, all denoted the blood horse. -Marksman seized the reata which hung from a ring fixed to the saddle, -unfastened it, rolled it round his body, and then, giving the mustang a -light tap on the croup, watched it depart with a sigh of regret.</p> - -<p>The hunter's comrades were provided with their arms and provisions, -consisting of pemmican, or buffalo meat, dried and pounded, and maize -tortillas.</p> - -<p>"Come, let us start," the Canadian said, throwing his rifle over his -shoulder.</p> - -<p>"A pleasant journey, and happy return," Juanito said, unable to prevent -himself accompanying that adieu by a sigh, in which it could be easily -read how vexed he felt at being thus left behind.</p> - -<p>"Thanks," the adventurers answered.</p> - -<p>So soon as they left the camp, they walked in Indian file, that is to -say, one behind the other, the second placing his foot exactly in the -steps of the first, and the third in those of the second, and so on to -the last. The latter, however, as closing the march, was careful to -efface, as far as was possible, the traces left by himself and those -who preceded him.</p> - -<p>Juanito, after looking after them for some minutes, as they descended -the mound, at the top of which the camp was, cautiously returned, and -seated himself by the fire. "Hum!" he muttered, "I shall not have -much fun here, but what must be must be." And with this philosophical -reflection, the worthy Mexican lit his cigarette, and began -smoking peacefully, while following with interest the blue wreaths -fantastically entwined by the evening breeze that rose from the smoke -of his Havanah tobacco, whose perfume he inhaled with all the methodic -phlegm of a true Indian Sagamore.</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> The spot where a river divides into several branches.</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> The country of reeds.</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> Sun of the water.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE—(<i>concluded</i>).</h3> - - -<p class="p2">In the new world, when people are travelling in Indian regions, and -do not desire to be tracked by the Redskins, they must be careful to -go to the east, if their business lies in the west, and <i>vice versa;</i> -in a word, imitate the manoeuvres of a ship, which, if surprised by -a contrary wind, is obliged to tack, and thus gradually approaches -the point it wishes to reach. Marksman was too conversant with the -cleverness and craft of the Indians not to act in a similar fashion. -Although the presence of Flying Eagle was, to a certain point, a -guarantee of security, still, not knowing with what Indian tribe -accident might bring him in contact, Marksman resolved not to be -discovered by anybody, were that possible.</p> - -<p>Fenimore Cooper, the immortal historian of the North American Indians, -has, in his excellent works, initiated us into the tricks employed -by the Tuscaroras, Mohicans, and Hurons, when they wish to foil the -researches of their enemies; but, no offence to the numerous admirers -of the sagacity of young Uncas, a magnificent type of the Delaware -nation (of which he was not, however, the last hero, for it still -exists, though sadly, diminished), the Indians of the United States are -only children, when compared with the Comanches, Apaches, Pawnees, and -other nations of the great western prairies, who may justly be regarded -as their masters in every respect. The reason is very simple, and easy -of comprehension. The northern tribes never existed in the condition -of political powers. Each of them governs itself, separately, and, to -some extent, according to its fancy. The Indians composing them rarely -ally themselves with their neighbours, and have, from time immemorial, -constantly led a nomadic life. Hence they have only possessed the -instincts (though highly developed, we grant) of men constantly -inhabiting the forests; that is to say, a marvellous agility, a great -fineness of hearing, and a miraculous length of sight—qualities, by -the way, which may be also found in the Arabs, and generally in all -wandering tribes, whatever be the nook of earth that shelters them. As -for their sagacity and skill, the wild beasts taught them, and they -only had the trouble of imitating them.</p> - -<p>The Mexican Indians join to the advantages we have mentioned the -remains of an advanced civilization—a civilization which, since the -Conquest, has taken refuge in inaccessible lurking places, but, for all -that, no less exists. The families, or tribes, regard themselves as -the members of one great whole—the nation. Now, the American nations, -continually fighting with the Spaniards on one side, and the North -Americans on the other, have felt the necessity of doubling their -strength, in order to triumph over the two formidable enemies who -incessantly harass them, and their descendants have gradually modified -what was injurious in their manners, to appropriate those of their -oppressors, and combat them with their own weapons. They have carried -these tactics so far—which have hitherto saved them, not only from -serfdom, but also from extermination—that they are perfect masters in -trickery and cunning; their ideas have grown larger, their intelligence -has been developed, and they have ended by surpassing their enemies in -craft and diplomacy, if we may employ the expression. And this is so -true, that for the last three hundred years the latter have not only -failed in subduing, but in preventing their periodical incursions, -which the Comanches proudly call the <i>Mexican Moon</i>, and during which -they destroy everything they come across with impunity.</p> - -<p>Can we really regard as savages these men, who, formerly driven back -by the dread of fire arms, and the sight of horses, animals of whose -existence they were ignorant, and compelled to conceal themselves in -inaccessible ravines, have yet defended their territory inch by inch, -and, in certain districts, have actually reconquered a portion of -their old estates? Better than anyone, we know that there are savages -in America, savages in the fullest sense of the term; but they have -proved a cheap conquest, and they daily disappear from the earth, for -they possess neither the necessary intelligence to understand, nor -the energy to defend themselves. These savages to whom we allude, -before being subject to the Spaniards or Anglo-Americans, were so to -the Mexicans, the Peruvians, and the Araucanos of Chili, owing to -their intellectual organization, which scarce elevates them above the -brutes. We must not confound this race of helots, who are an exception -in the genus, with the great untamed nations whose manners, necessarily -alluring, we are attempting to portray here; for in spite of the -efforts they make to withdraw themselves from its influence, that -European civilization they despise rather through the hereditary hatred -of their conquerors and the whole race generally, than from any other -motive, surrounds, crushes, and invades them on all sides. Perhaps, -before a hundred years are past, the emancipated Indians, who smile -with pity at the paltry contests going on between the phantom republic -that surrounds them, and the colossal pigmy of the United States which -menaces them, will take their rank again in the world, and raise their -heads proudly; and that will be just, for they are heroic natures, -richly endowed, and capable, under good direction, of undertaking or -carrying out great things. In Mexico itself, since the period when that -country proclaimed its so-called independence, all the eminent men who -have risen either in arts, diplomacy, or war, belong to the pure Indian -race. In support of our statement, we will cite a fact of immense -significance:—The best history of southern America, published up to -this day, was written by an Inca, Garcillasso de la Vega. Is not this -conclusive? is it not time to condemn all those systematically absurd -theories which insist on representing the red family as a bastard race, -incapable of amelioration, and fatally destined to disappear?</p> - -<p>Ending here this digression, which is perhaps, too lengthy, but is -indispensable for the due comprehension of the facts that follow, we -will take up our narrative again, at the point where we broke it off.</p> - -<p>After a march of three hours, rendered fatiguing and difficult by the -lofty grass, the adventurers reached the skirt of the forest. About -midnight, Marksman, after allowing his comrades two hours' rest, -started again. At sunrise they reached a species of canyon, or narrow -gorge, formed by two walls of perpendicular rocks, and were constrained -to march for four hours in the bed of a half dried-up torrent, in which -their footsteps fortunately left no mark. During several days their -journey over abrupt and desolate mountains was effected with great -toil, but did not offer any incident worthy of narration. At length -they found themselves again in the region of the <i>tierras calientes</i>; -the verdure reappeared, and the heat became sensible. Hence the -adventurers, who had suffered extremely from the cold in the lofty -regions of the Serranía, experienced a feeling of marked comfort on -inhaling the gentle and perfumed atmosphere, in contemplating the azure -sky and dazzling sun which had now taken the place of a grey and leaden -sky, and the limited, fog-laden horizon, which they had left behind -them. Toward the end of the fourth day after leaving the mountains, -Marksman uttered a shout of satisfaction, on noticing the skirt of -the immense virgin forest, toward which he was marching, rise in the -distant azure of the prairie. "Courage, my friends!" he said; "we shall -soon obtain the shadow and freshness lacking here."</p> - -<p>The adventurers, without replying, hurried their steps, like men who -perfectly appreciated the value of the promise made them. Night had -completely set in, when they reached the banks of a rather high river, -whose vicinity the tall grass had concealed from them, although for -some minutes they had heard the continued rustling of the water over -the pebbles. Marksman resolved to wait till the next day, and look for -a ford. The party camped, but the fire was prudently not lighted. The -adventurers wrapped themselves in their zarapés, after taking a scanty -meal, and soon fell asleep. Marksman alone watched. Gradually the moon -sunk on the horizon: the stars began to dim and go out in the depths of -the sky. The hunter, whose eyes fatigue closed against his will, was -about to yield to sleep, when suddenly a strange and unexpected sound -made him start. He drew himself up, as if he had received an electric -shock, and listened. A slight rustling agitated the reeds that bordered -the river, whose calm and motionless waters resembled a long silvery -ribbon. There was not a breath of air. The hunter laid his hand on -Flying Eagle's shoulder; the latter opened his eyes, and gazed at him. -"The Indians," Marksman muttered in the Chief's ear. Then, crawling on -his hands and knees, he glided down the slope, and entered the water. -Then he looked around him. The moon shed sufficient light to let him -survey the country for a long distance, but, in spite of the attention -he devoted, he could see nothing. All was calm; but he waited with eye -fixed, and ear on the watch. Half an hour passed, and the sound which -had aroused him was not repeated. However closely he listened, no sound -arose to disturb the silence of night. Still Marksman felt certain he -was not mistaken. In the desert all sounds have a cause, a reason; the -hunters know them, and can distinguish them, being never deceived as -to their nature. The hunter was immersed, however, in the water up to -his waist belt. In America, if the heat of the day is stifling, the -nights, to make up for it, are excessively fresh, and Marksman felt an -icy coldness invading his whole body. Tired of waiting, and believing -that he was deceived, he was at length preparing to return to the bank, -when, at the moment he was preparing to carry out his design, a hard -body struck his chest.</p> - -<p>He looked down, and instinctively thrust out his hands. He stifled a -cry of surprise; what had touched him was the side of a canoe, gliding -noiselessly through the reeds, which it parted in its passage. This -canoe, like all the Indian boats in these parts, was made of birch -bark, detached from the tree by means of boiling water. Marksman -examined the canoe, which seemed to be moving without the assistance of -any human being, and rather drifting with the current than proceeding -in a straight line. Still one thing astonished the Canadian: the canoe -was moving without the slightest oscillation. Evidently an invisible -being, probably an Indian, was directing it, but where was he? Was -he alone? This it was impossible to guess. The Canadian's anxiety -was extreme; he did not dare make the slightest move, through fear -of imprudently revealing his presence. And yet the canoe was moving -on. Resolved to know how it was, Marksman gently drew his knife, and, -holding his breath, bent down in the river, and only let the top of -his face emerge from the water. What he expected happened: in a moment -he saw the eyes of an Indian, who was swimming behind the canoe, and -pushing it with his arm, sparkle in the gloom like two live coals. -The Redskin held his face on a level with the water, and was looking -searchingly around him. The Canadian recognized an Apache. Suddenly -the stranger's eyes were fixed on the hunter. The latter; judged that -the time had arrived, and bounding with the suppleness and speed of a -jaguar, he seized his enemy by the throat; giving him no time to utter -a cry of alarm, he buried his knife in his heart. The Apache's face -turned black; his eyes were dilated; he struck the water for a moment -with his legs and arms; but soon his limbs stiffened, a convulsion -passed over his body, and the current bore him away, leaving behind a -slight reddish trace. He was dead. The Canadian, without the loss of a -moment, clambered into the canoe, and, holding on to the reeds, looked -across to the spot where he had left his comrades. The latter, warned -by Flying Eagle, had cautiously come up, bringing with them the rifle -left by the hunter on the bank.</p> - -<p>So soon as they were together again, they freed the canoe from the -reeds that barred its passage, and, by Marksman's advice, after -embarking, and turning the canoe into the current, they lay down -in the bottom. For some time they had been gliding along gently, -believing themselves hidden from the invisible enemies they supposed -to be concealed around them, when suddenly a terrible clamour broke -out, like a thunderclap. The body of the Apache killed by Marksman, -after following the current for some distance, had stopped in some -grass and dead leaves, exactly opposite an Indian camp, near which -the adventurers had passed a few hours previously, not suspecting its -presence. At the sight of their brother's corpse, the Redskins uttered -the formidable howl of grief we mentioned, and rushed tumultuously -toward the bank, pointing to the canoe.</p> - -<p>Marksman, seeing himself discovered, seized the paddles, and, aided by -Flying Eagle and Domingo, he was in a few minutes out of range. The -Apaches, furious at this flight, and not knowing with whom they had -to deal, overwhelmed their enemies with all the insults the Indian -tongue could supply, calling them hares, ducks, dogs, owls, and other -epithets, borrowed from the nomenclature of the animals they hate or -despise. The hunter and his companions did not trouble themselves about -these impotent insults; they began paddling vigorously, which soon -restored the circulation in their limbs.</p> - -<p>The Indians then changed their tactics; several long-barbed arrows were -shot at the canoe, and several shots were even discharged; but the -distance was too great, and the water was only dashed up by the bullets.</p> - -<p>Thus the night passed.</p> - -<p>The adventurers paddled eagerly; for they had noticed that the river, -owing to its countless bends, was visibly drawing nearer to the forest -they had so much interest in reaching. Still, believing that they no -longer had anything to fear from their enemies, they laid down the -paddles for a few moments, to rest, and take a little food.</p> - -<p>The day rose while they were thus engaged, and a magnificent landscape -was unfolded before the dazzled eyes of the adventurers. "Oh!" Flying -Eagle exclaimed, with an expression of surprise.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" Marksman answered at once, who understood that -the Chief had noticed something out of the common.</p> - -<p>"Look!" the Comanche said, emphatically, holding his arm out in the -direction they had come during the night.</p> - -<p>"<i>Virtudieu!</i>" the Canadian shouted. "Two canoes in pursuit of us. Oh, -oh! we must make a fight of it."</p> - -<p>"<i>Cuerpo del Cristo!</i>" Domingo said, in his turn, with a bound, which -almost upset the frail boat.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter now?"</p> - -<p>"Look!"</p> - -<p>"A thousand demons!" the hunter exclaimed. "We are beset."</p> - -<p>In fact, two canoes were rapidly coming up in the rear of the -adventurers, while two others, starting from, the opposite sides of -the river, were pulling ahead of them, with the evident intention of -barring their passage, and cutting off their retreat.</p> - -<p>"<i>Voto a Dios!</i> these Redskins want to make us dance a singular -<i>jaleo</i>" Domingo muttered. "What do you say, old hunter?"</p> - -<p>"Good, good!" Marksman replied gaily; "we'll find the music. Attention, -comrades, and redouble your energy."</p> - -<p>At a sign from him, all the men took up paddles, and gave such an -impetus to their canoe, that it seemed to fly over the water. The -situation was becoming critical for the whites. Marksman, upright, and -leaning on his rifle, coldly calculated the chances of this inevitable -rencontre. He did not fear the boats in pursuit, for they were at too -great a distance behind, to hope to catch him; all his attention was -concentrated on those in front, between which he must pass. Each stroke -of the paddle diminished the distance which separated the white men -from the Redskins. The hostile canoes, as far as could be judged from -a distance, seemed overloaded, and only advanced with some difficulty. -Marksman had judged the situation with an infallible glance, and formed -one of those daring resolutions, to which he owed the reputation he -enjoyed, and which resolution could alone save him and his friends, in -these critical circumstances.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>RED SKINS AND WHITE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Marksman, as we have said, had formed a final resolution. Instead of -trying to escape by passing between the two canoes, which would have -entailed a risk of being run down, he turned slightly to the left, and -paddled straight toward the canoe nearest his own.</p> - -<p>The Indians, who did not at first comprehend the meaning of this -manoeuvre, greeted him with shouts of joy and triumph. The adventurers -kept silence, but they redoubled their efforts, and continued to -advance. A sarcastic smile played round the lips of the Canadian -hunter. As his canoe drew nearer to that of the Apaches, he noticed -that the left bank of the river was indented, and at this moment -perceived that this was caused by an islet very near the land, but -leaving a sufficient passage for his boat, which would thus avoid a -bend again on the pursuing foe. The main point was in reaching the -point of the islet before the Indians in the first canoe did so. The -latter had at length begun to suspect, if they did not completely -guess, the intentions of their intrepid adversary; hence they, for -their part, changed their tactics, and altered their steering. Instead -of going to meet the Whites, as they had done up to this moment, they -suddenly tacked, and paddled vigorously in the direction of the island.</p> - -<p>Marksman understood that he must stop their progress at all risks. Till -then, not a shot or an arrow had been fired on either side. The Apaches -were so persuaded that they would succeed in capturing the adventurers, -that they thought it useless to proceed to those extremities. The -Whites, on their part, who also felt the necessity of saving their -powder in a hostile country, where it would be impossible to renew -their stock, had hitherto imitated them through prudence, however much -they might have desired to come to blows. Still, the Indian canoe was -now not more than fifty yards from the isle. The hunter, after taking -a final glance around, bent down to his comrades, and said a few words -in a low voice. They immediately laid down their paddles, and, seizing -their rifles, rested them on the gunwales of the boat, after putting in -a second bullet. Marksman had done the same. "Are you ready?" he asked, -a moment after.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the adventurers answered.</p> - -<p>"Fire, then, and aim low."</p> - -<p>The five shots sounded like one.</p> - -<p>"Now to your paddles, and quick!" the hunter said, giving the example, -as usual.</p> - -<p>Eight arms took up the paddles again, and the light canoe began -bounding once more over the water. The hunter alone reloaded his rifle, -and waited on his knee, ready to fire.</p> - -<p>The effect of the volley was soon visible,—the five shots, all aimed -at the same spot, had opened an enormous breach in the side of the -Indian boat, just on a level with the water line. Cries of terror and -pain rose from the group of Apaches, who leapt into the water one after -the other, swimming in every direction. As for the canoe, left to -itself, it floated a little way, gradually filled with water, and at -length sunk.</p> - -<p>The adventurers, believing themselves freed from their enemies, relaxed -their efforts for a moment. Suddenly, Flying Eagle raised his paddle, -while Marksman clubbed his rifle. Two Apaches, with athletic limbs and -ferocious glances, were trying to fasten on the canoe and upset it. -But they soon fell back with fractured skulls, and floated down the -stream. A few moments later the hunters reached the passage.</p> - -<p>Several Apaches, however, had managed to swim to the island: so soon -as they emerged from the water, they set out in pursuit of the whites, -running along the bank; for want of better instruments, they hurled -stones at them, for they could not use their damp rifles, and they had -lost their bows and arrows through their sudden plunge in the river.</p> - -<p>Though the weapons employed by the Apaches for the moment were so -primitive, Marksman recommended his companions to redouble their -efforts, in order to escape as soon as possible from these immense -projectiles, which, from behind every tuft of grass and elevation of -the ground, fell sharp as hail round the canoe,—for the Redskins, -according to their habit, took care not to let themselves be seen, -through fear of bullets. Still, this situation was growing unbearable, -and they must emerge from it. The hunter, who was eagerly watching -an opportunity to give his obstinate foes a severe lesson, at length -fancied he had found it. He saw, a few yards from him, a tuft of -floripondios moving slightly; quickly shouldering his rifle, he aimed, -and pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>A terrible yell burst from the medley of floripondios, canaverales, -creepers, and aquatic plants which formed this hedge, and an Apache, -bounding like a wounded tiger, rushed forward with the intention of -seeking shelter behind the tree that grew a short distance from him -in the centre of the islet. Marksman, who had reloaded his rifle, -pointed it at the fugitive, but raised it again directly. The Apache -fell on the ground, and was rolling in the last convulsions. At the -same instant a dozen Indians rushed from behind the shrubs, raised the -corpse in their arms, and disappeared with the speed of a legion of -phantoms.</p> - -<p>A sudden calm, an extraordinary tranquillity, succeeded the extreme -agitation and irregular cries which had aroused the echoes a few -moments previously.</p> - -<p>"Poor wretch!" Marksman muttered, as he laid his rifle again in the -bottom of the canoe, and seized a pair of paddles; "I am vexed at what -has happened to him. I believe they have enough; now that they know the -range of my rifle, they will leave us in peace."</p> - -<p>The hunter had calculated correctly: in truth, the Redskins gave no -further signs of life.</p> - -<p>What we say here must not in any way surprise the reader: every -Indian understands honour in its own fashion. The Indians hold it as -a principle never to expose themselves uselessly to any danger. With -them success alone can justify their actions; hence, when they no -longer consider themselves the stronger, they renounce, without shame, -projects they have conceived and prepared for many weeks.</p> - -<p>The adventurers at length doubled the point of the island. The second -canoe was already a very long way behind them, as for those they had -just perceived behind them, they only looked like dots on the horizon. -When the Redskins in the second canoe saw that the adventurers had -gained a start which it was impossible for them to pick up, and that -they were escaping, they made a general discharge of their weapons,—a -powerless demonstration, which injured nobody, for the bullets and -arrows fell a considerable distance short of the White men; then they -turned back to join their comrades, who had sought shelter on the -island.</p> - -<p>Marksman and his companions were saved. After paddling for about an -hour longer, in order to place sufficient distance between themselves -and their enemies they took a moment's rest, and washed the contusions -they had received from several stones that had struck them with fresh -water. In the ardour of the engagement, they had not noticed the -blows, but now that the danger was past, they were beginning to suffer -from them. The forest which, in the morning, owing to the constant -meanderings of the river, was so far from them, was now much nearer, -and they hoped to reach it before night, after a short interruption. -They, therefore, took to their paddles again with renewed ardour, -and continued their voyage. At sunset, the canoe disappeared beneath -an immense dome of foliage belonging to the virgin forest, which the -river crossed at an angle. So soon as the darkness began to fall, -the desert woke up, and the howling of wild beasts proceeding to the -watering places were heard hoarsely echoing in the unexplored depths -of the forest. Marksman did not consider it prudent at this hour to -enter a strange country, which doubtless contained dangers of every -description. Consequently, after pulling for some time, to find a -suitable landing place, the hunter gave the order to pull into a -point of rock, which jutted out in the water, and formed a species of -promontory, on which it was easy to land.</p> - -<p>So soon as he stepped ashore, the Canadian walked round the rock, in -order to look at the vicinity, and know in what part of the forest they -were. This time chance had served them better than they could have -dared to hope. After removing, with great pains and minute precautions, -the creepers and brambles that choked the path, the hunter suddenly -found himself at the entrance of a natural path, probably formed by one -of those volcanic convulsions so frequent in this country. On seeing -it, he stopped, and lighting an <i>ocote</i> branch, with which he had been -careful to provide himself, he boldly, entered the grotto, followed by -his companions. The sudden appearance of the light startled a swarm -of night birds and bats, which began flying heavily, and escaping in -every direction. Marksman continued his progress, not troubling himself -about these gloomy hosts, whose lugubrious sports he interrupted so -unexpectedly. This grotto was high, spacious, and airy. It was, under -the present circumstances, a precious discovery for the adventurers; -for it offered them an almost secure shelter for the night against the -researches of the Apaches, who assuredly had not given up the pursuit. -The adventurers, after exploring the cavern on all sides, and assuring -themselves that it had two exits, which secured the means of flight, -if they were attacked by too numerous enemies, returned to their boat, -drew it from the water, and carried it on their shoulders to the -extremity of the grotto. Then, with that patience of which Indians and -wood rangers are alone capable, they effaced the least traces, the -slightest imprints, which might have allowed their place of debarkation -to be discovered, or the retreat they had chosen guessed. The bent -blades of grass were raised, the creepers and brambles they had moved -drawn together, and after the task was accomplished, no one could -have suspected that several persons had passed through them. After -this, collecting an ample stock of dead wood and <i>ocote</i> branches, for -torches, they reentered the grotto, with the manifest intention of at -last taking a little of that rest they needed so greatly. All these -preparations took time; hence, the night was already far advanced when -the adventurers, after swallowing a hasty meal, at length wrapped -themselves in their zarapés, and lay down, with their feet to the fire, -and their rifles in their hands. Nothing disturbed their sleep, which -was continuing when the first sunbeams purpled the horizon with their -joyous tints. It was Marksman who aroused his companions.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle was not in the grotto. This absence in no way alarmed the -hunter; he was too well acquainted with the Comanche sachem to fear any -treachery on his part.</p> - -<p>"Up!" he cried to the sleepers. "The sun has risen; we have rested -enough; it is time to think of our business."</p> - -<p>In an instant all were afoot.</p> - -<p>The hunter was not mistaken: the fire was scarce kindled, ere -Flying Eagle made his appearance. The Chief bore on his shoulders a -magnificent elk, which he threw silently on the ground, and then seated -himself by Eglantine's side.</p> - -<p>"On my word, Chief," Marksman said, gaily, "you are a man of -precaution; your hunt is welcome; our provisions were beginning to -diminish furiously."</p> - -<p>The Comanche smiled with pleasure at this remark, but he made no -other reply: like all his fellows, the Indian only spoke when it was -absolutely necessary.</p> - -<p>At a sign from the Canadian, Domingo, who was a first-rate hunter, -immediately set to work breaking up the elk. The pemmican, queso, -and Indian corn remained in the adventurer's alforjas, thanks to -the succulent steaks cut adroitly from the animal by Domingo, and -which, roasted on the ashes, procured them a delicious breakfast; the -festival was crowned with a few drops of pulque, from which the two -Comanches abstained, according to the custom of their nation. Pipes and -cigarettes were then lighted, and each began smoking silently.</p> - -<p>Marksman reflected on the steps he must take, while Domingo and -Bermudez prepared everything for departure; at length, he decided on -speaking. "Caballeros," he said, "we have arrived at the spot where -our journey really commences; it is time for me to tell you where -we are going. So soon as we have crossed this forest, which will not -take long, we shall have before us an immense plain, in the midst of -which stands a city; this city is called by the Indians Quiepaa Tani; -it is one of those mysterious cities in which, since the conquest, the -Mexican civilization of the Incas has taken refuge; to that city we are -proceeding, for the maidens we wish to save have sought shelter there. -That city is sacred; woe to the European or white man who is discovered -in its vicinity! I confess to you that the perils we have hitherto -incurred are as nothing to be compared with those that probably await -us, ere we gain the end we have proposed to ourselves. It is impossible -for all of us to dream of entering that city; the attempt would be -madness, and only result in our being massacred for no good. On the -other hand, we might find it necessary to meet there those devoted -companions, who, in the hour of danger, would come to our aid. I have, -therefore, resolved on this: Bermudez will proceed to the spot where -we left Juanito; then both, leading the horses with them, will join -Brighteye's and Ruperto's detachments at the agreed on spot, and guide -them here. What is your opinion, Caballeros? Do you approve my plan?"</p> - -<p>"In every point," Don Mariano answered, with a bow.</p> - -<p>"And you, Chief?"</p> - -<p>"My brother is prudent; what he does is well."</p> - -<p>"What? I am going to leave you!" poor Bermudez muttered, addressing his -master.</p> - -<p>"It must be, my friend," the latter answered; "but not for long, I -hope."</p> - -<p>"Try to remember the road we have followed, so as not to make a -mistake in returning," the hunter remarked.</p> - -<p>"I will try."</p> - -<p>"Eh, old hunter?" Domingo said with a grin. "Why the deuce do you not -send me, who am a wood ranger, and have the desert at my fingers' ends, -instead of this poor man, who, I feel sure, will leave his bones on the -way?"</p> - -<p>Marksman gave the Gambusino a piercing glance, which made him blush -and look down. "Because," he answered, laying a stress on each word, -"friend Domingo, I feel such a powerful inclination toward you, that I -cannot consent to let you out of my sight for a moment! You understand -me, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly, perfectly," the Gambusino stammered; "you need not get in a -passion, old hunter. I will stay. What I said was in your behalf; that -was all."</p> - -<p>"I appreciate your offer, as it deserves," the Canadian answered, -sarcastically; "so let us say no more about it." Then he continued, -addressing Bermudez, "As we may possibly soon require help, try, on -your return, to take a shorter and more direct road. You hear?"</p> - -<p>"And understand; be at rest. I am too satisfied of the recommendations -you give me, to neglect them."</p> - -<p>"A last word. I have told you that it was absolutely necessary, for -the success of the difficult expedition we are attempting, that we -should find here, in case of need, a strong detachment of resolute men; -warn Ruperto to be doubly prudent, and avoid, as far as possible, any -meeting, and, of course, any quarrel with the Indians."</p> - -<p>"I will tell him."</p> - -<p>"Now put the canoe in the water; and good luck."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant you may succeed in saving my poor Niña," the old servant -said, with an emotion he could not overcome. "I would joyfully give my -life for her."</p> - -<p>"Go in peace, my friend," Marksman answered, affectionately. "You have -already sacrificed much."</p> - -<p>The adventurers then left the grotto, not without first looking round -to see there was no danger. A profound silence prevailed beneath the -impenetrable forest covert. They then raised on their shoulders the -canoe, in which they had placed provisions for the comrade who was -about to leave them, and it soon floated lightly on the water. Bermudez -took his parting farewell, and then turning away, with an effort, -leaped into the canoe, seized the paddles, and went off.</p> - -<p>"We shall meet again soon," Don Mariano said, with emotion.</p> - -<p>"Soon, if Heaven decree it!" Bermudez answered.</p> - -<p>"Amen!" the adventurers piously murmured.</p> - -<p>Marksman followed, for a long time, the course of the canoe, and then -turned hastily to his comrades. "His is a devoted heart," he muttered, -as if speaking to himself. "Will he get there?"</p> - -<p>"God will protect him!" Don Mariano answered.</p> - -<p>"That is true," the hunter said, passing his hand over his forehead. -"I am mad, on my word, to have such thoughts, and, what is more, -ungrateful to Providence, which has hitherto watched over us with such, -solicitude."</p> - -<p>"Well spoken, my friend," Don Mariano remarked. "I feel a presentiment -that we shall succeed."</p> - -<p>"Well, would you have me speak frankly to you?" the hunter said, gaily. -"I feel the same presentiment; so forwards!"</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle at this moment laid his hand on the hunter's shoulder. -"Before starting, I should like to hold a council with my brother," he -said; "the case is grave."</p> - -<p>"You are right, Chief; let us return to the grotto; our movements must -be combined with the utmost prudence, so that when the moment arrives, -we may not commit an irreparable mistake which would hopelessly -compromise the success of our expedition."</p> - -<p>The Comanche made a sign of assent, and preceding his friends, returned -to the cavern. The fire was not yet completely out, but smouldered in -the ashes; in a second it blazed up again, and the four men seated -themselves gravely round it. The Chief then took his calumet from his -girdle, filled it with sacred tobacco, lit it, and after slowly drawing -two or three mouthfuls of smoke, passed it to Marksman. The calumet -then passed round, without a word being uttered, until the tobacco -contained in the bowl was consumed. When nothing remained but the ash, -the Chief shook it out in the fire, returned the calumet to his girdle, -and addressed Marksman. "A Chief would speak," he said.</p> - -<p>"My brother can speak," the hunter answered, with a bow: "our ears are -open."</p> - -<p>The Sachem, after making his wife a sign to retire out of range -of voice, which, according to the Indian custom, Eglantine did -immediately, bowed reverently to the members of the council, spoke, as -follows.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE COUNCIL.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Flying Eagle, since the commencement of the expedition, in which -he had consented to take a share, had constantly played a passive -part, accepting, without discussion, the combinations proposed by -Marksman, executing frankly and faithfully the orders he received -from the hunter; in a word, entirely performing the part of a warrior -subordinate to a chief whose duty it is to think for him: hence the -new attitude suddenly assumed by the Sachem filled the Canadian with -surprise, for he had no notion on what subject the debate was about to -turn, and he feared in his heart lest, in the critical situation he -was in at the moment, the Comanche intended to leave him to his own -resources, or, perhaps, raise obstacles to the execution of his plans. -Hence he impatiently awaited the explanation of his ally's strange -conduct.</p> - -<p>The Chief, still apathetic, rose, and bowing once again, began to -speak:—"Palefaces, my brothers," he said, in his guttural and -sympathetic voice, "for more than a moon we have been together on the -same path, sharing the same fatigue, sleeping side by side, eating -the produce of the same chase; but the chief you admitted to share -your labour and perils has not, till this day, been allowed to advance -so far in your confidence as a friend should do. Your heart has even -remained to him closed and covered with a thick cloud. Your projects -are as unknown to him as on the first day. The words your chest -breathes are and remain to him inexplicable riddles. Is this right? is -it just? No! Why did you summon me? Why did you beg me to accompany -you, if I am ever to remain a stranger to you? Up to the present I have -shut up in my heart the bitterness which your suspicious conduct caused -me. Not a complaint rose from my heart to my lips, on seeing myself -treated in a manner so ill suited to my rank and the relations I have -maintained with you. Even at this moment I would continue to maintain -silence if my friendship for you was not stronger than the resentment -caused by your ungenerous conduct toward me. We are on the holy land -of the Indians; the ground we tread on is sacred; perils surround us, -numberless snares are laid for our steps on all sides. Why should I -teach you to avoid them, if your plans are not at length revealed to -me, and unless I know whether the path we are following is that of war -or of hunting? Speak with frankness—take the skin from your heart, -as I have done from mine. Enlighten me as to the conduct you intend -to pursue, and the object you propose, so that I may aid you by my -counsels should that be necessary, and that, being your ally, I should -no longer be kept aloof from your deliberations, which is a disgrace to -the nation of which I have the honour to be a member, and unworthy of -a warrior like myself. I have spoken, brothers. I await your answer, -which I am convinced will be such as warriors so wise and experienced -as yourselves ought to give."</p> - -<p>During the long speech of the Comanche Chief, Marksman had repeatedly -given signs of impatience, and, had he not feared making a breach in -the rules of Indian etiquette by interrupting him, he would certainly -have done so; it was with great difficulty he succeeded in restraining -himself and maintaining that apathetic appearance absolutely demanded -in such circumstances. So soon as the Chief took his place again, the -hunter rose, and after bowing to the audience, he spoke in a firm -voice, with these words:—"The Wacondah is great. He holds in his right -hand the hearts of all men, whatever their colour may be. He alone can -know their intentions and read their souls. The reproaches you address -to me, Chief, have an appearance of justice which I will not discuss -with you. You may have supposed, from the conduct which circumstances -have hitherto constrained me to hold toward you, that I did not grant -you all the confidence you so justly desired; but it is not so; I -waited till the hour for speaking arrived, not only to explain to you -my intentions, but also to claim your assistance and intervention. As -you wish me to explain myself at once, I will do so; but, perhaps, it -would have been better for you to wait till the forest in which we now -are was traversed."</p> - -<p>"I will remark to my brother that I demand nothing of him. I thought it -my duty to make certain observations to him; if he does not find them -just, his heart is good. He will pardon me when he remembers that I am -only a poor Indian, whose intellect is obscured by a cloud, and that I -had no intention to wound him."</p> - -<p>"No, no, Chief," the hunter said quickly; "as we are on this question, -it is better to clear it up at once, in order not to have to return to -it again, and that nothing may arise between us for the future."</p> - -<p>"I am at my brother's orders, ready to hear, if it pleases him, and -willing still to wait, if he considers it necessary."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, Chief; but I adhere to my first resolution. I prefer to -tell you all."</p> - -<p>The Comanche smiled cunningly. "Is my brother really resolved to -speak?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Good. Then my brother has nothing to add. All that he has to say to me -I know. He can tell me nothing more than I have guessed myself."</p> - -<p>The hunter could not repress a start of surprise. "Oh, oh," he -muttered, "what is the meaning of that, Chief? Why, then, the -reproaches you addressed to me?"</p> - -<p>"Because I wished to make my brother understand that a friend must -hold nothing concealed from another, especially when that friend has -been proved for long years, when his fidelity is staunch, and he can be -depended on like a second self."</p> - -<p>The hunter smiled slightly, but at once regained his gravity. "Thanks -for the lesson you give me, Chief," he said, holding out his hand -cordially. "I deserve it, for I really failed in my confidence to you. -The service I expect from you is so important for us that I put off -daily asking it of you, and, in spite of myself, I confess I should -probably not have made up my mind till the very last moment."</p> - -<p>"I know it," the Comanche said, his good temper entirely restored.</p> - -<p>"Still," the hunter continued, "in spite of the assurance that you know -my plans, it would be, perhaps, as well for me to enter into certain -details of which you are ignorant."</p> - -<p>"I repeat to my brother that I know all. Flying Eagle is one of the -first Chiefs of his nation; he has a quick ear and a piercing sight. -For nearly two moons he has not left the great Pale warrior; during -that period many events have happened, many words have been spoken -before him. The Chief has seen, he has heard, and all is as clear in -his mind as if these things had been drawn for him on one of those -collars which the white men know so well how to make, and some of which -he has seen in the hands of the Chief of the Prayer."</p> - -<p>"However great your penetration may be, Chief," the hunter objected, "I -can scarcely imagine you are so well acquainted with my intentions as -you suppose."</p> - -<p>"Not only do I know my brother's intentions, but I am also aware of the -service he expects from me."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! Chief, you will cause me enormous pleasure by telling it to -me; not that I doubt your penetration, for the red men are renowned for -their cleverness. Still, all this seems to me so extraordinary that I -should like to be convinced, were it only for my personal satisfaction, -and to prove to the persons who hear us how wrong we white men are in -imagining that we are so superior in intellect, when, on the contrary, -you Indians leave us far behind."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Domingo muttered, "what you say there is rather strong, old -hunter. It is notorious that the Indians are brute beasts."</p> - -<p>"That is not my opinion," Don Mariano remarked, "though I know very -little of the Redskins, with whom I never entered into any connection -before this occasion. Still, since my arrival in these regions, I have -seen them accomplish acts so astonishing, that I should not feel at all -surprised if this Chief had completely read our plans, as he assures -us."</p> - -<p>"I think so too," the hunter added. "However, we shall judge. Speak, -Chief, that we may know as soon as possible what opinion to form of the -penetration you flatter yourself with possessing."</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle is not a chattering old woman, who boasts rightly and -wrongly; he is a Sachem, whose deeds and words are ripely meditated. He -does not pretend to know more than his brothers, the Palefaces; still, -the experience he has acquired serves him in the place of wisdom, and -helps him to explain what he sees and hears."</p> - -<p>"That is well, Chief. I know that you are a valiant and renowned -warrior. Our ears are open; we are listening to you with all the -attention you deserve."</p> - -<p>"My brother, the great hunter, wishes to enter Quiepaa Tani, where the -two white maidens are sheltered, one of whom is the daughter of the -Chief with the grey beard. These two women were confided to an Apache -Sachem, called Addick. My brother, the hunter, is anxious to arrive at -Quiepaa Tani, because he fears treachery from the Apache Chief, whom he -suspects of having allied himself with the white man who was hired by -the Palefaces to carry off the two women, and make them disappear. I -have spoken. Have I truly understood the intentions of my brother, or -am I deceived?"</p> - -<p>His auditors regarded each other with amazement. The Chief enjoyed his -triumph for a moment, and then continued—"Now, this is the service the -hunter wishes to ask of the Comanche Sachem—"</p> - -<p>"By heavens, Chief!" Marksman exclaimed, "I must confess that all you -have said is true. How did you learn it? I know not how to explain it, -although I grant we have said enough on the subject in your presence to -enable you to guess it; but as for the service I expect from you, if -you can tell me that, I will allow you to be the greatest—"</p> - -<p>"Let my brother not be rash," the Chief interrupted him, with a -proud smile, "lest he should soon take me for an adept of the great -<i>medicine</i>."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter said, gravely, "I should not like to swear you are -not."</p> - -<p>"Och! my brother shall judge. No Paleface has, till this day, succeeded -in entering Quiepaa Tani; still my brother wishes, at all hazards, to -visit the city, in order to obtain certain information about the two -pale virgins. Unfortunately, my brother does not know how to set about -his plan, nor how he would succeed in saving the maidens, if he found -them in danger. That is why he thought of Flying Eagle. He said to -himself that his red brother was a Chief, and must have friends or -relations in Quiepaa Tani; that the entrance to the city, forbidden -him through his colour, was not so to the Chief, and that Flying Eagle -would obtain for him the information he could not obtain himself."</p> - -<p>"Yes, that is what I thought, Chief. Why should I conceal it? Am I -mistaken? Will you not do that for me?"</p> - -<p>"I will do better," the Indian answered. "Let my brother listen. -Eglantine is a woman; no one will notice her; she will enter the city -unperceived, and obtain the information the hunter needs better than -the Chief can. When the moment for action arrives, Flying Eagle will -help the hunter."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! you are right, Sachem; your idea is better than mine. It is -preferable in every respect that Eglantine should go on the discovery. -A woman cannot inspire suspicions, and she can learn news better than -anyone. Let us start, then, without any further delay. So soon as we -have crossed the forest, we will send her to the Tzinco."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle shook his head, and kept his hold of the hunter's arm, who -had already risen to set out. "My brother is quick," he said; "let me -say one word more."</p> - -<p>"Let us see."</p> - -<p>"Eglantine will go ahead; my brother will have news sooner."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano rose, and pressed the Comanche's hand with emotion. "Thanks -for the good thought that has occurred to you, Chief," he said to him. -"You have delicate feelings; your heart is noble; it can sympathize -with a father's sorrow. Once again I thank you."</p> - -<p>The Indian turned away, to conceal the trace of agitation on his face, -which, in his idea, was unworthy a Chief, who, under all circumstances, -must remain stoical.</p> - -<p>"In truth," Marksman said, "the Chief's proposal will make us gain -precious time; his idea is excellent."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle made Eglantine a sign to approach him, which she at once -obeyed. The Chief then explained to her in his tongue what she was to -do, to which she listened with charming grace, standing timidly before -him. When Flying Eagle had given her his instructions most fully, and -she perfectly understood what was wanted of her, she turned gracefully -to Don Mariano and Marksman, and said, with a smile almost prophetic -—"Eglantine will learn."</p> - -<p>These two words filled the poor father's heart with joy and hope. -"Bless you, young woman!" he said; "bless you, for the kindness you -show me at this moment, and that you intend to show me."</p> - -<p>The separation between husband and wife was as it should be with -Indians; that is to say, grave and cold. Whatever love Flying Eagle -felt for his companion, he would have been ashamed, in the presence of -strangers, and above all of whites, to display the slightest emotion, -or allow the feelings of his heart towards her to be guessed. After -bowing once more to Don Mariano and Marksman in farewell, Eglantine -hastened away, with that quick and high step which renders the Indians -the first walkers in the world. Though the Chief's stoicism was so -great, still he looked after his young wife, until she disappeared -among the trees.</p> - -<p>As nothing pressed them at the moment, the adventurers allowed the -great heat of the day to pass, and only set out when the declining -sun appeared like a ball of fire, almost on a level with the ground. -Their march was slow, owing to the countless difficulties they had -to surmount, in forcing their way through the intertwined creepers -and brambles, which they had to cut down with axes at every step. At -length, after a four days' march, during which they had to endure -extraordinary fatigue, they saw the trees growing more sparsely, -the scrub become less dense, and, between the trees they perceived -a deep and open horizon. Although the adventurers were in the heart -of a virgin forest, where, according to all probability, they could -not expect to meet anybody of their own species, they neglected no -precaution, and advanced very prudently in Indian file, with the finger -on the trigger, eye and ear on the watch; for being so near one of the -sacred Indian cities, they might expect, especially after the smart -skirmish a few days previous, to be tracked by scouts sent in search -of them. Toward the evening of the fourth day, at the moment they were -preparing to camp for the night in a vast clearing on the banks of a -nameless stream, so many of which are met with in the virgin forests, -Marksman, who was marching at the head of the little party, suddenly -stopped, and looked down on the ground, with signs of the utmost -astonishment.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" Don Mariano anxiously asked him.</p> - -<p>Marksman did not answer him; but he turned to the Indian Chief, and -said, with a certain degree of alarm, "Look yourself, Chief; this seems -to me inconceivable."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle stooped down in his turn, and remained a long time -examining the marks which seemed to trouble the hunter so greatly. At -length he rose.</p> - -<p>"Well?" Marksman asked him.</p> - -<p>"A band of horsemen has passed by here this very day," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the hunter said; "but who are the horsemen? Where do they come -from? That is what I want to know."</p> - -<p>The Indian resumed his inspection, with an attention more minute than -before. "They are Palefaces," after a pause, he said.</p> - -<p>"What! Palefaces!" Marksman exclaimed, with a voice prudently -suppressed; "it is impossible! Think where we are. Never has a white -man, excepting myself, penetrated into these regions."</p> - -<p>"They are Palefaces," the Chief insisted, "Look, one of them stopped -here and dismounted; here is the mark of his steps; his foot crushed -that tuft of grass; one of his nails in his shoe left a black line on -that stone."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Marksman muttered; "the Indian moccasins do not leave -such marks. But who can these men be? How did they get here? What -direction have they followed?"</p> - -<p>While Marksman was asking himself these questions, and hopelessly -seeking the solution of the problem, Flying Eagle had walked some -paces, attentively following the marks, which were perfectly plain on -the ground.</p> - -<p>"Well, Chief," the hunter asked, as he saw him returning, "have you -found anything which can put us on the right scent?"</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Indian said, with a toss of his head. "The trail is fresh; -the horsemen are not far off."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure of it, Chief? Remember how important it is for us to know -who the people are we have for neighbours."</p> - -<p>The Comanche remained silent for a moment, plunged in serious thought. -Then he raised his head. "Flying Eagle," he said, "will try to satisfy -his brother. Let the Palefaces remain here till his return; the Chief -will take up the trail; he will soon tell the hunter if the men are -friends or enemies."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I will go with you, Chief," Marksman sharply replied. "It -shall not be said that, in order to be useful to us, you exposed -yourself to a serious danger, without having a friend near to back you -up."</p> - -<p>"No," the Indian went on; "my brother must remain here; one warrior is -sufficient."</p> - -<p>Marksman knew that, when once the Chief had formed a resolution, -nothing could make him alter it. Hence he no longer urged it. "Go -then," he said, "and act as you please. I know that what you do will be -right."</p> - -<p>The Comanche threw his rifle over his shoulder, lay down on the ground, -and crawled like a serpent amid the underwood.</p> - -<p>"And what are we to do?" Don Mariano asked.</p> - -<p>"Await the Chief's return," Marksman answered; "and while doing so, -prepare supper, the need of which I am certain you are beginning to -feel, like myself."</p> - -<p>The adventurers installed themselves, as well as they could, in the -clearing, following Marksman's advice, and awaiting the return of the -scout, whose absence, however, was much longer than they expected; for -night had fallen long before he made his appearance.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SECOND DETACHMENT.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">As we have said in our previous chapter, Flying Eagle started on the -trail of the horsemen whose footsteps had been perceived by Marksman. -The Indian was really one of the finest sleuth-hounds of his nation; -for, although night fell rapidly, and soon prevented him from -distinguishing the traces which served to guide him in his search, he -continued not a bit the less to advance with a sure and certain step. -About ten minutes after leaving his companions, the Chief rose to his -feet, and not appearing to attach great importance to the marks on the -ground, he continued his search, satisfying himself with looking, from -time to time, peeringly at the trees and shrubs that surrounded him. -Flying Eagle continued walking thus for an hour without hesitation or -checking his speed. On reaching a spot where the trees fell back on -both sides, thus forming an open space into which several wild beast -tracks opened, the Chief stopped for a moment, cast an investigating -and suspicious glance around, clutched his rifle, which he had hitherto -carried on his back, inspected the priming carefully, and bending his -body to a level with the tall grass, he advanced with measured steps -toward a thicket, the branches of which he drew aside, and in which -he speedily disappeared. So soon as he was completely concealed, the -Comanche knelt down, gradually opened the leafy curtain that hid him, -and looked out. Suddenly Flying Eagle rose, uncocked his rifle, which -he threw back again on his shoulder, and stepped forth with head erect, -and a smile on his lips.</p> - -<p>In the centre of a large clearing, illumined by three or four fires, -some twenty men were encamped, picturesquely grouped round the fires, -and joyously preparing their evening meal, while their horses grazed -a short distance off. These horsemen, whom Flying Eagle recognized at -the first glance, were Don Leo de Torres, Brighteye, and the Gambusinos -detached in pursuit of Don Estevan. The Indian approached the fire near -which Don Leo and the hunters were seated, and stopped in front of -them.</p> - -<p>"May the Wacondah watch over my brothers!" he said, in salutation; "a -friend has come to visit them."</p> - -<p>"He is welcome," Don Leo answered gracefully, as he held out his hand.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Brighteye went on, "a thousand times welcome; though there's -reason that his presence should surprise us."</p> - -<p>The Chief bowed, and took his place between the two whites.</p> - -<p>"How is it we meet you here?" the hunter asked.</p> - -<p>"The question my brother asks me at this moment is exactly what I was -preparing to ask myself."</p> - -<p>"How so?" Don Miguel asked.</p> - -<p>"Does not my brother, the Paleface, know where he is at this moment?"</p> - -<p>"Not at all. Since our separation, we have constantly followed the -trail of an enemy, though we could not catch him up; that trail has led -us to parts strange to Brighteye himself."</p> - -<p>"I am bound to confess it. This is the second time such a thing has -occurred to me, and under exactly similar circumstances. The first -time, I remember, it was in 1843. I was on the—"</p> - -<p>"But if the hunter does not know these regions," Flying Eagle -interrupted him unceremoniously, "my brother, the warrior knows them."</p> - -<p>"I?" Don Leo said. "Not the least in the world, Chief. I assure you it -is the first time I have come this way."</p> - -<p>"My brother is mistaken, he has been here already; but, like all the -Palefaces, my brother's memory is short, he has forgotten."</p> - -<p>"No, Chief. I am too well acquainted with the desert not to recognize, -at the first glance, any spot which I have once visited."</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled at this pretension, which was so poorly justified. -"Yes, that has happened to my brother today," he said, "though only -three moons, at the most, have passed since he visited these parts in -company with the Pale hunter, to whom he gave the name of Marksman."</p> - -<p>The adventurer started, and a lively emotion could be seen on his face. -"What do you mean, Redskin, in Heaven's name?" he said quickly.</p> - -<p>"I mean that Quiepaa Tani is there," the Indian answered, stretching -out his arm in a south-western direction; "that we are but a half day's -journey distant from it at the most."</p> - -<p>"Can it be possible?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, energetically, as he suddenly rose; -"thanks for these good news, Chief!"</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do?" Brighteye asked him.</p> - -<p>"What am I going to do? Cannot you guess it? Those we wish to save are -only a few leagues from us, and you ask me that question!"</p> - -<p>"I ask it of you because I fear, through your impetuosity and -imprudence, lest you might compromise the success of our expedition."</p> - -<p>"Your words are harsh, old hunter; but I pardon them, because you -cannot understand my feelings."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I can, perhaps I cannot, Don Miguel; but, believe me, in an -expedition like ours, stratagem alone can lead to success."</p> - -<p>"Deuce take stratagem, and he who recommends it," the young man -exclaimed passionately. "I wish to deliver the girls whom, through my -mad confidence, I led into this snare."</p> - -<p>"And whom you lose for ever by another act of madness. Trust in the -experience of a man who has lived in the desert more years than you -count months in your life. Since we have been following Don Estevan's -trail, you have seen that a strong party of Indian horsemen has joined -him, I think? At two paces from a holy city, whose population is -immense, do you intend to contend with your fifteen Gambusinos against -several thousand brave and experienced Redskin warriors? That would be -committing suicide with your eyes open. If Don Estevan is proceeding -in this direction, it is because he also knows that the maidens are in -Quiepaa Tani. Do not let us hurry, but watch our enemy's movements, -without revealing our presence, or letting him suspect we are so near -him. In that way I answer for our success on my head."</p> - -<p>The young man had listened to these remarks with the greatest -attention. When Brighteye ceased, he pressed his hand affectionately, -and sat down at once by his side. "Thanks, my old friend," he said, -"thanks for the rough way in which you have spoken to me. You have -brought me back to my senses. I was mad. But," he added a moment after, -"what is to be done? How to save these unhappy maidens?"</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle, during the preceding conversation, had remained calm and -silent, apathetically smoking his Indian calumet; on hearing Don Leo -speak thus, he understood it was time for him to interfere. "The Pale -warrior can regain his courage," he said; "Eglantine is in Quiepaa -Tani; tomorrow at sunrise we shall have news of the pale virgins."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" the young man said joyously. "So soon as your wife returns -from that nest of demons, I promise her, Chief, the handsomest pair of -bracelets, and the prettiest earrings an Indian cihuatl ever yet wore."</p> - -<p>"Eglantine needs no reward for serving her friends."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Chief; but you will not refuse me the satisfaction of -giving her this slight token of my gratitude, Chief?"</p> - -<p>"My brother is at liberty to do so."</p> - -<p>"Halloh!" Brighteye suddenly remarked, "by what chance did you come to -our camp this night?"</p> - -<p>"Have you not understood?"</p> - -<p>"On my word, no. We were far from suspecting you to be so near us."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Don Miguel remarked: "but now that I know where we are, -all is explained."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but that does not tell us why the Chief came to find us here."</p> - -<p>"Because," Flying Eagle replied, "we discovered your footsteps crossing -the trail we followed."</p> - -<p>"That is true; and you came to reconnoitre."</p> - -<p>The Chief nodded an assent.</p> - -<p>"Have our friends stopped far from here?"</p> - -<p>"No," the Indian said, "I am going to rejoin them, in order to tell -them who are the men I have seen. My absence has been long; the -Palefaces are soon alarmed. I am going."</p> - -<p>"One moment," Brighteye observed. "As chance has brought us together -again, perhaps it will be better not to separate again; we shall, -possibly, need one another."</p> - -<p>"What is your advice, Chief? Will it be better for us to accompany you -to your bivouac, or will you join us?"</p> - -<p>"We will come hither."</p> - -<p>"Make haste, then; for I am curious to know what has happened to you -since our separation at the ford of the Rubio."</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle is a good runner," the Chief answered, "but he has only -the feet of a man."</p> - -<p>"By the way, why did you not come on horseback"</p> - -<p>"Our horses were left at the camp of the great river. A trail is better -followed afoot."</p> - -<p>"That is easily remedied. How many are you?"</p> - -<p>"Four."</p> - -<p>"What, four? I fancied you were more."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but the Pale hunter will explain to you why two of our comrades -have left us."</p> - -<p>"Good. I will accompany you."</p> - -<p>Don Leo immediately gave orders to have four horses got ready, and -recommended Brighteye to watch over the camp during his absence, then, -mounting his horse, in which he was imitated by the Chief, the two set -off, leading the horses intended for the men they were going to find. -The two men only took twenty minutes in covering the ground which -Flying Eagle had spent more than an hour in crossing, owing to the -precautions he was compelled to take when following an unknown trail, -which might belong to enemies. They found Marksman and Don Mariano -with loaded rifles, and keeping good watch. While awaiting Flying -Eagle's return, they had fallen asleep; but the steps of the horses -awoke them, and they stood on their defence in case of the worst. On -their awakening, however, a very disagreeable surprise awaited them. -They found only two instead of three. Domingo, the Gambusino, had -disappeared. So soon as he recognized Don Miguel, the Canadian said, -with extreme agitation—"Dismount, dismount, Caballero! We must all go -beating."</p> - -<p>"What humbug at this hour, Marksman!" Don Miguel answered. "Why, you -must be mad!"</p> - -<p>"I am not mad," the Canadian said, hurriedly; "but I repeat, dismount -and hunt; we are betrayed!"</p> - -<p>"Betrayed!" Don Miguel exclaimed, starting with surprise; "by whom? in -Heaven's name!"</p> - -<p>"By Domingo! The traitor has fled during our sleep! Oh! I was right to -distrust his coppery face!"</p> - -<p>"Domingo fled!—a traitor! You are mistaken!"</p> - -<p>"I am not. Hunt after him, I tell you, in the name of those you have -sworn to save."</p> - -<p>No more was needed to exasperate the young man; he bounded from his -steed, and seized his rifle. "What is to be done?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Scatter over the ground," the hunter rapidly answered. "Each go a -different way; and may Heaven bless our search! We have lost too much -time already."</p> - -<p>Without any further exchange of words, the four men buried themselves -in the forest in four different directions. But the darkness was dense. -Beneath the cover, where, even by day, the sunbeams penetrated with -difficulty, on this black and moonless night they could distinguish -nothing two steps ahead of them; and if, instead of flying, the -Gambusino had contented himself with hiding in the vicinity, the -hunters would evidently have passed without noticing him. The search -lasted a long time, for the hunters comprehended the importance of -finding the fugitive again; but, in spite of all their skill, they -could discover nothing. Marksman, Don Mariano, and Don Miguel had been -back by the fire several minutes; they were communicating to each -other the closeness of their pursuit, when, suddenly, a dazzling flash -crossed the forest, and a shot was heard, almost immediately followed -by a second. "Let us run up," Marksman shouted. "Flying Eagle has found -the vermin. Never was a better sleuth-hound after game."</p> - -<p>The three men ran at full speed in the direction of the shots they had -heard. On approaching, they found that an obstinate contest was going -on. The war yell of the Comanches, uttered in Flying Eagle's powerful -voice, permitted them no doubt on that head. At length, they debouched -on the scene of action. Flying Eagle, with his foot on the chest of a -man thrown down before him, and who writhed like a serpent to escape -the fearful pressure, leant his back against a black oak, and, tomahawk -in hand, was defending himself like a lion against half a dozen Indians -who attacked him together. The three white men clubbed their rifles, -and rushed into the medley with a terrible cry of defiance. The effect -of this diversion was instantaneous. The Redskins dispersed in all -directions, and fled like a legion of phantoms.</p> - -<p>"After them!" Don Miguel howled, as he rushed forward.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" Marksman shouted, as he seized him by the arm; "you might as -well pursue the cloud carried off by the wind. Let the scoundrels -escape, we shall find them again, I warrant."</p> - -<p>The adventurer perceived that a pursuit in the dark would be giving an -enormous advantage to his enemy, who was better acquainted with the -country, and probably very numerous; hence he stopped with a sigh of -regret. The Chief was then surrounded, and complimented on his glorious -resistance. The Sachem received the remarks with his habitual modesty.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" he merely answered, "the Apaches are cowardly old women. One -Comanche warrior is sufficient to kill six times ten of them, and -twenty more."</p> - -<p>By a miraculous hazard, the brave Indian had only received a few -insignificant wounds, to which, in spite of his friend's earnest -entreaties, he paid no further attention than washing them with cold -water.</p> - -<p>"But," Marksman suddenly said, stooping down, "whom have we here? Eh! -if I am not mistaken, it is our fugitive!"</p> - -<p>It was really Domingo. The poor wretch had his thigh broken; -doubtlessly foreseeing the fate that awaited him, he howled with pain, -but would give no other answer.</p> - -<p>"It would be a good deed," Don Mariano said, "to dash out this poor -fellow's brains, to terminate his sufferings."</p> - -<p>"Let us be in no hurry," the implacable hunter remarked. "Everything -will have its season. Let Flying Eagle explain to us how he found him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, that is important," Don Miguel said.</p> - -<p>"It is the Wacondah who delivered this man into my hands," the Chief -answered, sententiously. "I had ransacked the forest with as much care -as the darkness permitted me, and was returning to you, wearied with -nearly two hours' fruitless search, when, at the moment I least thought -of it, I was attacked by more than ten Apaches, who rushed on me from -all sides at once. This man was at the head of the assailants. He fired -his gun at me, but did not hit me. I answered in the same way; but more -successfully, for he fell. I immediately set my foot on his chest, for -fear he should escape me, and defended myself to my best against my -enemies, in order to give you time to come to my assistance. I have -spoken."</p> - -<p>"By heavens, Chief!" the hunter exclaimed, enthusiastically, "you -are a brave warrior! What you have done is grand. This villain, on -leaving us, found a party of these birds of prey, and was, doubtlessly, -returning with the intention of attacking us during our sleep."</p> - -<p>"Well!" Don Mariano remarked, "he is found again; so all is for the -best."</p> - -<p>The wounded man made a great effort, and, leaning on his right hand, -he drew himself up and gave a ghastly grim "Yes, yes," he answered, "I -know I am about to die; but it will not be without vengeance."</p> - -<p>"What do you say, villain?" Don Mariano exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"I say that your brother knows all, my fine gentleman, and will succeed -in foiling your plans."</p> - -<p>"Viper! what have I done to make you act thus towards me?"</p> - -<p>"You did nothing," he replied, with a demoniac grin; "but," he added, -pointing to Don Miguel, "I have hated that man for a long time."</p> - -<p>"Die, then, villain!" the exasperated young man shouted, as he set the -cold muzzle of his rifle on his forehead.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle turned the weapon aside.</p> - -<p>"This man is mine, brother," he said.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel slowly removed his rifle, and turned to the Chief. "I -consent; but on condition that he dies."</p> - -<p>A sinister smile played for a second round the Indian's thin lips. -"Yes," he said, "and by an Apache, death." Then, unfastening the bow -he wore by the side of his panther skin quiver, he placed the string -round the Gambusino's skull, and, forming a tourniquet, by means of an -arrow passed through the string, while, with his knee buried between -the wretch's shoulders, he seized his hair in his right hand, and -drew it to him. He scalped in this manner, inflicting on him the most -abominable torture that can be imagined, since, instead of cutting -the skin with his knife, he literally tore it off by means of the -string. The bandit, with his face inundated with blood, and disfigured -features, clasped his hands by a supreme effort, exclaiming, with an -expression impossible to describe—"Kill me! oh, for pity's sake, kill -me!"</p> - -<p>The Comanche placed his furious face close to the bandit's. "Traitors -are not killed," he said, in a hollow voice. And then, seizing him by -the neck, he thrust the blade of his knife between the clenched teeth, -forced the mouth open, and tore out his tongue, which he threw from him -in disgust. "Die like a dog!" he yelled; "thy lying tongue shall betray -never more."</p> - -<p>Domingo uttered a cry of pain so horrible that the hearers started with -terror, and rolled senseless on the ground.<a name="FNanchor_1_8" id="FNanchor_1_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_8" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>Flying Eagle contemptuously kicked the bandit's body aside, and turned -to his companions. "Let us go," he said.</p> - -<p>They followed him in silence, terrified by the scene of which they had -been witnesses. An hour later, they found Brighteye at the bivouac.</p> - -<p>At sunrise, Flying Eagle approached Marksman and gently touched him on -the shoulder. "What do you want?" the hunter asked, as he woke.</p> - -<p>"The Sachem is going to meet Eglantine," the Chief answered, simply. -And he went away.</p> - -<p>"There is something human in those savage fellows after all," the -hunter muttered, as he watched him depart.</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> The author saw this punishment inflicted on a North -American by an Apache.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TLACATEOTZIN.<a name="FNanchor_1_9" id="FNanchor_1_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_9" class="fnanchor" style="font-size: 0.7em;">[1]</a></h3> - - -<p class="p2">Two hours after sunrise, Flying Eagle returned to the camp, followed -by Eglantine: the council immediately assembled to hear the news. -The young Indian woman had not learned much: it was contained in one -sentence.</p> - -<p>The two Mexican girls were still in the city. Addick was absent, but -expected at any moment. These news, slight as they were, were, however, -good; for, though the details were wanting, the hunters knew that their -enemies had not yet had time to act. The point was now to get before -them and carry off the girls, ere they had time to prevent it. But -to do so, they must enter the city, and there lay the difficulty. A -difficulty which, at the first blush, appeared insurmountable.</p> - -<p>In this moment of distress, all eyes were turned to Flying Eagle. -The Chief smiled. Through the expression of agony depicted on every -countenance, the Indian guessed what was expected of him. "The hour -has arrived," he said. "My Pale brothers demand of me the greatest -sacrifice they can demand of a Sachem—that is to say, to open to -them the gates of one of the last refuges of the Indian religion, -the principal sanctuary where still is preserved intact the law of -Tlhui-camina,<a name="FNanchor_2_10" id="FNanchor_2_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_10" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> the greatest, the most powerful, and most unhappy of -all the sovereigns who have governed the country of Hauahuac: still, -in order to prove to my Pale brothers how red the blood is that flows -in my veins, and how pure and cloudless my heart is, I will do it for -them, as I have promised."</p> - -<p>At the assurance given by Flying Eagle, whose word could not be -doubted, every face brightened. The Chief continued—"Flying Eagle has -no forked tongue; what he says, he does; he will introduce the great -Pale hunter into Quiepaa Tani; but my brothers must forget that they -are warriors and brave: cunning alone can make them triumph. Has the -great hunter of the Palefaces understood the words of the Chief? Is he -resolved to trust to his prudence and sagacity?"</p> - -<p>"I will act as you point out, Chief," Marksman replied, for he knew -that the Comanche was addressing him. "I promise to let myself be -entirely guided by you."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Indian continued, with a smile. "All is well, then: before -two hours, my brother will be in Quiepaa Tani."</p> - -<p>"May Heaven grant it be so, and my poor child be saved!" Don Mariano -muttered.</p> - -<p>"I have been long used to contend in cunning with Indians," the hunter -answered. "Up to the present, thanks to Heaven! I have always come off -pretty well from my meetings with them. I have good hopes of success -this time."</p> - -<p>"We will hold ourselves in readiness to come to your aid, if needed," -Don Miguel observed.</p> - -<p>"Above all, take care not to be tracked; you know that traitor of a -Domingo has put them on your scent."</p> - -<p>"Trust to me for that, Marksman," Brighteye eagerly interposed; "I know -what it is to play at hide and seek with the Indians. It is not the -first time this happens to me; and I remember, in 1845, at the hour I -was—"</p> - -<p>"I know," the Canadian cut him short, "that you are not the man to let -yourself be surprised, my friend, and that is enough for me; but keep a -good lookout, so as to be ready at the first signal."</p> - -<p>"And what will that signal be? for we must understand one another -thoroughly, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which, annoying at -all times, would, in our present circumstances, be utter ruin."</p> - -<p>"You are right. When you hear the cry of the hawk repeated thrice, at -equal intervals, then you must act vigorously."</p> - -<p>"That is understood," Brighteye said; "trust to me for that."</p> - -<p>"I am ready," Marksman said to the Chief. "What must I do?"</p> - -<p>"In the first place, dress yourself," Flying Eagle answered.</p> - -<p>"What! dress myself?" the hunter said, surveying his person with -surprise.</p> - -<p>"Wah! does my brother fancy he will enter Quiepaa Tani in his Paleface -clothes?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; an Indian disguise is absolutely necessary. Wait a -minute."</p> - -<p>The <i>travestissement</i> did not take long to effect. Eglantine modestly -retired into the forest, so as not to be present at the hunter's -toilet. In a few minutes Marksman took from his alforjas a razor, with -which he removed beard and moustache. During this time the Chief had -plucked a plant, which grew abundantly in the forest. After extracting -the juice, Flying Eagle helped the Canadian, who had removed all his -garments, to stain his body and face. Then the Chief drew on his chest -an <i>ayotl</i>, or sacred tortoise, accompanied by several fantastic -ornaments that had nothing warlike about them, and which he reproduced -on his face. After that, he gave the hunter's black hair a white tinge, -intended to make him look very aged; for among the Indians the hair -retains its colour for a long period. He knotted his curls on the top -of his head, after the fashion of the Yumas—the most travelled of the -Redskins—and to the left of this tuft, to show that it adorned the -head of a pacific Chief, he fixed a passagallo feather, instead of a -scalp lock, as is the custom with the warriors.</p> - -<p>When these preparations were completed, Flying Eagle asked the -Europeans, who had curiously followed the metamorphosis, how they liked -their comrade.</p> - -<p>"My word," Brighteye answered, simply, "if I had not been present -at the transformation, I should not recognize him; and, by the way, -I remember a singular adventure that occurred to me in 1836. Just -imagine—"</p> - -<p>"Well, and what do you say?" the Indian continued, pitilessly cutting -the Canadian short, and turning to Don Miguel.</p> - -<p>The latter could not refrain from laughing on looking at the hunter. "I -consider him hideous; he bears such a resemblance to a Redskin, that I -feel sure he can risk it boldly."</p> - -<p>"Och! the Indians are very clever," the Chief muttered. "Still, I -believe that, disguised thus, if my brother is willing thoroughly to -represent the character he has assumed, he has nothing to fear."</p> - -<p>"I mean to do it. Still, I would remark, Chief, that I do not yet know -what part you mean me to play."</p> - -<p>"My brother is a Tlacateotzin—a great medicine man of the Yumas."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! the idea is a good one. In that way I can get in anywhere."</p> - -<p>The Comanche bowed with a smile.</p> - -<p>"I shall be very clumsy, if I do not succeed," the hunter continued. -"But as I am a doctor, I must not forget to furnish myself with -medicaments."</p> - -<p>Thereupon Marksman rummaged his alforjas, took out of them all that -might have compromised him, and only left in them a little box of -specifics, which he always carried about him,—a precious store he had -employed on many an occasion. He closed the alforjas, threw them on his -back, and turned to the Chief.</p> - -<p>"I am ready," he said to him.</p> - -<p>"Good. Myself and Eglantine will go in front, in order to make the road -easy for my brother."</p> - -<p>The hunter gave a sign of assent. The Indian called his wife, and both, -after taking leave of the adventurers, went off.</p> - -<p>So soon as the Chief was out of sight, the hunter in his turn said -good-bye to his comrades. It was, perhaps, the last time he would see -them; for who could foresee the fate reserved for him among these -ferocious Indians, into whose hands he was about defencelessly to -surrender himself?</p> - -<p>"I will accompany you to the edge of the forest," Don Miguel said, "in -order fully to understand the means I must employ to be able to run up -at the first signal."</p> - -<p>"Come," the hunter said, laconically.</p> - -<p>They went away followed by the eyes of all their comrades, who saw -Marksman depart with an indescribable feeling of anxiety and sorrow. -The two men walked side by side, without exchanging a word. The -Canadian was plunged in deep thought; Don Miguel seemed a prey to an -emotion which he could not succeed in overcoming. In this way they -reached the last trees of the forest. The hunter stopped. "It is here -we must part," he said to his companion.</p> - -<p>"That is true," the young man muttered, as he looked sadly around. Then -he was silent. The Canadian waited a moment. Seeing, at length, that -Don Miguel would not speak, he asked him,—"Have you anything to say to -me?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask me that question?" the young man asked him, with a -start.</p> - -<p>"Because," the hunter answered, "you have not come so far, Don Leo, -merely to enjoy my company a little longer. You must, I repeat, have -something to say to me."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is true," he said, with an effort; "you have guessed it. I -wish to speak with you; but I know not how it is, my throat rises. -I cannot find words to express my feelings. Oh, if I possessed your -experience, and your knowledge of Indian language, no other than -myself, I assure you, Marksman, would have gone to Quiepaa Tani."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it must be so," the hunter muttered, speaking to himself, rather -than answering his friend; "and why should it not be so? Love is the -sun of youth. All love in this world. Why should two handsome and -well-made beings alone remain insensible to each other and not love? -What do you wish me to say to them for you?" he added quickly.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, "you perceived, then, that I loved her? -You are master, then, of the secret which I did not dare to confess to -myself!"</p> - -<p>"Do not be alarmed about that, my friend. The secret is as safe in my -heart as in yours."</p> - -<p>"Alas, my friend! the words I should wish to say to her my mouth alone -could utter with the hope of making them reach her heart. Say nothing -to her, that will be best; but you can tell her that I am here, and -watching over her, and that I shall die or she will be free soon in her -father's arms."</p> - -<p>"I will tell her all that, my friend."</p> - -<p>"And then," he added, breaking, by a feverish movement, a little steel -chain round his neck, which held a small bag of black velvet, "take -this amulet. It is all that is left to me of my mother," he said, -with a sigh; "she hung it round my neck on the day of my birth. It is -a sacred relic—a piece of the true cross, blessed by the pope; give -it to her, and let her guard it preciously, for it has preserved me -from many perils. That is all I can do for her at this moment. Go, -my friend, save her, as I am compelled to form silent vows for her -deliverance. You love me, Marksman. I will only add one word,—from the -attempt you make at this moment my life or death will result. Farewell! -farewell!"</p> - -<p>Seizing the hunter's hand with a nervous movement, he pressed it -forcibly several times, and, turning quickly away, not to let his -tears be seen, he rushed into the forest, where he disappeared, after -making a last sign with his hand to his friend, who was watching his -departure. After Don Miguel's departure, the Canadian stood for a -moment a prey to extraordinary sorrow. "Poor young man!" he muttered, -with a profound sigh, "is that the state people are in when they love?" -In a moment he overcame the strange emotion which contracted his heart, -and boldly raised his head. "The die is cast!" he said. "Forward!" Then -assuming the easy, careless step of an Indian, he proceeded, slowly to -the plain, while looking inquiringly around him.</p> - -<p>In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had risen radiantly, the green -plain the hunter was crossing assumed a really enchanting appearance. -As on the first occasion when he came to this country, all was in -motion around him.</p> - -<p>The Canadian, who, by the help of his new exterior, was able to -examine at his leisure all that went on around him, curiously examined -the animated scene he had before his eyes: but what most fixed his -attention was a band of horsemen in their war costume, or rather paint, -armed with those long javelins and barbed spears which they wield with -such dexterity, and whose wounds are so dangerous. Most of them also -carried a strong rifle and a reata at their girdle, and, marching in -good order, they advanced at a trot towards the city, seeming to come -from the opposite direction to that which the hunter was following.</p> - -<p>The numerous persons spread over the plain had stopped to examine them. -Marksman, profiting by this circumstance, hurried on to mingle with the -crowd, among whom, as he hoped, he was speedily lost, no one thinking -of paying the slightest attention to him. The horsemen continued to -advance at the same pace, not appearing to notice the curiosity they -excited. They were soon about forty yards from the principal gateway. -On arriving there they were stopped At the same moment, three horsemen -galloped out of the city, bounded over the drawbridge, and went to -meet them. Three warriors then left the first party and approached -them. After a few hastily exchanged words, the six horsemen rejoined -the detachment, which had remained motionless in the rear, and entered -the city with it. Marksman, who followed the party closely, neared -the gate at the very moment the last horseman disappeared in the -city. The hunter understood that the moment for boldness had arrived. -Assuming the most careless air he could put on, although his heart -was ready to burst, he presented himself in his turn for admission. -He noticed Flying Eagle and his squaw standing some distance off, and -conversing with an Indian who seemed to hold a certain rank. This -doubled the bold Canadian's courage; he crossed the bridge undauntedly, -and arrived with apparent stoicism at the gateway. A lance was then -levelled before him, and barred his passage. At a sign from Flying -Eagle, the Indian with whom he had been speaking left him and proceeded -toward the gate. He was a tall warrior, to whom his iron-grey hair -and the numerous wrinkles in his face imparted a certain character of -gentleness, intelligence, and majesty. He said a word to the sentry, -who was barring the hunter's passage; he raised his lance at once, and -fell back a few paces with a respectful bow. The old Indian made the -Canadian a sign to enter. "My brother is welcome in Quiepaa Tani," he -said gracefully, as he saluted the hunter; "my brother has friends -here."</p> - -<p>Marksman, owing to the life he had so long led on the prairies, spoke -several Indian dialects with as much fluency as his mother-tongue. -From the question the Redskin addressed to him, he felt that he was -backed up; he therefore assumed the necessary coolness to play his part -properly, and answered,—"Is my brother a Chief?"</p> - -<p>"I am a Chief."</p> - -<p>"Och! let my brother question me. Ometochtli will answer."</p> - -<p>In thus changing his personality, as it were, the hunter had been -careful to change his name also. After a long and barren research, he -at length selected that of Ometochtli, as best adapted to the person -he wished to represent; for, despite its apparently formidable look, -it simply means "two rabbits," a most inoffensive name, and perfectly -coinciding with the hunter's new character.</p> - -<p>"I shall not question my brother," the Chief said, cautiously. "I know -who he is and whence he comes. My brother is one of the adepts of the -great medicine, of the wise nation of the Yumas."</p> - -<p>"The Chief is well informed," the hunter remarked. "I see that he has -spoken with Flying Eagle."</p> - -<p>"Has my brother left his nation for long?"</p> - -<p>"It will be seven moons at the first leaves since I put on the -moccasins of a hunter."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Chief continued, with a certain appearance of respect; -"where are the hunting grounds of my brother's nation situated?"</p> - -<p>"Near the great shoreless lake."</p> - -<p>"Does my brother intend to practise medicine at Quiepaa Tani?"</p> - -<p>"I have only come here for that purpose, and to worship the Wacondah in -the magnificent temple which the piety of the Indians has raised to him -in the holy city."</p> - -<p>"Very good. My brother is a wise man; his nation is peaceful," he said, -as he raised his head, and drew up his tall form, proudly. "I am a -warrior, and my name is Atozac."</p> - -<p>By a strange accident, the first Indian with whom Marksman conversed -was the same who received Addick, and whose wife was selected by the -High Priest to serve as his interpreter with the maidens.</p> - -<p>"My brother is a great Chief," he replied to the Indian's words.</p> - -<p>The latter bowed with superb modesty on receiving this flattering -remark. "I am a son of the sacred tribe to whom the guardianship of the -temple is confided," he said.</p> - -<p>"May the Wacondah bless the race of my brother."</p> - -<p>The Chief was completely under the charm; the hunter's compliments had -intoxicated him. "My brother, Two Rabbits, will follow me. We will join -the friends who are awaiting us, and then proceed to my <i>calci</i>, which -will be his during the whole period of his stay in Quiepaa Tani."</p> - -<p>Marksman bowed respectfully. "I am not worthy, to shake the dust off my -moccasins on the threshold of his door."</p> - -<p>"The Wacondah blesses those who practise hospitality, my brother. Two -Rabbits is the guest of a Chief; let him follow me, then."</p> - -<p>"I will follow my brother, since such is his will."</p> - -<p>And, without further resistance, he began walking behind the old Chief, -charmed in his heart at having emerged so well from the first trial. -As we said, Flying Eagle and Eglantine had stopped a few paces off, -and they soon found them. All four, without uttering a word, proceeded -toward the house inhabited by the Chief, which was situated at the -other extremity of the city. This long walk allowed the hunter to -take a look at the streets which he crossed, and obtain a superficial -acquaintance with Quiepaa Tani. They at length reached the Chief's -house. Heutotl—the Pigeon—Atozac's wife, seated cross-legged on a -mat of maize straw, was making tortillas, probably intended for her -husband's dinner. Not far from her were three Or four female slaves, -belonging to that bastard race of Indians to which we have already -alluded, and to which the title of savages may be justly applied. When -the Chief and his guests entered the cabin, the Pigeon and her slaves -raised their eyes in curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Heutotl," the Chief said, with dignity, "I bring you strangers. The -first is a great and renowned Comanche Sachem. You know him already, as -well as his squaw."</p> - -<p>"Flying Eagle and Eglantine are welcome in the <i>calci</i> of Atozac," she -answered.</p> - -<p>The Comanche bowed slightly, but did not utter a word.</p> - -<p>"This one," the Chief continued, pointing toward the hunter, "is a -celebrated Tlacateotzin of the Yumas. His name is Two Rabbits; he will -also dwell with us."</p> - -<p>"The words I addressed to the Sachem of the Comanches, I repeat for the -great medicine man of the Yumas," she said with a gentle smile; "the -Pigeon is his slave."</p> - -<p>"My mother will permit me to kiss her feet," the Canadian said, -politely.</p> - -<p>"My brother will kiss my face," the Chief's wife responded, holding up -her cheek to Marksman, who respectfully touched it with his lips.</p> - -<p>"My brothers will take a draught of pulque," the Pigeon continued; "the -roads are long and dusty, and the sunbeams hot."</p> - -<p>"Pulque refreshes the parched throat of travellers," Marksman answered.</p> - -<p>The presentation was concluded. The slaves drew up butacas, on which -the travellers reclined. Vessels of red earth, greatly resembling the -Spanish alcaforas, filled with pulque, were brought in, and the liquor, -poured out by the mistress of the house in horn cups, was presented by -her to the strangers with that charming and attentive hospitality of -which the Indians alone possess the secret.</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> Literally, the "Man-God," a name given by certain Comanche -tribes to those who practice the healing art.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_10" id="Footnote_2_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_10"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Surname of Motecuhzoma I.,—"He who shoots arrows up to -the sky." The hieroglyphic of this king is, in fact, an arrow striking -heaven.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">While pretending to be absorbed in eagerness to respond to the eager -politeness of his host, the Canadian attentively examined the interior -of the house in which he was, in order to form an idea of the other -residences in the city; for he justly assumed that all must be built -almost after the same plan.</p> - -<p>The room in which Atoyac received his guests was a large, square -apartment, whose whitewashed walls were decorated with human scalps, -and a row of weapons, kept in a state of extreme cleanliness. Jaguar -and ocelot skins, zarapé, and frasadas were piled up on a sort of -large chests, in all probability intended to serve as beds. Butacas -and other wooden seats, excessively low, composed the furniture of the -room, in the centre of which stood a table rising not more than ten -inches from the ground. These simple arrangements are found almost -identical, by the way, in almost all Indian <i>callis</i>, which are usually -composed of six rooms. The first is the one we have just described; -it is the ordinary living room of the family. The second is intended -for the children; the third is the sleeping room. The fourth contains -the looms for weaving zarapés, which the Indians work with inimitable -skill. These looms, made of bamboo, are admirable for the simplicity of -their mechanism. The fifth contains provisions for the rainy season, -the period when hunting becomes impossible; while the sixth, or last, -is set aside for the slaves. As for the kitchen, there is really none, -for the food is prepared in the <i>corral</i>, that is to say, in the open -air. Chimneys are equally unknown, and each room is warmed by means of -large earthen brasiers. The internal arrangements of the <i>calli</i> are -entrusted to the slaves, who work under the immediate superintendence -of the mistress of the house. These slaves are not all savages. The -Indians completely requite the whites for the misfortunes they deal -them. Many wretched Spaniards, captured in war, or victims to the -ambuscades the Redskins incessantly lay for them, are condemned to the -hardest servitude. The fate of these unhappy beings is even more sad -than that of their companions in slavery, for they have no prospect -of being set at liberty some day; they must, on the contrary, expect -to perish sooner or later, the victims of the hatred of their cruel -masters, who pitilessly avenge on them the numberless annoyances they -have themselves endured under the tyrannical and brutalizing system -of the Spanish Government. Hence, under the pressure of this hard -captivity a man may truly apply to himself the despairing words writ up -by the divine Dante Alighieri over the gates of his Inferno, <i>Lasciate -ogni speranza</i>.</p> - -<p>Atoyac, to whom chance had so providentially guided the Canadian, was -one of the most respected Sachems of the warriors of Quiepaa Tani. -In his youth he had lived long among the Europeans, and the great -experience he had acquired while traversing countries remote from his -tribe had expanded his intellect, extinguished in him certain caste -prejudices, and rendered him more sociable and civil than the majority -of his countrymen. While drinking his pulque in small sips, as the -gourmand should do who appreciates at its just value the beverage -he is imbibing, he conversed with the hunter, and gradually, either -through the influence of the pulque, or the instinctive confidence the -Canadian inspired him with, he became more communicative. As always -happens under such circumstances, he began with his own affairs, and -narrated them in their fullest detail to the hunter. He told him he was -father of four sons, renowned warriors, whose greatest delight it was -to invade the Spanish territory, burn the haciendas, and destroy the -crops, and carry off prisoners; next he related to him the travels he -had made, and seemed anxious to prove to Two Rabbits that his courage -as a warrior, his experience, and military virtues, did not forbid him -recognizing all there was noble and respectable in science; he even -insinuated that, although a Sachem, he did not disdain, at times, to -study simples and investigate the secrets of the great medicine, with -which the Wacondah, in his supreme goodness, had endowed certain chosen -men for the relief of the whole of humanity.</p> - -<p>Marksman affected to be deeply touched by the consideration the -powerful Sachem, Atoyac, evinced for the sacred character with which he -was invested, and resolved in his heart to profit by his host's good -feeling toward him to sound him adroitly about what he was so anxious -to know, that is, the state in which the maidens were, and in what -part of the city they were shut up. As, however, Indian suspicions can -be very easily aroused, and it was necessary to employ the greatest -patience, the hunter did not allow his intentions to be in any way -divined, and waited patiently.</p> - -<p>The conversation had gradually become general; still, more than an -hour had already elapsed, and in spite of all his efforts, aided by -those of Flying Eagle, the hunter had not yet succeeded in approaching -the subject he had at heart, when an Indian presented himself in the -doorway.</p> - -<p>"The Wacondah rejoices," the newcomer said, with a respectful bow. "I -have a message for my father."</p> - -<p>"My son is welcome," the Chief answered; "my ears are open."</p> - -<p>"The great council of the Sachems of the nation is assembled," the -Indian said; "they only await my father Atoyac."</p> - -<p>"What is there new, then?"</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf has arrived with his warriors. His heart is filled with -bitterness. He wishes to speak to the council. Addick accompanies him."</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle and the hunter exchanged a glance.</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf and Addick returned!" Atoyac exclaimed, with amazement. "That -is strange! What can have brought them back so soon, and together, too?"</p> - -<p>"I know not; but they entered the city hardly an hour ago."</p> - -<p>"Did Red Wolf command the warriors who arrived this morning?"</p> - -<p>"Himself. My father could not have seen him when he passed by here. -What shall I answer the Chief?"</p> - -<p>"That I am coming to the council."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed and went away. The old man rose with ill-concealed -agitation, and prepared to go out. Flying Eagle stopped him. "My father -is affected," he said; "there is a cloud on his mind."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Chief answered, frankly; "I am sad."</p> - -<p>"What can trouble my father, then?"</p> - -<p>"Brother," the old Chief said, bitterly, "many moons have passed since -the last visit paid by you to Quiepaa Tani."</p> - -<p>"Man is only the plaything of circumstances; he can never do what he -has projected."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Perhaps it would have been better for you and for us had -you not remained away so long."</p> - -<p>"Often, often I had the desire to come, but a fatality always prevented -me."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it must be so; were it not for that, we should have seen you. -Many things that have happened, would not have occurred."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"It would be too long to explain to you, and I have no time to do so -at this moment; I must proceed to the council, where I am awaited. -Suffice it for you to know, that for some time an evil genius has -breathed a spirit of discord among the Sachems of the great council. -Two men have succeeded in obtaining a dangerous influence over the -deliberations, and forcing their ideas and wishes upon all the chiefs."</p> - -<p>"And these men, who are they?"</p> - -<p>"You know them only too well."</p> - -<p>"But what are their names?"</p> - -<p>"Red Wolf and Addick."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" Flying Eagle said. "Take care; the ambition of those men may, if -you do not pay attention, bring great misfortunes on your heads."</p> - -<p>"I know it; but can I prevent it? Am I, alone, strong enough to combat -their influence, and cause the propositions to be rejected which they -impose on the council?"</p> - -<p>"That is true," the Comanche answered, thoughtfully; "but how to -prevent it?"</p> - -<p>"There would be a way, perhaps," Atoyac said, in an insinuating voice, -after a short silence.</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"It is very simple. Flying Eagle is one of the first and most renowned -Sachems of his nation."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"As such, he has a right, I believe, to sit in the council?"</p> - -<p>"He has."</p> - -<p>"Why does not he go there, then?"</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle turned an inquiring glance on the hunter, who was -listening to this conversation with an apathetic face, though his heart -was ready to burst; for he guessed, by a species of presentiment, that -in this council questions of the highest importance to him would be -discussed. From the Chief's dumb inquiry he understood that if he -remained longer a stranger to the discussion, he would appear, in his -host's eyes, to display an indifference toward the welfare of the city, -which the latter might take in ill part. "Were I so great a Chief as -Flying Eagle," he said, "I should not hesitate to present myself at -the council. Here, the interests of one nation or the other are not -discussed; but vital questions often arise, affecting the welfare of -the red race generally. To abstain, under such circumstances, would, in -my opinion, be giving the enemies of order and tranquillity in the city -a proof of weakness, by which they would, doubtless, profit to insure -the success of their anarchical projects."</p> - -<p>"Do you believe so?" Flying Eagle remarked, with feigned hesitation.</p> - -<p>"My brother, Two Rabbits, has spoken well," Atoyac said, eagerly. -"He is a wise man. My brother must follow his advice, and with the -more reason, because his presence here is known to everybody, and his -absence from the council would certainly produce a very evil effect."</p> - -<p>"As it is so," the Comanche answered, "I can no longer resist your -wish; I am ready to follow you."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the hunter added, meaningly, "go to the council; perhaps your -unexpected presence will suffice to overthrow certain projects, and -prevent great misfortunes."</p> - -<p>"I will behave in such a manner as to overawe our enemies," the -Comanche answered, evasively, who, while feigning to address these -words to his host, really intended them for the hunter.</p> - -<p>"Let us go," said Atoyac.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle bowed silently, and went forth.</p> - -<p>The hunter remained alone in the <i>calli</i> with the two women. The -Pigeon, during the previous conversation, had been busy talking in a -low voice with Eglantine. Almost immediately after the departure of the -two warriors, the woman rose and prepared to go out. Eglantine, without -saying a word, laid her finger on her lip, and looked at the hunter. He -wrapped himself in his buffalo robe, and addressed Atoyac's wife.</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to trouble my sister," he said. "While the chiefs are in -council, I will take a walk, and examine, with greater attention, the -magnificent Temple, of which I only had a glimpse on coming here."</p> - -<p>"My father is right," she answered; "the more so, as Eglantine and -myself have also to go out, and we should have been compelled to leave -my father alone in the <i>calli</i>."</p> - -<p>Eglantine smiled softly as she nodded to the hunter. The latter, -suspecting that Flying Eagle's squaw had discovered the retreat of the -maidens during the conversation with her friend, and that the desire -she evinced to get rid of him had no other design but to obtain more -ample information about them, made not the slightest objection, and -walked slowly out of the <i>calli</i>, with all the majesty and importance -of the wise personage he represented. Besides, the Canadian was not -sorry to be alone for a little while, that he might reflect on the -means he should employ to approach the two maidens, which it seemed -to him by no means easy to manage. On the other hand, he intended -to employ the liberty left him in taking a turn round the city, and -obtaining all the topographical knowledge he needed. Not knowing in -what way his stay in the city would terminate, and how he should leave -it again, he, at all risks, carefully studied the plan of the streets -and buildings, from the double point of view of an attack or an escape.</p> - -<p>The hunter had assumed such a mask of placidity and indifference; his -questions were asked with so nonchalant an air, that not one of those -he addressed dreamed for a moment of suspecting him; and, as always -happens, he succeeded in obtaining—thanks to his skill—remarkably -precious details about the weak points in the city,—how it was -possible to enter and leave it after the closing of the gates, and -other equally valuable information, which the hunter carefully -classified in his mind, and which he resolved to put to good use when -the moment arrived.</p> - -<p>In Quiepaa Tani there are a good many unoccupied persons, who spend -their lives in wandering about, a prey to an incurable <i>ennui</i>. It was -with these people that the hunter formed an acquaintance during his -lengthened walk round the city, listening with the greatest patience -to their prolix and tedious narrations, when, certain of having drawn -from them all he could, he left them, to begin the same scheme a little -further on with others.</p> - -<p>Marksman remained away for three hours. When he returned to the -<i>calli</i>, Atoyac and Flying Eagle had not come back; but the two women, -seated on mats, were conversing with a certain degree of animation.</p> - -<p>On seeing him, Eglantine gave him an intelligent glance. The hunter -fell back on a butaca, drew out his pipe, and began smoking. After -exchanging a dumb bow with the pretended medicine man, the women again -resumed their palaver.</p> - -<p>"So," Eglantine said, "the prisoners taken from the whites are brought -here!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Pigeon answered.</p> - -<p>"That surprises me," the young woman continued; "for it would be only -necessary for one of them to escape, and the exact situation of the -city would be revealed to the Gachupinos, who would soon appear in the -place."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but my sister is ignorant that no one escapes from -Quiepaa Tani."</p> - -<p>Eglantine bowed her head with an air of doubt.</p> - -<p>"Och!" she said, "the whites are very crafty; still, it is certain that -the two young Pale maidens we have just seen will not escape,—they are -too well guarded for that. I do not know why, but I feel a great pity -for them."</p> - -<p>"It is the same with me, poor children! So young, so gentle, so pretty; -separated eternally from all those who are dear to them. Their fate is -frightful!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, very frightful! But what is to be done? They belong to Addick; -that Chief will never consent to restore them to liberty."</p> - -<p>"We will go and see them again, shall we not, my sister?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, if you will."</p> - -<p>"Thanks; that will render us very happy, I assure you."</p> - -<p>The last words especially struck the hunter. At the sudden revelation -made to him, Marksman felt such an emotion, that he needed all his -strength and self-command to prevent the Pigeon noticing his confusion.</p> - -<p>At this moment Atoyac and Flying Eagle appeared. Their features were -animated, and they seemed in a state of rage, the more terrible, -because it was suppressed.</p> - -<p>Atoyac walked straight to the hunter, who had risen to receive him. On -noticing the animation depicted on the Indian's face, Marksman thought -that he had plainly discovered something concerning himself, and it -was not without some suspicion that he awaited the communication his -host seemed anxious to make to him.</p> - -<p>"Is my father really an adept of the great medicine?" Atoyac asked, -fixing a searching glance on him.</p> - -<p>"Did I not tell my brother so?" the hunter answered, who began to feel -himself seriously threatened, and looked inquiringly at Flying Eagle. -The latter smiled.</p> - -<p>The Canadian reassured himself a little; it was plain that, if he saw -any danger, the Comanche would not be so calm.</p> - -<p>"Let my brother come with me, then, and bring with him the instruments -of his art," Atoyac exclaimed.</p> - -<p>It would not have been prudent to decline this invitation, though -rather roughly given; besides, nothing proved to him that his host -entertained evil designs against him. The hunter, therefore, accepted. -"Let my brother walk in front; I will follow him," he contented himself -with answering.</p> - -<p>"Does my brother speak the tongue of the barbarous Gachupinos?"</p> - -<p>"My nation lives near the boundless Salt Lake. The Palefaces are our -neighbours; I understand, and speak slightly, the tongue they employ."</p> - -<p>"All the better."</p> - -<p>"Have I to cure a Paleface?" the Canadian inquired, anxious to know -what was wanted of him.</p> - -<p>"No," Atoyac replied. "One of the great Apache chiefs brought hither, -some moons back, two women of the Palefaces. They are ill; the evil -spirit has entered into them, and at this moment Death is spreading his -wings over the couch on which they repose."</p> - -<p>Marksman shuddered at this unexpected news; his heart almost broke; an -involuntary tremor passed over his limbs; he required a superhuman -effort to overcome the deep emotion he felt, and to reply to Atoyac, in -a calm voice—"I am at my brother's orders, as my duty commands."</p> - -<p>"Let us go, then," the Indian answered.</p> - -<p>Marksman took his box of medicaments, placed it cautiously under his -arm, left the <i>calli</i> at the heels of the Sachem, and both proceeded -hastily towards the palace of the Vestals, accompanied, or, more -correctly speaking, watched at a distance, by Flying Eagle, who -followed in their footsteps, not once letting them out of sight.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>EXPLANATORY.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">We are now compelled to go back a little way, in order to clear up -certain facts which necessarily remained in the shade, and which it is -urgent for the reader to know.</p> - -<p>We have related how Don Estevan, Addick, and Red Wolf easily came to an -understanding, in order to obtain a common vengeance. But, as generally -happens in all treaties, each having begun by stipulating for his -private advantage, it fell out that Don Estevan was about to reap the -least profit from the partnership.</p> - -<p>Few whites can rival the Redskins in craft and diplomacy. The Indians, -like all conquered peoples, bowed so long beneath a brutalizing yoke, -retained only one weapon, which is often deadly, however, by means -of which they contend most with success against their fortunate -adversaries. This weapon is cunning—the arm of cowards and the weak, -the defence of slaves against their masters.</p> - -<p>The conditions offered by the two Indian Chiefs to Don Estevan were -clear and precise. The Chiefs, by means of the warriors they had at -their disposal, would help the Mexican in seizing and avenging himself -on his enemies, inflicting on them any punishment he thought proper; -in return, Don Estevan would make over his niece and the other maiden, -now prisoners at Quiepaa Tani, to the Chiefs, who would do to them what -they pleased, Don Estevan giving up all right of interference with -them. These conditions being well and duly defined, the Indian Chiefs -set to work in fulfilling the clauses of the treaty as quickly as -possible.</p> - -<p>Red Wolf had a hatred for the two hunters and Don Miguel, which was -the more inveterate, because he had been conquered in the various -encounters he had with the three men. He, therefore, eagerly seized -the opportunity that offered to take his revenge, believing certain -this time of repaying his abhorred enemies all the humiliation they had -inflicted on him, and the ill they had done him.</p> - -<p>In less than four days, Addick and Red Wolf succeeded in collecting -a band of nearly one hundred and fifty picked warriors—obstinate -enemies for the whites, and to whom the coming expedition was a real -party of pleasure. When Don Estevan saw himself at the head of so large -and resolute a band, his heart dilated with joy, and he felt himself -ensured of success; for what could Don Miguel attempt with the few men -he had at his disposal?</p> - -<p>The road was long, almost impracticable. To reach Quiepaa Tani, it -was necessary to cross abrupt mountains, virgin forests, and immense -deserts; and even supposing the Gambusinos succeeded in overcoming -these seemingly insurmountable difficulties, when they arrived before -the city, what could they do? Would they, scarce thirty at most, -attempt to take by assault a city of nearly 20,000 souls, defended by -strong walls, surrounded by a wide moat, and containing 3,000 picked -men, the most renowned warriors of all the Indian nations, specially -entrusted with the defence of the sacred city, and who would, without -any hesitation, fall to the last man, sooner than surrender? Such a -supposition was absurd; hence Don Estevan dismissed it so soon as it -occurred to him.</p> - -<p>The first care of the Indian Chiefs was to learn in what direction -their enemies were. Unfortunately for the Redskins, the arrangements -made by the hunters were so adroit, that they were compelled to follow -their enemy on three different trails, and break up their war party, if -they wished to watch the Gambusinos on all sides. This was the first -occasion of a dissension between the three associates. Addick and Red -Wolf, when the question of a separation arose, naturally wished each -to take the command of a body, an arrangement which displeased Don -Estevan, and to which he would not at all consent, remarking, with -some degree of justice, that in the affair they had in hand everything -depended on the Chiefs; that the warriors had nothing to do but watch -the movements of their enemy, while they, the Chiefs, must remain -together, in order to arrange the necessary combinations in their -plans, and be enabled to act with vigour when the occasion presented -itself. The truth was, that Don Estevan, forced by circumstances into -an alliance with the two Sachems, had not the slightest confidence in -his honourable associates. He despised them as much as he was despised -by them, and felt certain that, if he allowed them to leave him, -under any pretence, he should never see them again; that they would -desert him on the prairie, remorselessly leaving him to get out of -the dilemma in the best way he could. The Indians perfectly understood -their partner's thoughts, but, far too cunning to let him see they -had read them, they pretended to admit the reasons he gave them, and -recognize their correctness. The Chiefs, therefore, remained together -and pushed on, only accompanied by twenty men, and having divided the -others into two bands, to watch the Gambusinos.</p> - -<p>Don Estevan was eager to reach Quiepaa Tani, in order to remove the -maidens from the city, and have them in his hands, in order, by -their presence, to stimulate the ardour of his allies. They set out. -A singular thing then happened. Six detachments of warriors were -following each other's trail for more than a month, each marching in -the footsteps of the previous one, and not suspecting that it was in -its turn followed by another. Matters went on thus without leading -to any encounter until the night when Domingo disappeared in the -virgin forest. This is how it happened. Marksman had well judged the -Gambusino, when suspecting him to be capable of treachery. That is why -he requested he should be left with him, that he might watch him with -greater care. Unfortunately, since the departure from the ford of the -Rubio, in spite of the incessant watchfulness kept up by Marksman, he -had never detected in the Gambusino the slightest doubtful movement -which would corroborate his suspicions, or convert them into certainty. -Domingo did his duty with apparent honesty and frankness. When they -reached the bivouac, the little arrangements for the night were made; -and the meal over, the Gambusino was one of the first to roll himself -in his zarapé, lie down, and go to sleep from alleged weariness. In -short, the bandit managed to behave so cleverly, and to mask his -baseness, that the hunter, clever as he was, was taken in. Gradually -his vigilance relaxed, his distrust went to sleep, and, though not -reckoning greatly on the Gambusino's fidelity, he ceased looking after -him incessantly, as he did during the first days. And then they had -covered a great deal of ground during the past month; the hunters were -in a completely unknown country: hence it was not presumable that the -Gambusino, almost new to desert life, would venture to desert the -people with whom he was, and risk wandering alone in the desert, where -he would have every chance of dying of hunger in a few days. This -merely proved one fact, that Marksman, in spite of all his cleverness, -did not know the man with whom he had to deal, and did not suspect the -tenacity of purpose which forms the backbone of the Mexican character.</p> - -<p>Domingo hated the hunter because he had unmasked him, and with the -patience that characterizes the race to which he belonged, he awaited -the opportunity for vengeance, feeling certain, by the force of -events, that it must present itself from one day to the other. In the -meanwhile, he looked and listened. The hunters did not hesitate to -speak before him, for the reason that Marksman would, in that case, -have been obliged to tell his companions the suspicions he entertained -of the Gambusino, a thing that his innate loyalty prevented him doing. -Thus Domingo had profited by the opportunity to learn all the details -of the expedition of which he was an involuntary member—details he -intended to tell as clearly as possible to the person they interested -most, so soon as chance brought them together.</p> - -<p>On the evening when Marksman discovered that trail which troubled him -so greatly, Domingo, while foraging about on his own account, found -something which he carefully avoided showing his comrades. It was no -other than a tobacco pouch of small dimensions, richly ornamented with -gold embroidery, such as rich Mexicans usually carry. Domingo very -well recollected having seen it in Don Estevan's hand. The pouch must, -then, have been lost by him. For the present he hid it in his bosom, -intending to examine it more at his leisure, when he did not fear any -surprise from his companions.</p> - -<p>Flying Eagle followed the trail, as we have seen, and his friends, -after lighting the fire, preparing the meal, and eating a few -mouthfuls, waited his return.</p> - -<p>The day had been fatiguing; the Indian's return was deferred; Marksman -and Don Mariano, after conversing for a long time, felt their eyelids -weighed down and gently close; in short, they yielded to their fatigue, -lay down, and were soon buried in a deep sleep. As for Domingo, he had -been sleeping for an hour, as if he never intended to wake again. A -singular thing happened, however. Don Mariano and Marksman had scarce -closed their eyes, ere the Gambusino opened his eyes, and that so -freshly, that everything led to the belief that he had not been to -sleep at all, and never felt more wakeful than at the present moment. -He looked suspiciously around, and remained for some time motionless; -but, after a few moments, reassured by the gentle and regular breathing -of his companions, he sat up gently. He hesitated for several moments, -but then took the tobacco pouch from the place where he had concealed -it, and examined it with the closest attention. This pouch had scarcely -anything to distinguish it from others; but one circumstance struck the -hunter: the pouch was nearly half full of tobacco, and that tobacco -was fresh. Hence it could not have been long lost by Don Estevan—a -few hours, at the most. If that were so, as there was every reason to -assume, Don Estevan could not be far off, and must be a league, or at -the most two, from their bivouac. This reasoning was logical; hence -the Gambusino drew from it the conclusion that the opportunity he had -been waiting for so long had at length arrived, and he must seize it -at all risks. This conclusion once admitted, the rest can be easily -understood. The Gambusino rose, glided like a snake into the underwood, -and went off in search of Don Estevan.</p> - -<p>Accident is the master of the world; it regulates matters at its will; -its combinations are at times so strange, that it seems to take a -malignant pleasure in making the most odious plans succeed, contrary -to all expectations. This is what happened in the present case. The -Gambusino had not been wandering about the forest for more than hour, -groping his way as well as he could in the dark, which enwrapped him -like a shroud, when he arrived, at the moment he least expected it, in -sight of a fire lighted on the extreme verge of the forest. He walked -at once towards the brilliant flame he had noticed, instinctively -persuaded that near the <i>brasero</i> which served him as a beacon he -should find the man he was looking for. His presentiments had not -deceived him. The camp, towards which he was proceeding, was really -that of Don Estevan and his allies, who, we must allow, did not believe -themselves so near their enemies. Had they done so, they would have -indubitably employed all the precautions usual in the desert to conceal -their presence.</p> - -<p>The sudden appearance of the Gambusino in the circle illumined by the -fire was a perfect tableau. The Indians and Don Estevan himself were -so far from expecting the man's arrival, that there was a moment of -fearful confusion, during which the Gambusino was seized, thrown down, -and bound, ere he had time to utter a syllable in his defence. The -warriors seized their arms, and scattered about the neighbourhood, in -order to assure themselves that the man who had so suddenly come among -them was alone, and they had nothing to fear.</p> - -<p>At length the alarm gradually cooled down; they felt easier, and -thought about questioning the prisoner. This was what the latter -desired, and which he earnestly requested, ever since he had been so -roughly pounced on. He was led into the presence of the three Chiefs, -and at once recognised by Don Estevan. "Eh!" the latter said, with a -grin. "It is my worthy friend, Domingo. What on earth brings you here, -my fine fellow?"</p> - -<p>"You shall learn, for I have merely come to do you a service," the -bandit answered, with his usual effrontery. "I should be obliged, -though, by your having me untied if it is possible. These cords cut -into my flesh, and cause me such suffering, that I shall be unable to -utter a word until I have got rid of them."</p> - -<p>When the bandit's request had been accomplished, he told all he had -heard in the fullest detail, without any pressing. The revelations of -the Gambusino caused his hearers considerable reflection, and they next -asked how he knew that they were so near? Domingo completed his story -by stating how he had found the tobacco pouch, and how, after his two -companions, Marksman and Don Mariano, fell asleep, he left them to go -in search of Don Estevan.</p> - -<p>In the Gambusino's story one thing especially struck Don Estevan, and -that was, that two of his greatest enemies were a few paces from him, -and alone. He at once leaned over to Red Wolf, and whispered a few -words, to which the other responded by a sinister smile. Ten minutes -later, the fire was extinguished. The Apaches, armed to the teeth, -under the guidance of Domingo, glided into the forest, and proceeded -toward the spot where the hunter and the gentleman were tranquilly -reposing, not suspecting the terrible danger that menaced them, and the -treachery to which they were the victims.</p> - -<p>We have seen how the Indian's enterprise failed, and in what way -the wretched Domingo received the chastisement for his crime. -Unfortunately, he had found time to speak, and his words had been -carefully garnered. When the Apaches recognized that they had to do -with a stronger party than they expected, and the men they wished to -surprise were on their guard, they withdrew in all haste, in order to -deliberate on the measures they must take to get before their enemies, -and foil their plans. The discussion, contrary to Indian habit, was -not long. In spite of the night, whose dense mantle still covered -the ground, they mounted their horses, and proceeded as speedily as -possible toward Quiepaa Tani, in order to enter the city first, and -have time to call on their friends to help them in the impending -contest.</p> - -<p>In spite of all his objections, Don Estevan was left behind, concealed -with some warriors on the outskirts of the forest. The Chiefs, with -all their influence, not daring openly to infringe the Indian laws -by introducing into the city a Paleface other than a prisoner, Don -Estevan was compelled to await their return with resignation. But if -the Indians had lost no time, the hunters, on their side, had so well -profited by it, that, as we have seen, Marksman, disguised as a Yuma -medicine man, entered Quiepaa Tani simultaneously with them.</p> - -<p>While Red Wolf made all the preparations for convening the great -council of the Chiefs, Addick left him, and proceeded to the house -of his friend, Cheuch Coatl (Eight Serpents), the Amantzin, or High -Priest. But the latter, on hearing of the young Chief's return, had -shut himself up with the Pigeon, who, accompanied by Eglantine, -had come to pay him a visit. The Amantzin advised her of Addick's -return—which she knew already—and recommended her to maintain silence -as to the active part she had played in the attempted conversion of the -maidens. The Pigeon, whom Eglantine had taught her lesson, promised to -remain dumb. She had told the High Priest of the presence in Quiepaa -Tani of a great Yuma medicine man, whose knowledge might be useful -in restoring the health of Addick's prisoners. The Amantzin thanked -the Indian woman, telling her he should probably see Atozac at the -council, and would not fail to ask him to lead Two Rabbits to him. -Feeling considerably calmer, the Amantzin dismissed the women, and -proceeded to Addick, being well prepared to receive him. At the first -words the young Chief uttered, referring to his great desire to see his -two prisoners as soon as possible, the old man replied that, in order -to be able to watch over them more effectually, and remove them from -the oppressive curiosity of the idlers of the city, who troubled him -with their continual visits, he had been compelled to transfer them -to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, until they could be returned -to their legitimate owner. Addick thanked his friend most warmly -for the care he had taken in performing the commission entrusted to -him—thanks which the Chief Priest received with hypocritical modesty, -while regarding the young Chief with a crafty look, which caused him to -feel uncomfortable. Hence, without further beating round the bush, he -resolved on settling the matter at once.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>CONVERSATIONAL.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The two men stood for a moment silently face to face, devouring each -other with their glances, with frowning brows and compressed lips, like -two duellists on the point of crossing swords; and, in truth, they were -about to engage in a duel, the more terrible because the only weapons -they could employ were cunning and dissimulation.</p> - -<p>The power of the Indian priests is immense; it is the more terrible, -because it is uncontrolled, and only depends on the deity they invoke, -and whom they compel to interfere in all circumstances when they have -need of his support. No people are so superstitious as the Redskins. -With them religion is entirely physical, they are completely ignorant -of dogmas, and prefer blindly believing the absurdities their diviners -lay before them, rather than give themselves the trouble of reflecting -on mysteries which they do not understand, and which, in their hearts, -they care little for.</p> - -<p>We have said that the High Priest of Quiepaa Tani was a man of lofty -intellect, constantly residing in the city, possessing the secrets, -and, consequently, the confidence of most families; he had built up his -popularity on a solid and almost immovable basis. Addick was aware of -this. On several occasions he had been obliged to have recourse to the -occult powers of the soothsayer, and, therefore, perfectly comprehended -the unpleasant consequences which would result to him from a rupture -with such a man. Chiuchcoatl stood with his arms folded on his chest, -and with apathetic face, before the young Chief, whose eyes flashed, -and features expressed the most violent indignation. Still, at the -expiration of a few moments, Addick, by an extraordinary effort of his -will, subdued the fire of his glance, smoothed down the expression of -his face, and offered his hand to the Priest, saying to him in a soft -and conciliatory voice, in which no trace of his internal agitation was -perceptible, "My father loves me. What he has done is well, and I thank -him for it."</p> - -<p>The Amantzin bowed deferentially, while slightly touching, with the end -of his three fingers, the hand held out to him. "The Wacondah inspired -me," he said, with a hypocritical voice.</p> - -<p>"The holy name of the Wacondah be blessed," the Chief replied. "Will -not my father allow me to see the prisoners?"</p> - -<p>"I should like it. Unfortunately, that is impossible."</p> - -<p>"What?" the young man exclaimed, with a shade of impatience, he could -not completely hide.</p> - -<p>"The law is positive. Entrance to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -is prohibited to men."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but these young girls are not priestesses. They are -Paleface women whom I brought here."</p> - -<p>"I know it. What my brother says is just."</p> - -<p>"Well, my father sees that nothing prevents my prisoners being restored -to me."</p> - -<p>"My son is mistaken. Their presence among the Virgins of the Sun -has placed them beneath the effect of the law. Forced by imperious -circumstances, I did not reflect on this when I made them enter the -Palace. In order to carry out my son's wishes, I wished to save them at -any price. Now I regret what I have done; but it is too late."</p> - -<p>Addick felt an enormous temptation to dash out the brains of the -wretched juggler, who deluded him so impudently with his hypocritical -accent and gentle manner; but, fortunately for the Priest, and probably -for himself, as such a deed, just as it was, would not have gone -unpunished, he succeeded in mastering himself. "Come," he continued, -in a moment, "my father is kind, he would not wish to reduce me to -despair. Are there no means to remove this apparently insurmountable -difficulty?"</p> - -<p>The Priest seemed to hesitate. Addick looked earnestly at him, while -awaiting his answer. "Yes," he continued, presently, "there is, -perhaps, one way."</p> - -<p>"What?" the young man exclaimed, joyfully. "Let my father speak!"</p> - -<p>"It would be," the old man answered, laying a stress on every word, -and, as it were, unwillingly, "it would be by obtaining authority from -the Great Council to remove them from the Palace."</p> - -<p>"Wah! I did not think of that. In truth, the Great Council may -authorize that. I thank my father. Oh! I shall obtain the permission."</p> - -<p>"I hope so," the Priest answered, in a tone which staggered the young -man.</p> - -<p>"Does my father suppose that the Great Council would wish to insult me -by refusing so slight a favour?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I suppose nothing my son. The Wacondah holds in his right hand the -hearts of the Chiefs. He can alone dispose them in your favour."</p> - -<p>"My father is right. I will go immediately to the Council. It must be -assembled at this moment."</p> - -<p>"In truth," the Amantzin answered, "the first hachesto of the powerful -Sachems came to summon me a few moments before I had the pleasure of -seeing my son."</p> - -<p>"Then my father is proceeding to the Council?"</p> - -<p>"I will accompany my son, if he consents."</p> - -<p>"It will be an honour for me. I can, I trust, count on the support of -my father?"</p> - -<p>"When has that support failed Addick?"</p> - -<p>"Never. Still, today, above all, I should like to be certain that my -father will grant it to me."</p> - -<p>"My son knows that I love him. I will act as my duty ordains," the -Priest replied, evasively. Addick, to his great regret, was forced to -put up with this ambiguous answer.</p> - -<p>The two men then went out, and crossed the square, to enter the palace -of the Sachems, where the Council assembled. A crowd of Indians, -attracted by curiosity, thronged this usually deserted spot, and -greeted with shouts the passage of renowned sachems. When the High -Priest appeared, accompanied by the young Chief, the Indians fell -back before them with a respect mingled with fear, and bowed silently -to them. The Amantzin was more feared than loved by the people, as -generally happens with all men who hold great power. Chiuchcoatl did -not seem to notice the emotion his presence produced, and the hurried -whispers that were audible on his passing. With eyes sunk, and modest -even humble step, he entered the palace at the heels of the young -Chief, whose assured countenance and haughty glance formed a striking -contrast with the demeanour his comrade affected.</p> - -<p>The place reserved for the meeting of the Great Council was an immense -square hall, extremely simple, and facing north and south; at one end -was fastened to the whitewashed wall a tapestry made of the feathers -and down of rare birds, on which was reproduced, in brilliantly -coloured feathers, the revered image of the sun, resting on the great -sacred tortoise, the emblem of the world. Beneath this tapestry, and -sustained by four crossed spears planted in the ground, was the sacred -calumet, which must never be sullied by contact with the earth. This -calumet, whose red bowl was made of a precious clay, only found in a -certain region of the Upper Missouri, had a tube ten feet in length, -adorned with feathers and gold bells, and from its extremity hung a -small medicine bag of elk skin, studded with hieroglyphics. In the -centre of the hall, in an oval hole, hollowed for the purpose, was -piled, with a certain degree of symmetry, the wood destined for the -council fire, and which could only be lighted by the High Priest. The -hall was lighted by twelve lofty windows, hung with long curtains of -vicuna skin, through which a gloomy and uncertain light filtered, -perfectly harmonizing with the imposing aspect of the vast apartment.</p> - -<p>At the moment the Amantzin and Addick entered the place of meeting, -all the Chiefs comprising the Council had arrived; they were walking -about in groups, conversing and waiting. So soon as the High Priest -entered, each took his place by the fire, at a sign from the eldest -Sachem. This Sachem was an old man, whom two warriors held under -the arms to support. A long beard, white as silver—a singular fact -among Indians—fell on his chest; his features were stamped with -extraordinary majesty; and, indeed, the other Chiefs showed him -profound respect and veneration. This Chief was called Axayacatl, that -is to say, "the face of the water." He claimed descent from the ancient -Incas, who governed the country of the Anahuac before the Spanish -conquest, and, like his namesake, the eighth king of Mexico, his totem -was a face, before which he placed the symbol for water. We may remark, -in support of his claim, that his skin had not that reddish hue of new -copper which distinguishes the Indian race, but, on the contrary, -approached the European type. Whatever his descent might be, though, -one thing certain was, that in his youth he had been one of the bravest -and most renowned chiefs of the Comanches, that haughty and untameable -nation, which calls itself the Queen of the Prairies. When Axayacatl's -great age and numerous wounds prevented him waging war longer, the -Indians, by whom he was generally revered, had unanimously elected him -supreme Chief of Quiepaa Tani, and he had performed his duties for -more than twenty years, to the satisfaction of all the Indian nations. -After assuring himself that all the Chiefs were assembled round the -fire, the Sachem took from the hands of the hachesto, who stood by -his side, a lighted log, which he placed in the centre of the wood -prepared for the Council, saying, in a weak, though perfectly distinct -voice,—"Wacondah! thy children are assembling to discuss grave -matters; may the flame, which is thy Spirit, breathe in their hearts, -and raise to their lips words wise and worthy of thee."</p> - -<p>The wood—probably covered with resinous matter—caught fire almost -immediately, and a brilliant flame soon mounted, with a whirl, toward -the roof.</p> - -<p>While the Sachem was pronouncing the words we have just written, two -subaltern priests had taken the sacred calumet from the spot where -it was placed, and, after filling it with tobacco expressly reserved -for extraordinary ceremonies, they lifted it on their shoulders, and -presented it respectfully to the Amantzin. The latter took, with a -medicine rod, in order to confound evil omens, a burning coal from -the hearth, and lit the calumet, while pronouncing the following -invocation:—"Wacondah! sublime and mysterious being. Thou, whom the -world cannot contain, and whose powerful eye perceives the smallest -insect timidly concealed beneath the grass, we invoke thee, thee whom -no man can comprehend. Grant that the sun, thy visible representative, -may be favourable to us, and not drive far away the holy smoke of the -great calumet which we send toward him."</p> - -<p>The Amantzin, still holding the bowl of the calumet in the palm of -his hand, presented the tube in turn to each Chief, beginning with -the eldest. The Sachems each inhaled a few puffs of smoke, with the -decorum and reverence required by etiquette, with their eyes fixed on -the ground, and the right arm laid on the heart. When the tube of the -calumet at length reached the High Priest, he had the bowl held by one -of his acolytes, and smoked till all the tobacco was reduced to ashes. -Then the hachesto approached, emptied the ash into a little elkskin -pouch, which he closed, and threw into the fire, saying in a loud and -impressive voice,—"Wacondah! the descendants of the sons of Aztlan -implore thy clemency. Suffer thy luminous rays to descend into their -hearts, that their words may be those of wise men."</p> - -<p>Then the two priests took the calumet again, and placed it beneath the -image of the sun. The old Sachem took the word again. "The council -has assembled," he said, "two renowned Chiefs, who only arrived this -morning at Quiepaa Tani, on their return from a long journey, have, -they say, important communications to make to the Sachems. Let them -speak; our ears are open."</p> - -<p>We will enter into no details of the discussion that took place in the -Council; we will not even quote the speeches uttered by Red Wolf and -Addick, for that would carry us too far, and probably only weary the -reader. We need only say, that though the passions of the Sachems were -cleverly played on by the two Chiefs who had called the meeting, and -that sharp attacks were sharply returned, all passed with the decorum -and decency characteristic of Indian assemblies; that, although each -defended his opinion inch by inch, no one went beyond the limits of -good taste; and we will sum up the debate by stating that Red Wolf and -Addick completely failed in their schemes, and that the good sense, or -rather the ill will, of their colleagues prevented them attaining the -object of their desires.</p> - -<p>The High Priest, while pretending to support Addick, managed to embroil -the question so cleverly, that the Council declared unanimously that -the two young Palefaces shut up in the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -must be considered, not as the property of the Chief who brought them -to the city, but as prisoners of the entire confederation, and as such -remain under the guardianship of the Amantzin, to whom the order was -intimated to watch them with the greatest care, and under no pretext -allow the young Chief to approach them. Chiuchcoatl, when he insinuated -to Addick that he should apply to the Council, knew perfectly well -what the result would be but not wishing to make an enemy of the young -man by refusing his request, he adroitly thrust the responsibility of -the refusal on the whole Council, and thus rendered it impossible for -Addick to call him to account for his dishonourable conduct toward him.</p> - -<p>Red Wolf had been more fortunate, from the simple reason that his -communication concerned the city. The Apache Chief demanded that -a party of five hundred warriors, commanded by a renowned Chief, -should be called under arms, to watch over the common safety, gravely -compromised by the appearance, in the vicinity of Quiepaa Tani, of -some forty Palefaces, whose evident intention it was to attack and -carry the city by storm.</p> - -<p>The Chiefs granted Red Wolf what he asked, and even much more than he -had ventured to hope. Instead of five hundred warriors, it was settled -that a thousand should be called; one-half of them, under the orders -of Atoyac, would traverse the country in every direction, in order -to watch the approach of the enemy, while the other half, under the -immediate orders of the governor, would guard the interior. After this, -the Council broke up.</p> - -<p>The High Priest then approached Atoyac, and asked him if he really had -a renowned Tlacateotzin at his house. The other replied, that, on the -same day, a great Yuma medicine man had arrived at Quiepaa Tani, and -done him the honour of entering his <i>calli</i>. Flying Eagle then joined -Atoyac in assuring the High Priest that this medicine man, whom he had -known for a long time, justly enjoyed a very extensive reputation among -the Indians, and that he had himself seen him effect marvellous cures. -The Amantzin had no reason to distrust Flying Eagle; he therefore put -the greatest confidence in his words, and, on the spot, begged Atoyac -to bring this Tlacateotzin as speedily as possible to the Palace of -the Virgins of the Sun, that he might devote his attention to the two -Paleface maidens placed under his ward by the Council-General of the -nation, and whose health had inspired him with great fears for some -time past.</p> - -<p>Addick heard these words, and rapidly approached the High Priest. "What -does my father say, then?" he exclaimed, in great agitation.</p> - -<p>"I say," the Amantzin replied, in his most honeyed voice, "that the two -maidens my son entrusted to my care have been tried by the Wacondah, -who sent them the scourge of illness."</p> - -<p>"Is their life in danger?" the young man continued, with ill-suppressed -agony.</p> - -<p>"The Wacondah alone holds in his power the existence of his creatures; -still I believe that the danger may be conquered; besides, as my son -has heard, I expect an illustrious Tlacateotzin of the Yuma race, just -come from the shore of the boundless Salt Lake, who, by the aid of his -science, can, I doubt not, restore strength and health to the slaves -whom my son took from the Spanish barbarians."</p> - -<p>Addick, at this unpleasant news, could not suppress a movement of -anger, which proved to the High Priest that he was not entirely his -dupe, but suspected what had happened; but, either through respect, -or fear lest he might be mistaken in his supposition, though more -probably because the place where Addick was did not appear to him -propitious for an explanation like that he wished to have with the -Amantzin, he contented himself with begging the old man not to neglect -anything to save the captives, adding, that he would be grateful to him -for any attention he might pay them. Then, suddenly breaking off the -conversation, he bowed slightly to the High Priest, turned his back on -him, and left the hall, talking eagerly in a low voice with Red Wolf, -who had waited for him a few paces off.</p> - -<p>The Amantzin looked after the young man with a most peculiar expression -in his eyes; then, resuming his conversation with Atoyac and Flying -Eagle, he begged them to send the Yuma medicine man to them that -evening, if possible. The latter promised this, and then left him to -return to the <i>calli</i>, where the physician was doubtless waiting for -them.</p> - -<p>Still, what had passed at the council afforded Flying Eagle serious -matter for reflection, by letting him see that the two Apache Chiefs -knew the greater part of Marksman's secret, and if the latter wished -to succeed, he must waste no time, but set to work at once. After -ten minutes' walking, the Chiefs reached the <i>calli</i>, where they -found Marksman awaiting them. The hunter, as we have seen, offered no -objections to Atoyac's request, but, on the contrary, after taking up -his medicine box, followed him eagerly.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE INTERVIEW.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Marksman followed Atoyac to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun. In -spite of himself, the intrepid hunter felt his heart contract when -he thought of the perilous situation in which he was about to place -himself, and the terrible consequences discovery would entail. Still, -he stood up against this emotion, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -power over himself to affect a tranquillity and indifference which were -far from real. The two men walked silently side by side. The hunter, -fearing this prolonged dumbness might inspire his pride with doubts, -resolved to make him talk, in order to give his thoughts a different -direction from that he feared to see them take. "My brother has -travelled much?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Where is the warrior of our race whose life has not been spent in -long journeys?" the Indian answered, sententiously. "The Palefaces—my -brother knows it better than I—chase us like wild beasts, and compel -us incessantly to retire before their successive encroachments."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the hunter said, shaking his head with a melancholy -air. "What desert is so obscure in which we are now permitted to hide -the bones of our fathers, with the certainty that the plough of the -whites will not come to crush them in tracing its interminable furrow, -and scatter them in every direction?"</p> - -<p>"Alas!" Atoyac observed, "the red race is accursed. The day will come -when it will be sought in vain on the immense plains where it was -formerly more numerous than the brilliant stars which stud the vault -of heaven; for it is fatally condemned to disappear from the surface -of the world. The Palefaces are only the terrible implements of the -implacable wrath of the Wacondah against the children of the red -family."</p> - -<p>"My father only speaks too well. Formerly our race was all-powerful; -now it has fallen lower than the vilest slave, and has no hope left it -of ever rising again."</p> - -<p>"What has become of the powerful emperors of Anahuac, who commanded the -whole earth? Of the numberless cities they founded, but five compose -today the territory of Tlapalean.<a name="FNanchor_1_11" id="FNanchor_1_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_11" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> They are the last refuges of the -children of Quetyalcoalt,<a name="FNanchor_2_12" id="FNanchor_2_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_12" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> who are forced to hide themselves there -like timid deer, instead of boldly treading the countries possessed in -old times by their ancestors."</p> - -<p>"But, thanks be rendered to the Wacondah, whose power is infinite, -these five cities are completely sheltered from the insults of the -Gachupinos."</p> - -<p>Atoyac shook his head sadly, "My father is mistaken," he said. "Where -is the hidden spot to which Palefaces do not penetrate?"</p> - -<p>"That is possible. They effect everything; but up to the present no -Paleface has gazed on Quiepaa Tani. They have not been able to cross -the mountains and traverse the deserts, behind which the sacred city -rises calm and peaceful, deriding the vain efforts of its enemies to -discover it."</p> - -<p>"Scarce two suns ago, I should have spoken like my brother. I should -have rejoiced with him at this ignorance of the Palefaces; but today -this is no longer possible."</p> - -<p>"How so? What can have happened in so short a space of time, that -compels my brother to alter his opinion so suddenly?" the hunter asked, -growing all at once interested, and fearful of hearing bad news.</p> - -<p>"The Palefaces are in the vicinity of the city. They have been seen; -they are numerous and well armed."</p> - -<p>"It is not so; my father is mistaken. Cowards or old women were -frightened by their shadow, and spread this report," the Canadian -answered, shivering all over.</p> - -<p>"Those who brought the news are neither cowards, afraid of their -shadow, nor chattering old women—they are renowned chiefs. Today, at -the Great Council, they announced the presence of a strong party of -Palefaces, concealed in the forest, whose trees have so long spread out -their protecting branches before us, to conceal us from the piercing -glances of our enemies."</p> - -<p>"These men, however numerous they may be, unless they form a real army, -will not venture to attack a city so strong as this, defended by thick -walls, and containing a considerable number of chosen warriors."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps. Who can know? At any rate, if the Palefaces do not attack us, -we shall attack them. Not one of them must see again the land of the -Palefaces. Our future security demands it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it must be so; but are you sure that the Chiefs of whom you -speak, and whose names I do not know, may not deceive you, and be -traitors?"</p> - -<p>Atoyac stopped and fixed a piercing glance on the Canadian, who endured -it with a calm air and unmoved countenance. "No," he said, a moment -after, "Red Wolf and Addick are no traitors."</p> - -<p>The hunter seemed to reflect for a moment, and then exclaimed, with -a resolute air, which imposed on the Indian, "No, indeed, those two -chiefs are not traitors; but they are on the road to become so ere -long. The dangers which menace us they heaped up on our heads to -satisfy their passions and thirst for vengeance."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother explain," the Chief said, at the height of -astonishment. "His words are plain."</p> - -<p>"I did wrong to utter them," the hunter continued, with feigned -humility. "I am only a man of peace, to whom the omnipotent Wacondah -has given the mission of relieving, according to the knowledge granted -him, the ills of humanity. I, a poor being, ought not to try and -uproot the powerful oak, whose weight in falling would crush me. Let -my brother pardon me. I imprudently allowed my indignation to carry me -away."</p> - -<p>"No, no," the Chief exclaimed, pressing his arm forcibly; "it cannot be -so. My father has begun, and he must tell me all."</p> - -<p>With that quickness of thought that distinguished him, the hunter had -conceived a plan founded on the distrust which forms the basis of the -Indian character. He pretended resistance to the Chief's instructions, -and was unwilling to enter into details of what he had let him have a -glimpse of; but the more the pretended medicine man declined to speak, -the more did the Chief press him to do so. At length the hunter feigned -to be intimidated by his host's mingled prayers and threats, and still -alleging the fear he felt of drawing on himself the hatred of two -renowned chiefs, he at length consented to give the information for -which Atoyac pressed him so urgently. "Here are the facts," he said. "I -will relate them to my brother exactly as they came to my knowledge. -Still, my brother will pledge me his word, that whatever be the -resolution he forms after hearing my words, he will in no way mix up a -peaceful and timid man in this affair. That my name shall not be even -mentioned, and that the chiefs whose conduct I am now about to unveil, -will not be aware of my presence at Quiepaa Tani?"</p> - -<p>"My brother can speak in all confidence. I swear to him by the sacred -name of the Wacondah, and by the great Ayotl, that whatever happens, -his name shall not be mixed up in this affair. No one shall know in -what way I obtained the information he will give me. Atoyac is one of -the first sachems in Quiepaa Tani. When it pleases him to say a thing, -his words do not require to be confirmed by any other testimony than -his own."</p> - -<p>As so often happens, under present circumstances, apart from the -discomfort produced by the hunter's reticence, the Chief was not sorry -at the importance the details he was about to learn would assuredly -give him, and the part he would be indubitably called on to play in the -events which would result from them.</p> - -<p>"Och!" the hunter said, with a sigh of satisfaction, "if that is -the case, I will speak." Then the Canadian told his complaisant and -credulous hearer a long and wonderfully confused story, in which truth -was so artfully mixed up with falsehood, that it would have been -impossible for the acutest man to distinguish one from the other; but -the result of which was, that, if the whites had reached the vicinity -of the city, Addick and Red Wolf had lured them after them, only -connecting their trail sufficiently for their pursuers not to lose -it. The whole of the facts recounted by the hunter were so skilfully -grouped, that the two chiefs, enveloped in this network of truth -and falsehood, must be inevitably convicted of treason if closely -cross-questioned, which the worthy hunter hoped most sincerely. "I will -allow myself no reflections," he added, in conclusion; "my brother is a -wise chief and experienced warrior: he will judge far better than I, a -poor worm, can of the gravity of the things he has just heard; still, I -implore him to remember what he has promised."</p> - -<p>"Atoyac has only one word," the Chief answered. "My father can reassure -himself; but what I have heard is extremely serious. Let us lose no -more time; I must go to the first Chief of the city."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps the two Sachems have drawn the Palefaces so near us with a -good intention," the hunter insinuated; "they hope, possibly, to pounce -upon them with greater ease."</p> - -<p>"No," Atoyac answered, with a gloomy air; "their intentions can only be -perfidious; their machinations must be foiled as speedily as possible; -if not, great misfortunes will occur, especially after the decision of -the Council, which gives the command of the warriors destined to act in -the city to Red Wolf, under the orders of the governor."</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the hunter, Atoyac was a personal enemy of Red Wolf -and Addick, which prevented him noticing with what cunning skill the -Canadian had led him to listen to his narrative.</p> - -<p>The two men hastily continued their walk, and in a few minutes reached -the Palace of the Vestals. After a few words with the warrior who had -charge of the gate, the Chief and the medicine man were introduced -into the interior. The High Priest came eagerly toward the newcomers, -whom he had been eagerly expecting. The Amantzin regarded the hunter -with suspicious attention, and made him undergo an interrogatory like -Atoyac's in the morning.</p> - -<p>His answers, prepared long before, pleased the High Priest; for, a few -moments after, he led him to the reserved apartments of the Palace, -in order to examine the state of the maidens. The Canadian's heart -trembled with the most violent emotion, and large drops of perspiration -beaded in his face. Indeed, the critical position in which he found -himself, was really of a nature to inspire him with serious alarm. What -he feared most of all was the effect his presence might produce on the -maidens, if, in spite of his perfect disguise, they recognized him at -once, or when he made himself known to them; for it was indispensable -for the success of the trick he intended to play, that those he was -going to see should know with whom they had to deal, and enter fully -into the spirit of the characters he meant them to play in the farce. -These reflections, and many others which rushed on the hunter, imparted -to his face a look of sternness, which was far from injuring him in the -minds of those who accompanied him. They at length reached the entrance -of the secret apartments, whose door, at a sign from the High Priest, -was widely opened before them. But so soon as they entered a large -hall, which, through the absence of all furniture, might be regarded as -a vestibule, the Amantzin turned to Atoyac, and gave him the order to -wait there, while he led the medicine man to the captives.</p> - -<p>As we have already said, the abode of the Virgins of the Sun was -interdicted to all men, excepting the High Priest. Under certain -circumstances, one person might be an exception to this rule, and that -was the doctor. Atoyac was too well acquainted with the severe law of -the palace to offer the slightest remark; still, when the High Priest -prepared to leave him, he caught him respectfully by the robe, and bent -to his ear. "My brother will return promptly," he said to him in a low -voice; "I have important news to communicate to him."</p> - -<p>"Important news," the Amantzin repeated, as he stared at him.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Chief said.</p> - -<p>"And they concern me?" the High Priest continued slowly.</p> - -<p>Atoyac smiled confidentially. "I think so," he said, "for they relate -to Red Wolf and Addick."</p> - -<p>The High Priest gave a slight start. "I will return in a moment," -he said, with a gracious nod; then turning to the hunter, who stood -motionless a few steps off, apparently indifferent to what passed -between the two men, he said to him,—"Come."</p> - -<p>The hunter bowed, and followed the High Priest. The latter led him -across a long courtyard paved with bricks, and ascending ten steps of -blue and green-veined marble, he conducted him into a small isolated -pavilion, completely separate from the building in which the Virgins -of the Sun were secluded. The High Priest closed the door behind him, -which gave them admission to the pavilion; they crossed a species -of antechamber, and the Amantzin, raising a drapery which hung over -a narrow doorway, introduced the pretended physician into a room -splendidly furnished in the Indian style. The High Priest, wishing, -if possible, to make the maidens forget they were captives, had -gilded their cage with the utmost care, by decorating it with all -the articles of luxury and comfort which he supposed would please -them. In an elegant hammock of cocoa-fibre, overrun with feathers, -and hanging from golden rings, about eighteen inches from the floor, -there reclined a young woman, whose face of excessive pallor bore -the imprint of profound sorrow, and the evident traces of a serious -illness. It was Doña Laura de Real del Monte. By her side, with folded -arms and tear-laden eyes, stood Doña Luisa, her friend, or rather her -sister, through suffering and devotion. The state of prostration into -which Doña Luisa was plunged, proved that, in spite of her strength -of character, she had also, for some time past, given up all hope of -ever leaving the prison in which she was confined. This room, receiving -no light from without, was illuminated by four torches of ocote wood, -passed through gold rings in the wall, whose vacillating flame dimly -lighted up the scene.</p> - -<p>On seeing the two men, Doña Laura made a sign of terror, and buried -her face in her hands. The hunter saw that he must precipitate events, -so he turned to his guide, "The Wacondah is powerful," he said, in an -imposing voice; "the sacred tortoise supports the world on its shell. -His spirit eye is on me; it inspires me. I must remain alone with the -patients, that I may read in their faces the nature of the illness that -torments them."</p> - -<p>The High Priest hesitated; he fixed on the pretended physician a glance -which seemed to try and read his most secret thoughts. But, although -accustomed for many years to deceive his countrymen by his mystic -juggling, he was, after all, an Indian, and, as such, as accessible to -superstitious fears as those he deluded. He therefore hesitated, "I am -the Amantzin," he said, with a respectful accent. "The Wacondah can -only view with satisfaction my presence here at this moment."</p> - -<p>"My father can remain, if such is his pleasure; I do not compel him to -retire," the Canadian answered boldly, as he was determined to gain his -point at all hazards. "Now I warn him that I am in no way responsible -for the terrible consequences his disobedience will entail. The Spirit -that possesses me will be obeyed, for it is jealous. Let my father -reflect."</p> - -<p>The High Priest bowed his head humbly. "I will retire," he said; "my -brother will pardon my pressing." And he left the apartment.</p> - -<p>The Canadian silently accompanied him to the door of the vestibule, -closed it carefully after him, and ran back to the young ladies, who -recoiled with terror. "Fear nothing," he whispered; "I am a friend."</p> - -<p>"A friend!" Doña Laura exclaimed, who had fled, all trembling, into a -corner of the room.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he continued hastily; "I am Marksman, the Canadian hunter, the -friend, the companion of Don Miguel."</p> - -<p>Doña Laura sat up in her hammock, and a cry of surprise and joy burst -from her chest.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the hunter said; "they may be listening."</p> - -<p>Doña Luisa gazed with dilated eyes on this scene, whose meaning escaped -her.</p> - -<p>"You, Marksman!" Doña Laura at length said, with an accent impossible -to describe. "Oh! we may be saved, then; we are not abandoned by all."</p> - -<p>And, sliding to the ground, she knelt piously, and, with clasped -hands, murmured a fervent prayer, while her eyes filled with tears. -Then, rising suddenly, she seized the hunter's hands, and pressed them -passionately. "Don Miguel," she said; "where is he?"</p> - -<p>"He is close by, and waiting for you. But, for Heaven's sake, listen to -me; moments are precious."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Caballero! take us away, take us away quickly," Doña Laura at -length said, completely recovered from her emotion.</p> - -<p>"Soon."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, save us!" Doña Laura exclaimed; "my father will reward you."</p> - -<p>Marksman smiled. "Your father will be very glad to see you again," he -said, softly.</p> - -<p>Doña Laura raised to him her lovely eyes, radiant with joy. "Where is -my father?" she asked him; but then added, "no, I cannot see him. He is -far, very far from here."</p> - -<p>"He is with Don Miguel, in the forest. Set your mind at rest."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Heaven!" the maiden exclaimed, "it is too much happiness."</p> - -<p>At this moment someone could be heard ascending the marble steps. -"Hist!" the hunter said, sharply; "be on your guard."</p> - -<p>"But what must we do?" Doña Laura asked, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Wait, and have confidence."</p> - -<p>"What, are you going?"</p> - -<p>"Leave us already?" they exclaimed together, with a movement of terror.</p> - -<p>"I will return. Leave me to act. Once again, hope and patience."</p> - -<p>"Oh, if you were to abandon us; if you did not save us," Laura said, in -despair, "we should have nothing left but to die."</p> - -<p>"Oh, have pity on us!" Doña Luisa murmured;</p> - -<p>"Trust to me, poor children," the hunter answered, more affected than -he liked to seem by this simple and profound sorrow. "Remember this -carefully—whatever happens, whatever may be told you, whatever sound -you hear, trust to me—to me alone—for I am watching over you. I have -sworn to save you, and I will succeed."</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" they replied.</p> - -<p>The steps had stopped at the door.</p> - -<p>Marksman, after making the maidens a last sign to recommend them -prudence, composed his features, sharply opened the door, and, -without uttering a word, passed by the High Priest, whom he did not -seem to notice, but evinced great marks of agitation, and, making -incomprehensible signs, ran toward the spot where Atoyac was awaiting -him. The Amantzin was dumb with surprise. After a moment, he closed the -doors the hunter had left open, and followed him, but as if he did not -dare to draw towards him.</p> - -<p>The maidens did not know whether they were not the sport of a dream. -So soon as they were alone, they fell into each other's arms, sobbing -violently.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_11" id="Footnote_1_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_11"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Literally, "red country."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_12" id="Footnote_2_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_12"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Curlyce of Mexico: literally, it means the "serpent -covered with feathers."</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>A MEETING.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The Indian Chief could not restrain a cry of terror, and recoiled a -few paces at the sudden apparition of the hunter. The latter stopped -in the centre of the room, and letting his head sink on his chest, -appeared plunged in profound thought. The High Priest, on rejoining -Atoyac, told him, in a few words, in what fashion the medicine man had -quitted the sick chamber, and the Indians, filled with superstitious -fear, stood motionless a few paces from him, respectfully waiting till -he addressed them. The hunter appeared gradually to regain possession -of his faculties; his agitation calmed down; he passed his hand over -his forehead, and sighed like a man at length relieved from a terrible -oppression. The Indians considered the moment favourable to approach -him, and ask him the questions they burned to address to him. "Well, my -father?" they said.</p> - -<p>"Speak," the High Priest added. "What is the matter with you?"</p> - -<p>The hunter rolled his eyes, uttered a fresh sigh, and muttered, in a -low, choking voice—"The spirit possesses me; it presses the marrow of -my bones."</p> - -<p>The Indians exchanged a timid glance, and fell back in terror.</p> - -<p>"Wacondah! Wacondah!" the Canadian continued; "why hast thou gifted thy -wretched servant with this unhappy knowledge?"</p> - -<p>The Redskins really felt the blood curdle in their veins by these -sinister words; a shudder of terror ran over their limbs, and their -teeth chattered. Marksman walked slowly toward them; they saw him -approaching without daring to make a movement to avoid him. The hunter -laid his right hand on the High Priest's shoulder, fixed a piercing -glance on him, and said, in a hollow voice—"The sons of the sacred -Ayotl must arm themselves with courage."</p> - -<p>"What does my brother mean?" the old man muttered, in a tremor.</p> - -<p>"A wicked spirit," the hunter continued, coldly, "has entered these -daughters of the Palefaces. This spirit will smite with death, from -this day forth, those who approach them; for the dread knowledge with -which the Wacondah has gifted me has enabled me to convince myself of -the malign influence that weighs upon them."</p> - -<p>The two Indians, credulous like all of their race, fell back a step. -Then the hunter, as if to confirm his words, feigned to be attacked by -a fresh crisis, and struggle with the spirit that dwelt in him.</p> - -<p>"But what must be done to deliver them from his evil influence?" Atoyac -asked, timidly.</p> - -<p>"All strength and all wisdom come from the Wacondah," the Canadian -answered. "I will ask my father, the Amantzin's leave to spend this -night in prayer in the Temple of the Sun."</p> - -<p>The Indians exchanged a glance of admiration.</p> - -<p>"Be it so, according to my father's wish," the High Priest said, with a -bow; "his wishes are orders to us."</p> - -<p>"Above all," the hunter continued, "let no one approach the daughters -of the Palefaces till tomorrow; then, perhaps, the Wacondah will grant -my prayers, by indicating the medicines I must employ."</p> - -<p>The High Priest gave a sign of assent.</p> - -<p>"It shall be so," he said; "let my father follow me; I will conduct him -to the temple."</p> - -<p>"No," Marksman objected; "that is not possible. I must enter the -sanctuary alone. My father will tell me the way to open the door."</p> - -<p>The Amantzin obeyed, and explained to him in what way the bars and -bolts were arranged, and how he must set to work to undo them.</p> - -<p>"Good," the hunter said; "tomorrow, at sunrise, I will let my father -know the will of the Wacondah, and if there be any hope left of saving -the patients."</p> - -<p>"I will wait, my son," the old man replied.</p> - -<p>The two Indians bowed respectfully to the medicine man, and retired -together. The hunter was surprised at seeing them go away thus, and -asked himself where they could be proceeding at such an hour. The -departure of the Indians was the only consequence of the confidential -information given to Atoyac by Marksman, and the High Priest and the -Chief were proceeding in all haste to the principal Sachem of the city, -to impart to him all they had learned of the supposed intentions of -Addick and Red Wolf.</p> - -<p>We will here return to what we have already told the reader, in order -to make him thoroughly understand the motive of the confidence with -which the Indians accepted the hunter's words. In these countries -soothsayers are, as it were, favourites of fortune, and enjoy an -unbounded supernatural power. As among the Redskins, the practice -of medicine is, properly speaking, only an affectation of religious -rites mingled with ridiculous juggling. The physicians are naturally -considered to be Acyars, and respected as such. And let it not be -supposed that the vulgar alone are imbued with this belief. The chiefs, -warriors, priests even, as we have shown, recognize in them a marked -superiority, even if they do not grant them equally absolute power.</p> - -<p>During the latest events we have described, night had set in, but -one of those American nights, so calm and soft, full of intoxicating -perfumes; a weak and delicate light poured from the stars, whose -innumerable army studded the profoundly azure sky with their flashing -light; the moon was standing high in the heavens, and poured down -on the sleeping city its silvery rays, which imparted to objects a -fantastic appearance; a religious silence brooded over the landscape. -The hunter looked after the two men so long as they remained in sight, -and then began crossing the square to reach the palace.</p> - -<p>The day had been a trying one to the Canadian. He had been compelled -at every moment to display presence of mind, and struggle in craft -with men whose clear-sighted eyes had been incessantly on the point -of discovering the wolf hidden beneath the sheepskin. Still, he had -valiantly supported his trials, and, from the way affairs had turned, -he had every reason to believe that he should succeed in delivering the -two maidens; hence the worthy hunter's laughter to himself at the way -in which he had played his part, and determined to brave it out boldly -to the end. On reaching the temple, he unfastened the bolts and bars, -and entered the interior, only leaving the doors to behind, for he felt -certain that no one would dare to trouble him, through the sanctity of -the spot in the first place, and then through the superstitious fears -he had succeeded in inspiring the Indians with. In asking the High -Priest's permission to spend the night in the sanctuary, the hunter -had no other design but to cover with the cloak of religion the means -he intended to employ for the escape of the maidens, and, at the same -time, have a few hours' liberty, during which he could arrange his -plans fully, without being disturbed by the hospitality and curiosity -of his host.</p> - -<p>The interior of the temple was gloomy. Only one lamp burned before the -sacrificing table, spreading a weak and trembling light, insufficient -to dispel the gloom. Marksman retired to a dark corner, sat down on -the ground, drew his pistols from his bosom, placed them by his side -for fear of a sudden attack, and, after trying with a piercing glance -to sound the dense gloom that surrounded him, feeling reassured by the -deadly silence, he began thinking deeply. Still, by degrees, either -through weariness or the influence of the spot where he was, in spite -of his violent efforts to keep awake, he felt his eyelids grow heavy, -and at length he gave way to the invisible sleep that overpowered -him. He could not say how long he had slept, when a slight noise he -heard, no great distance off, suddenly made him open his eyes. Like -all men accustomed to the active and perilous life of the desert, -where a man must be constantly on his guard, the hunter had acquired -such an exquisite delicacy of sense, that, however great his lassitude -might be, whenever he knew himself to be in a dangerous position, his -sleep was lighter than a child's. Marksman, when hardly awake, looked -around, while careful not to make the slightest movement indicating -that his slumbers were interrupted. He could see nothing; it was still -night, and what was more, the lamp was extinguished. He understood that -someone had entered the temple, and was spying him. But who could have -dared to cross the sacred threshold? Two sorts of persons alone would -venture to do it. A friend or an enemy. As for friends, he had only -one in the city, Flying Eagle. It was evident that the warrior, if he -wished to come to him, would have come openly, and not hiding himself, -which might draw a bullet at his head. Hence it was an enemy; but who? -Those he might have suspected, namely, Addick or Red Wolf, did not know -him, and hence could not have discovered him under his disguise, as he -had deceived sharper eyes than theirs. Besides, during the whole course -of the day, he had not been face to face with the two Chiefs, hence -it could not be they. But who was it, then? This was what the hunter -could not discover, in spite of all his cleverness. In his doubt, and -through fear of being taken unawares, he stretched out his hands till -they touched the pistols, and, with his head up, his eyes open, and -ears on the watch for the slightest sound, he prepared to bravely face -the foe, whoever he might be. The noise, however, which had disturbed -him was not repeated, all remained calm and silent. In vain did the -hunter strive to detect a shadow, even the slightest, or the least -sound. Nothing disturbed the majesty of the sanctuary. Still, Marksman -was not mistaken. He had distinctly heard a footstep timidly pacing the -stones of the temple. A man must have been once in his life in the same -position as the hunter was now in, to understand its agony and terror. -To feel close to you, scarce two yards off, an enemy watching you, -whose furious eye is unpleasantly fixed on you—to know he is there; -to guess it by that species of intuition God has bestowed on him to -foresee a danger, and not dare to stir, fear making the least movement -which might warn him that you were expecting the attack—this position, -comparable with that of the bird fascinated by the snake, is most -cruel, and, in a few minutes, becomes a punishment so intolerable that -death itself is preferable.</p> - -<p>Assuredly, Marksman was a man of tried courage. The enterprise he was -now attempting proved in him a rashness, we will not say pushed to -the verge of death, for that is nothing, but to a contempt of those -tortures the Redskins are so ingenious in inventing and varying, so -that they can extract the life from their victim, as it were, drop by -drop. Well, after a quarter of an hour of this expectation, he felt -an involuntary shudder, his hair stood erect, and a cold perspiration -beaded on his temples. "A million demons," he muttered to himself, -"I cannot stand this any longer. I must know what I have to expect, -whatever happens."</p> - -<p>At the same moment he leaped to his feet as if moved by a spring, a -pistol in either hand. All at once, a shadow bounded from behind a -pillar with a tiger's leap, and the hunter, seized by the throat, -rolled on the ground, before he could utter a cry. A foot was rested -on his chest, and he saw a hideous face grinning at him, as if through -a cloud. Marksman was alone, abandoned; without help; it was all over -with him, nothing could save him. He gave vent to a stifled sigh, and -closed his eyes, resigned to the fate that awaited him. But, at the -moment he felt he was about to receive the mortal blow, the grasp -on his throat relaxed, and a sarcastic voice said to him, "Get up, -powerful Tlacateotzin, I only wished to prove to you that you were in -my hands."</p> - -<p>The hunter rose all bruised, and still troubled by this sudden attack. -The other continued—"What would you give to escape the peril that -menaces you, and be free to return peacefully to the <i>calli</i> of your -host Atoyac?"</p> - -<p>But Marksman had had time to recover from his flurry; he had picked up -his pistols; all fear had fled his heart, for he had only to defend -himself against one enemy. This enemy, after for a moment holding -him prostrate, committed the fault of restoring him liberty to move; -their position had suddenly become equal. "I will give you nothing, -Red Wolf," he said, resolutely. "Why did you not kill me when I lay -defenceless at your feet?"</p> - -<p>The Indian Chief—for he it was—recoiled, with surprise, on finding -himself so easily recognized. "Why did I not kill you, dog?" he -answered. "Because I had pity on you."</p> - -<p>"Because you were afraid, Sachem," the hunter said firmly; "it is a -different thing to kill an enemy in fighting, from assassinating an -adept of the great medicine in the temple of Wacondah, when protected -by his omnipotent hand. I say again, you were afraid."</p> - -<p>The hunter guessed rightly; it was his superstitious fear which -suddenly arrested the arm of the Chief, already uplifted to strike. "I -will not discuss matters with you," he said; "but tell me how you so -speedily guessed my name; for I do not know you."</p> - -<p>"But I know you; the Wacondah announced your presence to me; I expected -you; if I did not prevent your attack, it was because I wished to -see if you would carry your impiety so far as to sully the reverend -sanctuary of the temple."</p> - -<p>The Indian grinned. "You are going too far, sorcerer," he said, -ironically. "Had it not been for a moment of weakness I now regret, you -would be dead."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so. What do you want of me?"</p> - -<p>"Do you not know, as you say nothing is hidden from you?"</p> - -<p>"I know what reason brings you here. You will try in vain to -dissimulate; if I ask you that question, it is because I would know if -you dare to tell a falsehood."</p> - -<p>Red Wolf reflected for a moment, and then continued, with a resolute -accent,—"Listen, sorcerer," he said; "either you are a rogue, as -I believe, or else you are really what you pretend to be—a great -medicine man, inspired by the Wacondah, and beloved by him; in either -case, I wish to clear up my doubts. Woe to you if you try to deceive -me, for I will kill you like a dog, and of your accursed hide, cut into -strips on your quivering body, I will make trappings for my horse; if, -on the contrary, you speak the truth, you will not have a more devoted -friend, or a more faithful servant than myself."</p> - -<p>"I despise your hatred, and do not want your friendship, Red Wolf," the -hunter answered, in an imposing tone; "your powerless menaces do not -terrify me; but, in order to make you fully understand the extent of -my knowledge, I consent to do what you ask, and tell you what reason -urged you to come to me."</p> - -<p>"Do so, sorcerer, and whatever may happen, Red Wolf will be yours."</p> - -<p>The hunter smiled contemptuously, and shrugged his shoulders, "It is -difficult, then, to divine what a man of blood wants? You and Addick, -your worthy accomplice, are leagued with a miserable dog, an outcast of -the Palefaces, to carry off from here two poor young girls confided to -the honour of your accomplice. Today you would like to cheat those with -whom you are allied, and keep the prisoners for yourself. Denounced to -the great Sachem by Atoyac, to whom all your designs are known, who is -also aware that you meditate seizing the supreme power, and becoming -Governor of Quiepaa Tani, you felt that you were lost; then you came to -me with the intention of corrupting me, and inducing me, by the power -I have at my disposal, to help you in carrying off the maidens whom -you covet, so that you may fly with them before the necessary steps -have been taken to arrest you. Is that all? Have I forgot any trifling -detail? Or have I really read your whole thoughts? Answer, Chief, and -contradict me if you dare!"</p> - -<p>The Sachem listened to the hunter's long tirade with increasing -trouble; the successive changes of his face while listening to the -sorcerer, would have been a curious study for an observer; and when -Marksman at length concluded, Red Wolf let his head sink in confusion, -and stammered, in an almost indistinct voice,—"My father is truly -a Tlacateotzin; the Wacondah inspires him; his knowledge is immense. -Who is the man who would dare to hide anything from him? His eye, more -piercing than the eagle's, reads all hearts."</p> - -<p>"Now you have my answer, Red Wolf," the hunter continued, "retire in -peace, and no longer disturb the meditations in which I am plunged."</p> - -<p>"Then," the Chief remarked, with hesitation, "my father will not do -anything for me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do much."</p> - -<p>"What does my father?"</p> - -<p>"I allow you to retire in peace, when, by one sign, it would be easy -for me to lay you dead at my feet."</p> - -<p>The Indian drew two or three steps nearer the sorcerer, so as almost to -touch him; the latter, whose watchful ear had just heard the sound of -gentle footsteps coming toward him, did not notice this movement, for -all attention was directed to another quarter. Suddenly his frowning -brow grew smooth, and a smile played on his lips; he had discovered the -cause of this new mystery. "Well," he said to the Chief, "why does Red -Wolf remain here, when I gave him the order to withdraw?"</p> - -<p>"Because I hope to induce my father to have better feelings toward me."</p> - -<p>"My feelings toward the hunter are as they should be; I cannot change -them."</p> - -<p>"Yes, my father is kind; he will help Red Wolf."</p> - -<p>"No, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"My father will not serve me."</p> - -<p>"I will not."</p> - -<p>"Is that my father's last word?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then die like the dog you are!" the Redskin howled furiously, as he -rushed with uplifted knife on the hunter.</p> - -<p>The latter had, for a few moments, attentively watched all the Chief's -movements. Being thoroughly acquainted with the treacherous and roguish -character of the Apaches, on seeing Red Wolf assume a gentle manner, -he perfectly foresaw what he meditated, and the termination he meant -to give the scene; but, for all that, he did not make the slightest -movement to escape the blow intended for him: he looked his assassin -full in the face, with folded arms and unruffled face. Still, the arm -raised against the hunter did not descend. A man suddenly emerged from -the shade that concealed him, appeared behind Red Wolf, seized his arm, -and twisted it with such force, that the knife dropped, and disappeared -again so rapidly, that the terrified Chief had not even the time to see -whether he had to deal with a man or a spirit.</p> - -<p>Red Wolf uttered no cry,—did not even attempt to avenge himself, -but his eyes rolled in their sockets, a convulsive tremor shook his -whole body, and he fell on his knees, murmuring, in a horrified -voice,—"Pardon, pardon, my father."</p> - -<p>The hunter fell back a step, as if to avoid the unclean contact of the -wretch prostrate before him, kicked the knife away with disgust, and -said, in a tone of supreme contempt,—"Pick up your weapon, assassin!" -In reply the Chief showed him his dislocated arm, which hung inert by -his side.</p> - -<p>"You wished it," the hunter continued. "Did I not warn you that the -Wacondah protected me? Go, retire to your <i>calli</i>; keep silence about -all that has happened here. At sunset be with your canoe at the -riverbank below the bridge; I will meet you there, and perhaps cure -you, if you strictly follow the order I give you; above all, forget not -that you must be alone. Go!"</p> - -<p>"I will obey my father; my lips will not utter a word without his -order. But how can I leave here, unless you aid me? The spirits that -watch over my father will come to me with death, when I am no longer -in his presence."</p> - -<p>"That is true: you have been sufficiently punished. Rise, and lean on -my shoulder; I will help you to walk to the entrance of the temple."</p> - -<p>Red Wolf rose without reply; his rebellious spirit was subdued. The -rude lesson he had received at length inspired him with a superstitious -dread of the medicine man, which nothing could overcome.</p> - -<p>The hunter gently led him to the outer gate. On arriving there, he -carefully examined his arm, assured himself that nothing was broken, -and dismissed him, saying in a tone in which kindness was mingled with -severity,—"Thank the Wacondah, who had pity on you. In a few days your -wound will be cured; but profit by this lesson, wretch. You will see -me again this evening. Go; now my help is no longer requisite, you can -reach your <i>calli</i> alone."</p> - -<p>"I will try," the Chief answered, humbly.</p> - -<p>At a bow and sign from the hunter, he began walking slowly. Marksman -looked after him for some time, and then returned to the temple, -being careful to bolt the gate after him this time. At the moment the -hunter disappeared in the temple, the cry of the owl rose in the air, -announcing that the sun would speedily make its appearance.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>COMPLICATIONS.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">While these events were taking place in Quiepaa Tani, others we must -narrate were occurring in the camp of the Gambusinos. Don Miguel, -after parting from Marksman at the outskirts of the forest, returned -thoughtfully to the spot where his comrades awaited him. It was -evident that the bold adventurer, dissatisfied in his heart at the turn -affairs had taken, was meditating some desperate project to get near -the maidens. He had spent several hours on the top of the isolated -mound which commanded the whole plain, and which we have before -visited, and thence carefully studied the position of the city. Clearly -this young man, with his ardent character and impetuous passions, -consented very unwillingly to play a second part in an expedition in -which he had been hitherto the leader; his pride revolted at being -compelled to obey another, even though he were his devoted friend, and -he could count on him as on himself. He reproached himself for allowing -Marksman to expose himself thus alone to terrible dangers for a cause -which was his own. The true reason, however, which he did not dare -confess to himself, that, in short, would have gladly made him brave -the greatest perils, and evidently that instinct which impelled him -to revolt secretly against Marksman's prudence, and to take his place -at all risks, was his love for Doña Laura de Real del Monte. He loved -her with that powerful and invincible love which only chosen natures -are capable of experiencing—a love which grows with obstacles, and -which, when it has once taken possession of the heart of a man like -Don Leo, makes him accomplish the most daring and extraordinary deeds. -This love was the more deeply rooted in the young man's heart, because -he was completely ignorant of its existence, and believed he merely -acted through the affection he felt for the young girls, and the pity -their unhappy position inspired him with. If it were so at the outset, -as is true, for he did not know Doña Laura, matters had completely -changed since. A young man does not travel with impunity side by side -with a maiden for more than a month, seeing her incessantly, talking -with her at every moment of the day, and not fall in love with her. -There is in woman a certain charm, which we do not attempt to account -for, which seems to emanate from their being, to be impregnated in all -that surrounds them, which seduces and subjugates the strongest men -involuntarily. The silky rustling of their dress, the soft and airy -turn of the waist, the intoxicating perfume of their floating tresses, -the pure limpidness of their dreamy glance, which is turned toward -heaven, and tries to guess the secrets of which they are ignorant; all, -in short, in these incomprehensible and voluptuously simple beings -seems to command adoration and appeal to love.</p> - -<p>Doña Laura especially possessed that fascinating magnetism of the eye, -that slightly infantile gentleness of smile, which annihilate the -will. When her large blue eyes, veiled by long black lashes, kindly -settled on the young man, and were pensively fixed on him, he felt a -quiver over his body, a chill at his heart, and internally affected by -a sensation of immense and unknown pleasure, he wished to die then at -the feet of her who to him was no longer a creature of the earth, but -an angel. During the irregular course of his life, all the adventurer's -acquaintance with the other sex was what the corrupt society of Mexico -could offer; that is, the hideous and repulsive side. Accident, by -suddenly bringing him in contact with a poor and innocent girl like her -he had saved, produced a complete revolution in his ideas, by making -him understand that, until that day, woman, such as Heaven created her -for man, had remained an utter stranger to him. Hence, without noticing -it, and quite naturally, he yielded to the charm that unconsciously -acted on him, and had learned to love Doña Laura with, all the active -strength of his mind, not attempting to explain the new feeling which -had seized on him; happy in the present, and not wishing to think of -the future, which would probably never exist for him. Disregard of the -future is generally the character of all lovers; they only see, and -cannot see beyond, the present, by which they feel, through which they -suffer, or are happy; in which, in a word, they have their being.</p> - -<p>Possibly Don Leo, hidden in the heart of the desert with the girl he -had so miraculously saved, had for a few days caressed in his heart -the hope of eternal happiness with her he loved, far from cities and -their dangerous intoxication; but that thought, if ever he entertained -it, had irrevocably faded away upon the fortuitous appearance of Don -Mariano; the meeting with Doña Laura's father must eternally annihilate -the plans formed by the young man. The blow was a heavy one; still, -thanks to his iron will, he endured it bravely, believing that it would -be easy for him to forget the girl in the vortex of the adventurer's -life to which he was condemned. Unfortunately for Don Leo, he was -obliged to undergo the common lot; that is to say, his love grew in -an inverse ratio to the immovable obstacles that had suddenly arisen; -and it was precisely when he recognized that she could never be his, -owing to reasons of family and fortune, which raised an insurmountable -barrier between them, that he understood it was impossible for him -to live without her. Then, no longer striving to cure the wound in -his heart, he yielded completely to that love which was his life, -and only dreamed of one thing—to die in saving her he loved, so as -to draw a word of gratitude from her in his final hour, and perhaps -leave a soft and sad memory in her soul. We can understand that, under -such feelings, Don Leo absolutely insisted on delivering the maidens -himself; hence, from the moment he parted from his friend, he thought -of nothing but the means to enter the city and see her. It was in this -temper that he returned to the camp. Don Mariano was sad; Brighteye -himself seemed to be in a bad temper; in short, all conspired to -plunge him deeper and deeper in his gloom. Several hours passed and -the adventurers did not interchange a word; but at about two in the -afternoon, the hour of the greatest heat, the sentries signalled the -approach of a party of horsemen. All ran to their arms, but soon saw -that the newcomers were Ruperto and his Cuadrilla, whom Don Mariano's -servants had found and brought with them.</p> - -<p>Bermudez, following the injunctions he had received from Marksman, had -wished Ruperto to shut himself up with his men in the iron cavern; -but the hunter would listen to nothing, saying that his comrades had -gone further on the sacred soil of the Redskins than they had ever -done before; that they ran the risk at any moment of being crushed by -numbers, massacred, or made prisoners; that he would not abandon them -in such a critical position without trying to go to their help; and -so, in spite of all the criado's observations, the worthy hunter, who -possessed a tolerably strong share of obstinacy, pushed on, until he -at length found the encampment of his friends. Twice or thrice during -his journey he had come to blows with the Indians; but these slight -skirmishes, far from moderating his ardour, had no other result than to -urge him to haste; for now that the Redskins knew that detachments of -Palefaces were wandering in the vicinity of the city, they would not -fail to assemble in large numbers, in order to deal a great blow, and -free themselves from all their daring enemies at once.</p> - -<p>The arrival of the Gambusinos was greeted with shouts; Ruperto -especially was heartily welcomed by Don Miguel, who was delighted at -this reinforcement of resolute men at the moment he least expected it.</p> - -<p>The apathy which had fallen on the adventurers gave place to the -greatest activity. When the newcomers had performed their various -duties, groups were formed, and conversation commenced with the -vivacity and loquaciousness peculiar to Southern races.</p> - -<p>Ruperto was the more pleased at his happy idea of pushing on, when -he learned that there were not only Redskin encampments in the -vicinity, but that one of their most sacred cities was close at hand. -"<i>Canarios!</i>" he said, "we shall have to keep sharp watch, if we do not -wish to lose our scalps ere long. These incarnate demons will not let -us tread their soil in peace."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Leo remarked, carelessly; "I believe we had better not let -ourselves be surprised."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Brighteye remarked, "it would be a disagreeable surprise that -brought a swarm of Redskins on our backs. You cannot imagine how these -devils fight, when they are in large bodies. I remember that, in 1836, -when I was—"</p> - -<p>"And the most exposed of us all is Marksman," Don Leo said, cutting -Brighteye short, who sat open-mouthed. "I am sorry that I let him go -alone."</p> - -<p>"He was not alone," the Canadian answered. "You know very well, Don -Miguel, that Flying Eagle and his cihuatl, as they call their wives, -accompanied him."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked at the hunter. "Do you put great faith in the -Redskins, Brighteye?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the latter remarked, scratching his head; "that is according; -and if I must tell the truth, I will say that I do not trust them at -all."</p> - -<p>"You see, then, that he was really alone. Who knows what has happened -to him in that accursed city, in the midst of those incarnate demons? I -confess to you that my alarm is great, and that I am fearfully afraid -of a catastrophe."</p> - -<p>"Yet, his disguise was perfect."</p> - -<p>"Possibly. Marksman is thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners, and -speaks their language like his mother tongue. But what will that avail -him, if he has been denounced by a traitor?"</p> - -<p>"Holloa!" Brighteye said; "a traitor? Whom are you alluding to?"</p> - -<p>"Why, to Flying Eagle, caramba, or his wife, for only those two know -him."</p> - -<p>"Listen, Don Miguel," Brighteye remarked, seriously; "permit me to tell -you my way of thinking frankly; you do wrong in speaking as you now do."</p> - -<p>"I?" the young man exclaimed, sharply. "And why so, if you please?"</p> - -<p>"Because you only know very slightly—and what you know of them is -good—the people you are dishonouring by that epithet. I have known -Flying Eagle for many a long year; he was quite a child when I saw him -for the first time, and I have always found in him the staunchest good -faith and honour. All the time he remained in our company, he rendered -us services, or, at any rate, tried to render them to us; and, to -settle matters, all of us generally, and yourself in particular, are -under great obligations to him. It would be more than ingratitude to -forget them."</p> - -<p>The worthy hunter uttered this defence of his friend with an ardour and -firm tone which confused Don Miguel. "Pardon me, my old friend," he -said, in a conciliatory voice; "I was wrong, I allow; but, surrounded -by enemies as we are, threatened at each moment with becoming victims -to a traitor,—and Domingo's example is there to corroborate my -statement,—I allowed myself to be carried away by the idea—"</p> - -<p>"Any idea attacking the honour of Flying Eagle," Brighteye sharply -interrupted, "is necessarily false. Who knows whether, at this moment, -while we are discussing his good faith, he may not be risking his life -on our behalf?"</p> - -<p>These words produced a sensation on the hearers; there was a momentary -silence, which the Canadian soon broke, by continuing:—"But I am not -angry with you. You are young, and, from that very fact, your tongue -often goes faster than your thoughts; but, I entreat you, pay attention -to it, for it might entail dire consequences. But enough on the -subject. I remember a singular adventure which occurred to me in 1851. -I was coming from—"</p> - -<p>"Now that I reflect more seriously," Don Miguel interrupted, "I fully -allow that I was in the wrong."</p> - -<p>"I am happy that you allow it so frankly. Then we will say no more -about it."</p> - -<p>"Very good; and now, returning to the old subject, I confess to you -that I also feel anxious about Marksman."</p> - -<p>"There, you see."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but for other reasons than those you brought forward."</p> - -<p>"Tell me them."</p> - -<p>"Oh! they are very simple. Marksman is a brave and honest hunter, -thoroughly up to Indian roguery; but he has no one to back him up. -Flying Eagle would prove of but slight assistance to him; if he were -detected, the brave Chief could only be killed by his side; and he -would do so, I am convinced."</p> - -<p>"And I too; but what good would that do them? How, after that -catastrophe, should we succeed in saving the maidens?"</p> - -<p>Brighteye shook his head. "Yes," he said, "there is the difficulty; -that is the knot of the matter. Unfortunately, it is by no means easy -to remedy that eventuality, which, I trust, will not present itself."</p> - -<p>"We must trust so; but if it did, what should we do?"</p> - -<p>"What should we do?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Hum! You ask me a question, Don Miguel, which it is by no means easy -to answer."</p> - -<p>"Well, supposing it to be so, we must still find means of escaping from -the false position in which we shall find ourselves."</p> - -<p>"That is quite certain."</p> - -<p>"Well, then?"</p> - -<p>"Then, on my word, I do not know what I should do. Look you, I am not -a man who looks so far ahead. When a misfortune occurs, it is time -to remedy it, without bothering your brains so long beforehand. All -that I can say to you, Caballero, is that, for the moment, instead of -remaining here, stupidly planted like a flamingo that has lost a wing, -I would give a good deal to be in that accursed city, in a position to -watch over my old comrade."</p> - -<p>"Is that the truth? Are you really the man to attempt such an -enterprise?" Don Miguel exclaimed joyously.</p> - -<p>The hunter looked at him in surprise. "Do you doubt it?" he said. "When -did you ever hear me boast of things which I was not capable of doing?"</p> - -<p>"Do not be angry, my old friend," Don Miguel answered, quickly; "your -words caused me so much pleasure that, at the first blush, I did not -dare to believe them."</p> - -<p>"You must always put faith in my words, young man," Brighteye remarked, -sententiously.</p> - -<p>"Do not be afraid," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "in future I will -not doubt them."</p> - -<p>"All right, then."</p> - -<p>"Listen to me. If you like, we will attempt the affair together."</p> - -<p>"Enter the city?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! that is an idea," Brighteye answered, quite delighted.</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but how shall we manage to get in?"</p> - -<p>"Leave that all to me."</p> - -<p>"Good. Then I will not trouble myself about it further; but there is -another matter."</p> - -<p>"What now?"</p> - -<p>"We are not presentable in this state," the hunter said, pointing, with -a laugh, to his attire; "by painting my face and hands, I might pass at -a push; but you cannot."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Well, let me alone, I will prepare an Indian dress with -which you can find no fault. During that time, do you disguise yourself -in your way."</p> - -<p>"It will soon be done."</p> - -<p>"And mine too."</p> - -<p>The two men rose, delighted, though probably from different reasons. -Brighteye was happy at going to his friend's assistance, while Don -Miguel only thought of Doña Laura, whom he hoped to see again. At -the moment they rose, Don Mariano stopped them. "Are you speaking -seriously, Caballeros?" he asked them.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," they answered, "most seriously."</p> - -<p>"Very good, then. I shall go with you."</p> - -<p>"What!" Don Miguel exclaimed, falling back in stupefaction. "Are you -mad, Don Mariano? You, who do not know the Indians, and cannot speak a -word of their language, to venture into this wasp's nest. It would be -suicide."</p> - -<p>"No!" the old man answered resolutely. "I wish to see my child again."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel had not the courage to combat a resolution so clearly -announced, so he let his head sink without answering; but Brighteye did -not regard the matter from that light. Perfectly cool, and consequently -seeing far and correctly, he understood the disastrous consequences Don -Mariano's presence would have for them.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," he said, "but with your permission, Caballero, I fancy you -have not carefully considered the resolution you have just formed."</p> - -<p>"Caballeros, a father does not reflect when he wishes to see a child -whom he never hoped to hold to his heart again."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Still I would remark that what you propose doing, far -from helping you to see your daughter again, will, on the contrary, -sever her from you for ever."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"A very simple thing. Don Miguel and myself are going to mix among -Indians, whom we shall have great difficulty in discovering, though -we know them. If you accompany us, the following will inevitably -happen:—At the first glance, the Redskins will see you are a white -man, and then, you understand, nothing can save you, or us either. Now, -if you insist, we will be off. I am ready to follow you. A man can only -die once; so as well today as tomorrow."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano sighed. "I was mad," he muttered, "I knew not what I said. -Pardon me; but I so longed to see my daughter again."</p> - -<p>"Have faith in us, poor father," Don Miguel said, nobly; "by what we -have already done, judge what we are still able to do. We will attempt -impossibilities to restore her who is so dear to you."</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, succumbing to the emotion which overpowered him, had -not the strength to reply. With eyes filled with tears, he pressed -the young man's hand, and sat down again. The two adventurers then -prepared for the dangerous expedition they meditated, by disguising -themselves. Owing to their acquaintance with Indian habits, they -succeeded in producing costumes harmonizing with the characters they -wished to assume, and in giving themselves a thorough Indian look. When -all the preparations were completed, Don Miguel confided the command -of the cuadrilla to Ruperto, recommending him to exercise the utmost -vigilance, and telling him the signal agreed on with Marksman. Then, -after a final pressure of Don Mariano's hand, who was still plunged -in the deepest grief, the two daring adventurers took leave of their -comrades, threw their rifles on their shoulders, and set out in the -direction of Quiepaa Tani, accompanied by several Gambusinos and by -Ruperto, who was glad to learn the situation of the city, so as to know -how to post his men so that they could run up at the first signal.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A WALK IN THE DARK.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">The sun was setting as the Gambusinos reached the skirt of the forest -and the limit of the covert. Before them, at a distance of about four -miles, rose the city, amid the verdure of the plain, which formed a -girdle of flowers and grass. The night fell rapidly, the darkness -grew momentarily heavier, mingling all the varieties of the scenery -in a sombre mass; the hour, in short, was most propitious for trying -the bold experiment on which they were resolved. They whispered a -last farewell to their comrades, and boldly entered the tall grass, -in the centre of which they speedily disappeared. Fortunately for the -adventurers, who would have found it impossible to find their way in -the darkness, the tracks of horsemen and foot passengers proceeding to -the city, or coming from it, had traced long paths, all leading direct -to one of the gates. The two men walked along, side by side, for a long -time in silence; each was thinking deeply on the probable results of -this desperate tentative. In the first moment of enthusiasm, they had -dreamed but slightly of the countless difficulties they must meet on -their path, and the obstacles which would doubtlessly at every moment -rise before them; they had only regarded the object they wished to -attain. But now that they were cool, many things to which they had not -paid attention, or which they would not allow to check them, presented -themselves to their thoughts, and, as so frequently happens, made them -regard their expedition under a very different light. Their object now -appeared to them almost impossible to gain, and obstacles grew up, as -it were, under their feet. Unfortunately, these judicious reflections -arrived too late; there was no chance of withdrawal, and they must -advance at all risks. All was calm and tranquil, however; there was -not a breath in the air, not a sound on the prairie, and, as the stars -gradually appeared in the sky, a pale and trembling gleam slightly -modified the darkness, and rendered it less intense, and they began -to see sufficiently well to be able to proceed without hesitation, and -reconnoitre the plain for some distance. Brighteye was not particularly -satisfied with his comrade's obstinate silence; the worthy hunter was -rather fond of talking, especially under circumstances like those he -found himself in at present; hence he resolved to make his companion -talk, in the first place, to hear a human voice—a reason which, -fortunately for themselves, the sedentary, who are exempt from those -great heart storms which yet endow existence with such charms, will not -understand; but the hunter's second reason was still more peremptory -than the first; now that he had embarked on this desperate enterprise, -he wished to obtain certain information from Don Miguel, as to the mode -in which he intended acting, and the plan he meant to adopt. So near -the city, and in an entirely uncovered plain, there was very slight -risk of the adventurers meeting with Indians; the only men they were -exposed to meet were scouts, sent out to reconnoitre, in the extremely -improbable event, that the Indians, contrary to their usual habit of -not making any movement during the night, had considered it necessary -to send out a few men to survey the environs. The two men could -therefore talk together without danger, save from some extraordinary -accident, though, of course, careful not to speak above their breath -and to keep eyes and ears constantly on the watch, so as to notice -a danger so soon as it arose. Brighteye, after coughing gently to -attract his comrade's attention, said, looking around him somewhat -impatiently,—"Eh, eh! the sky has grown enormously bright in the last -few minutes, and the night is not so black; I hope the moon will not -rise ere we reach our destination."</p> - -<p>"We have two hours before us ere the moon rises," Don Miguel answered; -"that is more than we want."</p> - -<p>"You believe two hours will be sufficient?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure of it."</p> - -<p>"All the better then, for I am not particularly fond of night walks."</p> - -<p>"It is not usual to take them."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, during the forty years I have traversed the desert in every -direction, this is only the second occasion of my indulging in a night -walk."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!"</p> - -<p>"It is a fact; the first time deserves mentioning."</p> - -<p>"How so?" Don Miguel asked absently.</p> - -<p>"The circumstances were almost similar; I wanted to save a young girl, -who had been carried off by the Indians. It was in 1835. I was then -in the service of the Fur Company. The Blackfoot Indians, to avenge a -trick played on them by a scamp of an <i>employé</i>, hit on nothing better -than surprising Mackenzie fort; then—"</p> - -<p>"Listen!" Don Miguel said, seizing his arm. "Do you hear nothing?"</p> - -<p>The Canadian, so suddenly interrupted in his story, which he believed -this time he should really finish, did not, however, display any ill -temper, for he was accustomed to such mishaps; he stopped, lay down -on the ground, and listened attentively for two or three minutes, -with the most sustained attention, and then rose, shaking his head -contemptuously. "They are coyotes sharing a deer," he said.</p> - -<p>"You are certain of it?"</p> - -<p>"You will soon hear them give tongue." In fact, the hunter had scarce -finished speaking ere the repeated barking of the coyotes could be -heard a short distance off.</p> - -<p>"You hear," the Canadian said simply.</p> - -<p>"It is true," Don Miguel answered.</p> - -<p>They resumed their march.</p> - -<p>"Is this the way?" Brighteye said. "You remember what we agreed on, -Don Miguel? I trust entirely to you to get into the city, and I do not -exactly see what we shall do."</p> - -<p>"I do not know much more myself," the young man responded. "I spent -several hours today in carefully examining the walls, and fancied I -noticed a spot where it would be rather easy for us to pass."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Brighteye remarked. "Your plan does not seem to me very good; it -will probably result in broken bones."</p> - -<p>"That is a chance to run."</p> - -<p>"Of course; but, without offence, I should prefer something else, if it -be possible."</p> - -<p>"That prospect does not frighten you, I hope?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world. It is plain that the Indians cannot kill -me; if they could, they would have done so long ago, seeing the time I -have been in the desert."</p> - -<p>The young man could not refrain from laughing at the coolness with -which his comrade emitted this singular opinion. "Well, then," he said, -"what reason have you to find fault with my plan?"</p> - -<p>"Because it is bad. If the Indians cannot kill me, that does not prove -they will not wound me. Believe me. Don Miguel, let us be prudent: if -one of us is disabled at the start, what will become of the other?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; but have you any other plan to propose to me?"</p> - -<p>"I think so."</p> - -<p>"Well, let me know it. If it be good, I will adopt it; I am not at all -sweet on myself."</p> - -<p>"Good; can you swim?"</p> - -<p>"Why ask?"</p> - -<p>"Answer first, and then I'll tell you."</p> - -<p>"I swim like a sturgeon."</p> - -<p>"And I like an otter; we are well paired. Now, pay attention to what I -am going to say."</p> - -<p>"Move ahead."</p> - -<p>"You see that river a little to my right, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Of course."</p> - -<p>"Very good. That river intersects the city, I rather think."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Supposing that the Redskins are acquainted with our arrival in these -parts, on which side will they apprehend an attack?"</p> - -<p>"From the plain, evidently. That is common sense."</p> - -<p>"All the better. So the walls will be furnished with sentries, watching -the plain, while the river, whence they fear no danger, will be -perfectly deserted."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Don Miguel said, striking his forehead; "I did not -think of that."</p> - -<p>"People cannot think of everything," Brighteye observed philosophically.</p> - -<p>"My worthy friend, I thank you for that idea. Now we are certain of -entering the city."</p> - -<p>"You had better not holloa till you are out—But you know the proverb. -Still, nothing will prevent us trying."</p> - -<p>They at once diverged to the left, in the direction of the river, -which they reached after a quarter of an hour's march. The banks were -deserted. The river, calm as a mirror, looked like a wide silver -ribbon. "Now," Brighteye continued, "we need not hurry; although we -can swim, we will reserve that expedient till others fail us. Examine -all the shrubs on one side, while I do so on the other. I am greatly -mistaken, or we shall find a canoe somewhere." The hunter's previsions -did not deceive him. After a few minutes' search, they found a canoe -hidden beneath a quantity of leaves in the midst of a thicket of -lentises and floripondios; the paddles were concealed a short distance -away.</p> - -<p>We have already described to the reader the mode adopted by the Indians -in building their boats, which, among other advantages, possesses that -of lightness. Brighteye took the paddles. Don Miguel put the canoe on -his back, and in a few minutes it was afloat. "Now let us get in," -Brighteye said.</p> - -<p>"A moment," Don Miguel observed; "let us muffle the paddles, to prevent -noise."</p> - -<p>Brighteye shrugged his shoulders. "Do not let us be too clever," he -said, "for that would injure us. If there are Indians about, they -will see the canoe; if they do not at the same time hear the sound of -paddles, they will suspect a trap, and try to detect the trick. No, no, -let me alone; lay yourself in the bottom of the canoe: fortunately for -us it is small, and the Redskins will never suppose that so small a -boat, pulled by one man, would have the pretension of surprising them. -That which relatively makes the security of our expedition, you must -not forget, is its rashness, even madness. Only Palefaces can hit on -such crack-brained schemes. I remember, in 1835, as I was telling you—"</p> - -<p>"Let us be off," Don Miguel interrupted, as he jumped into the canoe, -in the middle of which he laid himself down, in accordance with his -comrade's instructions. The latter followed him with a toss of the -head, and took up the paddles, which he only employed, however, with -an affected carelessness, which gave the boat a slow and measured -movement.</p> - -<p>"Look you," the hunter continued, "with the way we are moving, if there -are any of those red devils on the watch, they will certainly take -me for one of their comrades out fishing late, and returning to his -<i>calli</i>."</p> - -<p>Still, by degrees, and almost imperceptibly, the hunter increased his -speed, so that within half an hour they attained a certain degree of -speed, not great enough, however, to arouse suspicions. They then went -on for about an hour, and at length entered the city. But if they had -expected to land unnoticed, they were mistaken. Near the bridge, the -place where a number of pulled-up canoes showed that the Indians were -in the habit of stopping, Brighteye perceived a sentry leaning on his -long lance and watching them. The Canadian took a glance around, and -assured himself that the sentry was alone. "Good!" he muttered to -himself; "if there's only one, it will not be a long matter."</p> - -<p>Then he explained to Don Miguel what the matter was, to which the -latter answered a few words.</p> - -<p>"Listen," the hunter said, drawing himself up, "that is the only way."</p> - -<p>And he steered the canoe straight toward the sentry. So soon as the -Canadian was within hail—"Wah!" the Indian said, "my brother returns -very late to Quiepaa Tani; everybody is asleep."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Brighteye answered, in the language employed by the -sentry; "but I have brought in some splendid fish."</p> - -<p>"Eh?" the warrior remarked, seriously; "can I see them?"</p> - -<p>"Not only can my brother see them," the Canadian answered, graciously, -"but I authorize him to select any one he pleases."</p> - -<p>"Och! my brother has an open hand. The Wacondah will never allow it to -be empty. I accept my brother's offering."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Brighteye muttered, "it is astonishing how the poor devil takes -the bait. He does not at all suspect that he is the fish."</p> - -<p>And with this philosophical reflection he continued his progress. -Soon after, the canoe grated on the sand. The Indian, affected by the -Canadian's deceptive offer, would not be beaten by him in politeness, -so he seized the side of the boat and began pulling it up. "Wah!" he -said, "my brother has had a fine fishing, for the canoe is very heavy."</p> - -<p>While saying this, he bent down to get a better hold, and began trying -anew. But he had no time; Don Miguel bounded from the boat, and, -clubbing his rifle, dealt a terrible blow of the butt on the wretched -Indian's skull. The poor sentry was killed at once, and rolled on the -sand without uttering a cry.</p> - -<p>"There!" Brighteye cried, as he got out in his turn, "that man, at any -rate, will not denounce us."</p> - -<p>"We must get rid of him now," Don Miguel observed.</p> - -<p>"That will not take long."</p> - -<p>The implacable hunter then selected a heavy stone, placed it in the -Redskin's frasada, and let him glide softly into the water. So soon as -this was effected, and every trace of the murder was removed, they drew -the canoe on land by the side of the others, and prepared to start. At -this moment the real difficulties of the enterprise began for them. -How should they find their way in a strange city in the dark? When and -how to find Marksman? These two questions seemed equally impossible of -solution.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" Brighteye at length said, "it must be no more difficult to -follow a trail in a city than on a plain. Let us try."</p> - -<p>"The first thing is to get away from here as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"Yes, the place is not healthy for us; but suppose we try to find the -great square. There people generally expect to get useful information."</p> - -<p>"At this hour? That seems to me rather difficult."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary. We will hide till daybreak. The first Redskin who -passes within reach we will oblige to give us news of our friend. A -great physician, like him, must be well known, hang it all," he added, -with a laugh, a gaiety which Don Miguel shared with all his heart.</p> - -<p>Singular was the carelessness and recklessness of these two men; in the -centre of a city they had entered by killing one of its inhabitants, -where they knew they would meet only enemies, and where dangers were, -on all sides, hanging over their heads, they still found themselves as -much at their ease as if they had been among friends, and laughed and -jested together, just as if their position was the most agreeable in -the world.</p> - -<p>"Well," Brighteye continued, "we are in a very tidy labyrinth. Do you -not think with me that there is a frightful smell of broken bones about -here?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows? Perhaps we shall get out of it better than we fancy."</p> - -<p>"One thing is certain, we shall soon know all about it."</p> - -<p>"Let us take that street in front of us. It is wide and well laid. -Something tells me it will lead us right."</p> - -<p>"Heaven's mercy! that is as good as another."</p> - -<p>The hunters entered the street ahead of them. Accident had served them -well. After ten minutes' walk, they found themselves at the entrance of -the great square. "There," Brighteye said, in a tone of delight, "luck -is with us. We cannot complain; besides, it must be so. Accident always -favours madmen, and in that character we can claim its entire sympathy."</p> - -<p>"Silence!" Don Miguel said, sharply, "there is someone."</p> - -<p>"Where?"</p> - -<p>The young man extended his arm in the direction of the Temple of the -Sun. "Look!" he cried.</p> - -<p>"So there is," Brighteye muttered, a moment later, "but that appears to -be doing like us. He is evidently on the watch. What reason can he have -for being up so late?"</p> - -<p>After arranging, in a few words, the two adventurers separated, -and crept, from different sides, toward the night watcher, hiding -themselves, as well as they could, in the shadow, which was not an -easy task. The moon had risen some time previously, and spread a weak -light, it is true, but sufficient to let objects be distinguished for a -considerable distance. The man on whom the adventurers were advancing -still remained motionless at the spot where they had seen him; his body -bent forward, his ear leant against the door of the temple, he seemed -to be listening carefully. Don Miguel and Brighteye were not more than -six paces off, and were preparing to rush on him, when he suddenly -threw himself up. They with difficulty suppressed a cry of surprise. -"Flying Eagle!" they muttered. But although they spoke so low, the -other heard them, and immediately sounded the darkness with a piercing -glance.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" he said, on perceiving the two men, and resolutely advanced.</p> - -<p>The adventurers left the shadow that protected them, and waited. When -Flying Eagle had arrived almost close to them—"It is I," Don Miguel -said to him.</p> - -<p>"And I," Brighteye added.</p> - -<p>The Comanche, Chief fell back in a state of stupefaction impossible to -describe. "The grey-head here!" he exclaimed.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE GREAT MEDICINE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">As we have stated, Marksman, after leading Red Wolf to the door of the -temple, and seeing him retire, reentered the sanctuary, closing the -door after him. The Comanche Chief was awaiting him, with shoulder -leaning against the wall, and folded arms. "Thanks for your help, -Chief," he said; "without you I was lost."</p> - -<p>"For a long time," the Indian replied, "Flying Eagle was hearing, -though invisible, his brother's conversation with Red Wolf."</p> - -<p>"Well, we have got rid of him for a long time; I hope, now, nothing -will occur to mar our plans or prevent their success."</p> - -<p>The warrior shook his head in contradiction.</p> - -<p>"Do you doubt it, Chief?" the hunter asked.</p> - -<p>"I doubt it more than ever."</p> - -<p>"Why so, when everything is going on as well as we can desire, when all -obstacles are levelled before us?"</p> - -<p>"Och! obstacles are levelled, but others greater and more difficult to -overcome arise immediately."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you, Chief. Have you any ill news to tell me? If -so, speak quickly, for time is precious."</p> - -<p>"My brother shall judge," the Chief said, simply. Then tuning half -away, he clapped his hand thrice. As if this inoffensive signal had -the power to call up phantoms, two men instantaneously emerged from -the shadow, and appeared before the hunter's astonished eyes. Marksman -looked at them for a moment, and then clasped his hand with surprise, -muttering, "Brighteye and Don Miguel here! Mercy! what will become of -us?"</p> - -<p>"Is that the way you receive us, my friend?" Don Miguel asked, -affectionately.</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name what have you come here for? What evil inspiration -urged you to join me when all was going on so well, and success, I may -say, was insured?"</p> - -<p>"We have not come to cross your plans; on the contrary, alarmed by the -thought of your being among these demons, we wished to see you and help -you, were that possible."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for your good intentions. Unfortunately, they are more -injurious than useful, under present circumstances. But how did you -manage to enter the city?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, very easily," Brighteye answered, and he told in a few words how -they had found them. The hunter shook his head.</p> - -<p>"It was a bold action," he said, "and I must allow that it was well -carried out. But how does it profit you to have incurred such perils? -Greater ones await you here—profitless, and of no advantage to us."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; but whatever happens," Don Miguel—answered firmly, "you -understand that I have not blindly exposed myself to all these dangers -without a very powerful motive."</p> - -<p>"I suppose so; but I try in vain to discover the motive."</p> - -<p>"You need not search long, I will tell you."</p> - -<p>"Speak!"</p> - -<p>"I must—you understand, I hope, old fellow," he said, laying a stress -on each, syllable—"I must see Doña Laura."</p> - -<p>"See Doña Laura! it is impossible," Marksman exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"I know nothing about impossibility; but this I know, that I will see -her."</p> - -<p>"You are mad, on my soul, Don Miguel; it is impossible, I tell you."</p> - -<p>The adventurer shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. "I repeat that I -will see her," he said, with resolution; "even if, to reach her, I were -compelled to wade in blood up to my waist; I insist on it, and it shall -be so."</p> - -<p>"But what will you do?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know, and care little. If you refuse to help me, well, -Brighteye and I will find means, will we not, old comrade?"</p> - -<p>"It is certain, Don Miguel," the latter answered, in the placid tone -habitual to him, "that I shall not leave you in the lurch. As to -finding a plan of reaching the captives, we shall find it, but I will -not answer that it is a good one though."</p> - -<p>There was a lengthened silence. Marksman was startled at Don Miguel's -resolution, which he knew to be unbinding; he calculated mentally the -chances, good and bad, which the young man's untoward arrival offered -for the success of his schemes. At last he took the word. "I will -not try," he said to Don Miguel, "any longer to dissuade you from -attempting to see the maidens; I have known you long enough to feel -that it would be useless, and that my arguments would, probably, only -urge you to commit an act of irremediable insanity. I therefore take -upon myself to lead you to Doña Laura."</p> - -<p>"You promise it?" the young man exclaimed quickly.</p> - -<p>"Yes; but on one condition."</p> - -<p>"Speak! whatever it be I accept it."</p> - -<p>"Good; when the moment arrives, I will let you know it; but take my -advice, and ask Flying Eagle to perfect your disguise; in the way you -and Brighteye are dressed at this moment, you could not take a step in -the city without being recognized. Now I leave you, for day has broken, -and I must go to the High Priest; I leave you in charge of Flying -Eagle; follow his instructions carefully, for you stake the life, not -only of yourself, but of those you desire to save."</p> - -<p>The young man shivered at the thought. "I will obey you," he said, "but -you will keep your promise?"</p> - -<p>"I will keep it this very day."</p> - -<p>After whispering a few words to Flying Eagle, Marksman left the three -men in the temple and went out.</p> - -<p>The Amantzin was preparing to go to the temple at the moment the hunter -entered his palace. Atoyac, curious like the true Indian he was, had -not left the High Priest since the previous evening, in order to be -present at the medicine man's second visit, which, judging from the -first, he assumed would be very interesting. The hunter returned, -accompanied by the Amantzin, who was his shadow, to the maidens' -apartment. He then attained the certainty that Doña Laura could without -inconvenience support the fatigue of being carried out of the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun. The girl had, with the hope of a speedy -deliverance, regained her strength, and the disease which undermined -her had disappeared, as if by enchantment. As for Luisa, more dubious, -when the High Priest retired (for the hunter demanded to be left alone -with his patients), she said to the Canadian—"We shall be ready to -follow you when you order, Marksman, but on one condition."</p> - -<p>"How a condition?" the hunter exclaimed. Then he added, mentally, "What -is the meaning of this? Am I to meet obstacles on all sides? Speak, -Niña," he continued, "I am listening to you."</p> - -<p>"Pardon any apparent harshness in my words, we do not doubt your -loyalty. Heaven guard us from it still."</p> - -<p>"You do distrust me," the hunter interrupted, in a tone of chagrin. -"However, I ought to expect it, for you both know me too little to put -faith in me."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" Doña Laura said. "Such is the misfortune of our position, that, -in spite of ourselves, we tremble to meet traitors on all sides."</p> - -<p>"That miserable Addick, to whom Don Miguel trusted," Doña Luisa added, -"how has he behaved to us!"</p> - -<p>"That is true; you are obliged to speak so! What can I do to prove to -you certainly that you can place full and entire confidence in me?" The -maidens blushed, and looked at each other with hesitation. "Come," the -hunter said, simply, "I will remove all your doubts. This evening I -will see you again, and a man will accompany me who, I believe, will be -able to convince you."</p> - -<p>"Whom do you mean?" Doña Laura asked quickly. "Don Miguel?"</p> - -<p>"He will come?" the maidens exclaimed, simultaneously.</p> - -<p>"This evening, I promise you."</p> - -<p>The girls threw themselves into each other's arms to hide their blushes -and confusion. The hunter, after admiring the graceful group for -a moment, went out, saying in a soft and sympathetic voice,—"This -evening."</p> - -<p>The Amantzin and Atoyac were impatiently awaiting the result of the -visit in the vestibule of the palace. When the hunter joined them, -and the High Priest began questioning him as to the condition of the -patients, he seemed to reflect for a moment, then answered in a grave -voice—"My father is a wise man; nothing equals his knowledge; his -heart can repose, for his captives will soon be delivered from the evil -spirit that possesses them."</p> - -<p>"My father speaks the truth?" the Amantzin asked, trying to read in the -medicine man's face the degree of credit he should give him.</p> - -<p>But the latter was impenetrable. "Listen," he answered, "to what -the Great Spirit revealed to me during the night; at this moment a -Tlacateotzin from a remote hut has arrived at the city; I do not know -him, I never heard his name before this day; it is this divine man who -must aid us in saving the sick maidens. He alone knows what remedies -must be administered to them."</p> - -<p>"Still," the High Priest said, with an accent of ill-boded suspicion, -"my father has given us proofs of his immense learning, why does he not -finish alone what he has so well begun?"</p> - -<p>"I am a simple man, whose strength resides in the protection the -Wacondah grants me. He has revealed to me the means to restore health -to the sufferers; I must obey."</p> - -<p>The High Priest bowed submissively, and requested the hunter to confide -to him what he proposed doing.</p> - -<p>"The unknown Tlacateotzin will tell that to my father when he has seen -the captives," Marksman answered, "but he will not have long to wait, I -feel the approach of the divine man. Let my father admit him without -delay."</p> - -<p>Exactly at this moment several blows were struck on the outer door. The -High Priest, subdued by the hunter's assurance, hastened to open it. -Don Miguel appeared; thanks to Flying Eagle, he was unrecognizable. It -is almost unnecessary to state that this scene had been arranged by the -hunter and the Comanche Chief during the short conversation they had -before separating. Don Miguel took a scrutinizing look around. "Where -are the sick persons I am ordered by the Wacondah to deliver from the -evil spirit?" he said, in a stern voice.</p> - -<p>The High Priest and the hunter exchanged a glance of intelligence. -The two Indians were confounded. The arrival of this man, so clearly -predicted by Marksman, appeared to them a prodigy. We will not describe -the conversation that took place between Don Miguel and the maidens -when they at length met; we will restrict ourselves to saying that, -after an hour's visit, which elapsed to the young folks with the -rapidity of a moment, Marksman succeeded, with great difficulty, in -separating them, and returned with the adventurer to the High Priest, -whose suspicions he feared to arouse.</p> - -<p>"Courage!" the hunter whispered during the walk, "all is going on well; -leave me to manage the rest."</p> - -<p>"Well?" the High Priest asked, so soon as they appeared.</p> - -<p>Marksman drew himself up majestically, and assuming a stern and -imposing accent, said, "Listen to the words which the great Wacondah -breathes in my chest and sends up to my lips; this is what the divine -man here present says: the two suns that follow this are of evil -augury; but on the evening of the third, when the moon spreads its -beneficent light, my son, the Sachem Atoyac, will take the skin of a -vicuna, which my father, the venerated Amantzin, of Quiepaa Tani, will -kill in the arena, which he will bless in the name of Teotl;<a name="FNanchor_1_13" id="FNanchor_1_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_13" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> he will -spread this skin on the top of a hillock, which is a little way out of -the city, in order that the evil spirit, on issuing from the maidens, -may not enter any of the inhabitants, and then lead the captives to the -spot where the skin is stretched out."</p> - -<p>"One of them, though," the High Priest remarked, "is incapable of -leaving the hammock on which her body reposes."</p> - -<p>"The wisdom of my son dwells in each of his words; but he may reassure -himself the Wacondah will give the necessary strength to those he -wishes to save."</p> - -<p>The Amantzin was restrained to bow before this unanswerable argument.</p> - -<p>"When what I have explained to my father is done," the Canadian -continued, imperturbably, "he will choose four of the bravest warriors -of his nation, to help him in guarding his captives during the night. -And after I have given the Amantzin and the men who accompany him a -liquor to drink, which will protect them from all evil influences, my -brother, the divine Tlacateotzin, will expel the wicked spirit that -torments the Pale women."</p> - -<p>The High Priest and the Sachem listened silently, and seemed to be -reflecting. The Canadian perceived it, and hastened to add, "Although -the Wacondah assists us, and gives us the necessary power to conquer, -still it is necessary that my brother, the Amantzin, and the four -warriors he selects, should pass the night preceding the great medicine -with us in the sanctuary. Atoyac will give, as an offering to the -Wacondah, twenty full cavales to the wise Amantzin. Will my brother do -so?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the Indian said, but little flattered by the preference, "if I -do so, what shall I gain by it?"</p> - -<p>Marksman looked at him fixedly. "The accomplishment before the second -moon," he answered, "of the project which Atoyac has ripened so long in -his mind."</p> - -<p>The hunter spoke haphazard; still, it seemed that the blow had told, -for the Sachem answered, with considerable agitation, "I will do it."</p> - -<p>"My father is a wise man," the High Priest said, his brow having -brightened when the hunter spoke of the offering of the twenty cavales; -"may the Wacondah protect him."</p> - -<p>"My son is kind," the Canadian contented himself with answering, and -took leave of the two men.</p> - -<p>On the square, Flying Eagle and Brighteye were awaiting the coming out -of the two adventurers. While proceeding towards their host's <i>calli</i>, -Marksman explained his plan in its fullest details to his comrades. -Nothing could be more simple, though, than his scheme, for it consisted -in carrying off the maidens so soon as they were placed on the mound. -This was the only possible chance of success, for they could not dream -of employing force to get them out of the Palace of the Virgins of the -Sun. The delay of three days, fixed by Marksman before attempting his -plan, was necessary, in order to send Flying Eagle off to his tribe, to -fetch the reinforcements they would doubtless greatly need during the -pursuit that must ensue on the rape. Brighteye, at the same time, would -leave the city to warn the Gambusinos of the day selected, so as to -avoid any misunderstanding, and place the hunters in good positions.</p> - -<p>The same evening, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, and Brighteye, as had been -arranged, got into Red Wolf's canoe, who was waiting near the hedge. -After the orders he received from Marksman, Eglantine was to remain -in the Gambusino's camp, while Flying Eagle, mounted on the famous -barb he had fortunately inherited from Don Estevan, would proceed -with all speed to his tribe. When Don Miguel and Marksman had seen -their comrades safely off, they returned to Atoyac's cabin. The worthy -Sachem, though he felt very angry at the tax of twenty cavales they -had put on him, received them most cordially, not daring to infringe -the laws of hospitality when dealing with men so powerful as the two -physicians. While conversing, he told them that Addick and Red Wolf had -disappeared from the city, no one knowing what had become of them. As -for Red Wolf, the hunters knew all about it, so his departure did not -trouble them; but it was not the same with Addick, who, as their host -told them, set out at the head of a powerful war party. They suspected -that the young Chief had gone to join Don Estevan, which urged them to -double their prudence, for they expected some perfidious machination -from these two men.</p> - -<p>The three days passed away in visits to the maidens and prayers in the -Temple of the Sun. Still, the time seemed very long to Don Miguel and -the ladies, who constantly trembled lest a fortuitous accident should -disturb the well-arranged plan for their deliverance. The last day, -Marksman and Don Miguel were conversing, as they had grown accustomed -to do, with Doña Laura and Doña Luisa, while recommending a passive -obedience to all their injunctions, when they fancied they heard a -rustling at the door of the apartment preceding that in which the -prisoners were confined. Marksman, at once reassuming his borrowed -face, opened the door, and found himself face to face with the High -Priest, who stepped away with the embarrassed air of a man detected in -the satisfaction of his curiosity. Had he heard what the young people -and the hunter had been saying in Spanish? Marksman, after reflection, -did not think so: still, he thought it prudent to recommend his -comrades to be on their guard.</p> - -<p>This long day at length terminated, the sun set, and night arrived. -All was ready for departure; the captives, each placed in a hammock, -suspended from the shoulders of four vigorous slaves, were transported -to the top of the mound chosen for the operation, and gently deposited -in the vicuna skin. The High Priest, by Marksman's orders, stationed -his warriors at the four cardinal points. He then uttered a few -mysterious words, to which Don Miguel replied in a low voice, burnt -some odoriferous grass, and bade the Indians and the High Priest kneel -down to implore the unknown deity.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel, during this period, gazed on the city, trying to -distinguish if anything extraordinary were occurring. All was calm. The -deepest silence reigned over the place. The two hunters, who had also -knelt, rose up.</p> - -<p>"Let my brothers redouble their prayers," Don Miguel said, in a hollow -voice, "I am about to compel the evil spirit to retire from the -captives."</p> - -<p>In spite of themselves, the maidens gave a start of terror at these -words. Don Miguel did not seem to notice it, but made a sign to -Marksman. "Let my brothers approach," the latter said. The sentinels -had a hesitation that threatened to degenerate into terror on the -slightest suspicious movement of the medicine men. Don Miguel then -proceeded:—"My brother and I," he said, "are about to return to -prayer; but to prevent the evil spirits seizing on you after leaving -the captives, my brother Two Rabbits will pour out for each a horn -of firewater, prepared and gifted by the Wacondah with the virtue of -saving those who drink it from the attacks of the evil spirit."</p> - -<p>The sentries were Apaches. At the word "firewater," their eyes sparkled -with covetousness. Marksman then poured them out a large calabash of -spirits, mixed with a strong dose of opium, which they swallowed at -a draught, with unequivocal signs of pleasure. The High Priest alone -seemed to hesitate, but at length made up his mind, and boldly emptied -the cup, to the great relief of the hunters, whom his hesitation was -beginning to alarm.</p> - -<p>"Now!" the Canadian shouted, in a rough voice, "on your knees, all of -you."</p> - -<p>The Apaches obeyed, Don Miguel imitating them. Marksman alone -remained standing, while Don Miguel, with his arms stretched to -the north, seemed ordering the evil spirit to retire; the Canadian -began turning rapidly, while muttering incoherent words, which the -adventurer repeated after him. After this, Don Miguel rose, and made an -invocation. Twenty minutes had passed. During this period, an Indian -fell, with his face to the ground, as if humbly prostrating himself. -Soon a second did the same, then a third, then a fourth, and, lastly, -the High Priest fell in his turn. The five Indians gave no signs of -life. Marksman, to make sure, let the nearest man taste the point of -his knife. The poor wretch did not stir; the opium had produced in -him and his comrades such an effect that their necks might have been -twisted before they woke.</p> - -<p>Don Miguel then turned to the ladies, who were awaiting with -ever-increasing perplexity the end of this scene. "Fly," he said, "if -you wish to save your lives."</p> - -<p>He then seized Doña Laura in his arms, threw her over his shoulders, -took a pistol in his left hand, and dashed down the hill. Marksman, -calmer than the young man, began by imitating thrice the signal agreed -on with his companions. At the expiration of a moment, which seemed -to him an age, the same cry answered him. "Heaven be praised!" he -exclaimed, "we are saved."</p> - -<p>He went towards Doña Luisa, and wished to take her in his arms.</p> - -<p>"No," she said, with a smile, "I thank you, but I am strong, and can -walk."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then, for heaven's sake."</p> - -<p>The girl rose. "Go on," she said, "I will follow you; think of your own -safety, I can defend myself." And she showed the hunter the pistols he -gave her two months previously.</p> - -<p>"Brave girl!" the hunter said; "but for all that, do not leave me."</p> - -<p>He made her go down in front of him, and both soon reached the foot of -the mound. When about half-way to the forest, the hunters were obliged -to stop, for the ladies, exhausted by fatigue and emotion, felt they -could not go further. Suddenly a large party of horsemen, with Don -Mariano, Brighteye, and Ruperto at their head, dashed at a gallop from -the forest, and hurried towards them.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with maddening joy, "I have really saved her, -then!"</p> - -<p>The maidens mounted the horses prepared for them beforehand, and were -placed in the middle of the detachment.</p> - -<p>"My child! my darling daughter!" Don Mariano repeated, as he covered -her with kisses.</p> - -<p>The adventurer respected for a few minutes the gentle affection of the -father and daughter, who had so long been separated, and never hoped -to meet again. Two briny tears he could not check ran down his bronzed -cheeks, and in the presence of happiness so perfect, he forgot for a -minute that henceforth an insurmountable barrier was raised between -himself and her he loved so much; but soon regaining his spirits, and -comprehending the necessity of haste, he ordered—</p> - -<p>"Forward, forward! we must not be surprised."</p> - -<p>All at once a sinister flash crossed the horizon; a sharp whizz was -heard, and a bullet crushed in the skull of a Gambusino, scarce a yard -from Don Miguel. Then a horrible yell, the war cry of the Apaches, -burst forth.</p> - -<p>"Back, back!" Marksman exclaimed, "the Redskins are on us."</p> - -<p>The Gambusinos, burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, started at -headlong speed.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_13" id="Footnote_1_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_13"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The great unknown God.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FINAL STRUGGLE.</h3> - - -<p class="p2">Marksman was not mistaken. Two parties of Redskins, one led by Addick -and Don Estevan, the other by Atoyac, were pursuing the Gambusinos. -We will explain to the reader, in a few words, this apparent alliance -between Addick and Atoyac. In the last chapter we stated that Marksman -surprised the Amantzin, listening at the door, and though the High -Priest did not understand a word of Spanish, and consequently could -not follow the conversation, still he evidenced a certain degree of -animation which appeared to him suspicious. Still, as he did not dare -openly to oppose the ceremony of the great medicine, which was to -take place in the same evening, he imparted his suspicions to Atoyac. -The latter, already badly disposed towards the two men, feigned, -however, to be astonished at the sudden doubts of the Amantzin, and -treated them as visionary. But at length, as the old man pressed him, -and seemed strongly persuaded that there was some machination hidden -behind the jugglery of the self-called medicine men, he consented -to watch what occurred on the hillock, and be ready to hurry to the -Amantzin's assistance, should he be the dupe of any trickery. This -being properly arranged, so soon as the procession with the captives -left Quiepaa Tani, Atoyac followed it with a band of warriors picked -from his relatives and friends, and, on arriving at the foot of the -mound, he clambered up it through the grass, prepared to see and hear -all that occurred. On hearing the prayers of the few men, the Chief -was on the point of regretting his coming. The noise of voices soon -ceased, and Atoyac, supposing that muttered prayers were now going -on, waited. Still, as the silence was prolonged, Atoyac determined to -climb to the top of the mound, and was utterly astounded at finding -only the Amantzin and the warriors lying on the ground. At first he -believed they were dead, and summoned his comrades, who had remained at -the bottom of the hill. The latter ran up at full speed, and lifted up -the sleepers, whom they shook violently, without being able to arouse -them. Atoyac then guessed a portion of the truth; he called to mind -the signal he had heard, and not doubting that the fugitives had gone -towards the forest, he rushed after them with a yell. Atoyac was the -first to perceive the party, and he it was who fired the shot which -killed the Gambusino. But the position of the whites was becoming -critical; for, on arriving at the edge of the forest, they found -themselves suddenly stopped by Addick's party, which charged furiously. -The ladies were in the centre of the Gambusinos, protected by Don -Mariano and Brighteye, and hence were in comparative safety. While -Marksman and Ruperto wheeled round to repulse the attack of Atoyac's -warriors, and cover the retreat, Don Miguel, wielding a club, which he -took from a wounded Apache, rushed into the thick of the fight with the -leap of a tiger at bay. The combatants, who were too close together -to employ their firearms, murdered each other with knives and lances, -or with fearful blows of clubs and rifle butts. The fearful carnage -lasted twenty minutes, excited by the savage yells of the Indians, and -the no less savage shouts of the Gambusinos, At length, by a desperate -effort, Don Miguel succeeded in bursting the human dyke that barred his -progress, and rushed, followed by his comrades, through the wide and -bloody gap he had opened, at the loss of ten of his most resolute men, -leaving Marksman to oppose the last efforts of the Redskins. Don Miguel -collected his men around him, and all hurried into the depths of the -forest, when they speedily disappeared.</p> - -<p>At sunrise, the adventurers reached the grotto where they had once -before sought shelter, and Don Miguel gave the order to halt. It was -time. The horses, panting with fatigue, could scarce stand; besides, -whatever diligence the Apaches might display, the adventurers were a -whole night in advance of them, hence they could take a few hours of -indispensable rest.</p> - -<p>Marksman, who soon arrived with the rearguard, confirmed Don Miguel's -views. The Redskins, according to his report, had suddenly returned -towards the city. These news redoubled the serenity of the adventurers. -While the Gambusinos, in different groups, were preparing a meal, and -attending to their wounds, and the maidens, who had retired into the -grotto, were sleeping on a pile of furs and zarapés, Don Miguel and the -two Canadians were bathing, in order to remove the traces of Indian -paint, and, after dressing in their proper clothes, they went to get -a few minutes' necessary rest. Don Miguel alone entered the grotto. -Eglantine, seated at the feet of the sleeping girls, lulled them gently -with the plaintive melody of an Indian song. Don Mariano was asleep not -far from his daughter. The young man thanked the Chief's wife with a -grateful smile, lay down across the entrance of the grotto, and fell -asleep too, after assuring himself that sentries were watching the -common safety.</p> - -<p>The first words of the maidens on awaking, were to thank their -liberators. Don Mariano was never wearied of caressing his daughter, -who was at length restored to him; and he knew not how to express his -gratitude to Don Miguel. Doña Laura, with all the <i>naïve</i> frankness -of a young heart, to which evasion is unknown, could not find words -sufficiently strong to express to Don Miguel the happiness with which -her heart overflowed. Doña Luisa alone remained gloomy and thoughtful. -On seeing with what devotion and readiness Don Miguel, with no other -interest than that of serving them, had so frequently risked his life, -the maiden discovered the greatness and nobility of the adventurer's -character; hence love entered her heart, the more violent because -the object yet did not seem to perceive it. Love renders persons -clear-sighted. Doña Luisa soon understood why her companion continually -boasted to her of the young man's generous qualities, and she guessed -the secret passion they felt for each other. A cruel pang gnawed her -heart at this discovery; in vain did she struggle against the horrible -tortures of an unbridled jealousy, for she felt that Don Miguel would -never love her. Still, the young girl yielded hopelessly to the chance -of seeing and hearing the man for whom she would have gladly laid down -her life. As for Don Miguel, he heard nothing, saw nothing; he was -intoxicated with joy, and indulged in the voluptuous felicity with -which Doña Laura's presence inundated him, as she sat, lovely and -careless, between himself and her father. Fortunately, Marksman was not -in love, and he saw clearly the dangers of the position. He summoned a -council, in which it was resolved that they should proceed in all haste -toward the nearest Mexican frontier, in order to place the ladies in -safety, and escape from any pursuit on the part of the Indians. They -must hasten, however, for, owing to an unlucky coincidence, it was -that period of the year called by the Redskins the "Moon of Mexico," -and which they had selected for their periodical depredations on the -frontiers of that hapless country. Marksman promised to reach the -clearings in four days, by roads known to himself alone.</p> - -<p>They set out. The adventurers were not disturbed in their rapid -flight, and, as Marksman had announced, on the afternoon of the fourth -day the party crossed a ford of the Rio Gila and entered Sonora. As -they advanced, however, on the Mexican territory, the hunter's brow -grew gloomier, and the glances he turned in every direction denoted -an anxious mind. The fact was, that the country, which should have -appeared at this season so luxuriant in vegetation, looked so strange -and desolate as to chill the heart. The fields turned up and trampled -by horses' hoofs; the ruins of burnt jacales, scattered here and -there; ashes piled up at places where mills must once have stood, -evidenced that war had passed along the road, with all the horrors -that march after it. About two leagues off, the houses of a fortified -pueblo an old presidio, could be seen glistening in the last beams -of the sun. All was calm in the vicinity; but the calmness was that -of death. Not a human being was visible; no <i>manada</i> appeared on the -desolated prairie; the <i>recuas</i> of the mules, the calls of the <i>nena</i>, -could neither be seen nor heard. On all sides, a leaden silence, a -mournful tranquillity, brooded over the scene, and imparted to it, -in the gay light of the sun, a crushing aspect. Suddenly Brighteye, -who rode a little ahead of the party, pulled up his horse, which had -shied so violently as nearly to throw him, and looked down with a cry -of surprise. Don Miguel and Marksman hurried up to him. A frightful -spectacle offered itself to the three men. At the bottom of a ditch -that ran along the road, a pile of Spanish corpses lay pell-mell, -horribly disfigured and stripped of their scalps. Don Miguel ordered -a halt, not knowing whether to advance or retire; it was permissible -to doubt under such circumstances. If they pushed on to the presidio, -it was probably deserted, or perhaps the Redskins had seized on it. -Still some determination must be formed within an hour. Don Miguel -at length noticed a ruined hacienda about five miles to their right; -though precarious, the shelter it afforded was better than bivouacking -on the plain. The adventurers pushed on, and soon reached the farm. -The hacienda bore traces of fire and devastation; the cracked walls -were blackened with smoke, the windows and doors broken in, and several -male and female bodies, half consumed, were piled up in the patio. Don -Miguel led the trembling girls to a room, after the ruins choking the -entrance had been removed; then, after urging them not to leave it, he -joined his companions, who, under Brighteye's directions, were settling -themselves as well as they could in the hacienda. Marksman had gone -out scouting with Ruperto. Don Mariano, excited by paternal love, had -turned engineer, and with the help of a dozen adventurers, was putting -the house in the best state of defence possible.</p> - -<p>Like all Mexican frontier haciendas, this one was surrounded by a tall -crenelated wall. Don Miguel had the gate blocked up; then, returning -to the house, he ordered the doors and windows to be put in, had -loopholes pierced, and placed sentries round the wall and on the -azotea. After this, he gave Brighteye the command of twelve resolute -men, and ordered them to ambush behind a wood covered mound, which rose -about two hundred yards from the hacienda. He then counted his forces; -including Don Mariano and his two servants, he had but twenty-one men -with him; but they were adventurers, determined to die to the last man -rather than surrender. Don Miguel did not lose all hope, and when these -precautions were taken, he waited. Ruperto soon arrived, and his report -was not reassuring.</p> - -<p>The Redskins had seized the presidio by surprise. The town had been -plundered, then abandoned; it was completely deserted. Numerous parties -of Apaches were visible in all directions, and it seemed certain that -the adventurers could not proceed a league from the hacienda without -falling into an ambuscade.</p> - -<p>Marksman at length arrived. He brought with him forty Mexican soldiers -and peasants, who had been wandering about at hazard for two days, at -the risk of being surprised by the Redskins, who pitilessly massacred -every white man who fell into their hands. Don Miguel gladly received -this unexpected help—a reinforcement of forty men was not to be -despised, especially as they were all armed, and capable of doing good -service. Marksman, as a good forager, also brought with him several -mules laden with provisions. The worthy Canadian thought of everything, -and nothing escaped him. When the men had been stationed at the spots -most exposed to a surprise, Don Miguel and Marksman ascended the -azotea, to have a look at the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>Nothing had changed; the plain was still deserted. The calm was of -evil augury. The sun set in a mass of red vapour; the light suddenly -lessened, and night arrived, with its darkness and its mysteries. Don -Miguel, leaving the Canadian alone, went down to the apartment which -served as a refuge to the three females. The ladies were seated, sad -and silent.</p> - -<p>Eglantine walked up to him.</p> - -<p>"What does my sister want?" the young man asked.</p> - -<p>"Eglantine wishes to go," she answered, in her soft voice.</p> - -<p>"What, go!" he exclaimed, in surprise; "it is impossible. The night is -dark; my sister would run too much danger on the plain; the calcis of -her tribe are far away on the prairie."</p> - -<p>Eglantine assumed her usual pout as she shook her head. "Eglantine will -go," she said, impatiently. "My brother will give her a horse; she must -join Flying Eagle."</p> - -<p>"Alas! my poor girl, Flying Eagle is far away at this moment, I am -afraid; you will not find him."</p> - -<p>The girl raised her head quickly. "Flying Eagle does not desert his -friends," she said; "he is a great chief. Eglantine is proud to be his -squaw. Let my brother suffer her to go. Eglantine has in her heart a -little bird, that sings softly, and tells her where the Sachem is."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel suffered from considerable perplexity; he could not consent -to what the Indian girl asked him; he felt a repugnance to abandon the -woman who had given them so many proofs of devotion since she had been -among them. At this moment he felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned, -and saw Marksman. "Let her go," he said; "she knows better than we do -why she acts thus. The Redskins never do anything without a reason. -Come, dear child, I will accompany you to the gate, and give you a -horse."</p> - -<p>"Go, then," Don Miguel said; "but remember that you leave us against my -wish."</p> - -<p>Eglantine smiled, and kissed the two ladies, merely whispering one word -to them—"Courage!"</p> - -<p>Then she followed Marksman.</p> - -<p>"Poor, good creature!" Don Miguel muttered; "she wants to try and be -of use to us again, I feel convinced." Then he turned to the ladies. -"Niñas," he said to them, "regain your courage. We are numerous. -Tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall start again, with no fear of being -disturbed by the Indian marauders."</p> - -<p>"Don Miguel," Doña Laura answered, with a sad smile, "you will try in -vain to reassure us. We heard what the men said to each other: they are -expecting an attack."</p> - -<p>"Why not be frank with us, Don Miguel?" Doña Luisa added. "It is better -to tell us openly in what position we are, and to what we are exposed."</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! do I know it myself?" he replied. "I have taken all the -necessary precautions to defend the hacienda to the last extremity, but -I trust that our trail will not be discovered."</p> - -<p>"You are deceiving us again," Doña Laura said, in a reproachful voice, -so gentle that it went straight to the young man's heart.</p> - -<p>"Besides," the adventurer continued, not wishing to answer the -interruption, "be certain, señoritas, that, in case of an attack, we -shall all die, my comrades and myself, ere an Apache can cross the -threshold of this door."</p> - -<p>"The Apaches!" the maidens exclaimed, for the recollection of their -captivity was still quivering in their heart, and they trembled at the -mere thought of falling into their hands again. Still, this movement of -terror did not last an instant. Doña Laura's face immediately assumed -the angelic expression habitual to it, and she answered Don Miguel with -the softest possible intonation in her voice.</p> - -<p>"We have faith in you; we know that you will do all that is humanly -possible to save us. We thank you for your devotion; we know that our -fate is in the hands of God, and we place confidence in Him. Act like a -man, Don Miguel. Do not trouble about us further, but, I implore you, -watch over my father."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Doña Luisa added, "do your duty bravely; for our part, we will -do ours."</p> - -<p>Don Miguel looked without understanding her. She smiled and blushed, -but said no more. The young man seemed desirous to say a few words, -but, after a moment's hesitation, he bowed respectfully and left the -room. Laura and Luisa then threw themselves in each other's arms, and -embraced tenderly.</p> - -<p>When Don Miguel entered the patio, Marksman walked up to him, and -pointed to several rows of black dots, apparently crawling in the -direction of the hacienda. "Look!" he said, drily.</p> - -<p>"They are Redskins!" Don Miguel exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"I have seen them for the last ten minutes," the hunter continued; "but -we have time yet to prepare for their reception. They will not be here -for an hour."</p> - -<p>In truth, an hour passed away in this state of horrible expectation. -Suddenly the hideous head of an Apache appeared over the door of the -court, and looked furiously down into the patio.</p> - -<p>"No one can form an idea how impudent these Indians are," Marksman -said, with a grin; and, raising his axe, the body of the Apache rolled -outside, while his head fell, with grinning teeth, almost at Don -Miguel's feet.</p> - -<p>Several attempts of the same nature, made at various spots, were -repulsed with equal success. Then the Apaches, who had flattered -themselves with the idea of finding the whites asleep, seeing, on the -contrary, how badly they were received, uttered their war yell, and -rising tumultuously from the ground, where they had been hitherto -crawling, rushed toward the wall, which they tried to escalade on all -sides at once.</p> - -<p>A ball of fire flashed from the hacienda, and a shower of bullets -greeted them. Many fell; but the impetus of the charge was not felt. -A fresh discharge at point-blank range was impotent to repulse them, -although it caused them enormous losses. The attackers and attacked -were soon fighting hand to hand. It was an atrocious medley, a horrible -carnage, in which the hands were only unclutched by death, and in which -the conquered, after dragging his conqueror down with him, strangled -him in a last convulsion. For more than half an hour it was impossible -to recognize each other; the rifles, the lances, the arrows, and -machete strokes were interchanged with prodigious rapidity. At length -the Indians fell back; the wall was not yet escaladed. It was but a -short time; the Redskins returned almost immediately to the charge, -and the struggle recommenced with heightened fury. This time, in spite -of the prodigies of valour performed by the adventurers, they were -driven in by the mass of enemies that surrounded them, and compelled to -fall back on the house, contending every inch of ground; but now the -resistance could not last long.</p> - -<p>All at once shouts were heard in the rear of the Indians, and -Brighteye poured on them like an avalanche at the head of his party. -The Redskins, surprised and alarmed at this unforeseen attack, gave -way in disorder, and dispersed over the plain. Don Miguel rushed -forward, at the head of twenty men, to support Brighteye, and complete -the defeat of the Indians. The adventurers pursued the Apaches, whom -they furiously massacred; but all at once Don Miguel uttered a cry -of surprise and rage. While he had been led away in pursuit of the -Apaches, other Indians, suddenly springing up in the space left free, -rushed at the hacienda. The Gambusinos turned their horses round, and -retraced their steps at full gallop. It was too late. The hacienda -was invaded. The combat then became a horrible carnage—a nameless -butchery. In the midst of the Apaches, Atoyac, Addick, and Don Estevan -seemed to be multiplied, so rapid were their blows, so aroused was -their fury. On the highest step of the flight leading into the interior -of the house, Don Mariano and some Gambusinos he had rallied were -desperately resisting the repeated attacks of a swarm of Indians. -Suddenly a bloody veil was spread before Don Miguel's eyes; a cold -perspiration poured down his face; the Apaches had forced the entrance, -and were inundating the house.</p> - -<p>"Forward! Forward!" Don Leo howled, throwing himself headlong into the -medley.</p> - -<p>"Forward!" Brighteye and Marksman repeated.</p> - -<p>At this moment the two maidens appeared at the windows, closely -pursued by the Redskins, who seized them in their arms, and carried -them off, in spite of their shrieks and resistance. All was lost! At -this supreme moment, the war cry of the Comanches burst on the air, -and a cloud of warriors, at the head of whom Flying Eagle galloped, -fell like a thunderbolt on the Apaches, who believed themselves the -victors, Surrounded on all sides at once, after a heroic resistance, -the latter were compelled to give ground, and seek safety in flight. -The adventurers were saved at the moment when they believed nothing -was left them but to die, not to fall alive into the hands of their -ferocious enemies.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3><a name="THE_EPILOGUE" id="THE_EPILOGUE">THE EPILOGUE.</a></h3> - - -<p class="p2">Two hours later, the sun as it rose shone on a touching scene in that -hacienda which had been the scene of so obstinate a contest.</p> - -<p>The adventurers and the Comanche warriors, who arrived so fortunately -for them, hastily removed, as far as was possible, the traces of the -combat. The bodies of those who had fallen were piled up in a retired -corner of the patio, and covered with straw. Comanche sentries guarded -some twenty Apache prisoners, and the adventurers were busy, some -bandaging their wounds, others digging wide trenches to inter the dead.</p> - -<p>Under the saguon of the horses, two men and a woman had been laid on -trusses of straw, covered with zarapés. The woman was dead; it was -Doña Luisa. The poor child, whose life had only been one long self -denial and continued devotion, was killed by Don Estevan, at the moment -she blew out the brains of Addick, who was carrying off Doña Laura. -The two men were Don Mariano and Brighteye. Don Miguel and Laura were -standing on either side of the old gentleman, anxiously watching for -the moment when he should open his eyes.</p> - -<p>Marksman, sad, and with a pale brow, was bending over his old comrade, -who was on the point of death.</p> - -<p>"Courage!" he said to him; "courage, brother, it is nothing."</p> - -<p>The Canadian tried to smile. "Hum! I know what it is," he said in a -broken voice; "I have ten minutes left at the most, and after that—"</p> - -<p>He was silent for a moment, and seemed to be reflecting. "Tell me, -Marksman," he went on, "do you believe God will pardon me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my worthy friend; for you were a brave and good creature."</p> - -<p>"I have always acted in accordance with my heart. Well, it is said that -the mercy of God is infinite; I put my trust in Him."</p> - -<p>"Hope, my friend, hope!"</p> - -<p>"No matter. I was sure the Indians would never kill me; it was Don -Estevan, look ye, who wounded me, but I split his skull open. The -villain! I ought to have let him die in his pit, like a trapped wolf."</p> - -<p>His voice grew momentarily weaker; his eye was more glassy; his life -was ebbing fast.</p> - -<p>"Pardon him! Now he is dead, he is no longer dangerous."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised, I crushed the viper at last! Good-bye, Marksman, -my old comrade. We shall never again hunt buffalo and elk together on -the prairie; we shall no longer sound our war cry against the Apaches. -Where is Flying Eagle?"</p> - -<p>"Pursuing the Redskins."</p> - -<p>"Oh, he is a fine fellow. He was very young when I first knew him; -it was in 1845. I remember that I was returning from—" He stopped. -Marksman, who had bent as close as possible over him, to hear the words -he uttered in a voice that grew momentarily weaker, looked at him. He -was dead. The worthy hunter had surrendered his soul to God, without -feeling the cruel agonies of death. His friend piously closed his eyes, -knelt down by his side, and binding his pale forehead, prayed fervently -for his old comrade.</p> - -<p>Don Mariano, in the meanwhile, had remained in the same state of -apparent insensibility. Don Miguel and Doña Laura each held a hand, and -anxiously questioned his pulse. His two old servants were kneeling in a -corner of the room, and weeping silently.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Don Mariano uttered a deep sigh, a bright flush covered his -face, his eyes opened, and for some minutes he seemed trying to recall -his ideas, troubled by the approach of death. At length he made a -supreme effort, sat up, and looking by turns with an expression of -ineffable gentleness at the young people who had fallen on their knees, -he drew their hands towards him and forced them on his heart.</p> - -<p>"Don Miguel," he said, in a powerful voice, "guard her! Laura, you -love him, so be happy! My children, I bless you. Oh, God! In thy mercy -pardon the wretched man who is the cause of all our misfortunes. Lord, -receive me into Thy bosom! My children, my children, we shall meet -again!" His body was suddenly agitated by a convulsive tremor, his -features were contracted, and he fell back breathing his last sigh. He -was dead!</p> - -<p>After performing the last duties to his old comrade, Marksman followed -Flying Eagle and his warriors. From that moment he was never heard of -again; the death of Brighteye had broken all the energy and will in -this powerful man. Perhaps he is still dragging out the last days of a -wretched existence among those Indians with whom he formed the resolve -of living.</p> - -<p>The minute researches made by Don Leo de Torres, after his marriage -with Doña Laura de Real del Monte, led to no result; hence the young -man, to his great regret, was compelled to resign all hopes of ever -paying this simple and yet great-hearted man the debt of gratitude he -owed him.</p> - - -<h4>THE END.</h4> - - - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Scout, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - -***** This file should be named 44196-h.htm or 44196-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/1/9/44196/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 Scout - A Story of the Aztec City - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: November 16, 2013 [EBook #44196] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - - - - -THE INDIAN SCOUT. - -A Story of the Aztec City - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES," "TRAPPER'S BRIDE," - -"PRAIRIE FLOWER," ETC. - - -LONDON: - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -MDCCCLXI. - - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following work has been the most successful of all Gustave Aimard -has published in Paris, and it has run through an unparalleled number -of Editions. This is not surprising, however, when we bear in mind that -he describes in it his personal experiences in the Indian Aztec city, -from which no European ever returned prior to him, to tell the tale of -his adventures. From this volume we learn to regard the Indians from a -very different side than the one hitherto taken; for it is evident that -they are something more than savages, and possess their traditions just -as much as any nation of the Old World. At the present moment, when -the Redskins appear destined to play an important part in the American -struggle, I think that such knowledge as our Author is enabled alone to -give us about their manners and customs, will be read with interest. - -L. W. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - I. THE SURPRISE - II. THE GUEST - III. A NIGHT CONFERENCE - IV. INDIANS AND HUNTERS - V. MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS - VI. A DARK HISTORY - VII. A DARK HISTORY CONTINUED - VIII. A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED - IX. BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN - X. FRESH CHARACTERS - XI. THE FORD OF THE RUBIO - XII. DON STEFANO COHECHO - XIII. THE AMBUSCADE - XIV. THE TRAVELLERS - XV. RECALLED TO LIFE - XVI. THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH - XVII. DON MARIANO - XVIII. BEFORE THE TRIAL - XIX. FACE TO FACE - XX. THE JUDGMENT - XXI. BRIGHTEYE - XXII. THE CAMP - XXIII. FLYING EAGLE - XXIV. QUIEPAA TANI - XXV. A TRIO OF VILLAINS - XXVI. A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE - XXVII. A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE CONCLUDED - XXVIII. REDSKINS AND WHITE - XXIX. THE COUNCIL - XXX. THE SECOND DETACHMENT - XXXI. THE TLACATEOTZIN - XXXII. THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY - XXXIII. EXPLANATORY - XXXIV. CONVERSATIONAL - XXXV. THE INTERVIEW - XXXVI. A MEETING - XXXVII. COMPLICATIONS - XXXVIII. A WALK IN THE DARK - XXXIX. THE GREAT MEDICINE - XL. THE FINAL STRUGGLE - THE EPILOGUE - - - - -THE INDIAN SCOUT. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -It was towards the end of May, 1855, in one of the least visited parts -of the immense prairies of the Far West, and at a short distance from -the Rio Colorado del Norte, which the Indian tribes of those districts -call, in their language so full of imagery, "The endless river with the -golden waves." - -The night was profoundly dark. The moon, which had proceeded two-thirds -of its course, displayed between the lofty branches of the trees her -pallid face; and the scanty rays of vacillating light scarce brought -out the outlines of the abrupt and stern scenery. There was not a -breath in the air, not a star in the sky. A silence of death brooded -over the desert--a silence only interrupted, at long intervals, by the -sharp barking of the coyotes in search of prey, or the savage miaulings -of the panthers and jaguars at the watering place. - -During the darkness, the great American savannahs, on which no human -sound troubles the majesty of night, assume, beneath the eye of heaven, -an imposing splendour, which unconsciously affects the heart of the -strongest man, and imbues him involuntarily with a feeling of religious -respect. - -All at once the closely growing branches of a floripondio were -cautiously parted, and in the space thus left appeared the anxious -head of a man, whose eyes, flashing like those of a wild beast, darted -restless glances in every direction. After a few seconds of perfect -immobility, the man of whom we speak left the clump of trees in the -midst of which he was concealed, and leaped out on the plain. - -Although his bronzed complexion had assumed almost a brick colour, -still, from his hunting garb, and, above all, the light colour of -his long hair, and his bold, frank, and sharply-marked features, it -was easy to recognise in this man one of those daring Canadian wood -rangers, whose bold race is daily expiring, and will probably disappear -ere long. - -He walked a few paces, with the barrel of his rifle thrust forward, -and his finger on the trigger, minutely inspecting the thickets and -numberless bushes that surrounded him; then, probably reassured by the -silence and solitude that--continued to prevail around, he stopped, -rested the butt of his rifle on the ground, bent forward, and imitated, -with rare perfection, the song of the centzontle, the American -nightingale. - -Scarce had the last modulation of this song, which was gentle as a love -sigh, died away in the air, when a second person bounded forward from -the same shrub which had already offered passage to the hunter. It was -an Indian; he stationed himself by the Canadian's side, and, after -a few seconds' silence, said, affecting a tranquillity probably not -responded to by his heart,--"Well?" - -"All is calm," the hunter answered. "The _Cihuatl_ can come." - -The Indian shook his head. - -"Since the rising of the moon, Mahchsi Karehde has been separated from -Eglantine; he knows not where she is at this moment." - -A kindly smile played round the hunter's lips. - -"Eglantine loves my brother," he said, gently. "The little bird that -sings in her heart will have led her on the trail of the Chief. Has -Mahchsi Karehde forgotten the song with which he called her to his love -meetings in the tribe?" - -"The Chief has forgotten nothing." - -"Let him call her then." - -The Indian did not let the invitation be repeated. The cry of the -walkon rose in the silence. - -At the same moment a rustling was heard in the branches, and a young -woman, bounding like a startled fawn, fell panting into the warrior's -arms, which were opened to receive her. This pressure was no longer -than a flash of lightning; the Chief, doubtlessly ashamed of the tender -emotion he had yielded to in the presence of a white man, even though -that white man was a friend, coldly repulsed the young female, saying -to her, in a voice in which no trace of feeling was visible, "My sister -is fatigued, without doubt; no danger menaces her at this moment; she -can sleep; the warriors will watch over her." - -"Eglantine is a Comanche maid," she answered in a timid voice. "Her -heart is strong; she will obey Mahchsi Karehde (the Flying Eagle). -Under the protection of so terrible a chief she knows herself in -safety." - -The Indian bent on her a glance full of indescribable tenderness; but -regaining, almost immediately, that apparent apathy which the Redskins -never depart from, "The warriors wish to hold a council; my sister can -sleep," he said. - -The young woman made no reply; she bowed respectfully to the two men, -and withdrawing a few paces, she lay down in the grass, and slept, or -feigned to sleep. The Canadian had contented himself with smiling, on -seeing the result obtained by the advice he had given the warrior, and -listened, with an approving nod of the head, to the few words exchanged -between the Redskins. The Chief, buried in thought, stood for a few -minutes with his eyes fixed, with a strange expression, on the young, -sleeping woman; then he passed his hand several times over his brow, as -if to dissipate the clouds that oppressed his mind, and turned to the -hunter. - -"My brother, the Paleface, has need of rest. The Chief will watch," he -said. - -"The coyotes have ceased barking, the moon has disappeared, a white -streak is rising on the horizon," the Canadian replied. "Day will -speedily appear; sleep has fled my eyelids; the men must hold a -council." - -The Indian bowed, without further remark, and, laying his gun on the -ground, collected a few armfuls of dry wood, which he carried near -the sleeper. The Canadian struck a light; the wood soon caught, and -the flame coloured the trees with its blood red hue. The two men then -squatted by each other's side, filled their calumets with _manachie_, -the sacred tobacco, and commenced smoking silently, with that imposing -gravity which the Indians, under all circumstances, bring to this -symbolic operation. - -We will profit by this moment of rest, which accident offers us, to -draw a portrait of these three persons, who are destined to play an -important part in the course of our story. - -The Canadian was a man of about forty-five years of age, six feet in -height, long, thin, and dry; his was a nervous nature, composed of -muscle and sinews, perfectly adapted to the rude profession of wood -ranger, which demands a vigour and boldness beyond all expression. -Like all his countrymen, the Canadian offered, in his features, the -Norman type in its thorough purity. His wide forehead; his grey eyes, -full of intelligence; his slightly aquiline nose; his large mouth, -full of magnificent teeth; the long light hair, mingled with a few -silvery threads which escaped from under his otter skin cap, and fell -in enormous ringlets on his shoulders,--all these details gave this man -an open, frank, and honest appearance, which attracted sympathy, and -pleased at the first glance. This worthy, giant, whose real name was -Bonnaire, but who was only known on the prairies by the sobriquet of -Marksman, a sobriquet which he fully justified by the correctness of -his aim, and his skill in detecting the lurking places of wild beasts, -was born in the vicinity of Montreal; but having been taken, while very -young, into the forests of Upper Canada, desert life possessed such -charms for him, that he had given up civilized society, and for nearly -thirty years had traversed the vast solitudes of North America, only -consenting to visit the towns and villages when he wanted to dispose -of the skins of the animals he had killed, or renew his provision of -powder and bullets. - -Marksman's companion, Flying Eagle, was one of the most renowned chiefs -of the tribe of the White Buffaloes, the most powerful of all forming -the warlike Comanche race, that untameable and ferocious nation, which, -in its immeasurable pride, haughtily terms itself the Queen of the -Prairies, a title which no other tribe dares to challenge. Flying -Eagle, though still very young, for he was scarcely four-and-twenty, -had already distinguished himself, on several occasions, by deeds of -such unheard-of boldness and temerity, that his mere name inspired the -countless Indian hordes that constantly traverse the desert in every -direction, with invincible terror. - -He was tall, well built, and perfectly proportioned; his features were -elegant, and his black eyes acquired, beneath the influence of any -powerful emotion, that strange rigidity which commands respect; his -gestures were noble, and his carriage graceful, and stamped with that -majesty inborn in Indians. The Chief was attired in his war dress, and -that was so singular, as to deserve a detailed description. - -Flying Eagle wore the cap which only distinguished warriors, who have -killed many warriors, have the right to assume; it is made of strips -of white ermine, with a large piece of red cloth fastened at the back, -and falling to the thigh, to which is fastened an upright crest of -black and white eagle plumes, which begins at the head, and continues -in close order to the extremity. Above his right ear he had passed -through his hair a wooden knife, painted red, and about the length -of a hand; this knife was the model of one with which he had killed -a Dacotah chief; he wore, in addition, eight small wooden skewers, -painted blue, and adorned at the upper extremity with a gilt nail, to -indicate the number of bullets that had wounded him; over his left ear -he wore a large tuft of yellow owl feathers, with the ends painted -red, as the totem of the Band of Dogs; one half his face was red, and -his body reddish brown, with stripes from which the colour had been -removed by a moistened finger. His arms, starting from the shoulder, -were adorned with twenty-seven yellow stripes, indicating the number -of his exploits, while on his chest he had painted a blue hand, to -announce that he had frequently made prisoners. Round his neck he wore -a magnificent collar of grizzly bear's claws, three inches in length, -and white at the point. His shoulders were covered by a large buffalo -robe, falling almost to the ground, and painted of various colours. -His breeches, composed of two separate parts, one for each leg, were -tightly fastened to his waist belt, and fell almost to his ankles, -embroidered externally with coloured porcupine quills, terminating in a -long tuft that trailed on the ground. Wide stripes of black and white -cloth were rolled round his hips, and fell before and behind in heavy -folds. His slippers, of buffalo hide, were but slightly decorated; -but wolf tails, trailing on the ground behind him, and equalling in -number the enemies he had conquered, were fastened above his ankles. -From his waist belt hung, on one side, his powder flask, ball pouch, -and scalping knife: on the other, a quiver of panther skin filled with -long, sharp arrows, and his tomahawk; his gun was laid on the ground, -within reach of his hand. - -This warrior, dressed in such a strange costume, had something imposing -and sinister about him which inspired terror. - -For the present we will confine ourselves to saying that Eglantine was -not more than fifteen years of age; that she was very beautiful for an -Indian girl; and wore, in all its elegant simplicity, the sweet costume -adopted by the women of her nation. Ending here this description, which -was perhaps too detailed, but which was necessary in order to know the -men we have introduced in the scene, we will return to our narrative. - -For a long time the two men smoked side by side without exchanging a -syllable; at length, the Canadian shook out the ashes of his pipe on -his thumb nail, and addressed his companion. - -"Is my brother satisfied?" he said. - -"Wah!" the Indian answered, and bowing assent; "my brother has a -friend." - -"Good!" the hunter continued; "and what will the Chief do now?" - -"Flying Eagle will rejoin his tribe with Eglantine, and then return to -seek the Apache trail." - -"For what purpose?" - -"Flying Eagle will avenge himself." - -"As you please, Chief. I will certainly not try to dissuade you from -projects against enemies who are also mine; still, I do not believe you -look at the matter in the right light." - -"What would my brother the Paleface warrior say?" - -"I mean that we are far from the lodges of the Comanches, and before -reaching them we shall have doubtlessly more than one turn-up with -the enemies from whom the Chief considers himself freed, perhaps, too -prematurely." - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"The Apaches are old women, chattering, and cowardly," he said. "Flying -Eagle despises them." - -"That is possible," the hunter replied, with a toss of his head; -"still, in my opinion, we should have done better in continuing our -journey till sunrise, in order to put a greater distance between them -and us, instead of halting so imprudently; we are still very near the -camp of our enemies." - -"The fire water has stopped the ears and closed the eyes of the Apache -dogs; they are stretched on the ground and sleeping." - -"Hum! that is not my opinion; I am, on the contrary, persuaded that -they are watching and looking for us." - -At the same instant, as if chance wished to justify the apprehensions -of the prudent hunter, some dozen shots were fired; a horrible war -cry, to which the Canadian and the Comanche responded, with a yell of -defiance, was heard in the forest, and nearly thirty Indians rushed -howling toward the fire, at which our three characters were seated; but -the latter had disappeared, as if by enchantment. - -The Apaches stopped with an outburst of passion, not knowing in what -direction to turn, in order to find their crafty foes again. Suddenly -three shots were fired from the interior of the forest, and three -Apaches rolled on the ground, with holes in their chests. The Indians -uttered a yell of fury, and rushed in the direction of the shots. At -the moment they reached the edge of the forest, a man stepped forward, -waving in his right hand a buffalo robe, as a signal of peace. It was -Marksman, the Canadian. - -The Apaches stopped with an ill-omened hesitation, but the Canadian, -without seeming to notice the movement, walked resolutely toward them -with the slow and careless step habitual to him; on recognizing him, -the Indians brandished their weapons wrathfully, and wished to rush -upon him, for they had many reasons for hating the hunter; but their -Chief arrested them with a peremptory gesture. - -"Let my brothers be patient," he said, with a sinister smile, "they -will lose nothing by waiting." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE GUEST. - - -On the same day that our story begins, and about three miles from where -the events narrated in our preceding chapter occurred, a numerous -caravan had halted at sunset, in a vast clearing situated on the skirt -of an immense virgin forest, the last species of which ended on the -banks of the Rio Colorado. - -This caravan came from the south-east, that is, from Mexico. It -appeared to have been on the march for a long time, as far as possible -to judge by the state in which the clothes of the men were, as well -as the harness of the horses and mules. In fact, the poor beasts -themselves were reduced to a state of leanness and weakness, which -amply testified to the rude fatigue they must have endured. The -caravan was composed of some thirty-five persons, all attired in -the picturesque and characteristic costume of the half-bred hunters -and Gambusinos, who alone, or in small bands, at the most of four, -incessantly traverse the Far West, which they explore in its most -mysterious depths, for the purpose of hunting, trapping, or discovering -the numberless gold veins it contains in its bosom. - -The adventurers halted, dismounted, fastened their horses to picket -ropes, and began immediately, with that skill and quickness only -attained by long habit, making their preparations to bivouac. The grass -was pulled up over a considerable extent of ground; the baggage, piled -up in a circle, formed a breastwork, behind which a sudden attack of -the desert marauders might be resisted; and then fires were lighted in -the shape of a St. Andrew's cross in the interior of the camp. - -When all this had been attended to, some of the adventurers put up a -large tent above a palanquin hermetically closed, which was carried by -two mules, one before and one behind. When the tent was pitched, the -mules were taken out of the palanquin, and the curtains, in falling, -covered it so completely, that it was entirely concealed. - -This palanquin was a riddle to the adventurers. No one knew what it -contained, though the general curiosity was singularly aroused on the -subject of a mystery so specially incomprehensible in this deserted -country; each kept carefully to himself the opinions he had formed -about it--above all, since the day when, in the midst of a difficult -piece of country, and during the momentary absence of the chief of the -Cuadrilla, who usually never left the palanquin, which he guarded like -a miser does his treasure, a hunter leaned over and slightly opened -one of the curtains; but the man had scarce time to take a furtive -peep through the opening, ere the chief, suddenly coming up, split his -skull open with a blow of his machete, and laid him dead at his feet. -Then he turned to the terrified witnesses, and said calmly,--"Is there -another among you who would like to discover what I think proper to -keep secret?" - -These words were uttered in such a tone of implacable raillery and -furious cruelty, that these villains, for the most part without faith -or law, and accustomed to brave, with a laugh, the greatest perils, -felt an internal shudder, and their blood stagnated in their veins. -This lesson had been sufficient. No one tried afterwards to discover -the captain's secret. - -The final arrangements had been scarcely made for the encampment, ere -the sound of horses was heard, and two horsemen arrived at a gallop. - -"Here is the Captain," the adventurers said to each other. - -The newcomers gave their reins to men who ran up to receive them, and -walked hastily toward the tent. On arriving there, the first stopped -and addressed his companion:--"Caballero," he said to him, "you are -welcome among us; although very poor ourselves, we will gladly share -the little we possess with you." - -"Thanks," the second said, with a bow, "I will not abuse your gracious -hospitality; tomorrow, at sunrise, I think I shall be sufficiently -rested to continue my journey." - -"You will act as you think proper: seat yourself by this fire prepared -for us, while I go for a few moments into that tent. I will soon rejoin -you, and have the honour of keeping you company." - -The stranger bowed, and took his place by the fire, lighted a short -distance from the tent, while the captain let the curtain he had lifted -fail behind him, and disappeared from his guest's sight. - -The latter was a man of marked features, his stalwart limbs denoting -a far from ordinary strength; the few wrinkles that furrowed his -energetic face served to indicate that he had already passed midlife, -though no trace of decrepitude was visible on his solidly-built body, -and not a white hair silvered his long and thick locks, which were -black as a raven's wing. He wore the costume of the rich Mexican -hacenderos, that is to say, the manca; the zarape, of many colours; -the velvet calzoneras, open at the knee, and botas vaqueras; his hat, -of vicuna skin, gallooned with gold, was drawn in by a rich toquilla, -fastened with a costly diamond; a sheathless machete hung from his -right hip, merely passed through an iron ring: the barrels of two -six-chambered revolvers shone in his waist belt, and he had thrown on -the grass by his side an American rifle, beautifully damascened with -silver. - -When the Captain left him alone, this man, while installing himself -before the fire in the most comfortable way possible, that is to say, -arranging his zarape and water bottles to serve as a bed, if necessary, -had cast a furtive glance around, whose expression would, doubtless, -have supplied the adventurers with serious matter of thought had they -been able to notice it; but all were busied in getting the bivouac -snug, and preparations for supper; and trusting entirely in the loyalty -of prairie hospitality, they did not at all dream of watching what the -stranger seated at their fire was about. - -The unknown, after a few moments' reflection, rose and walked up to a -party of trappers, whose conversation seemed very animated, and who -were gesticulating with that fire natural to southern races. - -"Eh!" one of them said, on noticing the stranger, "this senor will set -us right with a word." - -The latter, thus directly appealed to, turned toward the speaker. - -"What is the matter, caballeros?" he asked. - -"Oh, a very simple matter," the adventurer made answer; "your horse, a -noble and handsome animal, I must allow, senor, will not associate with -others; it stamps its feet and bites at the companions we have given -it." - -"Oh, that is, indeed, simple enough," a second adventurer remarked, -with a grin; "that horse is a _costeno_, and too proud to associate -with poor _tierras interiores_ like our horses." - -At this singular reason, all burst into an Homeric laugh. The stranger -smiled cunningly. - -"It may be the reason you state, or perhaps some other," he said -gently; "at any rate, there is a very simple way of settling the -dispute, which I will employ." - -"Ah!" the second speaker said, "what is it?" - -"This," the stranger replied, with the same air of placidity. - -Then, walking up to the horse, which two men had a difficulty in -holding, he said,--"Let go!" - -"But if we let go, nobody knows what will happen." - -"Let go! I answer for all then," addressing his horse,--"Lillo!" he -said. - -At this name, the horse raised its noble head, and fixing its sparkling -eye on the man who had called it, with a sharp and irresistible -movement, it threw off the two men who tried to check it, sent them -rolling on the grass, to the shouts of their comrades, and rubbed its -head against its master's chest with a neigh of pleasure. - -"You see," the stranger said, as he patted the noble animal, "it is not -difficult." - -"Hum!" the first adventurer who picked himself up said, in an angry -tone, and rubbing his shoulder; "that is a _demonio_ to which I would -not entrust my skin, old and wrinkled as it is at present." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further about the horse, I will attend to -it." - -"On the faith of Domingo, I have had enough, for my part; 'tis a noble -brute, but it has a fiend inside it." - -The stranger shrugged his shoulders without replying, and returned -to the fire, followed by his horse, which paced step by step behind -him, not evincing the slightest wish to indulge further in those -eccentricities which had so greatly astonished the adventurers, who -are, however, all men well versed in the equine art. This horse was -a pure barb of Arab stock, and had probably cost its present owner -an enormous sum, and its pace seemed strange to men accustomed to -American horses. Its master gave it provender, hobbled it near him, -and then sat down again by the fire: at the same instant the Captain -appeared in the entrance of the tent. - -"I beg your pardon," he said, with that charming courtesy natural to -the Hispano-Americans; "I beg your pardon, Senor Caballero, for having -neglected you so long, but an imperative duty claimed my presence. Now, -I am quite at your service." - -The stranger bowed. "On the contrary," he replied, "I must ask you to -accept my apologies for the cool manner in which I avail myself of your -hospitality." - -"Not a word more on this head, if you wish not to annoy me." - -The Captain seated himself by his guest's side. - -"We will dine," he said. "I can only offer you scanty fare; but one -must put up with it, and I am reduced to tasajo and red beans with -pimento." - -"That is delicious, and I should assuredly do honour to it if I felt -the slightest appetite; but, at the present moment, it would be -impossible for me to swallow the smallest mouthful." - -"Ah!" the Captain said, looking distrustfully at the stranger. - -But he met a face so simply calm, a smile so frank, that he felt -ashamed of his suspicions, and his face, which had grown gloomy, at -once regained all its serenity. - -"I am vexed. Still, I will ask permission to dine at once; for, -differently from you, Caballero, I must confess to you that I am -literally dying of hunger." - -"I should be in despair at causing you the slightest delay." - -"Domingo," the Captain shouted, "my dinner." - -The adventurer, whom the stranger's horse had treated so roughly, soon -came up limping, and carrying his chief's supper in a wooden tray; a -few tortillas he held in his hand completed the meal, which was worthy -of an anchorite. - -Domingo was an Indian half-bred, with a knowing look, angular features, -and crafty face: he appeared to be about fifty years of age, so far -as it is possible to judge an Indian's age by his looks. Since his -misadventure with the horse, Domingo felt a malice for the stranger. - -"_Con su permiso_," the Captain said, as he broke a tortilla. - -"I will smoke a cigarette, if that can be called keeping you company," -the stranger said, with his stereotyped smile. - -The other bowed politely, and fell to on his meagre repast with that -eagerness which denotes a lengthened abstinence. We will take advantage -of the opportunity to draw for the reader a portrait of the chief of -the caravan. - -Don Miguel Ortega, for such was the name by which he was known to his -comrades, was an elegant and handsome young man, not more than six and -twenty years of age, with a bronzed complexion, delicate features, -haughty and flashing eyes; while his tall stature, well-shaped limbs, -and wide and arched chest, denoted rare vigour. Assuredly, through -the whole extent of the old Spanish colonies, it would have been -difficult--if not impossible--to meet a more seductive cavalier, whom -the picturesque Mexican costume became so well, or combining to the -same extent as he did, those external advantages which charm women and -captivate the populace. Still, for the observer, Don Miguel had too -great a depth in his eye, too rude a frown, and a smile too false and -perfidious, not to conceal, beneath his pleasing exterior, an ulcerated -soul and evil instincts. - -A hunter's meal, seasoned by appetite, is never long. The present one -was promptly disposed of. - -"There," the Captain said, as he wiped his fingers with a tuft of -grass; "now for a cigarette to help digestion, and then I shall have -the honour to wish you good night. Of course, you do not intend to -leave us before daybreak." - -"I can hardly tell you. That will depend, to some extent, on the -weather tonight. I am in a considerable hurry, and you know, Caballero, -that--as our neighbours, the Gringos, so justly remark--time is money." - -"You know better than I do, Caballero, what you have to do. Act as you -please; but, before I retire, accept my wishes for a pleasant night's -rest, and the success of your plans." - -"I thank you, Caballero." - -"One last word, or rather, one last question before separating?" - -"Ask it." - -"Of course, if this question appears to you indiscreet, you are at -perfect liberty not to answer it." - -"It would surprise me, on the part of so accomplished a Caballero. -Hence, be kind enough to explain yourself." - -"My name is Don Miguel Ortega." - -"And mine, Don Stefano Cohecho." - -The Captain bowed. - -"Will you allow me, in my turn," the stranger said, "to ask you a -question?" - -"I beg you to do so." - -"Why this exchange of names?" - -"Because, on the prairie it is good to be able to distinguish friends -from foes." - -"That is true. And now?" - -"Now I am certain that I do not count you among the latter." - -"_?Quien sabe?_" Don Stefano retorted, with a laugh. "There are such -strange accidents." - -The two men, after exchanging a few more words in the most friendly -manner, cordially shook hands. Don Miguel went into the tent, and Don -Stefano, after turning his feet towards the fire, slept, or pretended -to do so. - -An hour later, the deepest silence reigned in the camp. The fires only -produced a doubtful gleam; and the sentinels, leaning on their rifles, -were themselves yielding to that species of vague somnolency, which -is not quite sleep, but is no longer watching. All at once, an owl, -probably hidden in a neighbouring tree, twice uttered its melancholy -hu-hu. - -Don Stefano suddenly opened his eyes, without changing his position; he -assured himself, by an investigating glance, that all was quiet around -him; then, after convincing himself that his machete and revolvers had -not left him, he took up his rifle, and in his turn imitated the cry of -the owl, which was answered by a similar whoop. - -The stranger, after arranging his zarape, so as to imitate a human -body, whispered a few words to his horse while patting it, in order to -calm it; and laying himself at full length on the ground, he crawled -towards one of the outlets from the camp, stopping at intervals to look -around him. - -All continued to be tranquil. On reaching the foot of the breastwork -formed by the baggage, he jumped up, leapt over the obstacles with a -tiger's bound, and disappeared in the prairie. At the same instant a -man rose, sprang over the entrenchment, and rushed in pursuit of him. - -That man was Domingo. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A NIGHT CONFERENCE. - - -Don Stefano Cohecho seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the -desert. So soon as he was on the prairie, and fancied himself safe -from any curious eye, he raised his head haughtily, his step grew more -confident, his eye sparkled with a gloomy fire, and he walked with long -steps towards a clump of palm trees, whose small fans formed but a -scanty protection by day against the burning sunbeams. - -Still he neglected no precaution; at times he stopped hurriedly, to -listen to the slightest suspicious sound, or interrogate with searching -glance the gloomy depths of the forest. But after a few seconds, -re-assured by the calm that prevailed around him, he jogged onwards -with that deliberate step he had adopted on leaving the camp. - -Domingo walked literally in his steps; spying and watching each of -his movements with that sagacity peculiar to the half-breeds, while -carefully keeping on his guard against any surprise on the part of the -man he was following. Domingo was one of those men of whom only too -many are met with on the frontiers. Gifted with great qualities and -great vices, equally fit for good and evil, capable of accomplishing -extraordinary things in either sense; but who, for the most part, are -only guided by their evil instincts. - -He was at this moment following the stranger, without exactly knowing -the motive that made him do so; not, even having decided whether to -be for or against him; awaiting, to make up his mind, a little better -knowledge of the state of affairs, and the chance of weighing the -advantage he should derive from treachery or the performance of his -duty. Hence, he carefully avoided letting his presence be suspected, -for he guessed that the mystery he wished to detect would, if he -succeeded, offer him great advantages, especially if he knew how to -work it. - -The two men marched thus for nearly an hour, one behind the other, Don -Stefano not suspecting for a moment that he was so cleverly watched, -and that one of the most knowing scoundrels on the prairie was at his -heels. - -After numberless turnings in the tall grass, Don Stefano at length -arrived at the bank of the Rio Colorado, which at this spot was as wide -and placid as a lake, running over a bed of sand, bordered by thick -clumps of cottonwood trees, and tall poplars, whose roots were bathed -in the water. On reaching the river, the stranger stopped, listened -for a moment, and, raising his fingers to his mouth, imitated the bark -of a coyote. Almost immediately, the same signal rose in the midst of -the mangrove trees, and a little birchbark canoe, pulled by two men, -appeared on the bank. - -"Eh!" Don Stefano said, in a suppressed voice, "I had given up all -hopes of meeting you." - -"Did you not hear our signal?" one of the men in the canoe answered. - -"Should I have come without that? Still, it seems to me you could have -come nearer to me." - -"It was not possible." - -The canoe ran on to the sand; the two men leaped on lightly, and in a -second joined Don Stefano. Both were dressed and armed like prairie -hunters. - -"Hum!" Don Stefano continued; "it is a long journey from the camp here, -and I am afraid that my absence may be noticed." - -"That is a risk you must run," the first speaker remarked--a man of -tall stature, with a grave and stern face, whose hair, white as snow, -fell in long curls on his shoulders. - -"Well, as you are here at last, let us come to an understanding; and -make haste about it, for time is precious. What have you done since we -parted?" - -"Not much; we followed you at a distance, that is all, ready to come to -your assistance if needed." - -"Thanks; no news?" - -"None. Who could have given us any?" - -"That is true; and have you not met your friend Marksman?" - -"No." - -"_iCuerpo de Cristo!_ That is annoying; for, if my presentiment do not -deceive me, we shall soon have to play at knives." - -"We will do so." - -"I know it, Brighteye. I have long been acquainted with your courage; -but you, Ruperto your comrade, and myself, are only three men, after -all." - -"What matter?" - -"What matter? you say, when we shall have to fight thirty or forty -hardened hunters! On my word, Brighteye, you will drive me mad with -your notions. You doubt about nothing; but remember, that this time -we have not to contend against badly-armed Indians, but white men, -thorough game for the galleys, who will die without yielding an inch, -and to whom we must inevitably succumb." - -"That is true; I did not think of that; they are numerous." - -"If we fall, what will become of her?" - -"Good, good," the hunter said, with a shake of his head. "I repeat to -you that I did not think of that." - -"You see, then, that it is indispensable for us to come to an -understanding with Marksman and the men he may have at his disposal." - -"Yes; but where are you going to find in the desert the trail of a man -like Marksman? Who knows where he is at this moment? He may be within -gunshot of us, or five hundred miles off." - -"It is enough to drive me mad." - -"The fact is, that the position is grave. Are you, at least, sure this -time that you are not mistaken, but are in the right trail?" - -"I cannot say with certainty, though everything leads me to suppose -that I am not mistaken. However, I shall soon know what I have to -depend on." - -"Besides, it is the same trail we have followed ever since leaving -Monterey; the chances are it is they." - -"What do we resolve on?" - -"Hang it! I do not know what to say!" - -"On my word, you are a most heart breaking fellow! What! cannot you -suggest any way?" - -"I must have a certainty, and then, as you said yourself, it would be -madness for us thus to try a sudden attack." - -"You are right. I will return to the camp; tomorrow night we will meet -again, and I shall be very unlucky if this time I do not discover -what it is so important for us all to know. Do you, in the meanwhile, -ransack the prairie in every direction, and, if possible, bring me news -of Marksman." - -"The recommendation is unnecessary. I shall not be idle." - -Don Stefano seized the old hunter's hand, and pressed it between his -own. - -"Brighteye," he said to him, with considerable emotion, - -"I will not speak of our old friendship, nor of the services which I -have been several times so fortunate as to render you; I will only -repeat, and I know it will be sufficient for you, that the happiness of -my whole life depends on the success of our expedition." - -"Good, good; have confidence in me, Don Jose. I am too old to change my -friends; I do not know who is right or wrong in this business; I wish -that justice may be on your side; but that does not affect me. Whatever -may happen, I will be a good and faithful companion to you." - -"Thanks, my old friend. Tomorrow night, then." - -After uttering these few words, Don Stefano, or, at least, the man who -called himself so, made a move as if to withdraw; but Brighteye stopped -him, with a sudden gesture. - -"What is the matter?" the stranger asked. - -The hunter laid a forefinger on his mouth, to recommend silence, and -turned to Ruperto, who had remained silent and apathetic during the -interview. - -"_Coyote_," he said to him, in a low voice. - -Without replying, Ruperto bounded like a jaguar, and disappeared in a -clump of cottonwood trees, which was a short distance off. After a few -moments, the two men who had remained, with their bodies bent forward -in the attitude of listeners, without uttering a syllable, heard a -rustling of leaves, a noise of broken branches, followed by the fall of -a heavy body on the ground, and after that nothing. Almost immediately -the cry of the owl rose in the night air. - -"Ruperto calls us," Brighteye then said, "all is over - -"What has happened?" Don Stefano asked anxiously. - -"Less than nothing," the hunter replied, making him a sign to follow. -"You had a spy at your heels; that is all." - -"A spy?" - -"By Jove! you shall see." - -"Oh, oh! that is serious." - -"Less than you suppose, as we have him." - -"In that case, though, we must kill the man." - -"Who knows? That will probably depend on the explanation we may have -with him. At any rate, there is no great harm in crushing such vipers." - -While speaking thus, Brighteye and his companion had entered the -thicket. Domingo, thrown down, and tightly garotted by means of -Ruperto's reata, was vainly struggling to break the bonds that cut -into, his flesh. Ruperto, with his hands resting on the muzzle of his -rifle, was listening with a grin, but no other reply, to the flood of -insults and recriminations which rage drew from the half-breed. - -"_iDios me ampare!_" the latter shouted, writhing like a viper. -"_iVerdugo del Demonio!_ Is this the way to behave between _gente de -razon?_ Am I a Redskin, to be tied like a plug of tobacco, and have my -limbs fettered like a calf that is being taken to the shambles? If ever -you fall into my hands, accursed dog! you shall pay for the trick you -have played me." - -"Instead of threatening, my good man," Brighteye interposed, "it seems -to me you would do better by frankly allowing that you are in our -power, and acting in accordance." - -The bandit sharply turned his head, the only part of his person at -liberty, toward the hunter. - -"What right have you to call me good man, and give me advice, old -trapper of muskrats?" he said to him, irritably. "Are you white men or -Indians, to treat a hunter thus?" - -"If, instead of hearing what did not concern you, Senor Domingo, for I -believe that is your name," Don Stefano said, with a cunning look, "you -had remained quietly asleep in your camp, the little annoyance of which -you complain would not have occurred." - -"I am bound to recognize the justice of your reasoning," the bandit -replied ironically; "but, hang it! what would you have? I have ever -suffered from a mania of trying to find out what people sought to hide -from me." - -The stranger looked at him suspiciously. - -"And have you had the mania long, my good friend?" he asked him. - -"Since my earliest youth," he answered, with effrontery. - -"Only think of that! Then you must have learned a good many things?" - -"An enormous quantity, worthy sir." - -Don Stefano turned to Brighteye. - -"My friend," he said to him, "just unloosen this man's bonds a little. -There is much to be gained in his company; I wish to enjoy his -conversation for a little while." - -The hunter silently executed the orders he received. The bandit uttered -a sigh of satisfaction at finding himself more at his ease, and sat up. - -"_iCuerpo de Cristo!_" he exclaimed, with a mocking accent. "The -position is now, at any rate, bearable. We can talk." - -"I think so." - -"My faith! yes. I am quite at your service, for anything you please, -Excellency." - -"I will profit by your complaisance." - -"Profit by it! profit by it, Excellency? I can only gain in talking -with you." - -"Do you believe so?" - -"I am convinced of it." - -"Indeed, you may be right; but tell me, beside that noble curiosity, -which you so frankly confessed, have you not, by accident, a few other -defects?" - -The bandit appeared to reflect conscientiously for two or three -minutes, and then answered, with an affable grin,-- - -"My faith! no, Excellency. I cannot find any." - -"Are you sure of that?" - -"Hum! it may be so, yet I do not believe it." - -"Come, you see, you are not sure." - -"That is indeed true!" the bandit exclaimed, with pretended candour. -"As you know, Excellency, human nature is so imperfect." - -Don Stefano gave a nod of assent. - -"If I were to help you," he said, "perhaps--" - -"We might find it out, Excellency," Domingo quickly interrupted him. -"Well, help me, help me, I ask for nothing better." - -"Hum! for instance--but notice that I affirm nothing; I suppose, that -is all." - -"_iCaray!_ I am well aware of it. Go on, Excellency, do not trouble -yourself." - -"Then, I say--have you not a certain weakness for money?" - -"For gold, especially." - -"That is what I meant to say." - -"The fact is, gold is very tempting, Excellency." - -"I do not wish to regard it as a crime, my friend. I only mention it; -besides, that passion is so natural--" - -"Is it not?" - -"That you must be affected by it." - -"Well, I confess, Excellency, that you have guessed it." - -"Look you! I was sure of it." - -"Yes, money gained honestly." - -"Of course! Thus, for instance, suppose anyone offered you a thousand -piastres to discover the secret of Don Miguel Ortega's palanquin?" - -"Hang it!" the bandit said, fixing a sharp glance on the stranger, who, -for his part, examined him attentively. - -"And if that somebody," Don Stefano went on, "gave you in addition, -as earnest penny, a ring like this?" While saying this, he made a -magnificent diamond ring flash in the bandit's eyes. - -"I would accept," the latter said, with a greedy accent, "even if I -were compelled, in order to discover that secret, to imperil the share -I hope for in Paradise." - -Don Stefano turned to Brighteye. "Unfasten this man," he said, coldly, -"we understand each other." - -On feeling himself free, the half-breed gave a bound of joy. "The -ring!" he said. - -"There it is," Don Stefano said, as he handed it to him; "all is -arranged." - -Domingo laid his right-hand thumb across the left, and raised his head -proudly. "On the Holy Cross of the Redeemer," he said, in a clear and -impressive voice, "I swear to employ all my efforts in discovering -the secret Don Miguel hides so jealously; I swear never to betray the -Caballero with whom I am treating at this moment: this oath I take in -the presence of these three Caballeros, pledging myself, if I break it, -to endure any punishment, even death, which it may please these three -Caballeros to inflict on me." - -The oath taken by Domingo is the most terrible a Spanish American can -offer; there is not a single instance of it ever having been broken. -Don Stefano bowed, convinced of the bandit's sincerity. - -At this moment, several shots, followed by horrible yells, were heard -at a short distance off. Brighteye started. "Don Jose," he said to the -stranger, as he laid his hands on his shoulder, "Heaven favours us. -Return to the camp; tomorrow night I shall probably have some news for -you." - -"But those shots?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about them, but return to the camp, I tell -you, and let me act." - -"Well, as you wish it, I will retire." - -"Till tomorrow?" - -"Tomorrow." - -"And I?" Domingo said. "Caramba, comrades, if you are going to play at -knives, can you not take me with you?" - -The old hunter looked at him attentively. "Eh!" he said, at the -expiration of a moment, "your idea is not a bad one; you can come if -you desire it." - -"That is capital, for it is a pretext ready made to explain my absence." - -Don Stefano smiled, and after reminding Brighteye once again of their -meeting for the following night, he left the thicket, and proceeded -toward the camp. The two hunters and the half-breed were left alone. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -INDIANS AND HUNTERS. - - -As we have already said, at the spot where the three hunters were -standing, the Rio Colorado formed a wide sheet, whose silvery waters -wound through a superb and picturesque country. At times, on either -bank, the ground rose almost suddenly into bold mountains of grand -appearance; at other places, the river ran through fresh and laughing -prairies, covered with luxuriant vegetation, or graceful and undulating -valleys, in which grew trees of every description. - -It was in one of these valleys that Brighteye's canoe had been pulled -in. Sheltered on all sides by lofty forests, which begirt them with a -dense curtain of verdure, the hunters would have escaped, even during -the day, from the investigations of curious or indiscreet persons, who -might have attempted to surprise them at this advanced hour of the -night, by the flickering rays of the moon which only reached them after -being followed through the leafy dome that covered them: they could -consider themselves as being perfectly secure. - -Reassured by the strength of his position, Brighteye, so soon as Don -Stefano had left him, formed his plan of action with that lucidity -which can only be obtained from a lengthened knowledge of the desert. - -"Comrade," he said to the half-breed, "do you know the desert?" - -"Not so well as you, certainly, old hunter," the latter answered, -modestly, "but well enough to be of good service to you in the -expedition you wish to attempt." - -"I like that way of answering, for it shows a desire of doing well. -Listen to me attentively; the colour of my hair, and the wrinkles that -furrow my forehead, tell you sufficiently that I must possess a certain -amount of experience; my whole life has been spent in the woods; there -is not a blade of grass I do not know, a sound which I cannot explain, -a footstep which I cannot discover. A few moments back, several shots -were fired not far from us, followed by the Indian war yell; among -those shots I am certain I recognized the rifle of a man for whom I -feel the warmest friendship; that man is in danger at this moment--he -is fighting the Apaches, who have surprised and attacked him during -sleep. The number of shots leads me to suppose that my friend has only -two companions with him; if we do not go to his help, he is lost, for -his adversaries are numerous; the thing I am about to attempt is almost -desperate; we have every chance against us, so reflect before replying. -Are you still resolved to accompany Ruperto and myself; in a word, risk -your scalp in our company?" - -"Bah!" the bandit said, carelessly, "a man can only die once; perhaps -I shall never again have so fine an opportunity of dying honestly. -Dispose of me, old trapper--I am yours, body and soul." - -"Good; I expected that answer; still, it was my duty to warn you of -the danger that threatened you: now, no more talking, but let us act, -for time presses, and every minute we waste is an age for the man we -wish to save. Walk in my moccasins; keep your eye and ear on the watch; -above all, be prudent, and do nothing without orders." - -After having carefully inspected the cap on his rifle, a precaution -imitated by his two companions, Brighteye looked round him for a few -seconds, then, with that hunter's instinct which in them is almost -second sight, he advanced with a rapid though silent step in the -direction of the fighting, while making the men a sign to follow him. - -It is impossible to form an idea, even a distant one, of what a night -march is on the prairie, on foot, through the shrubs, the trees which -have grown together, the creepers that twine in every direction. -Walking on a shifting soil, composed of detritus of every nature -accumulated during centuries, at one place forming mounds several feet -high, surrounded by deep ditches, not only is it difficult to find a -path through this inextricable confusion, when walking quietly onward, -with no fear of betraying one's presence, but this becomes almost -impossible when you have to open a passage silently, not letting a -branch spring back, or a leaf rustle; for that sound, though almost -imperceptible, would be enough to place the enemy you wish to surprise -on his guard. - -A long residence in the desert can alone enable a man to acquire the -necessary skill to carry out this rude task successfully. This skill -Brighteye possessed in the highest degree; he seemed to guess the -obstacles which rose at each step before him--obstacles the slightest -of which, under such circumstances, would have made the most resolute -man recoil, through his conviction of it being an impossibility to -surmount them. - -The two other hunters had only to follow the track so cleverly and -laboriously made by their guide. Fortunately, the adventurers were -only a short distance from the men they were going to help; had it -been otherwise, they would have needed nearly the whole night to join -them. Had Brighteye wished it, he could have skirted the forest and -walked in the long grass--a road incomparably more easy, and especially -less fatiguing; but, with his usual correctness of conception, the -hunter understood that the direction he took was the only one which -would permit him to go straight to the scene of action without being -discovered by the Indians, who, in spite of all their sagacity, would -never suspect that a man would dare to attempt such a route. - -After a walk of about twenty minutes, Brighteye stopped--the hunters -had arrived. On lightly moving the branches and brambles aside, they -witnessed the following scene. - -Before them, and scarce ten paces off, was a clearing. In the centre of -that clearing three fires were burning, and were surrounded by Apache -warriors, smoking gravely, while their horses, fastened to pickets, -were nibbling the young tree shoots. - -Marksman was standing motionless near the chiefs, leaning on his rifle, -and exchanging a few words with them at intervals. Brighteye understood -nothing of what he saw; all these men seemed on the best terms with the -hunter, who, for his part, did not display the slightest uneasiness, -either by his gestures or his face. - -We have said that, after the Indians' sudden attack, Marksman advanced -towards them, waving a buffalo robe in sign of peace. The Indians -stopped, with that courteous deference which they display in all their -relations, in order to listen to the hunter's explanations. A chief -even stepped towards him, politely inviting him to say what he wanted. - -"My red brother does not know me! Then, is it necessary that I should -tell him my name, that he may know with whom he is speaking?" Marksman -said, angrily. - -"That is useless. I know that my brother is a great white warrior. My -ears are open; I await the explanation he will be good enough to give -me." - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"Have the Apaches become cowardly or plundering coyotes, setting out in -flocks to hunt on the prairies? Why have they attacked me?" - -"My brother knows it." - -"No, as I ask it. The Antelope Apaches had a chief--a great -warrior--named Red Wolf. That chief was my friend. I had made a treaty -with him. But Red Wolf is, doubtlessly, dead; his scalp adorns the -lodge of a Comanche, as the young men of his tribe have come to attack -me, treacherously, and against the sworn peace, during my sleep." - -The Chief frowned, and drew himself up. - -"The Paleface, like all his countrymen, has a viper's tongue," he said, -rudely; "a skin covers his heart, and the words his chest exhales are -so many perfidies. Red Wolf is not dead; his scalp does not adorn the -lodge of a Comanche dog; he is still the first chief of the Antelope -Apaches. The hunter knows it well, since he is speaking to him at this -moment." - -"I am glad that my brother has made himself known," the hunter replied, -"for I should not have recognized him from his way of acting." - -"Yes, there is a traitor between us," the Chief said, drily; "but that -traitor is a Paleface, and not an Indian!" - -"I wait till my brother explains himself. I do not understand him; -a mist has spread over my eyes--my mind is veiled. The words of the -Chief, I have no doubt, will dissipate this cloud." - -"I hope so! Let the hunter answer with an honest tongue, and no deceit. -His voice is a music which for a long time sounded pleasantly in my -ears, and rejoiced my heart. I should be glad if his explanation -restored me the friend whom I fancied I had lost." - -"Let my brother speak. I will answer his questions." - -At a sign from Red Wolf, the Apaches had kindled several fires, and -formed a temporary camp. In spite of all his cleverness, doubt had -entered the heart of the Apache chief, and he wished to prove to -the white hunter, whom he feared, that he was acting frankly, and -entertained no ill design against him. The Apaches, seeing the good -understanding that apparently prevailed between their sachem and the -hunter, had hastened to execute the order they received. All traces -of the contest disappeared in a moment, and the clearing offered the -appearance of a bivouac of peaceful hunters receiving the visit of a -friend. - -Marksman smiled internally at the success of his plan, and the way -in which he managed, by a few words, to give quite a different turn -to the position of affairs. Still he was not without anxiety about -the explanation the Chief was going to ask of him. He felt he was in -a wasps' nest, from which he did not know how he should contrive to -emerge, without some providential accident. Redskin invited the hunter -to take a seat by his side at the fire, which he declined, however, not -being at all certain how matters would end, and wishing to retain a -chance of escape in the event of the explanation becoming stormy. - -"Is the pale hunter ready to reply?" Red Wolf asked him. - -"I am awaiting my brother's good pleasure." - -"Good! Let my brother open his ears, then. A Chief is about to speak." - -"I am listening." - -"Red Wolf is a renowned Chief. His name is cared by the Comanches, who -fly before him like timid squaws. One day, at the head of his young -men, Red Wolf entered an altopelt (village) of the Comanches. The -Buffalo Comanches were hunting on the prairies; their warriors and -young men were absent. Red Wolf burned the cabins, and carried off the -women prisoners. Is that true?" - -"It is true." - -"Among the women was one for whom the heart of the Apache chief spoke. -That woman was the Cihuatl of the sachem of the Buffalo Comanches. Red -Wolf led her to his hut and treated her not as a prisoner, but as a -well-beloved sister." - -"What did the pale hunter?" - -The Chief broke off and looked steadily at Marksman; but the latter did -not move a feature. - -"I wait till my brother answers me, in order to know with what he -reproaches me," he said. - -Red Wolf continued, with a certain degree of animation in his voice,-- - -"The pale hunter, abusing the friendship of the Chief, introduced -himself into his village, under the pretext of visiting his red -brother. As he was known and beloved by all, he traversed the village -as he pleased, sauntered about everywhere, and when he had discovered -Eglantine, he carried her off during a dark night, like a traitor and a -coward." - -At this insult, the hunter pressed the barrel of his rifle with a -convulsive movement; but he immediately recovered his coolness. - -"The Chief is a great warrior," he said, "he speaks well. The words -reach his lips with an abundance that is charming. Unfortunately, he -lets himself be led astray by passion, and does not describe matters as -they occurred." - -"Wah!" the Chief exclaimed, "Red Wolf is an impostor, and his lying -tongue ought to be thrown to the dogs." - -"I have listened patiently to the Chief's words, it is his turn to hear -mine." - -"Good! Let my brother speak." - -At this moment, a whistle, no louder than a sigh, was audible. The -Indians paid no attention to it, but the hunter quivered, his eye -flashed, and a smile played round the corner of his lips. - -"I will be brief," he said. "It is true that I introduced myself into -my brother's village, but frankly and loyally to ask of him, in the -name of Mahchsi-Karehde, the great sachem of the Buffalo Comanches, his -wife, whom Red Wolf had carried off. I offered for her a rich ransom, -composed of four guns, six hides of she-buffalos, and two necklaces of -grizzly bears' claws. I acted thus, in the intention of preventing a -war between the Buffalo Comanches and the Antelope Apaches. My brother, -Red Wolf, instead of accepting my friendly proposals, despised them. I -then warned him, that, by will or force, Flying Eagle would recover his -wife, treacherously carried off from his village while he was absent. -Then I withdrew. What reproach can my brother address to me? Under what -circumstances did I behave badly to him? Flying Eagle has got back his -wife; he has acted well--he was in the right. Red Wolf has nothing to -say to that. Under similar circumstances, he would have done the same. -I have spoken. Let my brother answer if his heart proves to him that I -was wrong." - -"Good!" the Chief answered. "My brother was here with Eglantine a few -minutes ago; he will tell me where she is hidden, Red Wolf will capture -her again, and there will no longer be a cloud between Red Wolf and his -friend." - -"The Chief will forget that woman who does not love him and who cannot -be his. That will be better, especially as Flying Eagle will never -consent to give her up." - -"Red Wolf has warriors to support his words," the Indian said, proudly, -"Flying Eagle is alone; how will he oppose the will of the sachem?" - -Marksman smiled. - -"Flying Eagle has numerous friends," he said, "he is at this moment -sheltered in the camp of the Palefaces, whose fires Red Wolf can see -from here, glistening in the darkness. Let my brother listen. I believe -I hear the sound of footsteps in the forest." - -The Indian rose with agitation. - -At this moment three men entered the clearing. They were Brighteye, -Ruperto, and Domingo. - -At the sight of them, the Apaches, who were thoroughly acquainted with -them, rose tumultuously and uttered a cry of astonishment, almost of -terror, while seizing their weapons. The three hunters continued to -advance calmly, not caring to trouble themselves about these almost -hostile demonstrations. - -We will explain in a few words the appearance of the hunters and their -interference, which was probably about to change the aspect of affairs. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS. - - -Brighteye and his two companions, owing to the position they occupied, -not only saw all that occurred in the clearing, but also heard, without -losing a word, the conversation between Marksman and Red Wolf. - -For many long years the two Canadian hunters had been on intimate -terms. Many times had they undertaken together some of those daring -expeditions which the wood rangers frequently carry out against the -Indians. These two men had no secrets from each other; all was in -common between them--hatred as well as friendship. - -Brighteye was thoroughly acquainted with the events to which Marksman -alluded, and, had not certain reasons, we shall learn presently, -prevented him, he would have probably aided his friend in rescuing -Eglantine from Red Wolf. Still, one point remained obscure on his mind; -that was the presence of Marksman in the middle of the Indians, the -quarrel which had begun in shouts and yells, and had now apparently -terminated with an amicable conversation. - -By what strange concourse of events was it that Marksman, the man best -acquainted with Indian tricks, whose reputation for skill and courage -was universal among the hunters and trappers of the Western Prairies, -now found himself in an equivocal position, in the midst of thirty or -forty Apaches, the most scoundrelly treacherous and ferocious of all -the Indians who wander about the desert? This it was that the worthy -hunter could not explain, and which rendered him so thoughtful. At -the risk of whatever might happen, he resolved to reveal his presence -to his friend by means of a signal arranged between them long ago, in -order to warn him that, in case of need, a friend was watching over -him. It was then that he gave the whistle, at the sound of which we saw -the hunter start. But this signal had a result which Brighteye was far -from expecting. The branches of the tree, against the trunk of which -the Canadian was leaning, parted, and a man, hanging by his arms, fell -suddenly to the ground a couple of yards from him, but so lightly, that -his fall did not produce the slightest sound. - -At the first glance, Brighteye recognized the man who seemed thus to -fall from the sky. Owing to his self-command, he displayed none of the -amazement this unforeseen appearance produced in him. The hunter rested -the butt of his rifle on the ground, and addressed the Indian politely. - -"That is a strange idea of yours, Chief," he said, with a smile, "to -go promenading on the trees at this hour of the night." - -"Flying Eagle is watching the Apaches," the Indian answered, with a -guttural accent. "Did not my brother expect to see me?" - -"In the prairie we must expect everything, Chief. Still, I confess that -few meetings would be so agreeable to me as yours, especially at this -moment." - -"My brother is on the trail of the Antelopes?" - -"I declare to you, Chief, that an hour ago I did not expect I was so -near them. Had I not heard your shots, it is probable that at this -moment I should be quietly asleep in my bivouac." - -"Yes, my brother heard the rifle of a friend sing, and he has come." - -"You have guessed rightly, Chief. But now tell me all about it, for I -know nothing." - -"Has not my pale brother heard Red Wolf?" - -"Of course; but is there nothing else?" - -"Nothing. Flying Eagle rescued his wife; the Apaches pursued him, like -cowardly coyotes, and this night surprised him at his fire." - -"Very good. Is Eglantine in safety?" - -"Eglantine is a Comanche woman; she knows not fear." - -"I am aware of that--she is a good creature; but that is not the -question at this moment. What do you purpose doing?" - -"Wait for a favourable moment, then utter my war yell, and fall on -these dogs." - -"Hum! your project is rather quick. If you will allow me, I will make a -slight change." - -"Wisdom speaks by the mouth of the pale hunter. Flying Eagle is young: -he will obey." - -"Good; the more so, because I shall only act for your welfare. But now -let me listen, for the conversation seems to me to be taking a turn -extremely interesting for us." - -The Indian bowed, but made no reply, while Brighteye bent forward, -better to hear what was said. After a few minutes the hunter probably -considered that it was time for him to interfere, for he turned to the -Chief and whispered in his ear, as he had done during the whole of the -previous conversation--"Let my brother leave this affair to me; his -presence would be more injurious than useful to us. We cannot attempt -to fight so large a number of enemies, so prudence demands that we -should have recourse to stratagem." - -"The Apaches are dogs," the Comanche muttered, angrily. - -"I am of your opinion; but, for the present, let us feign not to -consider them such. Believe me, we shall soon take our revenge; -besides, the advantage will be on our side, as we are cheating them." - -Flying Eagle let his head drop. - -"Will the Chief promise me not to make a move without a signal from -me?" the hunter said, earnestly. - -"Flying Eagle is a sachem. He has said that he will obey Greyhead." - -"Good. Now look, you will not have long to wait." - -After muttering these words, with that mocking accent peculiar to him, -the old hunter resolutely thrust the brambles on one side, and walked -firmly into the clearing, followed by his two companions. We have -already described the emotion produced by this unforeseen arrival. - -Flying Eagle returned to his ambush up the tree, from which he had only -come down to speak with the hunter, and give him the information he -required. Brighteye stopped by Markham's side. - -"Friend," he then said, in Spanish, a language which most of the -Indians understand, "your order is executed. Flying Eagle and his wife -are at this moment in the camp of the Gambusinos." - -"Good," Marksman answered, catching his meaning at once; "who are the -two men who accompany you?" - -"Two hunters the Chief of the Gachupinos sent to accompany me, in spite -of my assurances that you were among friends. He will soon arrive -himself at the head of thirty horsemen." - -"Return to him, and tell him that he has no longer any occasion -to trouble himself; or, stay, I will go myself, to prevent any -misunderstanding." - -These words, spoken without any emphasis, and naturally, by a man -whom each of the Indians present had been frequently in a position to -appreciate, produced on them an effect impossible to describe. - -We have already mentioned several times, in our different works, that -the Redskins unite the greatest prudence with the maddest temerity, and -never attempt any enterprise without calculating beforehand all the -chances of success it may offer. So soon as those chances disappear, to -make room for probable ill results, they are not ashamed to recoil, for -the very simple reason that with them honour, as we understand it in -Europe, only holds a secondary place, and success alone is regarded. - -Red Wolf was assuredly a brave man; he had given innumerable proofs of -that in many a combat; still, he did not hesitate, in behalf of the -general welfare, to sacrifice his secret desires, and in doing so, as -we believe, he gave a grand proof of that family feeling, and almost -instinctive patriotism, which is one of the strongest points in the -Indian character. Clever as he was, the Apache Chief was completely -deluded by Brighteye, whose imperturbable coolness and unexpected -arrival would have sufficed to lead astray an individual even more -intelligent than the man with whom he had to deal. Red Wolf made up his -mind at once, without any thought of self. - -"Greyhead, my brother, is welcome at my fire," he said; "my heart -rejoices at greeting a friend; his companions and himself can take -their places round the council fire; the calumet of a Chief is ready to -be offered them." - -"Red Wolf is a great Chief," Brighteye replied; "I am pleased at the -kindly feeling he experiences towards me. I would accept his offer with -the greatest pleasure, did not urgent reasons oblige me to rejoin, as -soon as possible, my brothers the Palefaces, who are waiting for me at -a short distance from the spot where the Antelope Apaches are encamped." - -"I hope that no cloud has arisen between Greyhead and his brother, -Red Wolf," the Chief remarked, in a cautious tone: "two warriors must -esteem each other." - -"That is my opinion too, Chief, and that is why I have presented myself -so frankly in your camp, when it would have been easy to have had -several warriors of my nation to accompany me." - -Brighteye knew perfectly well that the Apaches understood Spanish, and -consequently nothing he had said to Markham escaped them; but it was to -his interest, as well as that of his comrade, to pretend to be ignorant -of the fact, and accept as current coin the insidious propositions of -the Chief. - -"His friends, the Palefaces, are encamped not far from here?" the Chief -remarked. - -"Yes," Brighteye replied, "at the most from four to five bowshots in a -westerly direction." - -"Wah! I am vexed at it," the Indian said, "for I would have accompanied -my brother to their camp." - -"And what prevents your coming with us?" the old hunter said, -distinctly. "Would you fear an ill reception by chance?" - -"Och! who would dare not to receive Red Wolf with the respect due to -him?" the Apache said, haughtily. - -"No one, assuredly." - -Red Wolf leaned over to a subaltern chief, and whispered a few words -in his ear; the man rose, and left the clearing. The hunters saw this -movement with anxiety, and exchanged a glance, which said, "Let us keep -on our guard." They also fell back a few paces, as if accidentally, -and drew nearer together, in order to be ready at the first suspicious -sign; for they knew the perfidy of the men among whom they were, -and expected anything from them. The Indian sent off by the Chief -re-entered the clearing at this moment. He had been absent hardly ten -minutes. - -"Well?" Red Wolf asked him. - -"It is true," the Indian answered, laconically. - -The sachem's face was overclouded; he felt certain then that Brighteye -had not deceived him; for the man he had sent out of the camp had -been ordered by him to assure himself whether the fires of a party of -white men could be really seen a short distance off; his emissary's -reply proved to him that no treachery could be possible, that he must -continue to feign kindly feelings, and separate on proper terms from -the troublesome guests, whom he would have liked so much to be rid of -in a very different manner. At his order the horses were unhobbled, and -the warriors mounted. - -"Day is approaching," he said; "the moon has again entered the great -mountain. I am about to start with my young men. May the Wacondah -protect my pale brothers!" - -"Thank you, Chief," Marksman answered. "But will you not come with us?" - -"We are not following the same path," the Chief replied drily, as he -let his horse go. - -"That is probable, accursed dog!" Brighteye growled between his teeth. - -The whole band started at full speed, and disappeared in the gloom. -Soon the sound of their horses' hoofs could no longer be heard, as they -became mingled in the distance with those thousand sounds, coming from -no apparent cause, which incessantly trouble the majestic silence of -the desert. - -The hunters were alone. Like the Augurs of ancient Rome, who could not -look at each other without laughing, little was needed for the hunters -to burst into a loud burst of delight after the hurried departure of -the Apaches. At a signal from Marksman, Flying Eagle and Eglantine -came to join the wood rangers, who had already seated themselves -unceremoniously at the fire of which they had so cleverly dispossessed -their enemies. - -"Hum!" Brighteye said, as he charged his pipe, "I shall laugh for a -long time at this trick; it is almost as good as the one I played the -Pawnees in 1827, on the Upper Arkansas. I was very young at that time; -I had been traversing the prairie for only a few years, and was not, as -I now am, accustomed to Indian devilries; I remember that--" - -"By what accident did I meet you here, Brighteye?" his friend asked, -hastily interrupting him. - -Marksman knew that so soon as Brighteye began a story, no power on -earth would stop him. The worthy man, during the course of a long and -varied career, had seen and done so many extraordinary things, that -the slightest event which occurred to him, or of which he was merely -a witness, immediately became an excuse for one of his interminable -stories. His friends, who knew his weakness, felt no hesitation about -interrupting him; still we must do Brighteye the justice of saying that -he was never angry with his disturbers; for ten minutes later he would -begin another story, which they as mercilessly interrupted in a similar -way. - -To Marksman's question, he replied,--"We will talk, and I will tell you -that." Then, turning to Domingo, he said,--"My friend, I thank you for -the assistance you have given us. Return to the camp, and do not forget -your promise. Above all, do not omit to narrate all you have seen, -to--you know who!" - -"That is agreed, old hunter. Don't be uneasy. Good-bye." - -"Here's luck." - -Domingo threw his rifle over his shoulder, lit his pipe, and walked in -the direction of the camp, where he arrived an hour later. - -"There," Marksman said, "now I believe nothing will prevent your going -ahead." - -"Yes; one thing, my friend." - -"What is it?" - -"The night is nearly spent; it has been fatiguing to everybody. -I presume that two or three hours' sleep are necessary, if not -indispensable, especially as we are in no hurry." - -"Tell me only one thing first, and then I will let you sleep as long as -you please." - -"What is it?" - -"How you happened so fortunately to come to my aid." - -"Confound it! That is exactly what I was afraid of. Your question -obliges me to enter into details far too long for me to be able to -satisfy you at this moment." - -"The truth is, my friend, that, in spite of the lively desire I feel to -spend a few days with you, I am compelled to leave you at sunrise." - -"Nonsense! It is not possible." - -"It is, indeed." - -"But what is your hurry?" - -"I have engaged myself as scout with a caravan, which I have given the -meeting at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, at the Del Rubio ford. That -appointment has been made for the last two months. You know that an -engagement is sacred with us hunters, and you would not like to make me -break my word!" - -"Not for the hides of all the buffalos killed every year on the -prairie. Towards what part of the Far West will you guide these men?" - -"I shall know that tomorrow." - -"And with what sort of people have you to do? Are they Spaniards, or -Gringos?" - -"On my word, I fancy they are Mexicans. Their chief's name, I think, is -Don Miguel Ortega, or something like it." - -"Hallo!" Brighteye exclaimed, with a start of surprise; "what's that -you said?" - -"Don Miguel Ortega. I may be mistaken, but I hardly think so." - -"That is strange," the old hunter said, as if speaking to himself. - -"I do not see anything strange in it; the name appears to me common -enough." - -"To you, possibly. And you have made an agreement with him?" - -"Signed and sealed." - -"As scout?" - -"Yes, I say, a thousand times." - -"Well, comfort yourself, Marksman; we have many a long day to spend -together." - -"Do you belong to his party?" - -"Heaven forbid!" - -"Then, I don't understand anything." - -Brighteye seemed to be reflecting seriously for a few moments; then he -turned to his friend, and said,-- - -"Listen to me, Marksman! So surely as you are my oldest friend, I do -not wish to see you going to the deuce your own road. I must give you -certain information, which will be indispensable to you in doing your -duty properly. I see that we shall not sleep this night, so listen to -me attentively. What you are about to hear is worth the trouble." - -Marksman, startled by the old hunter's solemn accent, looked at him -anxiously. "Speak!" he said to him. - -Brighteye collected his thoughts for a moment, and then took the word, -beginning a long history, to which his audience listened with a degree -of interest and attention which increased with every moment; for never, -till that day, had they heard the narrative of events so strange and -extraordinary. - -The sun had risen for a long time, but the hunter was still talking. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A DARK HISTORY. - - -Freed from all the observations, more or less pertinent, with which -it pleased the prolix hunter to embellish it, the following is the -remarkable story the Canadian told his hearers. This narrative is so -closely connected with our story, that we are compelled to repeat it in -all its details:-- - -"Few cities offer a more enchanting appearance than Mexico. The -ancient capital of the Aztecs lies stretched out, slothful and idle -as a Creole maid, half veiled by the thick curtain of lofty willows -which border at a distance the canals and roads. Built at exactly -equal distance from two oceans, at about 7,500 feet above their level, -or at the same height as the hospice of St. Bernard, this city, -however, enjoys a delicious tempered climate, between two magnificent -mountains--Popocatepetl, or the burning mountain, and Intaczehuatl, or -the white woman--whose rugged peaks, covered with eternal snows, are -lost in the clouds. The stranger who arrives before Mexico at sunset, -by the eastern road--one of the four great ways that lead to the City -of the Aztecs, and the only one now remaining isolated in the middle -of the waters of Lake Tezcuco, on which it is built--experiences, at -the first sight of this city, a strange emotion, for which he cannot -account. The Moorish architecture of the edifices; the houses painted -of bright colours; the numberless domes of churches and convents which -rise above the azoteas, and cover--if we may use the expression--the -entire capital with their vast yellow, blue, and red parasols, gilded -by the parching rays of the declining sun; the warm and perfumed -evening breeze which comes sporting through the leaf-laden branches; -all this combines to give Mexico a perfectly Eastern air, which -astonishes and seduces at the same time. Mexico, entirely burnt down by -Fernando Cortez, was rebuilt by that conqueror after the original plan; -all the streets intersect at right angles, and lead to the Plaza Mayor -by five principal arteries." - -"All Spanish towns in the New World have this in common--that, in -all, the Plaza Mayor is built after the same plan. Thus, at Mexico, -on one side are the Cathedral and the Sagrario; on the second, the -Palace of the President of the Republic, containing the ministerial -offices--four in number, barracks, a prison, &c.; on the third side -is the Ayuntamiento; while the fourth is occupied by two bazaars--the -Parian, and the Portal de los Flores." - -"On July 10, 1854, at ten of the night, after a torrid heat, which -compelled the inhabitants to shut themselves up in their houses -the whole day through, the breeze rose and refreshed the air, and -everybody, mounted on the flower-covered azoteas, which make them -resemble hanging gardens, hastened to enjoy that serene placidity -of American evenings, which seems to rain stars from the azure sky. -The streets and square were thronged with promenaders; there was an -inextricable throng of foot passengers, horsemen, men, women, Indians -and their squaws, where the rags, silk and gold were arranged in the -quaintest manner, in the midst of cries, jests, and merry bursts of -laughter. In a word, Mexico, like the enchanted city of the Arabian -Nights, seemed to have been aroused by the bell of Oracion from a -centennial sleep--such joy did all faces display, and so happy did all -seem to inhale the fresh air." - -"At this moment, a non-commissioned officer, who could be easily -recognised as such by the vine stick he held in his hand, turned out -of the Calle San Francisco, and mingled with the crowd that thronged -the Plaza Mayor, giving himself all the airs peculiar to soldiers -in all parts of the world. He was a young man, of elegant features, -haughty glance, and his slight moustache was coquettishly turned up. -After walking round the square two or three times, ogling maidens and -elbowing the men, he approached, with the same careless air he had -displayed from the beginning, a shop built against one of the portales, -in which an old man with a ferret-face and cunning look was shutting up -in the drawers of a poor table, stained with a countless number of ink -spots, paper, pens, sand, and envelopes--in a word, all the articles -requisite for the profession of a public writer--the trade which the -little old man really carried on, as could be seen from a board hung -over the door of his shop, on which was written, in white letters on a -black ground,--_Juan Battista Leporello, Evangelista_. The sergeant -looked for a few seconds through the panes, which were covered with -specimens of calligraphy, and then, doubtless satisfied with what he -saw, he tapped thrice with his stick on the door." - -"A chain was moved in the interior; the soldier heard a key turned in -the lock, then the door opened slightly, and the evangelista thrust his -head out timidly." - -"'Ah, 'tis you, Don Annibal! _Dios me ampare_. I did not expect you so -soon,' he said, in that cringing tone which some men employ when they -feel themselves in the hands of a man stronger than themselves." - -"'_iCuerpo de Cristo!_ play the innocent, old coyote,' the sergeant -replied roughly, 'who but I would dare to set foot in your accursed -den?'" - -"The evangelista shrugged his shoulders with a grin, and pushed his -silver spectacles with their round glasses up on his forehead." - -"'Eh, eh,' he said, coughing mysteriously, 'many people have recourse -to my good offices, my young Springold.'" - -"'It is possible,' the soldier answered, thrusting him rudely back, and -entering the shop. 'I pity them for falling into the hands of an old -bird of prey like you; but it is not that which brings me here.'" - -"'Perhaps it would be better for both you and me, if your visits had -another motive from the one that brings you here!' the evangelista -remarked, timidly." - -"'Truce to your sermons; shut the door, fasten the shutters, so that no -one can see us from the street, and let us talk, for we have no time to -lose.'" - -"The old man made no reply; he at once set about closing the shutters, -which at night protected his shop from the assaults of the rateros, -with a celerity for which no one would have given him credit; then he -sat down by his visitor's side, after carefully bolting the door." - -"These two men, seen thus by the light of a smoky candle, offered a -striking contrast; one young, handsome, strong, and daring; the other -old, broken, and hypocritical: both taking side glances at each other, -full of a strange expression, and with an apparent cordiality, which -probably hid a deep hatred, talking in a low voice ear to ear, they -resembled two demons conspiring the ruin of an angel." - -"The soldier was the first to speak, in a tone hardly above his breath, -so much did he seem to fear being overheard." - -"'Look you, Tio Leporello,' he said, 'let us come to an understanding; -the half hour has just struck at the Sagrario, so speak; what have you -learnt new?'" - -"'Hum!' the other said, 'not much that is interesting.'" - -"The soldier flashed a suspicious glance at him, and appeared to be -reflecting." - -"'That is true,' he said, at the end of a moment, 'I did not think of -that; where could my head be?'" - -"He drew from the breast pocket of his uniform a purse tolerably well -filled, through the meshes of which glistened sundry ounces, and then a -long navaja, which he opened and placed on the table near him. The old -man trembled at the sight of the sharpened blade, whose blue steel sent -forth sinister rays; the soldier opened the purse, and poured forth -the pieces in a joyous cascade before him. The evangelista immediately -forgot the knife, only to attend to the gold, attracted involuntarily -by the trinkling of the metal, as by an irresistible magnet." - -"The soldier had done all we have just described with the coolness of a -man who knows that he has unfailing arguments in his possession." - -"'Then,' he said, 'rake up your memory, old demon, if you do not wish -my navaja to teach you with whom you have to deal, in case you have -forgotten.'" - -"The evangelista smiled pleasantly, while looking covetously at the -ounces. 'I know too well what I owe you, Don Annibal,' he said, 'not to -try to satisfy you by all the means in my power.'" - -"'A truce to your unnecessary and hypocritical compliments, old ape, -and come to facts. Take this first, it will encourage you to be -sincere.'" - -"He placed several ounces in his hand, which the evangelista disposed -of with such sleight of hand, that it was impossible for the soldier to -know where they had gone." - -"'You are generous, Don Annibal--that will bring you good fortune.'" - -"'Go on; I want facts.'" - -"'I am coming to them.'" - -"'I am listening.'" - -"And the sergeant leaned his elbows on the table, in the position of a -man preparing to listen, while the evangelista coughed, spat, and by -an old habit of prudence, though alone with the sergeant in his shop, -looked round him suspiciously." - -"The sounds on the Plaza Mayor had died out one after the other; the -crowd had dispersed in every direction, and returned to their houses, -and the greatest silence prevailed outside; at this moment eleven -o'clock struck slowly from the Cathedral, and the two men started -involuntarily at the mournful sounds of the clock; the serenos chanted -the hour in their drawling, drunken voice; then all was quiet." - -"'Will you speak, yes or no?' the soldier suddenly said, with a -menacing accent." - -"The evangelista bounded on his butaca, as if aroused from sleep, and -passed his hand several times over his forehead. 'I am beginning,' he -said in a humble voice." - -"'That is lucky,' the other remarked, coarsely." - -"'You must know, then----but,' he observed, suddenly interrupting -himself, 'must I enter into all the details?'" - -"'_Demonios!_' the soldier exclaimed, passionately, 'let us have an -end of this once for all; you know I want to have the most complete -information; _Canarios!_ do not play with me like a cat with a mouse; -old man, I warn you, that game will be dangerous for you.'" - -"'Well, this morning, I had just settled myself in my office; I was -arranging my papers and mending my pens, when I heard a discreet tap at -the door; I rose and went to open it; it was a young and lovely lady, -as far as I could judge, for she was _embossed_ in her black mantilla, -so as not to be seen.'" - -"'Then it was not the woman who has come to you every day for a month?' -the soldier interrupted." - -"'Yes; but as you have doubtlessly remarked, on each of her visits, she -is careful to change her dress, in order to prevent my recognizing her; -but, in spite of these precautions, I have been too long accustomed to -ladies' tricks to allow myself to be deceived, and I recognized her by -the first glance that shot from her black eye.'" - -"'Very good: go on.'" - -"'She stood for a moment before me in silence, playing with her -fan, with an air of embarrassment. I offered her a chair politely, -pretending not to recognize her, and asking her how I could be of -service to her.' 'Oh,' she answered me, with a petulant voice, 'I want -a very simple matter.' 'Speak, senorita; if it is connected with my -profession, believe me, I shall make a point of obeying you.' 'Should -I have come, had it not been so?' she replied; 'but are you a man who -can be trusted?' and while saying this, she fixed on me a searching -glance. I drew myself up, and replied in my most serious tone, as I -laid my hand on my heart--'An evangelista is a confessor; all secrets -die in his breast.' She then drew a paper from the pocket of her saga, -and turned it about in her fingers, but suddenly began laughing, as -she said, 'How foolish I am, I make a mystery of a trifle; besides, at -this moment you are only a machine, as you will not understand what you -write.' I bowed at all hazards, expecting some diabolical combination, -like those she has brought to me every day for a month.'" - -"'A truce to reflections,' the sergeant interrupted." - -"'She gave me the paper,' the evangelista continued, 'and, as was -arranged between you and me, I took a sheet of paper, which I laid -upon another prepared beforehand, and blackened on one side, so that -the words I wrote on my papers were reproduced by the black page on -another--the poor Nina not in the least suspecting it. After all, -the letter was not long, only two or three lines; but, may I be sent -to purgatory,' he added, crossing himself piously, 'if I understood -a syllable of the horrible gibberish I copied: it was doubtlessly -Morisco.'" - -"'Afterwards?'" - -"'I folded up the paper in the shape of a letter, and addressed it.'" - -"'Ah, ah!' the soldier said, with interest, 'that is the first time.'" - -"'Yes, but the information will not be of much use to you.'" - -"'Perhaps:--what was the address?'" - -"'Z. p. v. 2, calle S. P. Z.'" - -"'Hum!' the soldier said, thoughtfully; 'that is certainly rather -vague. What next?'" - -"'Then she went away, after giving me a gold ounce.'" - -"'She is generous.'" - -"'Pore Nina!' the evangelista said, laying his hooked fingers over his -dry eyes, with an air of tenderness." - -"'Enough of that mummery, which I do not believe. Is that all she said -to you?'" - -"'Nearly so,' the other said, with hesitation." - -"The sergeant looked at him. 'Is there anything else?' he remarked, as -he threw him several gold coins, which the evangelista disposed of at -once." - -"'Almost nothing.'" - -"'You had better tell me, Tio Leporello, for, as an evangelista, you -know that the reason why letters are written, is generally found in the -postscript.'" - -"'On leaving my office, the senorita made a sign to a _providencia_ -which was passing. The carriage stopped, and though the nina spoke in -a very low voice, I heard her say to the driver, 'To the convent of the -Bernardines.'" - -"The sergeant gave an almost imperceptible start." - -"'Hum!' he said, with an indifferent air, perfectly well assumed; 'that -address does not mean much. Now give me the paper.'" - -"The evangelista fumbled in his drawer, and drew from it a sheet of -white paper, on which a few almost illegible words were written. So -soon as the soldier had the paper in his hands he eagerly perused it; -it appeared to have a great interest for him, for he turned visibly -pale, and a convulsive tremor passed over his limbs; but he recovered -himself almost immediately." - -"'It is well,' he said, as he tore up the paper into imperceptible -fragments; 'here's for you.'" - -"And he threw a fresh handful of ounces on the table." - -"'Thanks, caballero,' Tio Leporello exclaimed, as he bounded greedily -on the precious metal." - -"An ironical smile played round the soldier's lips, and, taking -advantage of the old man's position, as he leant over the table to -collect the gold, he raised his knife, and buried it to the hilt -between the evangelista's shoulders. The blow was dealt so truly, -and with such a firm hand, that the old man fell like a log, without -uttering a sigh or giving a cry. The soldier regarded him for a moment -coldly and apathetically, then, reassured by the immobility of his -victim, whom he believed dead,--" - -"'Come,' he muttered, 'that is all the better; at any rate, he will not -speak in that way.'" - -"After this philosophical funeral oration, the assassin tranquilly -wiped his knife, picked up the gold, put out the candle, opened the -door, closed it carefully after him, and walked off with the steady, -though somewhat hasty step of a belated traveller hurrying to his home." - -"The Plaza Mayor was deserted." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A DARK HISIORY CONTINUED. - - -"Ancient Mexico was traversed by canals, like Venice, or, to speak more -correctly, like Dutch towns, for generally in all the streets there -was a path between the canal and the houses. At the present day, when -all the streets are paved, and the canals have disappeared save in one -quarter of the city, it is difficult to understand how Cervantes, in -one of his novels, could compare Venice with Mexico; but if the canals -are no longer visible, they still exist underground; and in certain low -quarters, where they have been converted into drains, they manifest -their presence by the foetid odours which they exhale, or by the heaps -of filth and stagnant water." - -"The sergeant, after so skilfully settling accounts with the hapless -evangelista, crossed the Plaza, and entered the Calle de la Monterilla." - -"He walked for a long time along the streets with the same quiet step -he had adopted on leaving the evangelista's stall. At length, after -about twenty minutes' walk through deserted streets and gloomy lanes, -whose miserable appearance became with every step more menacing, he -stopped before a house of more than suspicious aspect, above the door -of which a flaring candle burned behind _un retablo de las animas -veneritas;_ the windows of the house were lit up, and on the azotea the -watchdogs were mournfully baying the moon. The sergeant tapped twice -on the door of this sinister abode with his vine stick." - -"It was a long time ere he was answered. The shouts and singing -suddenly ceased in the inside: at length the soldier heard a heavy step -approaching; the door was partly opened--for everywhere in Mexico an -iron chain is put up at night--and a drunken voice said harshly,--" - -"'_?Quien es?_ (Who's there?)'" - -"'Gente de paz,' the sergeant answered." - -"'Hum! it is very late to run about the _tuna_ and enter the vilaio,' -the other remarked, apparently reflecting." - -"'I do not wish to enter.'" - -"'Then what the deuce do you want?'" - -"'_Pan y sal por los Caballeros errantes,'_[1] the sergeant answered, -in a tone of authority, and placing himself so that the moonbeams -should fall on his face." - -"The man fell back, uttering an exclamation of surprise." - -"'_iValga me Dios!_ senor Don Torribio!' he exclaimed, with an accent -of profound respect; 'who could have recognized your Excellency under -that wretched dress? Come in! come in! they are waiting impatiently for -you.'" - -"And the man, who had become as obsequious as he had been insolent a -few moments previously, hastened to undo the chain, and threw the door -wide open." - -"'It is unnecessary, Pepito,' the soldier continued, 'I repeat to you -that I shall not come in. How many are there?'" - -"'Twenty, Excellency.'" - -"'Armed?'" - -"'Completely.'" - -"'Let them come down directly. I will wait for them here. Go, my son, -time presses.'" - -"'And you? Excellency,'" - -"'You will bring me a hat, an esclavina, my sword and pistols. Come, -make haste!'" - -"Pepito did not let the order be repeated. Leaving the door open, he -ran off. A few minutes after, some twenty bandits, armed to the teeth, -rushed into the street, jostling one another. On coming up to the -soldier, they saluted respectfully, and, at a sign from him, remained -motionless and silent." - -"Pepito had brought the articles demanded by the man whom the -evangelista called Don Annibal, himself Don Torribio, and who, -probably, had several other names, although we will keep temporarily to -the latter." - -"'Are the horses ready?' Don Torribio asked, as he concealed his -uniform under the esclavina, and placed in his girdle a long rapier and -a pair of double-barrelled pistols." - -"'Yes, Excellency,' Pepito answered, hat in hand." - -"'Good, my son. You will bring them to the spot I told you; but as it -is forbidden to go about the streets on horseback by night, you will -pay attention to the celadores and serenos.'" - -"All the bandits burst into a laugh at this singular recommendation." - -"'There,' Don Torribio continued, as he put on a broad brimmed hat, -which Pepito had brought him with the other things, 'that is all right; -we can now start. Listen to me attentively, Caballeros!'" - -"The leperos and other scoundrels who composed the audience, flattered -by being treated as caballeros, drew nearer to Don Torribio, in order -to hear his instructions. The latter continued,--" - -"'Twenty men, marching, in a troop, through the streets of the city -would, doubtless, arouse the susceptibility and suspicions of the -police agents; we must employ the greatest prudence, and, above all, -the utmost secrecy in order to succeed in the expedition for which I -have collected you. You will, therefore, separate, and go one by one -under the walls of the convent of the Bernardines; on arriving there, -you will conceal yourselves as well as you can, and not stir without my -orders. Above all, no disputes, no quarrelling. You have understood me -clearly?'" - -"'Yes, Excellency,' the bandits answered, unanimously." - -"'Very good. Be off, then, for you must reach the convent in a quarter -of an hour.'" - -"The bandits dispersed in every direction with the rapidity of a flock -of buzzards. Two minutes later they had disappeared round the corners -of the nearest streets. Pepito alone remained." - -"'And I?' he respectfully asked Don Torribio. 'Do you not wish, -Excellency, for me to accompany you? I should be very bored if I -remained here alone.'" - -"'I should be glad enough to take you with me; but who would get the -horses ready if you went with me?'" - -"'That is true. I did not think of it.'" - -"'But do not be alarmed, Muchacho, if I succeed as I hope, you shall -soon come with me.'" - -"Pepito, completely reassured by this promise, bowed respectfully to -the mysterious man, who seemed to be his chief, and re-entered his -house, carefully closing the door after him." - -"Don Torribio, when left alone, remained for several seconds plunged -in deep thought. At length he raised his head, drew his hat over his -eyes, carefully wrapped himself in his esclavina, and walked off -hurriedly, muttering, 'Shall I succeed?'" - -"A question which no one, not even himself, could have answered." - -"The convent of the Bernardines stands in one of the handsomest -quarters of Mexico, not far from the Paseo de Bernardo, the fashionable -promenade. It is a vast edifice, built entirely of hewn stone, which -dates from the rebuilding of the city after the conquest, and was -founded by Fernando Cortez himself. Its general appearance is imposing -and majestic, like all Spanish convents; it is almost a small city -within a large one, for it contains all that can be agreeable and -useful for life--a church, a hospital, a laundry, a large kitchen -garden, and a well-laid out flower garden, which offers pleasant shade, -reserved for the exercise of the nuns. There are wide cloisters, -decorated with grand pictures by good masters, representing scenes in -the life of the Virgin, and of St. Bernard, to whom the convent is -dedicated; these cloisters, bordered by circular galleries, out of -which the cells of the nuns open, enclose sandy courts, adorned with -pieces of water, in which fountains refresh the air at the burning -midday hour. The cells are charming retreats, in which nothing that can -promote comfort is wanting: a bed; two butacas covered with prepared -Cordovan leather, a _prie Dieu_, a small toilet table, in the drawer -of which you are sure to find a looking-glass, and several holy -pictures, occupy the principal space. In a corner of the room may be -seen, between a guitar and a scourge, a statue of the Virgin, of wood -or alabaster, wearing a coronal of white roses, before which a lamp -is continually burning. Such is the furniture which, with but few -exceptions, you are certain to find in the nuns' cells." - -"The convent of the Bernardines contained, at the period when our story -is laid, one hundred and fifty nuns, and about sixty novices. In this -country of toleration, it is rare to see nuns cloistered. The sisters -can go into town, pay and receive visits; the regulations are extremely -mild, and, with the exception of the offices, at which they are bound -to be present with great punctuality, the nuns, when they have entered -their cells, are almost at liberty to do as they please, nobody taking -the trouble, or seeming to do so, of watching them." - -"We have described the convent cells, which are all alike; but that of -the Mother Superior merits a particular description. Nothing could be -more luxurious, more religious, and yet more worldly, than its general -appearance. It was an immense square room, with large Gothic windows, -with small panes set in lead, upon which sacred subjects were painted -with admirable finish and admirable touch. The walls were covered -with long, stamped, and gilded hangings of Cordovan leather, while -valuable pictures, representing the principal events in the life of -the patron saint of the convent, were arranged with that symmetry and -taste only to be met with in people belonging to the Church. Between -the pictures hung a magnificent Virgin, by Raphael, before which was -an altar. A silver lamp, full of perfumed oil, hung from the ceiling, -and burnt night and day before the altar, which thick damask curtains -hid, when thought proper. The furniture consisted of a large Chinese -screen, concealing the couch of the abbess,--a simple frame of carved -oak, surrounded by white gauze mosquito curtains. A square table, also -of oak, on which were a few books and a desk, occupied the centre of -the room; in a corner a vast library, containing books on religious -subjects, and displaying the rich bindings of rare and precious works -through the glass doors, a few butacas and chairs, with twisted feet, -were arranged against the wall. Lastly, a silver brazier, filled with -olive kernels, stood opposite a superb coffer, the chasing of which was -a masterpiece of the Renaissance." - -"During the day, the light, filtered through the coloured glass, spread -but a gentle and mystic radiance around, which caused the visitor to -experience a feeling of respect and devotion, by giving this vast -apartment a stern and almost mournful aspect." - -"At the moment when we introduce the reader into this cell, that is -to say, a few moments prior to the scene we have just described, the -abbess was seated in a large straight-backed easy chair, which was -surmounted by an abbatical crown, while the cushion of gilt leather was -adorned with a double fringe of silk and gold." - -"The abbess was a little, plump woman, of about sixty years of age, -whose features would have appeared unmeaning, had it not been for the -bright and piercing glance that shot, like a jet of lava, from her grey -eyes, when a violent emotion agitated her. She held in her hand an open -book, and seemed plunged in profound meditation." - -"The door of the cell opened gently, and a girl, dressed in the -novice's robe, advanced timidly, scarce grazing the floor with her -light and hesitating foot. She stopped in front of the easy chair, and -waited silently till the abbess raised her eyes to her." - -"'Ah! it is you, my child,' the Mother Superior at length said, -noticing the novice's presence; 'come hither.'" - -"The latter advanced a few paces nearer." - -"'Why did you go out this morning without asking my permission?'" - -"On hearing these words, which the maiden, however, must have expected, -she turned pale, and stammered a few unintelligible words." - -"The abbess continued, in a stern voice:--" - -"'Take care, Nina! although you are still a novice, and will not take -the veil for several months, like all your companions, you are under my -authority--mine alone.'" - -"These words were spoken with an intonation which made the maiden -tremble." - -"'I Holy mother!' she murmured." - -"'You were the intimate friend, almost the sister, of that young fool -whom her resistance to our sovereign will snapped asunder like a reed, -and who died this morning.'" - -"'Do you really believe that she is dead, mother?' the girl answered -timidly, and in a voice interrupted by grief." - -"'Who doubts it?' the abbess exclaimed, violently, as she half rose in -her chair, and fixed a viper's glance on the poor child." - -"'No one, madam, no one,' she said, falling back with terror." - -"'Were you not, like the other members of the community,' the abbess -continued, with a terrible accent, 'present at her funeral? Did you not -hear the prayers uttered over her coffin?'" - -"'It is true, my mother!'" - -"'Did you not see her body lowered into the convent vaults, and the -tombstone laid over it, which the angel of divine justice can alone -raise at the day of judgment? Say, were you not present at this sad -and terrible ceremony? Would you dare to assert that this did not take -place, and that the wretched creature still lives, whom God suddenly -smote in his wrath, that she might serve as a warning to those whom -Satan impels to revolt?'" - -"'Pardon, holy mother, pardon! I saw what you say. I was present at -Dona Laura's interment. Alas! doubt is no longer possible; she is -really dead!'" - -"While uttering the last words, the maiden could not restrain her -tears, which flowed copiously. The abbess surveyed her with a -suspicious air." - -"'It is well,' she said; 'you can retire: but I repeat to you, take -care; I know that a spirit of revolt has seized on your heart as well, -and I shall watch you.'" - -"The maiden bowed humbly to the Mother Superior, and moved as if to -obey the order she had received." - -"At this moment a terrible disturbance was heard. Cries of terror and -threats reechoed in the corridor, and the hurried steps of a tumultuous -crowd could be heard rapidly approaching." - -"'What is the meaning of this?' the abbess asked with terror; 'What is -this noise?'" - -"She rose in agitation, and walked with tottering step toward the door -of the cell, on which repeated blows were being struck." - -"'Oh, heavens!' the novice murmured, as she turned a suppliant glance -toward the statue of the Virgin, which seemed to smile on her; 'Have -our liberators at length arrived?'" - - * * * * * - -"We will return to Don Torribio, whom we left walking with his -companions toward the convent." - -"As tad been arranged between himself and his accomplices, the young -man found all the band collected under the convent walls. Along the -streets the bandits, not to be disturbed by the serenos, had tied and -gagged them and carried them off, as they met them, separately. Thanks -to this skilful manoeuvre, they reached their destination without -hindrance. Twelve serenos were captured in this way: and, on reaching -the convent, Don Torribio gave orders for them to be laid one atop of -the other at the foot of the wall." - -"Then, drawing from his pocket a velvet mask, he covered his face with -it (a precaution imitated by his comrades), and, approaching a wretched -hut which stood a short distance off, he stove in the door with his -shoulder. The owner rose up, frightened and half dressed, to inquire -the meaning of this unusual mode of rapping at his door; but the poor -fellow fell back with a cry of terror on perceiving the masked men -assembled before his door. Don Torribio, being in a hurry, commenced -the conversation by going straight to the subject matter:--'_Buenas -noches_ Tio Salado. I am delighted to see you in good health,' he said -to him." - -"The other answered, not knowing exactly what he said,--" - -"'I thank you, Caballero. You are too kind.'" - -"'Make haste! get your cloak, and come with us.'" - -"'I?' Salado said, with a start of terror." - -"'Yourself.'" - -"'But how can I be of service to you?'" - -"'I will tell you. I know that you are highly respected at the convent -of the Bernardines--in the first place as a pulquero; and, secondly, as -_hombre de bien y religioso._'" - -"'Oh! oh! to a certain extent,' the pulquero answered, evasively." - -"'No false modesty. I know you have the power to get the gates of that -house opened when you please; it is for that reason I invite you to -accompany us.'" - -"'_iMaria Purisima!_ What are you thinking of, Caballero' the poor -fellow exclaimed, with terror." - -"'No remarks! Make haste! or, by Nuestra senora del Carmen, I will burn -your rookery.'" - -"'A hollow groan issued from Salado's chest; but, after taking one -despairing glance at the black masks that surrounded him, he prepared -to obey. From the pulqueria to the convent was only a few paces--they -were soon passed, and Don Torribio turned to his prisoner, who was more -dead than alive." - -"'There, _compadre_,' he said, distinctly, 'we have arrived. It is now -your place to get the door opened for us.'" - -"'In heaven's name,' the pulquero exclaimed, making one last effort at -resistance, 'how do you expect me to set about it? You forget that I -have no means--'" - -"'Listen,' Don Torribio said, imperiously; 'you understand that I have -no time for discussion. You will either introduce us into the convent, -and this purse, which contains fifty ounces, is yours; or you refuse, -and in that case,' he added, coldly, as he drew a pistol from his -girdle, 'I blow out your brains with this.'" - -"A cold perspiration bedewed the pulquero's temples. He was too well -acquainted with the bandits of his country to insult them for a moment -by doubting their words." - -"'Well!' the other asked, as he cocked the pistol, 'have you -reflected?'" - -"'_Caspita_, Caballero! Do not play with that thing. I will try.'" - -"'Here is the purse to sharpen your wits,' Don Torribio said." - -"The pulquero clutched it with a movement of joy, any idea of which it -is impossible to give; then he walked slowly towards the convent gate, -while cudgelling his brains for some way in which to earn the sum he -had received, without running any risk--a problem, we confess, of which -it was not easy to find the solution." - - -[1] Literally "Bread and salt for the knight-errants." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED. - - -"The pulquero at length decided on obedience. Suddenly a luminous -thought crossed his brain, and it was with a smile on his lips that -he lifted the knocker. At the moment he was going to let it fall, Don -Torribio caught his arm." - -"'What is the matter?' Salado asked." - -"'Eleven o'clock struck long ago; everybody must be asleep in the -convent, so perhaps it would be better to try another plan.'" - -"'You are mistaken, Caballero,' the pulquero answered; 'the portress is -awake.'" - -"'Are you sure of it?'" - -"'Caramba!' the other answered, who had formed his plan, and was afraid -he would be obliged to return the money, if his employe changed his -mind. 'The convent of the Bernardines is open day and night to persons -who come for medicines. Leave me to manage it.'" - -"'Go on, then,' the chief of the band said, letting loose his arm." - -"Salado did not allow the permission to be repeated, through fear -of a fresh objection, and he hastened to let go the knocker, which -resounded on a copper bolt. Don Torribio and his companions were -crouching under the wall." - -"In a moment the trapdoor was pushed back, and the wrinkled face of the -portress appeared." - -"'Who are you, my brother?' she asked, in a peevish, sleepy voice. 'Why -do you come at this late hour to tap at the gates of the convent?'" - -"'_Ave Maria purisima!_' Salado said, in his most nasal tone." - -"'_Sin pecado concebida_, my brother,--are you ill?'" - -"'I am a poor sinner, you know, sister; my soul is plunged in -affliction.'" - -"'Who are you, brother? I really believe that I can recognise your -voice; but the night is so dark, that I am unable to distinguish your -features.'" - -"'And I sincerely trust you will not see them,' Salado said, mentally; -then added, in a louder voice, 'I am Senor Templado, and keep a locanda -in the Calle Plateros.'" - -"'Ah! I remember you now, brother.'" - -"'I fancy that is biting,' the pulquero muttered." - -"'What do you desire, brother? Make haste to tell me, in the most holy -name of your Saviour!' she said, crossing herself devotedly, a movement -imitated by Salado; 'for the air is very cold, and I must continue my -orisons, which you have interrupted.'" - -"'Vulgo mi Dios! sister; my wife and two children are ill; the Reverend -Pater Guardian, of the Franciscans, urged me to come and ask you for -three bottles of your miraculous water.'" - -"We will observe, parenthetically, that every convent manufactures in -Mexico a so-called miraculous water, the receipt of which is carefully -kept secret; this water, we were told, cures all maladies--a miracle -which we were never in a position to test, for our part. We need hardly -say, that this universal panacea is sold at a very high rate, and -produces the best part of the community's revenue." - -"'Maria!' the old woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy at the -pulquero's large order. 'Three bottles!'" - -"'Yes, sister. I will also ask your permission to rest myself a little; -for I have come so quick, and the emotion produced by the illness of my -wife and children has so crushed me, that I find it difficult to keep -on my legs.'" - -"'Poor man!' the portress said, with pity." - -"'Oh! it would really be an act of charity, my sister.'" - -"'Senor Templado, please look around you, to make sure there is no one -in the street. We live in such wicked times, that a body cannot take -enough precautions.'" - -"'There is no one, my sister,' the pulquero answered, making the -bandits a sign to get ready." - -"'Then I will open.'" - -"'Heaven will reward you, my sister.'" - -"'Amen,' she said, piously." - -"The noise of a key turned in a lock could be heard, then the rumbling -of bolts, and the door opened." - -"'Come in quickly, brother,' the nun said." - -"But Salado had prudently withdrawn, and yielded his place to Don -Torribio. The latter rushed at the portress, not giving her time to -look round, seized her by the throat, and squeezed her windpipe as if -his hand were a vice." - -"'One word, sorceress,' he said to her, 'and I will kill you!'" - -"Terrified by this sudden attack from a man whose face was covered by a -black mask, the old woman fell back senseless." - -"'Devil take the old witch!' Don Torribio exclaimed, passionately; 'Who -will guide us now?'" - -"He tried to restore the portress to her senses, but soon perceiving -that he should not succeed, he made a sign to two of his men to tie -and gag her securely; then, after recommending them to stand sentry at -the door, he seized the bunch of keys entrusted to the nun, and began, -followed by his comrades, to find his way into the building inhabited -by the sisters. It was not an easy thing to discover, in this immense -Thebaid, the cell occupied by the abbess, for it was that lady alone -whom Don Torribio wanted." - -"Now, to converse with the abbess, she must first be found, and it was -this that embarrassed the bandits, though masters of the place they had -seized by stratagem. At the moment, however, when they began to lose -all hopes, an incident, produced by their inopportune presence, came to -their aid." - -"The bandits had spread, like a torrent that had burst its dykes, -through the courts and cloisters, not troubling themselves in the least -as to the consequences their invasion might have for the convent; and, -shouting and cursing like demons, they appeared to wish to leave no -nook, however secret it might be, unvisited; but it is true that, in -acting thus, they only obeyed the orders of their chief." - -"The nuns, accustomed to calmness and silence, were soon aroused by -this disturbance, which they, for a moment, believed occasioned by an -earthquake; they rushed hurriedly from their beds, and, only half -dressed, went, like a flock of frightened doves, to seek shelter in the -cell of the abbess." - -"The Mother Superior, sharing the error of her nuns, had succeeded in -opening her door; and, collecting her flock around her, she walked -toward the spot whence the noise came, leaning majestically on her -abbatical cross." - -"Suddenly she perceived a band of masked demons, yelling, howling, and -brandishing weapons of every description. But, before she could utter -a cry, Don Torribio rushed toward her. 'No noise!' he said. 'We do not -wish to do you any harm; we have come, on the contrary, to repair that -which you have done.'" - -"Dumb with terror at the sight of so many masked men, the women stood -as if petrified." - -"'What do you want of me?' the Mother Superior stammered, in a -trembling voice." - -"'You shall know,' the Chief answered; and, turning to one of his men, -he said, 'the sulphur matches.'" - -"A bandit silently gave him what he asked for." - -"'Now listen to me attentively, Senora. Yesterday, a novice belonging -to your convent, who some days back refused to take the veil, died -suddenly.'" - -"The abbess looked around her with a commanding air, and then addressed -the man who was speaking to her." - -"'I do not know what you mean,' she replied boldly." - -"'Very good! I expected that answer. I will go on; this novice, -scarcely sixteen years of age, was Dona Laura de Acevedo del Real del -Monte; she belonged to one of the first families in the Republic. This -morning, her obsequies were performed, with all the ceremony employed -on such occasions, in the church of this convent; her body was then -lowered, with great pomp, into the vaults reserved for the burial of -the nuns.'" - -"He stopped, and fixed on the Mother Superior eyes that flashed through -his mask like lightning." - -"'I repeat to you that I do not know what you mean,' she replied -coldly." - -"'Ah, very good! Then listen to this, senora, and profit by it; for you -have fallen, I swear it, into the hands of men who will show you no -mercy, and will be moved neither by your tears nor your airs of grace, -if you compel them to proceed to extremities.'" - -"'You can do as you please,' the Mother Superior answered, still -perfectly collected. 'I am in your hands. I know that for the moment, -at least, I have no help to expect from any one; but Heaven will give -me strength to suffer martyrdom.'" - -"'Madam,' Don Torribio said with a grin, 'you are blaspheming, you -are wittingly committing a deadly sin; but no matter, that is your -business: this is mine. You will at once point out to me the entrance -of the vault, and the spot where Dona Laura is reposing. I have sworn -to carry off her body from here, no matter at what cost. I will -fulfil my oath, whatever may happen. If you consent to what I ask, my -companions and myself will retire, taking with us the body of the poor -deceased, but not touching a pin of the immense riches the convent -contains.'" - -"'And if I refuse?' she said, angrily." - -"'If you refuse,' he replied, laying a stress on each word, as if he -wished the lady addressed fully to understand them, 'the convent will -be sacked, these timid doves will become the prey of the demon.' He -added, with a gesture which made the nuns quiver with terror. 'And I -will apply to you a certain torture, which I do not doubt will loosen -your tongue.'" - -"The abbess smiled contemptuously." - -"'Begin with me,' she said." - -"'That is my intention. Come,' he added, in a rough voice, 'to work.'" - -"Two men stepped forward, and seized the Mother Superior; but she -made no attempt to defend herself. She remained motionless, seemingly -apathetic; still an almost imperceptible contraction of her eyebrows -evidenced the internal emotion she endured." - -"'Is that your last word, senora?' Don Torribio inquired." - -"'Do your duty, villains!' she replied, with disdain. 'Try to conquer -the will of an old woman.'" - -"'We are going to do so. Begin!' he ordered." - -"The two bandits prepared to obey their chief." - -"'Stay, in Heaven's name!' a maiden exclaimed, as she rushed bravely -before the Mother Superior, and repulsed the bandits." - -"It was the novice with whom the abbess was speaking at the moment the -convent was invaded. There was a moment of breathless hesitation." - -"'Be silent, I command you!' the abbess shrieked. 'Let me suffer. God -sees us!'" - -"'It is because He sees us that I will speak,' the maiden answered, -peremptorily; 'it is He who has sent these men I do not know, to -prevent a great crime. Follow me, Caballeros; you have not a moment to -lose; I will lead you to the vaults.'" - -"'Wretch!' the abbess cried, writhing furiously in the hands of the men -who held her. 'Wretch! my wrath will fall on you.'" - -"'I know it,' the maiden responded, sadly; 'but no personal -consideration will prevent my accomplishing a sacred duty.'" - -"'Gag that old wretch. We must finish our work,' the Chief commanded." - -"The order was immediately executed. In spite of her desperate -resistance, the Mother Superior was reduced to a state of impotence in -a few moments." - -"'One of you will guard her,' Don Torribio continued, 'and at the least -suspicious sign blow out her brains,' Then, changing his tone, he -addressed the novice, 'A thousand thanks, senorita! complete what you -have so well begun, and guide us to these terrible vaults.'" - -"'Come, Caballeros,' she answered, placing herself at their head." - -"The bandits, who had suddenly become quiet, followed her in silence, -with marks of the most profound respect. At a peremptory order from Don -Torribio, the nuns, now reassured, had dispersed and returned to their -cells." - -"While crossing the corridor, Don Torribio went up to the girl, and -whispered in her ear two or three words, which made her start." - -"'Fear nothing,' he added. 'I but wished to prove to you that I knew -all. I only desire, senorita, to be your most respectful and devoted -friend.'" - -"The maiden sighed, but made no reply." - -"'What will become of you afterwards? Alone in this convent, exposed -defencelessly to the hatred of this fury, who regards nothing as -sacred, you will soon take the place of her we are about to deliver. Is -it not better to follow her?'" - -"'Alas, poor Laura!' she muttered, hoarsely." - -"'Will you, who have done so much for her up to the present, abandon -her at this supreme moment, when your assistance and support will -become more than ever necessary to her? Are you not her foster sister? -her dearest friend? What prevents? You! an orphan from your earliest -youth, all your affections are concentrated on Laura. Answer me, Dona -Luisa, I conjure you!'" - -"The maiden gave a start of surprise, almost of terror." - -"'You know me!' she said." - -"'Have I not already said that I knew all? Come, my child, if not for -your own sake, then for hers, accompany her. Do not compel me to leave -you here in the hands of terrible enemies, who will inflict frightful -tortures on you.'" - -"'You wish it?' she stammered sadly." - -"'She begs you by my lips.'" - -"'Well, be it so; the sacrifice shall be complete. I will follow -you, though I know not whether, in doing so, I am acting rightly or -wrongly; but, although I do not know you, although a mask conceals your -features, I have faith in your words. You seem to have a noble heart, -and may heaven grant that I am not committing an error.'" - -"'It is the God of goodness and mercy who inspires you with this -resolution, poor child.'" - -"Dona Luisa let her head sink on her breast as she breathed a sigh that -resembled a sob." - -"They went onwards, side by side, without exchanging another word. The -party had left the cloisters, and were now crossing some unfinished -buildings, which did not seem to have been inhabited for many a long -year." - -"'Where are you leading us, then, Nina?' Don Torribio asked. 'I fancied -that in this convent, as in others, the vaults were under the chapel.'" - -"The maiden smiled sadly. 'I am not leading you to the vaults,' she -answered, in a trembling voice." - -"'Where to, then?'" - -"'To the _in pace!_'" - -"Don Torribio stifled an angry oath." - -"'Oh!' he muttered." - -"'The coffin that was lowered into the vaults this morning in the sight -of all,' Dona Luisa continued, 'really contained the body of my poor -Laura; it was impossible to do otherwise, owing to the custom which -demands that the dead should be buried in their clothes, and with -uncovered faces; but so soon as the crowd had departed, and the doors -of the chapel were closed on the congregation, the Mother Superior -had the tombstone removed again, the body brought up, and transferred -to the deepest _in pace_ of the convent. But here we are,' she said, -as she stopped and pointed to a large stone in the paved floor of the -apartment in which they were." - -"The scene had something mournful and striking about it. In the -deserted apartment the masked men were grouped around the maiden -dressed in white, and only illumined by the ruddy glare of the torches -they waved, bore a strange likeness to those mysterious judges who in -old times met in ruins to try kings and emperors." - -"'Raise the stone,' Don Torribio said, in a hollow voice." - -"After a few efforts the stone was raised, leaving open a dark gulf, -from which poured a blast of hot and foetid air. Don Torribio took a -torch, and bent over the orifice." - -"'Why,' he said, at the expiration of a moment, 'this vault is -deserted.'" - -"'Yes,' Dona Luisa answered, simply, 'she, whom you seek, is lower.'" - -"'What! lower?' he cried, with a movement of terror, which he could not -control." - -"'That vault is not deep enough; an accident might cause a discovery; -shrieks could be heard from outside. There are two other vaults like -this, built above each other. When, through any reason, the abbess has -resolved on the disappearance of a nun, and that she shall be cut off -for ever from the number of the living, the victim is let down into the -last cave, called _Hell!_ There all noise dies away; every sob remains -unechoed; every complaint is vain. Oh! the Inquisition managed matters -well; and it is so short a time since its rule ended in Mexico, that -some of its customs have been maintained in the convents. Seek lower, -Caballero, seek lower!'" - -"Don Torribio, at these words, felt a cold perspiration beading at the -roots of his hair. He believed himself a prey to a horrible nightmare. -Making a supreme effort to subdue the emotion that overpowered him, he -went down into the vault by means of a light ladder leaning against -one of the walls, and several of his comrades followed him. After some -searching, they discovered a stone like the first. Don Torribio plunged -a torch into the gulf." - -"'Empty!' he exclaimed, in horror." - -"'Lower, I tell you! Look lower,' Dona Luisa cried, in a gloomy voice, -who had remained on the edge of the topmost vault." - -"'What had this adorable creature done to them to endure such -martyrdom?' Don Torribio exclaimed, in his despair." - -"'Avarice and hatred are two terrible counsellors,' the maiden -answered; 'but make haste! make haste! every moment that passes is an -age for her who is waiting.'" - -"Don Torribio, a prey to incredible fury, began seeking the last vault. -After a few moments, his exertions were crowned with success. The -stone was scarce lifted, ere, paying no attention to the mephitic air -which rushed from the opening and almost extinguished his torch, he -bent over." - -"'I see her! I see her!' he said, with a cry more resembling a howl -than a human voice." - -"And, waiting no longer, without even calculating the height, he leaped -into the vault. A few moments later he returned to the hall, bearing in -his arms Dona Laura's inanimate body." - -"'Away, friends, away!' he exclaimed, addressing his companions; 'let -us not stay an instant longer in this den of wild beasts with human -faces!'" - -"At a sign from him, Dona Luisa was lifted in the arms of a sturdy -lepero, and all ran off in the direction of the cloisters. They soon -reached the cell of the Mother Superior. On seeing them, the abbess -made a violent effort to break her bonds, and writhed impotently like a -tiger, while flashing, at the men who had foiled her hideous projects, -glances full of hatred and rage." - -"'Wretch!' Don Torribio shouted, as he passed near her, and -disdainfully spurned her with his foot; 'be accursed! your chastisement -commences, for your victim escapes you.'" - -"By one of those efforts which only hatred which has reached its -paroxysm can render possible, the abbess succeeded in removing her gag -slightly." - -"Perhaps!' she yelled, in a voice which sounded like a knell in Don -Torribio's ears." - -"Overcome by this great effort, she fainted." - -"Five minutes after, there was no one in the convent beyond its usual -inmates." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -BRIGHTEYE AND MARKSMAN. - - -At this point in his narrative Brighteye stopped, and began, with a -thoughtful air, filling his Indian pipe with tobacco. - -There was a lengthened silence. His auditors, still under the influence -of this extraordinary influence, dared not venture any reflections. At -length Marksman raised his head. "That story is very dramatic and very -gloomy," he said, "but pardon my rude frankness, old and dear comrade, -it seems to me to have no reference to what is going on around us, and -the events in which we shall, probably, be called upon to be interested -spectators, if not actors." - -"In truth," Ruperto observed, "what do we wood rangers care for -adventures that happen in Mexico, or any other city of the _Tierras -Adentro_? We are here in the desert to hunt, trap, and thrash the -Redskins. Any other question can affect us but slightly." - -Brighteye tossed his head in a significant manner, and laid his pipe -mechanically by his side. - -"You are mistaken, comrades," he continued; "do you believe, then, that -I should have made you waste your time in listening to this long story, -if it did not possess an important reality for us?" - -"Explain yourself, then, my friend," Marksman observed, "for I honestly -confess that, for my part, I have understood nothing of what you have -been good enough to tell us." - -The old Canadian raised his head, and seemed, for a few moments, to be -calculating the sun's height. "It is half past six," he said; "you -have still more than sufficient time to reach the ford of the Rubio, -where the man is to wait, to whom you have engaged yourself as guide. -Listen to me, therefore, for I have not quite finished. Now that I have -told you the mystery, you must learn what has come out to clear it up." - -"Speak!" Marksman replied, in the tone of a man who is resolved to -listen through politeness to a story which he knows cannot interest him. - -Brighteye, not seeming to remark his friend's apathetic condescension, -went on in the following terms:--"You have remarked that Don Torribio -provided for everything with a degree of prudence which must keep off -any suspicion, and cover this adventure with an impenetrable veil. -Unfortunately for him, the evangelista was not killed. He could not -only speak, but show a copy of each of the letters he daily handed -to the young man--letters which the latter paid so dearly for, and -which, with that prudence innate in the Mexican race, he had previously -guarded, to employ, if needed, as a weapon against Don Torribio; or, -as was more probable, to avenge himself if he fell a victim to any -treachery. This was what happened:--The evangelista, found in a dying -state by an early customer, had strength enough to make a regular -declaration to the Juez de Lettras, and hand him the letters ere he -died. This assassination, taken in connection with the attack on the -serenos by a numerous band, and the invasion of the Convent of the -Bernardines, furnished a clue which the police begun following with -extreme tenacity; especially as the young lady whose body had been -so audaciously carried off had powerful relations, who, for certain -reasons known to themselves, would not let this crime pass unpunished, -and spent their gold profusely. It was soon learned that the bandits, -on leaving the convent, mounted horses brought by their confidants, and -started at full speed in the direction of the Presidios. The police -even succeeded in discovering one of the men who supplied the horses. -This individual, Pepito by name, bought over by the money offered -him, rather than frightened by threats, stated that he had sold to -Don Torribio Carvajal twenty-five post horses, to be delivered at the -Convent of the Bernardines at two o'clock in the morning. As these -horses were paid for in advance, he, Pepito, did not trouble himself -at all about the singularity of the spot, or of the hour. Don Torribio -and his companions had arrived, bearing with them two women, one of -whom appeared to have fainted, and immediately galloped off. The trail -of the ravishers was then followed to the Presidio de Tubar, where Don -Torribio allowed his party to rest for several days. There he purchased -a close palanquin, a field tent, and all the provisions necessary for a -lengthened journey in the desert, and one night suddenly disappeared, -with all his band, which was augmented by all the adventurers he could -pick up at the Presidio, no one being able to say in what direction -he had gone. This information, though vague, was sufficient up to a -certain point, and the relations of the young lady were continuing -their search." - -"I fancy I am beginning to see what you want to arrive at," Marksman -interrupted him; "but conclude your story; when you have finished, I -will make sundry observations, whose justice you will recognize, I am -sure." - -"I shall be delighted to hear them," Brighteye said, and went on:--"A -man who, twenty years ago, did me a rather important service, whom I -had not seen since, and whom I should assuredly not have recognized, -had he not told me his name--the only thing I had not forgotten--came -to me and my partner Ruperto, while we were at the Presidio de Tubar, -selling a few panther and tiger skins. This man told me what I have -just repeated to you: he added that he was a near relation of the young -lady, reminded me of the service he had rendered me--in a word, he -affected me so greatly, that I agreed to take vengeance on his enemy. -Two days later we took up the trail. For a man like myself, accustomed -to follow Indians' signs, it was child's play and I soon led him almost -into the Spanish caravan commanded by Don Miguel Ortega." - -"The other was called Don Torribio Carvajal." - -"Could he not have changed his name?" - -"For what good in the desert?" - -"In the consciousness that he would be pursued." - -"Then the relatives had a great interest in this pursuit?" - -"Don Jose told me he was the young lady's uncle, and felt a paternal -tenderness for her." - -"But I fancy she is dead, or at least you told me so, if I am not -mistaken." - -Brighteye scratched his ear. "That is the awkward part of the affair," -he said; "it seems she is not dead at all; on the contrary." - -"What!" Marksman exclaimed; "she is not dead! That uncle knows it, -then; it was by his consent that the poor creature was buried alive! -But, if that is the case, there must be some odious machination in the -business." - -"On my word, if I must confess it, I fear so too," the Canadian said, -in a hesitating voice. "Still, this man rendered me a great service. I -have no proof in support of my suspicions, and----" - -Marksman rose, and stood in front of the old hunter. "Brighteye," he -said to him, sternly; "we are fellow countrymen; we love each other -like brothers; for many long years we have slept side by side on the -prairie, sharing good fortune and ill between us, saving each other's -lives a hundred times, either in our struggles with wild beasts, or our -fights with the Indians--is it so?" - -"It is true, Marksman, it is true, and anyone who said the contrary -would lie," the hunter replied with emotion. - -"My friend, my brother, a great crime has been committed, or is on the -point of being committed. Let us watch--watch carefully; who knows -if we may not be the instruments chosen by Providence to unmask the -guilty, and cause the innocent to triumph? This Don Jose, you say, -wishes me to join you; well, I accept. Yourself, Ruperto, and I, will -go to the ford of the Rubio, and, believe me, my friend, now that I am -warned, I will discover the guilty party, whoever he may be." - -"I prefer things to be so," the hunter answered, simply. "I confess -that the strange position in which I found myself weighed heavily -upon me. I am only a poor hunter, and do not at all understand these -infamies of the cities." - -"You are an honest man, whose heart is just and mind upright. But -time is slipping away. Now that we are agreed as to our parts, and -understand one another, I believe we shall do well by starting." - -"I will go whenever you please." - -"One moment. Can you do without Ruperto for a little while?" - -"Yes." - -"What's the matter?" the latter asked. - -"You can do me a service." - -"Speak, Marksman, I am waiting." - -"No man can foresee the future. Perhaps, in a few days we shall need -allies on whom we may be able to count. These allies the Chief here -present will give us whenever we ask for them. Accompany him to his -village, Ruperto: and, so soon as he has arrived there, leave him, and -take up our trail--not positively joining us, but managing so that, if -necessary, we should know where to find you." - -"I have understood," the hunter said, laconically, as he rose. "All -right." - -Marksman turned to Flying Eagle, and explained what he wanted of him. - -"My brother saved Eglantine," the Chief answered, nobly; "Flying Eagle -is a sachem of his tribe. Two hundred warriors will follow the warpath -at the first signal from my father. The Comanches are men; the words -they utter come from the heart." - -"Thanks, Chief," Marksman answered, warmly pressing the hand the -Redskin extended to him; "may the Wacondah watch over you during your -journey!" - -After hastily eating a slice of venison cooked on the ashes, and -drinking a draught of pulque--from which, after the custom of his -nation, the only one which does not drink strong liquors, the Comanche -declined to take a share--the four men separated; Ruperto, Flying -Eagle, and Eglantine going into the prairie in a western direction; -while Brighteye and Marksman, bending slightly to the left, proceeded -in an easterly course, in order to reach the ford of the Rubio, where -the latter was expected. - -"Hum!" Brighteye observed, as he threw his rifle on to his left arm, -and starting with that elastic step peculiar to the wood rangers; "we -have some tough work cut out for us." - -"Who knows, my friend?" Marksman answered, anxiously. "At any rate, we -must discover the truth." - -"That is my opinion, too." - -"There is one thing I want to know, above all." - -"What is it?" - -"What Don Miguel's carefully-closed palanquin contains." - -"Why, hang it! a woman, of course." - -"Who told you so?" - -"Nobody; but I presume so." - -"Prejudge nothing, my friend; with time, all will be cleared up." - -"God grant it!" - -"He sees everything, and knows everything, my friend. Believe me, that -if it hath pleased Him to set those suspicions growing in our hearts -that trouble us now, it is because, as I told you a moment ago, He -wishes to make us the instruments of His justice." - -"May His will be done!" Brighteye answered, raising his cap piously. "I -am ready to obey Him in all that He may order me." - -After this mutual exchange of thoughts, the hunters, who till -this moment had walked side by side, proceeded in Indian file, in -consequence of the difficult nature of the ground. On reaching the tall -grass, after emerging from the forest, they stopped a moment to look -around. - -"It is late," Marksman observed. - -"Yes, it is nearly midday. Follow me, we shall soon catch up lost time." - -"How so?" - -"Instead of walking, would you not be inclined to ride?" - -"Yes, if we had horses." - -"That is just what I am going to procure." - -"You have horses?" - -"Last night Ruperto and I left our horses close by here, while going -to the meeting Don Jose had made with us, and in which I was obliged to -employ a canoe." - -"Eh! eh! those brave beasts turn up at a lucky moment. For my part, I -am worn out. I have been walking for many a long day over the prairie, -and my legs are beginning to refuse to carry me." - -"Come this way, we shall soon see them." - -In fact, the hunters had not walked one hundred yards in the direction -indicated by Brighteye, ere they found the horses quietly engaged in -nibbling the pea vines and young tree shoots. The noble animals, on -hearing a whistle, raised their intelligent heads, and hastened toward -the hunters with a neigh of pleasure. According to the usual fashion in -the prairies, they were saddled, but their _bozal_ was hung round their -necks. The hunters bridled them, leapt on their backs, and started -again. - -"Now that we have each a good horse between our legs we are certain of -arriving in time," Marksman observed; "hence, it is useless to hurry -on, and we can talk at our ease. Tell me, Brighteye, have you seen Don -Miguel Ortega yet?" - -"Never, I allow." - -"Then you do not know him?" - -"If I may believe Don Jose, he is a villain. For my own part, never -having had any relations with him, I should be considerably troubled to -form any opinion, bad or good, about him." - -"With me it is different. I know him." - -"Ah!" - -"Very well indeed." - -"For any length of time?" - -"Long enough, I believe, at any rate to enable me to form an opinion -about him." - -"Ah! Well, what do you think of him?" - -"Much good and much bad." - -"Hang it? ah!" - -"Why are you surprised? Are not all men in the same case?" - -"Nearly so, I grant." - -"This man is no worse or no better than the rest. This morning, as -I foresaw that you were about to speak to me about him, I wished to -leave you liberty of action by telling you that I was only slightly -acquainted with him; but it is possible that your opinion will soon be -greatly modified, and, perhaps, you will regret the support you have -hitherto given Don Jose, as you call him." - -"Would you like me to speak candidly, Marksman, now that no one, but He -above, can hear us?" - -"Do so, my friend. I should not be sorry to know your whole thoughts." - -"I am certain that you know a great deal more about the story I told -you last night than you pretend to do." - -"Perhaps you are right; but what makes you think so?" - -"Many things; and in the first place this." - -"Go on." - -"You are too sensible a man. You have acquired too great an experience -of the things of this world, to undertake, without serious cause, the -defence of a man who, according to the principles we profess on the -prairie, you ought to regard, if not as an enemy, still as one of those -men whom it is often disagreeable to come in contact, or have any -relations with." - -Marksman burst into a laugh. "There is truth in what you say, -Brighteye," he at length remarked. - -"Is there not?" - -"I will not attempt to play at cunning with you; but I have powerful -reasons for undertaking the defence of this man, but I cannot tell you -them at this moment. It is a secret which does not belong to me, and of -which I am only the depositary. I trust you will soon know all; but, -till then, rely on my old friendship, and leave me to act in any way." - -"Very good! At any rate, I am now beginning to see clearly, and, -whatever may happen, you can reckon upon me." - -"By Jove! I felt certain we should end by understanding one another; -but, silence, and let nothing be seen. We are at the meeting place. -Hang it! the Mexicans have not kept us waiting. They have already -pitched their camp on the other side of the river." - -In fact, a hunter's camp could be seen a short distance off, one side -resting on the river, the other on the forest, and presenting perfectly -fortified outworks, with the front turned to the prairies, and composed -of bales and trees stoutly interlaced. - -The two hunters made themselves known to the sentries, and entered -without any difficulty. Don Miguel was absent; but the Gambusinos -expected him at any moment. The hunters dismounted, hobbled their -horses, and sat down quietly by the fire. - -Don Stefano Cohecho had left the Gambusinos at daybreak, as he had -announced on the previous evening. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -FRESH CHARACTERS. - - -In order to a right comprehension of ensuing facts, we will take -advantage of our privilege as story tellers, to go back a fortnight, -and allow the reader to be witness of a scene intimately connected with -the most important events of this history, and which took place a few -hundred miles from the spot where accident had collected our principal -characters. - -The Cordillera of the Andes, that immense spine of the American -continent, the whole length of which it traverses under different names -from north to south, forms, at various elevations, immense _llanos_, on -which entire people live at a height at which all vegetation ceases in -Europe. - -After crossing the Presidio de Tubar, the advanced post of civilization -on the extreme limit of the desert, and advancing into the mediano -region of the _tierra caliente_ for about one hundred and twenty miles, -the traveller finds himself suddenly, and without any transition, in -front of a virgin forest, which is no less than three hundred and -twenty miles deep, by eighty odd miles wide. - -The most practised pen is powerless to describe the marvels innumerable -inclosed in that inexhaustible network of vegetation called a virgin -forest, and the sight, at once strange and peculiar, majestic and -imposing, which it offers to the dazzled sight. The most powerful -imagination recoils before this prodigious fecundity of elementary -nature, continually springing up again from its own destruction with -a strength and vigour ever new. The creepers, which run from tree to -tree, from branch to branch, plunge, at one moment, into the earth, -and then rise once more to the sky, and form, by their interlacing -and crossing, an almost insurmountable barrier, as if jealous nature -wished to hide from profane eyes the mysterious secrets of these -forests, beneath whose shade man's footsteps have only reached at long -intervals, and never unpunished. Trees of every age and species grow -without order or symmetry, as if sown by chance, like wheat in the -furrows. Some, tall and slight, count only a few years; the extremities -of their branches are covered by the tall and wide boughs of those -whose haughty heads have seen centuries pass over them. Beneath their -foliage softly murmur pure and limpid streams, which escape from the -fissures of the rocks, and, after a thousand meanderings, are lost in -some lake or unknown river, whose bright waters had never reflected -aught in their clear mirror save the sublime secrets of the solitude. -There may be found, pell-mell and in picturesque confusion, all -the magnificent productions of tropical regions:--The acajou; the -ebony; the palisander; the stunted mahogany; the black oak; the cork; -the maple; the mimosa, with its silvery foliage; and the tamarind, -thrusting in every direction their branches, laden with, flowers, -fruits, and leaves, which form a dome impenetrable to the sunbeams. -From the vast and unexplored depths of these forests emerge, from time -to time, inexplicable noises--furious howls, feline miauls, mocking -yells, mingled with shrill whistling or the joyous and harmonious song -of the birds. - -After plunging boldly into the centre of this chaos, and struggling -hand to hand with this uncultivated and wild nature, the traveller -succeeds, with axe in one hand and torch in the other, in gaining, inch -by inch, step by step, a road impossible to describe. At one moment, by -crawling like a reptile over the decaying leaves, dead wood, or guano, -piled up for centuries; or by leaping from branch to branch, at the -tops of the trees, standing, as it were, in the air. But woe to the man -who neglects to have his eye constantly open to all that surrounds -him, and his ear on the watch: for, in addition to the obstacles -caused by nature, he has to fear the venomous stings of the serpents -startled in their lairs, and the furious attacks of the wild beasts. -He must also carefully watch the course of the rivers and streams he -meets with, determine the position of the sun during the day, or guide -himself at night by the Southern Cross; for, once astray in a virgin -forest, it is impossible to get out of it--it is a maze, from which no -Ariadne's web would help to find the issue. - -At last the traveller, after he has succeeded in surmounting the -dangers we have describe, and a thousand others no less terrible, which -we have passed over in silence, emerges on an immense plain, in the -centre of which stands an Indian city. That is to say, he finds himself -before one of those mysterious cities into which no European has yet -penetrated, whose exact position even is unknown, and which, since -the conquest, have served as an asylum for the last relics of Aztec -civilization. - -The fabulous accounts given by some travellers about the incalculable -wealth buried in these cities, has inflamed the covetousness and -avarice of a great number of adventurers, who, at various periods, -have attempted to find the lost road to these queens of the Mexican -prairies and savannahs. Others again, only impelled by the irresistible -attraction extraordinary enterprises offer to vagabond imaginations, -have also, especially during the last fifty years, set out in search of -these Indian cities, though up to the present time success has never -crowned these various expeditions. Some have returned disenchanted, and -half killed by this journey toward the unknown; a considerable number -have left their bodies at the foot of precipices or in the quebradas, -to serve as food for birds of prey; while others, more unfortunate -still, have disappeared without leaving a trace, and no one has ever -heard what has become of them. - -Owing to events, too long to narrate here, but which we shall describe -some day, we have lived, against our will, in one of these impenetrable -cities, though, more fortunate than our predecessors, whose whitened -bones we saw scattered along the road, we succeeded in escaping -from it, through dangers innumerable, all miraculously avoided. The -description we are about to give, then, is scrupulously exact, and -cannot be doubted, for we write from personal observation. - -Quiepaa Tani, the city which presents itself to the traveller's sight -after leaving the virgin forest, of which we have given a sketch, -extends from east to west, and forms a parallelogram. A wide stream, -over which several bridges of incredible lightness and elegance are -thrown, runs through its entire length. At each corner of the square an -enormous block of rock cut perpendicularly on the side that faces the -plains, serves as an almost impregnable fortress; these four citadels -are also connected by a wall twenty feet thick, and forty feet high, -which, inside the city, forms a slope sixty feet wide at the base. This -wall is built of native bricks, made of sandy earth and chopped straw; -they are called _adobes_, and are about a yard long. A wide and deep -fosse almost doubles the height of the walls. Two gates alone give -access to the city. These gates are flanked by towers and pepper boxes, -exactly like a mediaeval fortress; and, what adds to the correctness of -our comparison, a small bridge, made of planks, extremely narrow and -light, and so arranged as to be carried away on the slightest alarm, is -the only communication between these gates and the exterior. - -The houses are low, and terminate in terraces, connected with each -other; they are slight, and built of wicker and canaverales covered -with cement, in consequence of the earthquakes so frequent in these -regions; but they are large, airy, and pierced with numerous windows. -None of them are more than one story in height, and the fronts are -covered with a varnish of dazzling whiteness. - -This strange city, seen from a distance, as it rises in the midst of -the tall prairie grass, offers the most singular and seductive sight. - -On a fine evening in the month of October, five travellers, whose -features or dress it would have been impossible to distinguish, owing -to the obscurity, came out of the forest we have described above, -stopped for a moment, with marked indecision, on the extreme edge of -the wood, and began examining the ground. Before them rose a hillock, -which, if no great height, yet cut the horizon at right angles. - -After exchanging a few words, two of these persons remained where they -were; the other three lay down on their faces, and, crawling on their -hands and feet, advanced through the rank grass, which they caused to -undulate, and which completely concealed their bodies. On reaching the -top of the mound, which they had found such difficulty in scaling, they -looked out into the country, and remained struck with astonishment and -admiration. - -The eminence, at the top of which they were, was perpendicular on the -other side, like all the rest of the ground which extended on either -side. A magnificent plain lay expanded a hundred feet below them, and -in the centre of the plain, at a distance of about a thousand yards -from them, stood, proud and imposing, Quiepaa Tani,[1] the mysterious -city, defended by its massive towers and thick walls. The sight of this -vast city in the midst of the desert produced on the minds of the three -men a feeling of stupor, which they could not explain, and which for -a few moments rendered them dumb with surprise. At length one of them -rose on his elbow, and addressed his comrades. - -"Are my brothers satisfied?" he said, with a guttural accent, which, -though he expressed himself in Spanish, proved him to be an Indian. -"Has Addick (the Stag) kept his promise?" - -"Addick is one of the first warriors of his tribe; his tongue is -straight, and the blood flows clearly in his veins," one of the men he -addressed, answered. - -The Indian smiled silently, without replying;--this smile would have -given his companions much matter for thought, had they seen it. - -"It seems to me," the one who had not yet spoken said, "that it is very -late to enter the city." - -"Tomorrow, at sunrise, Addick will lead the two Paleface maidens to -Quiepaa Tani," the Indian answered; "the night is too dark." - -"The warrior is right," the second speaker remarked, "we must put off -the affair till tomorrow." - -"Yes, let us return to our friends, whom a longer absence may alarm." - -Joining deeds to words, the first speaker turned round, and, exactly -following the track his body had left in the grass, he soon found -himself, as well as his companions, who imitated all his movements, at -the skirt of the forest, into which, after their departure, the two -persons they left behind had returned. - -The silence which reigns beneath these gloomy roofs of foliage and -branches during the day, had been succeeded by the dull sounds of a -wild concert, formed by the shrill cries of the night birds, which -woke, and prepared to attack the loros, humming birds, and cardinals, -belated far from their nests; the roaring of the cougars; the -hypocritical miauling of the jaguars and panthers, and the snappish -barks of the coyotes, which reechoed, with a mournful sound, from the -roofs of the inaccessible caverns and gaping pits which served as -lurking places for these dangerous guests. - -Returning on the trail they had traced with their axes, the three men -soon found themselves near a fire of dead wood, burning in the centre -of a small clearing. Two women, or rather girls, were crouching, -pensive and sad, by the fire. They counted scarce thirty years between -them; they were lovely, and of that creole beauty which the divine -pencil of a Raphael has been alone able to reproduce. But at this -moment they were pale, seemed fatigued, and their faces reflected a -gloomy sorrow; At the sound of the approaching steps they raised their -eyes, and a flash of joy illumined their faces like a sunbeam. - -The Indian threw some sticks on the fire, which was threatening to -go out, while one of the hunters occupied himself with giving their -provender to the horses, hobbled a short distance off. - -"Well, Don Miguel," one of the ladies said, addressing the hunter -who had taken a seat by her side, "shall we soon near the end of our -journey?" - -"You have arrived, senorita; tomorrow, under the guidance of our friend -Addick, you will enter the city, that inviolable asylum, where no one -will pursue you." - -"Ah!" she continued, looking absently at the Indian's gloomy and -apathetic face; "we shall separate tomorrow." - -"We must, senorita; the care for your safety demands it." - -"Who would dare to seek me in these unknown districts?" - -"Hatred dares everything. I implore you, senorita, to put faith in my -experience; my devotion to you is unbounded. Though still very young, -you have suffered enough, and it is time that a blessed sunbeam should -brighten your dreary brow, and dispel the clouds which thought and -grief have been so long collecting on it." - -"Alas!" she said, as she let her head droop, to hide the tears that ran -down her cheeks. - -"My sister, my friend, my Laura!" the other maiden said, embracing her -tenderly, "be courageous to the end. Shall I not be with you? Oh, fear -nothing!" she added, with a charming expression. "I will take half your -grief on myself, and your burthen will seem less heavy." - -"Poor Luisa!" the maiden murmured, as she returned her caresses. -"You are unhappy through me. How shall I ever be able to repay your -devotion?" - -"By loving me, as I love you, cherished angel, and by regaining hope." - -"Before a month, I trust," Don Miguel said, "your persecutors will be -prevented from troubling you again. I am playing a terrible game with -them, in which my head is the stake; but I care little, so long as I -save you. On leaving you, permit me to take with me, in my heart, the -hope that you will in no way attempt to leave the refuge I have found -for you, and that you will patiently await my return." - -"Alas, Caballero! you are aware that I live only by a miracle; my -relatives, my friends, indeed, all those I loved, have abandoned me, -except my Luisa, my foster sister, whose devotion to me has never -swerved; and you, whom I do not know, whom I never saw, and who -suddenly revealed yourself to me in my tomb, like the angel of divine -justice; since that terrible night, when, thanks to you, I emerged from -my sepulchre, like Lazarus, you have shown me the kindest and most -delicate attentions; you have taken the place of those who betrayed me; -you have been to me more than a father." - -"Senorita!" said the young man, at once confused and happy at these -words. - -"I say this to you, Don Miguel," she continued, with a certain feverish -animation, "because I am anxious to prove to you that I am not -ungrateful. I know not what God, in His wisdom, may do with me; but I -tell you, that my last thought, my last prayer will be for you. You -wish me to await you; I will obey you. Believe me, I only dispute my -life through a certain feeling of anxiety, like the gambler at his last -stake," she added, with a heartbreaking smile; "but I understand how -much you need liberty of action for the rude game you have undertaken. -Hence, you can go in peace; I have faith in you." - -"Thanks, senorita; this promise doubles my strength. Oh, now I am -certain of success!" - -A rude jacal of branches had been prepared for the maidens by the other -hunters and the Indian warrior, and they retired to rest. - -Although the young man's mind was so full of restless alarms, after a -few moments of deep thought he laid himself down by the side of his -companions, and soon fell asleep. In the desert nature never surrenders -its claims, and the greatest grief rarely succeeds in gaining the -victory over the material claims of the human organization. - -Scarce had the first sunbeams begun to tinge the sky of an opal hue, -ere the hunters opened their eyes. The preparations for starting were -soon completed; the moment of separation arrived, and the parting was a -sad one. The two hunters had accompanied the maidens to the edge of the -forest, in order to remain longer with them. - -Dona Luisa, taking advantage of an instant when the road became so -narrow that it became almost impossible for two to walk side by side, -drew nearer Don Miguel's hunting companion. - -"Do me a service," she whispered, hurriedly. - -"Speak," he answered, in the same key. - -"That Indian inspires me with but slight confidence." - -"You are wrong; I know him." - -She shook her head petulantly. "That is possible," she said; "but will -you do me the service I want of you?--if not, I will ask Don Miguel, -though I should have preferred him not knowing it." - -"Speak, I tell you." - -"Give me a knife and your pistols." - -The hunter looked her in the face. "Good!" he said presently. "You are -a brave child. Here is what you ask for." And, without anyone noticing -it, he gave the objects she wished to obtain from him, adding to them -two little pouches, one of gunpowder, the other of bullets. - -"No one knows what may happen," he said. - -"Thanks," she answered, with a movement of joy she could not master. - -This was all that she said; and the weapons disappeared under her -clothes, with a speed and resolution which made the hunter smile. Five -minutes after, they reached the skirt of the virgin forest. - -"Addick," the hunter said laconically; "remember that you will answer -to me for these two women." - -"Addick has sworn it," the Indian merely replied. They separated; it -was impossible to remain longer at the spot where they were, without -running the risk of being discovered by the Indians. The maidens and -the warrior proceeded toward the city. - -"Let us mount the hill," Don Miguel said, "in order to see them for the -last time." - -"I was going to propose it," the hunter said, simply. - -They went, with similar precautions, to the spot they had occupied for -a few moments on the previous evening. - -In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had gloriously risen, the -verdurous landscape had assumed, a truly enchanting aspect. Nature -was aroused from her sleep, and a most varied spectacle had been -substituted for the gloomy and solitary view of the previous night. -From the gates of the city, which were now widely opened, emerged -groups of Indians on horseback and on foot, who dispersed in all -directions with shouts of joy and shriller bursts of laughter. Numerous -canoes traversed the stream, the fields were populated with flocks -of vicunas, and horses led by Indians, armed with long goads, who -were proceeding toward the city. Women quaintly attired, and bearing -on their heads long wicker baskets filled with meat, fruit, and -vegetables, walked along conversing together, and accompanying each -phrase with that continual, sharp, and metallic laugh, of which the -Indian nation possess the secret, and the noise of which resembles very -closely that produced by the full of a quantity of pebbles on a copper -dish. - -The maidens and their guide were soon mixed up in this motley crowd, in -the midst of which they disappeared. Don Miguel sighed. - -"Let us go," he said in a deep voice. - -They returned to the forest. A few moments later, they set out again. - -"We must separate," Don Miguel said when they had crossed the forest; -"I shall return to Tubar." - -"And I am going to try to render a small service to an Indian chief, a -friend of mine." - -"You are always thinking of others, and never of yourself, my worthy -Marksman; you are ever anxious to be of use to someone." - -"What would you have, Don Miguel? It seems to be my mission--you know -that every man has one." - -"Yes!" the young man answered in a hollow voice. "Good-bye!" he added -presently, "do not forget our meeting." - -"All right! In a fortnight, at the ford of the Rubio; that is settled." - -"Forgive me my chariness of speech during the few days we have spent -together; the secret is not mine alone, Marksman; I am not at liberty -to divulge it, even to so kind a friend as yourself." - -"Keep your secret, my friend; I am in no way curious to know it; still, -it is understood that we do not know one another." - -"Yes; that is very important." - -"Then, good-bye." - -"Good-bye!" - -The two horsemen shook hands, one turned to the right, the other to the -left, and they set off at full speed. - - -[1] Literally, _Quiepaa_, sky, _tani_, mountain, in the Zapothecan -language. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE FORD OF THE RUBIO. - - -The night was gloomy, not a star shone in the sky; the wind blew -violently through the heavy boughs of the virgin forest, with that -sad and monotonous soughing which resembles the sound of great waters -when the tempest menaces; the clouds were low, black, and charged -with electricity; they coursed rapidly through the sky, incessantly -veiling the wan disk of the moon, whose cold rays only rendered the -gloom denser; the atmosphere was oppressive, and those nameless noises, -dashed back by the echoes like the rolling of distant thunder, rose -from the quebradas and unknown barrancas of the prairies; the beasts -howled sadly all the notes of the human register, and the night birds, -troubled in their sleep by this strange uneasiness of nature, uttered -hoarse and discordant cries. - -In the camp of the Gambusinos all was calm; the sentries were watching, -leaning on their rifles, and crouching near the expiring fire. In the -centre of the camp two men were smoking their Indian pipes, and talking -in a low voice. They were Brighteye and Marksman. - -At length, Brighteye knocked the ashes out of his pipe, thrust it into -his girdle, stifled a yawn, and rose, throwing out his legs and arms to -restore the circulation. - -"What are you going to do?" Marksman asked him, turning cautiously -round. - -"Sleep," the hunter answered. - -"Sleep!" - -"Why not? the night is advanced; we are the only persons watching, I -feel convinced; it is more than probable that we shall not see Don -Miguel before sunrise. Hum! the best plan for the moment, at least, is -to sleep, at any rate, if you have not decided otherwise." - -Marksman laid his finger on his lip, as if to recommend silence to his -friend. - -"The night is advanced," he said, in a low voice; "a terrible storm is -rising. Where can Don Miguel be gone? This prolonged absence alarms me -more than I can express: he is not the man to leave his friends thus, -without some powerful reason, or perhaps--" - -The hunter stopped, and shook his head sorrowfully. - -"Go on," Brighteye said; "tell me your whole thought." - -"Well, I am afraid lest some misfortune has happened to him." - -"Oh, oh, do you think so? Still, this Don Miguel, from what I have -heard you say, is a man of well-tried courage and uncommon strength." - -"All that is true," Marksman replied, with a preoccupied air. - -"Well! do you think that such a man, well armed, and acquainted with -prairie life, is not able to draw himself out of a difficulty, whatever -the danger which threatens him?" - -"Yes, if he has to deal with a loyal foe, who stands resolutely before -him, and fights with equal weapons." - -"What other danger can he fear?" - -"Brighteye, Brighteye!" the hunter continued, sadly, "you have lived -too long among the Missouri fur traders." - -"Which means--?" the Canadian asked, somewhat piqued. - -"Come, my friend, do not feel vexed at my remarks; but it is evident to -me, that you have, in a great measure, forgotten prairie habits." - -"Hum! that is a serious charge against a hunter, Marksman; and in what, -if you please, have I forgotten desert manners?" - -"By Jove! in seeming no longer to remember that, in the country where -we now are, every weapon is good to get rid of an enemy." - -"Eh! I know that as well as you, my friend; I know, too, that the most -dangerous weapon is that which is concealed." - -"That is to say, treachery." - -The Canadian started. "Do you fear treachery, then?" he asked. - -"What else can I fear?" - -"That is true," the hunter said, with a drooping head; "but," he added, -a moment after, "what is to be done?" - -"That is the very thing that embarrasses me. Still I cannot remain much -longer in this state; the uncertainty is killing me; at all risks I -must know what has happened." - -"But in what way?" - -"I know not, Heaven will inspire me." - -"Still, you have an idea?" - -"Of course, I have." - -"What is it?" - -"This--and I count on you to help me in carrying it out." - -Brighteye affectionately pressed his friend's hand. "You are right," he -said: "now for your idea." - -"It is very simple; we will leave the camp directly, and go along the -river side." - -"Yes,--I would merely draw your attention to the fact, that the storm -will soon break out, and the rain is already falling in large drops." - -"The greater reason to make haste." - -"That is true." - -"Then you will accompany me?" - -"By Jove! did you doubt it, perchance?" - -"I am a goose; forgive me, brother, and thank you." - -"Why so? on the contrary, I ought to thank you." - -"How so?" - -"Why, thanks to you, I am going to take a delightful walk." - -Marksman did not answer; the hunters saddled and bridled their horses, -and after inspecting their arms with all the care of men who are -convinced that they will soon have occasion to use them, they mounted -and rode toward the gate of the camp. Two sentries were standing -motionless and upright at the gate; they placed themselves before the -wood rangers. The latter had no intention of going out unseen, as they -had no reason for hiding their departure. - -"You are going away?" one of the sentries asked. - -"No; we are merely going to make a survey of the country." - -"At this hour?" - -"Why not?" - -"Hang it! I think it pleasanter to sleep in such weather, than ride -about the prairie." - -"You think wrong, comrade," Marksman answered, in a peremptory tone; -"and, in the first place, bear this in mind, I am not accountable for -my actions to anyone; if I go out at this hour in the storm which is -threatening, I have possibly powerful motives for my conduct; now, -will you or no let us pass? Remember, however, that I shall hold you -responsible for any delay you occasion in the execution of my plans." - -The tone employed by the hunter in addressing them struck the two -sentries; they consulted together in a low voice; after which, the man -who had hitherto spoken turned to the two hunters, who were quietly -awaiting the result of this deliberation. "You can pass," he said; "you -are at liberty to go wherever you think proper. I have done my duty in -questioning you, and may Heaven grant you are doing yours in going out -thus." - -"You will soon know. One word more." - -"I am listening." - -"Our absence will probably be short; if not, we shall return by -sunrise; still, pay great attention to this recommendation: should you -hear the cry of the jaguar repeated thrice, at equal intervals, mount -at full speed, and come, not you alone, but followed by a dozen of your -comrades, for, when you hear that cry, a great danger will menace the -Cuadrilla. Now, you understand me?" - -"Perfectly." - -"And will you do what I advise?" - -"I will do so, because you are the friends we expected, and treachery -could not be feared from you." - -"Good." - -"I wish you luck." - -The hunters went on, and the gate was immediately closed after them. - -The wood rangers had scarce entered the prairie, ere the hurricane, -which had threatened since sunset, broke out furiously. A brilliant -flash of lightning crossed the sky, followed almost instantaneously by -a startling clap of thunder. The trees bowed beneath the fury of the -blast, and the rain began falling in torrents. The adventurers advanced -with extreme difficulty, amid the chaos of the infuriated elements; -their horses, startled by the howling of the tempest, reared and shied -at every step. The darkness had become so dense, that, although walking -side by side, the two men could scarce see each other. The trees, -twisted by the omnipotent blast, uttered almost human cries, answered -by the mournful howling of the terrified wild beasts, while the stream, -swollen by the rain, rose into waves, whose foaming crests broke with a -crash against the sandy banks. - -Brighteye and Marksman, case-hardened against the desert temporales, -shook their heads contemptuously at every effort of the gust, which -passed over them like an ardent simoom, and continued to advance, -searching with the eye the gloom that enveloped them like a heavy -shroud, and listening to the noises which the echoes bandied about. - -In this way they reached the ford of the Rubio, without exchanging a -syllable. Then they stopped, as if by mutual agreement. - -The Rubio, a lost and unknown affluent of the Great Rio Colorado del -Norte, into which it falls after a winding course of hardly twenty -leagues, is in ordinary times a narrow stream, on which Indian canoes -have a difficulty in floating, and which horses can ford almost -anywhere, with the water scarce up to their girths; but at this hour -the placid stream had suddenly become a mad and impetuous torrent, -noisily rolling along, in its deep and muddy waters, uprooted trees, -and even masses of rock. - -To dream of crossing the Rubio at this moment would have been signal -folly; a man so rash as to attempt the enterprise, would have been -carried off in a few seconds by its furious waves, whose yellow surface -grew wider every moment. - -The hunters remained for a moment motionless beneath the torrents of -rain that inundated them, regarding with thoughtful eye the water -that still rose and rose, and holding in with great difficulty their -startled horses, which reared with hoarse snorts of fear. - -These men, with their hearts of bronze, stood stoically amid the -frightful uproar of the unchained elements, not seeming to notice the -awful tempest that howled around them, and as calm and easy minded as -if they were comfortably seated in some snug cave, near a merry fire -of twigs. They had only one idea, that of assisting the man whom they -suspected of running a terrible danger at this moment. - -Suddenly they started, and quickly raised their heads, while looking -fixedly and eagerly in front of them. But the darkness was too thick; -they could distinguish nothing. - -In the midst of the thousand sounds of the tempest, a cry had struck -their ear. This cry was a last appeal, a harsh and prolonged cry of -agony, such as the strong man conquered by fatality utters, when he is -forced to confess his impotence, when everything fails him at once, -and he has no other resource than Heaven. The two men leaned forward -quickly, and placing their hands to their mouth funnel wise, uttered in -their turn a shrill and lengthened cry. - -Then they listened. At the end of a moment a second cry, more piercing -and desperate than the first, reached their ears. - -"Oh!" Marksman shouted, as he rose in his stirrups and closed his fists -in fury, "that man is in danger of death." - -"Whoever he is, we must save him," Brighteye answered, boldly. - -They had understood each other. But how to save this man? Where was he? -What danger menaced him? Who could answer these questions which they -mentally asked themselves? - -At the risk of being carried off by the torrent, the hunters forced -their horses to enter the river, and lying almost on the necks of the -noble animals, they investigated the waters. But, as we have said, the -darkness was too thick, they could see nothing. - -"The demon interferes," Marksman said, in despair. "Oh, heavens! shall -we let this man die without going to his aid?" - -At this moment a flash of lightning crossed the sky, with a dazzling -zigzag. By its fugitive gleam, the hunters saw a horseman struggling -furiously against the efforts of the waves. - -"Courage! courage!" they shouted. - -"Help!" the stranger replied, in a shaking voice. - -There was no time for hesitation, for every second was an age. - -The man and horse struggled courageously against the torrent that bore -them away, and the hunters' resolution was formed in a second. They -silently shook hands, and at the same moment dug their spurs into -their horses' flanks; the animals reared with a shriek of pain, but, -compelled to obey the iron hands that held them, they bounded in terror -into the middle of the stream. - -Suddenly two shots were heard; a bullet passed with a whistle between -our two friends, and a cry of pain was heard from the water. The man -they had come to help was wounded. The storm was still increasing; the -flashes succeeded each other with extraordinary rapidity. The hunters -noticed the stranger clinging to his saddle, and letting his horse -carry him where it liked; then, on the other bank, a man with his body -bent forward, and his rifle shouldered, in readiness to fire. - -"Each man his own," Marksman said, laconically. - -"Good!" Brighteye said, with equal brevity. - -The Canadian took the reata hanging at the saddlebow, and swinging it -round his head, awaited the gleam of the next flash. It did not last -long, but though it was so rapid, Brighteye had taken advantage of -the transient gleam to hurl his reata. The leather cord whizzed out, -and the running knot at the end fell on the neck of the horse which -wrestled so bravely with the torrent. - -"Courage! courage!" Brighteye shouted; "help, Marksman, help!" And -giving a smart shake to his horse, he made it rise on its hind legs -just as it was losing its footing, and forced it toward the river. - -"Here I am," Marksman said, who was watching for the opportunity to -fire: "patience, I am coming." - -Suddenly he pulled the trigger, the bullet went forth, and from the -other bank a cry of pain and rage reached the hunters. - -"He is hit," Marksman said; "tomorrow I shall know who the scamp is;" -and throwing his rifle behind him, he hurried forward to join Brighteye. - -The horse the Canadian had lassoed, feeling itself supported and -dragged toward the bank, seconded, with that intelligence possessed by -these noble animals, the efforts made to save it. - -The two hunters held on the reata. The united strength of their steeds, -helped by the lassoed horse, succeeded in breasting the current, and -after a minute's struggle, they at length reached the bank. So soon as -they were comparatively in safety, the Canadians leaped from their -saddles, and rushed toward the stranger's horse. - -So soon as it felt _terra firma_ under its feet, the noble animal -had stopped, apparently comprehending that, if it advanced, it would -cast its master against the rocks that covered the ground, for, -although insensible, he still held the bridle firmly clasped in his -clenched hand. The hunters cut the bridle, raised the man they had so -miraculously saved in their arms, and carried him a few paces further -to the foot of a tree, where they gently laid him; then, both eagerly -bending over his body, awaited a flash which would enable them to see -him. - -"Oh!" Marksman said, as he drew himself up, with an expression of -grief, mingled with terror, "Don Miguel Ortega!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DON STEFANO COHECHO. - - -As we related a short time back, after leaving Brighteye Don Stefano -had returned to the camp of the Gambusinos, into which he had managed -to enter again unseen. - -Once inside the camp, the Mexican had nothing more to fear; he went -back to the fire, near which his horse was picketed, patted the -noble brute, which turned toward him, and pricked up its ears at his -approach, and then lay down calmly, rolled himself in his wraps, and -fell asleep with that placidity peculiar to consciences at rest. - -Several hours elapsed, and no sound arose to disturb the calmness that -brooded over the camp. Suddenly Don Stefano opened his eyes, for a hand -had been gently laid on his right shoulder. - -The Mexican looked at the man who interrupted his sleep; by the -light of the paling stars he recognized Domingo. Don Stefano rose, -and silently followed the Gambusino. The latter led him to the -entrenchments, probably with the design of speaking without fearing -indiscreet ears. - -"Well?" Don Stefano asked him, when the Gambusino had made a sign that -he could speak. - -Domingo, obeying the order he had received from Brighteye, concisely -related to him all that had happened in the prairie. On learning that -the Canadian had succeeded in meeting Marksman, Don Stefano gave -a start of joy, and began listening to the Gambusino's story with -increasing interest. When the latter at last finished, or at any rate -remained silent, he asked him--"Is that all?" - -"All," the other answered. - -Don Stefano drew out his purse, and took from it several gold pieces, -which he handed to Domingo; the latter took them with a gesture of -pleasure. - -"Did Brighteye give you no message for me?" the Mexican asked again. - -The other seemed to reflect for a moment. "Ah!" he said, "I forgot; the -hunter bade me tell you, Excellency, not to leave the camp." - -"Do you know the reason of this recommendation?" - -"Certainly; he intends to join the Cuadrilla this evening at the ford -of the Rubio." - -The Mexican's brow grew dark. "You are sure of that?" he said. - -"That is what he said to me." - -There was a few moments' silence. "Good!" he then continued; "the -hunter added nothing further?" - -"Nothing." - -"Hum!" Don Stefano muttered, "after all, it is of no consequence;" -then, leaning heavily on the Gambusino's shoulder, he looked him -fiercely in the face. "Now," he added, laying a stress upon every word, -"remember this carefully; you do not know me, whatever happens; you -will not breathe a syllable of the way in which we met on the prairie." - -"You may be assured of it, Excellency." - -"I am assured," the Mexican replied, with an accent which made Domingo -tremble, brave as he was: "remember the oath you took, and the pledge -you gave me." - -"I shall remember." - -"If you keep your promise, and are faithful to me, it will be mine to -keep you from want for life,--if not, look out." - -The Gambusino shook his shoulders with disdain, and answered -ill-temperedly--"It is unnecessary to threaten me, Excellency; what is -said is said; what is promised is promised." - -"We shall see." - -"If you have nothing else to recommend to me, I believe we had better -separate. The day is beginning to break; my comrades will soon awake, -and I fancy you are no more anxious than I am to be surprised together." - -"You are right." They then parted. Don Stefano returned to his place, -while the Gambusino laid himself down where he was, and both slept, or -seemed to do so. - -With the first beams of the sun, Don Miguel raised the curtain of the -tent, and walked toward his guest; the latter was soundly asleep. Don -Miguel felt unwilling to trouble this peaceful sleep; he sat down at -the fire, brought together the logs, blew them up, rolled one maize -cigarette, and smoked philosophically, while awaiting his guest's -awakening. - -By this time all was movement in the camp; the Gambusinos were -attending to their morning duties, some leading the horses to water, -others lighting the fires, in order to prepare breakfast for the -Cuadrilla; in short, everybody was engaged in his own way on the -general behalf. - -At length Don Stefano, on whose face a sunbeam had been playing for -some minutes, thought it advisable to wake; he turned round, stretched -his limbs, and opened his eyes, while yawning several times. - -"_Caramba!_" he said, as he drew himself up, "it is day already; how -quickly a night is passed; I feel as if I had been hardly an hour -asleep." - -"I see with pleasure that you have slept soundly, Caballero," Don -Miguel said politely to him. - -"What! is that you, my host?" Don Stefano exclaimed, with perfectly -well-acted surprise; "the day will be a happy one for me, since the -first face I notice, on opening my eyes, is that of a friend." - -"I accept the compliment as politeness on your part." - -"On my word, no: I assure you that what I say to you is the sincere -expression of my thought," the Mexican said, simply; "it is impossible -to do the honours of the desert better, or comprehend the holy laws of -hospitality more thoroughly." - -"I thank you for the good opinion you are kind enough to have of me. -I trust that you will not leave us yet, but consent to remain several -days with us." - -"Would I could, Don Miguel--Heaven is my witness, that I should -be delighted to enjoy your charming company for a short time; -unfortunately, that is utterly impossible." - -"Why so?" - -"Alas! an imperious duty compels me to leave you this very day; I am -really in despair at this vexatious mischance." - -"What motive can be so powerful as to force you to leave us so -suddenly?" - -"A very trivial motive, and which will probably make you smile. I am -a merchant of Santa Fe; a few days back, the successive failures of -several houses at Monterey, with which I am extensively connected, -obliged me to leave my house suddenly, in order to try and save, by my -presence, a few waifs from the shipwreck with which I am threatened; I -set out without asking anybody's advice, and here I am." - -"But," Don Miguel objected, "you are still along way from Monterey." - -"I know it; and it is that which drives me to despair. I have a -frightful fear of arriving too late; the more so, as I have been warned -that the people with whom I have to do are rogues: the sums they owe me -are large, and form, I am sorry to say, the largest part of my fortune." - -"_Caspita!_ if that is the case, I can understand that you are anxious -to get there. I could not suspect that you had so serious a motive for -pressing on." - -"You see how it is; so pity me, Don Miguel." - -All this conversation was carried on by the two men with a charming -ease, and a simplicity perfectly well assumed on both sides; still -neither was duped: Don Stefano, as so often happens, had committed the -enormous fault of being too clever, and advancing beyond the limits of -prudence, while trying to persuade this man of the sincerity of his -words. This feigned sincerity had aroused Don Miguel's suspicions for -two reasons: in the first place, if Don Stefano were going from Santa -Fe to Monterey, he was not only off the road he ought to have followed, -but was completely turning his back on those two towns--an error which -his ignorance of the topography of the country made him commit without -suspecting it. The second instance was equally premature: no merchant -would have ever attempted, however grave the motive of such a journey, -to cross the desert alone, for fear of the Indian bravos, the pirates, -the wild beasts, and countless other dangers no less great, to which he -would be exposed, without possible hope of escaping them. - -Still, Don Miguel pretended to admit, without discussion, the reasons -his guest offered him, and it was with an air of the utmost conviction -that he answered,--"In spite of the earnest desire I may have of -enjoying your agreeable society longer, I will not detain you, friend, -for I understand how urgent it must be for you to hurry on." - -Don Stefano bowed with an almost imperceptible smile of triumph. - -"In short," Don Miguel added, "I wish that you may succeed in saving -your fortune from the claws of those rogues; but at any rate, I hope, -Caballero, that we shall not separate before breakfasting. I confess -that your refusal to accept a share of my scanty supper last night -pained me." - -"Oh," Don Stefano interrupted him, "believe me, Caballero--" - -"You gave me a very admirable excuse," Don Miguel continued, "but," -he added, significantly, "we Gambusinos and adventurers are singular -fellows--we fancy, rightly or wrongly, that the guest who refuses to -eat with us is our enemy, or will become so." - -Don Stefano gave a slight start at this unforeseen attack. "How can you -imagine such a thing, Caballero?" he said, evasively. - -"It is not I who suppose, but all of us; it is a prejudice, a foolish -superstition; call it as you like, but so it is," he said, with a -smile as sharp as a dagger's point, "and nothing will change our -nature; so that is settled, we will breakfast together, then I will -wish you a prosperous journey, and we shall part." - -Don Stefano's face assumed an expression of despair. - -"Really, I am the plaything of ill luck," he said, with a toss of the -head. - -"How so?" - -"Good gracious, I know not how to explain it to you; it is so absurd, -that I really dare not--" - -"Pray speak, Caballero; although I am only an illiterate adventurer, I -may possibly manage to understand you." - -"The truth is, I shall hurt your feelings." - -"Not the least in the world: are you not my guest? a guest is sent by -heaven, that is to say, is sacred." - -Don Stefano hesitated. - -"Well," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "I will have breakfast served; -perhaps that will undo your tongue." - -"That is the embarrassing point!" the Mexican exclaimed, quickly, with -an accent of chagrin; "the fact is, that, in spite of my great desire -to be agreeable to you, I cannot accept your kind invitation." - -The young man frowned. "Ah, ah!" he said, fixing a suspicious glance on -the speaker, "why so?" - -"That is the very thing I dare not confess to you." - -"You can, Caballero; have I not told you that you had the right to say -anything?" - -"Good heavens, you force me to it," he continued, in a voice that grew -even more melancholy; "first imagine, then, that I have made a vow to -Nuestra senora de los Angeles, never to take food before sunset, so -long as this accursed journey lasts." - -"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with an accent of but slight conversion, "but -last evening, when I offered you supper, the sun had set a long time, I -fancy." - -"Listen; I have not finished." - -"Go on." - -"And even then," the Mexican continued, "only to eat one of the maize -tortillas I carry with me in my alforjas, and which I had blessed by -a priest, prior to my departure from Santa Fe; you see, all this must -seem to you very ridiculous, but we are fellow countrymen, we have -Spanish blood in our veins, and instead of laughing at my foolish -superstition, you will pity me." - -"_Caspita!_ the more so, because you have a rude penance to undergo. I -will not attempt to make you give up your superstition, for I too have -mine; I believe that it is best not to return to the subject." - -"You are not angry with me, at least?" - -"I--why should I be angry?" - -"Then we are still good friends?" - -"More than ever," Don Miguel remarked, with a laugh. Still, the way -in which these words were pronounced, but slightly reassured the -Mexican--he took a side glance at the speaker, and then rose. - -"Are you going?" the young man asked him. - -"If you will permit me, I shall start." - -"Do so, my guest." - -Don Stefano, without further reply, immediately began saddling his -horse. - -"You have a noble brute there," Don Miguel observed. - -"Yes, he is a purely bred barb." - -"That is the first time I ever saw one of that precious race." - -"Pray have a good look at him." - -"I thank you, but I should be afraid of delaying you;--hola! my -horse," he added, addressing Domingo. - -The latter brought up a mustang full of fire, on the back of which Don -Miguel leaped at a bound, while Don Stefano also mounted. - -"If you have no objection, I will have the honour of accompanying you a -little way, unless," he added, with a sarcastic smile, "you have made a -vow which prevents it." - -"Come," Don Stefano said, reproachfully, "you are angry with me." - -"On my faith, no; I swear it." - -"Very good: we will start when you please." - -"I am at your orders." - -They spurred their horses, and went out of the camp. They had scarce -gone twenty yards, ere Don Miguel pulled up his horse and stopped. - -"Are you going to leave me already?" Don Stefano asked him. - -"I shall not go a step further," the young man answered, and drawing -himself up fiercely and frowning, he said in a haughty tone, "Here you -are no longer my guest; we are out of my camp in the desert; I can, -therefore, explain myself clearly and plainly, and _voto a brios_, I -will do so." - -The Mexican regarded him with surprise. "I do not understand you," he -said. - -"Perhaps so: I hope it is so, but I do not believe it. So long as you -were my guest, I pretended to believe the falsehoods you told me; but -now that you are to me no more than the first comer, a stranger, I wish -to tell you my thoughts frankly. I do not know by what name to address -you to your livid face, but I am certain that you are my enemy, or, at -any rate, a spy of my enemies." - -"Caballero! these words--" Don Stefano exclaimed. - -"Do not interrupt me," the young man continued, violently. "I care -little who you are; it is sufficient to have asked you: I thank you -for having entered my camp, at any rate; if ever I meet you again, -I shall recognize you: but let me give you one piece of advice on -parting: shake the dust off your boots on leaving me, and do not come -across me again, for it might bring you misfortune." - -"Threats!" the Mexican interrupted, pale with rage. - -"Take my words as you please, but remember them in the interest of your -safety; although I am only an adventurer, I give you at this moment -a lesson in honesty you will do well to profit by; nothing would be -easier for me than to acquire proofs of your treachery; I have with me -twenty devoted comrades, who, at a sign, would treat you very scurvily; -and who, by searching your clothes and alforjas, would doubtless find -among your _blessed tortillas_," he said, with a sardonic smile, "the -reasons for the conduct you have employed toward me ever since we met; -but you have been my guest, and that title is your safeguard: go in -peace, but do not cross my path again." - -While uttering the last words, he raised his arm and dealt a vigorous -blow with his _chicote_ on the rear of Don Stefano's horse. The barb, -but little used to such treatment, started off like an arrow from a -bow, in spite of all his rider's efforts to hold him in. - -Don Miguel looked after him for a moment, and then returned to the -camp, laughing heartily at the way in which he had ended the interview. - -"Come, lads," he said to the Gambusinos, "let us be off at once; we -must reach the ford of the Rubio before sunset, where the guide is -awaiting us." - -And half an hour later the caravan set out. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE AMBUSCADE. - - -No incident worthy of description troubled the journey during the day. -The Cuadrilla traversed an undulating country, intersected by streams -of slight depth, on the banks of which grew tall bushes, and clumps of -cottonwood trees, peopled by an infinity of birds, of every description -and variety of plumage: on the horizon a long yellowish line, above -which hung a dense cloud which indicated the Rio Colorado Grande del -Norte. - -As Don Miguel had announced, the ford of the Rubio was reached a few -minutes before sunset. We will explain here in a few words the mode in -which caravans camp in the desert; this description is indispensable, -in order that the reader may understand how it is easy to leave or -return to the camp unnoticed. - -The Cuadrilla, in addition to the baggage mules, had with it fifteen -waggons, loaded with merchandise. When the spot for camping was -selected, the waggons were arranged in a square, with a distance of -thirty-five feet between each: between the intervals were stationed six -or eight men, who lit a fire, round which they assembled to cook, eat, -smoke, and sleep. The horses were placed in the middle of the square, -not far from the mysterious tent, which occupied exactly the centre. -Each horse had the two off legs hobbled with a cord twenty inches long. -We may remark that, although a horse thus hobbled feels very awkward at -first, it soon accustoms itself to it sufficiently to be able to walk -slowly. Besides, this prudential measure is taken in order that the -horses may not stray, or be carried off by the Indians. Two horses are -also put together, one with its feet tied, and the other only held by -a picket rope, so that, in case of an alarm, it may gallop round its -companion, which thus serves, as it were, as a pivot. - -The space left free between the waggons was filled up with fascines, -trees piled up on top of one another, and the mule bales. - -Nothing is more singular than the appearance of one of these camps on -the prairie. The fires are surrounded by picturesque groups, seated -or standing; some cooking, others mending their clothes or their -horses' trappings, others furbishing their weapons; at intervals, -bursts of laughter rise from the midst of the groups, which announce -that merry stories are going the rounds, and that they are trying to -forget the fatigues of the day, and preparing for those of the morrow. -Then, to complete the picture, from distance to distance behind the -entrenchments sentinels, calm and motionless, lean on their rifles. - -From the description we have given, it is easy to understand that the -waggons form a species of embrasures, by means of which an active man -crawling under the carts can easily go out without being noticed by -the sentries, and return whenever he pleases, without attracting the -attention of his comrades, whose glances, usually directed on the -prairie, have no reason to watch what goes on inside the camp. - -So soon as all was in order, and each installed as comfortably as -circumstances permitted, Don Miguel had a fresh horse brought him, -which he mounted, and addressed his comrades collected around him. -"Senores," he said, "business of a pressing nature obliges me to go -out for a few hours. Watch carefully over the camp during my absence; -above all, let no one enter. We are now in regions where the greatest -caution is necessary to guard against the treachery which incessantly -menaces, and assumes every shape in order to deceive those whom -negligence prevents being on their guard. The guide we are expecting so -impatiently will, doubtless, arrive in a few moments. All know him by -repute; perhaps he may come alone, or he may have somebody with him. -This man, in whom we must place the greatest confidence, must, during -my absence, be entirely free in his actions--go and come without the -slightest obstacle being offered him. You have understood me; so follow -my instructions point by point. Besides, I repeat, I shall soon return." - -After making a farewell signal to his comrades, Don Miguel left the -camp, and proceeded to the Rubio, the ford of which, being nearly dry -at the moment, he easily crossed. - -What the chief of the adventurers had said to his comrades with -reference to Marksman, was an inspiration of Heaven; for, if he had -not peremptorily ordered that the hunter should be allowed to act as -he pleased, it is probable that the sentinels would have barred his -passage; and, in that case, the young man, deprived of the providential -aid of the two backwoodsmen, would have been hopelessly lost. - -After crossing the ford, Don Miguel urged his horse at full speed -straight ahead. This furious race lasted nearly two hours, through -thickets, which at every moment grew more closely together, and -gradually were metamorphosed into a forest. - -After crossing a deep gorge, whose perpendicular sides were covered -with impenetrable thickets, the young man arrived at a species of -narrow lane, into which the paths of wild beasts opened, and in the -centre of which an Indian, dressed in his war costume, and smoking -gravely, crouched over a fire of _bois de vache_; while his horse, -hobbled a short distance off, was busily browsing on the young tree -shoots. So soon as he saw the Indian, Don Miguel pushed on even at -greater speed. "Good evening, Chief!" he said, as he leaped lightly to -the ground, and amicably pressed the hand the warrior held out to him. - -"Wah!" the Chief said to him, "I no longer expected my pale brother." - -"Why so, as I had promised to come?" - -"Perhaps it would have been better for the Paleface to remain in his -camp. Addick is a warrior; he has discovered a trail." - -"Good; but trails are not wanting on the prairie." - -"Och! this is wide, and incautiously trodden; it is a Paleface trail." - -"Bah! what do I care?" the young man remarked, carelessly. "Do you -fancy my band the only one crossing the prairie at this moment?" - -The Redskin shook his head. "An Indian warrior is not mistaken on the -war trail. It is the trail of an enemy of my brother's." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -The Indian did not seem willing to explain himself more clearly; he -turned his head, and, after a moment, said, "My brother will see." - -"I am strong--well-armed. I care very little for those who would try to -surprise us." - -"One man is not worth ten," the Indian remarked, sententiously. - -"Who knows?" the young man answered, lightly. "But," he continued, -"that is not the question of the moment. I have come here to seek the -news the Chief promised me." - -"The promise of Addick is sacred." - -"I know it, Chief, and that is why I did not hesitate to come. But time -is slipping away. I have a long journey to go, to join my comrades -again. A storm is getting up; and I confess that I should like very -little to be exposed to it during my return. Be kind enough to be -brief." - -The Chief bowed in assent, and pointed to a place by his side. - -"Good. Now begin, Chief; I am all attention," Don Miguel said, as he -threw himself on the ground. "And, in the first place, how comes it -that I have not seen you till today?" - -"Because," the Indian answered, phlegmatically, "as my brother knows, -it is far from here to Queche Pitao (the City of God). A warrior is but -a man; Addick has accomplished impossibilities to join his Paleface -brother sooner." - -"Be it so, Chief; I thank you. Now let us come to facts. What has -happened to you since our parting?" - -"Quiepaa Tani opened its gates wide before the two young pale virgins. -They are in safety, in the Queche, far from the eyes of their enemies." - -"And did they give you no message for me?" - -The Indian hesitated for a second. - -"No," he said at length; "they are happy, and they wait." - -Don Miguel sighed. "That's strange," he muttered. - -The Chief took a stealthy look at him. "What will my brother do?" he -asked. - -"I shall soon be near them." - -"My brother is wrong. No one knows where they are. For what good reveal -their refuge?" - -"Soon, I hope, I shall be free to act without fearing indiscreet eyes." - -A gloomy flame sparkled in the Indian's eye. - -"Wacondah alone is master of tomorrow," he said. - -Don Miguel looked at him. - -"What does the Chief mean?" - -"Nothing but what I say." - -"Good. Will my brother accompany me to my camp?" - -"Addick will return to Quiepaa Tani, that he may watch over those whom -his brother has confided to him." - -"Shall I see you again soon?" - -"Perhaps so," he answered evasively: "but," he added, "did not my -brother say that he expected soon to go to the Queche?" - -"Yes." - -"When will my brother come?" - -"At the latest, on the first day of next month. Why this question?" - -"My brother is a Paleface: if Addick himself does not introduce him -into the Queche, the white Chief cannot enter it." - -"That is true; at the period I stated, I will meet you at the foot of -the mound where we parted." - -"Addick will be there." - -"Good! I count upon you; but now I must leave you: night is rapidly -falling; the wind is beginning to blow furiously. I must be off." - -"Farewell," the Chief said laconically, making no attempt to stop him. - -"Good-bye." - -The young man leapt into the saddle, and started at full speed. Addick -watched him depart with a pensive air; then, when he had disappeared -behind a clump of trees, he leaned slightly forward, and imitated twice -the hiss of a cobra capello. At this signal the branches of a thicket -a short distance from the fire parted cautiously, and a man appeared. -After looking suspiciously around him, he walked toward the Chief, in -front of whom he stopped. - -The man was Don Stefano Cohecho. "Well?" he said. - -"Has my father heard?" the Indian asked, in an equivocal tone. - -"All." - -"Then I have nothing to tell my father." - -"Nothing." - -"The storm is beginning: what will my father do?" - -"What is agreed on. Are the Chiefs warriors ready?" - -"Yes." - -"Where are they?" - -"At the appointed spot." - -"Good; let us start." - -"I am ready." - -These two men, who had evidently known each other for a long while, -came to an understanding in a few words. - -"Come!" Don Stefano said in a loud voice. - -A dozen Mexican horsemen appeared. - -"Here is a reinforcement, in case the warriors are not sufficient," he -said, turning to the Chief. - -The latter checked a movement of ill temper, and replied, as he -shrugged his shoulders disdainfully,--"What need of twenty warriors -against a single man?" - -"Because the man is worth a hundred," Don Stefano said, with an accent -of conviction which caused the Chief to reflect. - -They started. In the meantime, Don Miguel had galloped on: still, -he was far from suspecting the plot that was at this moment being -formed against him; and, if he hurried on, it was not through any -apprehension, but because the wind, whose violence increased every -minute, and the heavy drops of rain, which began falling, warned him -to seek shelter as speedily as possible. While galloping, he reflected -on the short interview he had had with the Redskin warrior. While -turning over in his mind the words exchanged between them, he felt a -vague alarm, a secret fear, invade his heart, though it was impossible -to account for the emotion he experienced; he fancied he could read -treachery behind the Chief's studied reticence; he now remembered that -he at times seemed embarrassed while talking with him. Trembling lest a -misfortune had happened to the young ladies, or a peril menaced them, -he felt his anxiety heightened; the more so, as he knew not what means -he should employ to insure the fidelity of the man whom he suspected of -perfidiousness. - -Suddenly, a dazzling flash shot across the open, his horse suddenly -bounded aside, and two or three bullets whistled past him. The young -man sat up in his saddle. He was in the middle of the gorge he had -traversed a few hours previously; a profound obscurity enveloped him on -all sides, and in the shadow all around him, he fancied he could detect -the outlines of human forms. At this moment, other shots were fired at -him, his hat was carried off by a bullet, and several arrows passed -close to his face. - -Don Miguel raised his head boldly. "Ah! traitors!" he shouted in a loud -voice. And, lifting his horse with his knees, he rushed forward at -headlong speed, holding the bridle between his teeth, half bending over -his steed's neck, and with a revolver in each hand. - -A frightful war yell was heard, mingled with piercing imprecations -uttered in Spanish. - -Don Miguel passed like a tornado through the body of men moving round -him, and discharged his revolvers in the thickest of his unknown -enemies. Cries of pain and rage, bullets and arrows pursued him, but -did not check the headlong speed of his horse, which seemed no longer -to touch the earth, and rapidly did it course along. - -Behind him the young man heard the galloping of several horses, -hastening in pursuit. "Treachery, treachery!" he shouted, brandishing -his sabre, making his horse rear, and bounding like a jackal in the -midst of the throng which incessantly closed in upon him. - -Suddenly, at the height of the contest, at the superior moment when -he felt his strength was deserting him, three shots came from the -darkness, and his assailants, attacked in the rear, were compelled in -their turn to defend themselves against invisible foes. - -"We are coming!" a stout voice shouted, whose energetic accent made the -assailants tremble. "Hold your own! hold your own!" - -Don Miguel responded by a terrific yell, and threw himself into the -thick of the fight with redoubled efforts: now that he knew himself -to be supported, he felt he was saved. The crowd gave way in the -shadow, like ripe corn beneath the reaper's scythe; the compact mass -of assailants parted asunder, and three men, or three demons, rushed -into the hole they had made, and bounded forward to the side of the -adventurer. - -"Ah, ah!" the latter exclaimed, with a bitter burst of laughter, "the -fight is now equal; forward, comrades, forward!" And he threw himself -once more into the medley, followed by these intrepid allies. - -Who were these men? Whence did they come? he did not know or dream of -asking them. Besides, this was not the moment for explanations: they -must conquer or die. - -"Kill him, kill him!" a man yelled, who rushed upon him every moment -with uplifted sabre, and in all the ferocious ardour of an inveterate -hatred. - -"Ah! it is you, Don Stefano Cohecho!" Don Miguel shouted; "I felt sure -we should meet; your voice has denounced you." - -"Death to him!" the latter answered. - -The two men rushed upon each other, their horses met with a terrible -shock, and the man whom the adventurer took for Don Stefano rolled on -the ground. - -"Victory!" Don Miguel shouted, as he cut down with his machete all -within his reach. - -His unknown friends, who were still by his side, rushed after him. In -spite of all their efforts, the attacking party were unable to keep -their position, and began flying in every direction. The gorge was -free; no obstacle longer opposed Don Miguel's flight: he pressed his -horse, and the noble beast redoubled its ardour. When so far free, -the young man looked around him. His unknown defenders had suddenly -disappeared, as if by enchantment. - -"What is the meaning of this?" he murmured. - -At this moment he felt on his left arm something resembling a blow from -a whip: a bullet had struck him. This wound recalled him to a sense of -his present position. - -His enemies had rallied, and recommenced their pursuit. Before him he -heard the yellow waters of the Rubio growling; the wrath of heaven and -of man seemed leagued together to overwhelm him; it was then that a mad -terror seized upon him; he fancied himself lost, and uttered that first -cry of agony heard by the hunters. - -Still, his pursuers gained rapidly upon him; without hesitation or -reflection, he plunged into the Rubio with his horse; some twenty -bullets dashed up the water round him; he turned bravely on his steed, -and fired the last shots from his revolvers, uttering that cry to -which the hunters had replied with the word,--"Courage!" - -But human nature has limits which it cannot pass. This last effort -exhausted the little strength left him, and, frantically clutching -the bridle of his horse, he rolled into the river and fainted, while -saying, in a stifled voice,--"Laura, Laura!" - -Two shots crossed each other above his head, one fired by the man who -was aiming at him from the bank, the other by Marksman. The stranger -uttered a yell like a wild beast, turned away staggering like a drunken -man, and disappeared. - -Who was this man?--was he dead or merely wounded? - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE TRAVELLERS. - - -The events we have undertaken to narrate are so mingled with incidents -intertwined in each other by that fatality of accident which governs -human life that we are compelled once more, to our great regret, to -interrupt our story, and let the reader be present at a scene which -took place not far from the Rubio ford, on the same day that the events -occurred which we have described in preceding chapters. - -At about one o'clock of the _tarde_, that is to say, at the moment -when the beams of the sun, which has reached its zenith, pour down -on the prairie such an intense heat, that everything which lives and -breathes seeks shelter in the deepest part of the woods, three horsemen -passed over the ford, and boldly entered the path Don Miguel Ortega was -destined to follow a few hours later. - -These horsemen were white men, and what is more, Mexicans; it was -easy to perceive, at the first glance, that they had not the slightest -connection with any class of the adventurers who, under various names, -such as Gambusinos, hunters, trappers, wood rangers, or pirates, -swarm on the Western Prairies, which they incessantly cross in every -direction. - -The dress of these horsemen was that usually worn by the Mexican -hacenderos on the frontiers:--The wide brimmed hat, gallooned, and -decorated with the toquilla, the manga; the short calzoneras, open at -the knee; the zarape; the _botas vaqueras_, and the _armas de agua_, -without which no one ventures on the desert. They were armed with -rifles, revolvers, navajas, and machetes. Their horses, at this moment -oppressed by the heat, but slightly refreshed by passing the ford, held -their heads up proudly, and showed that, if necessary, they could have -gone a long journey, in spite of their apparent fatigue. - -Of the three horsemen, one seemed to be the master, or at least the -superior, of the other two. He was a man of fifty years of age, with -hard, energetic features, imprinted, however, with rare frankness, -and great resolution; he was tall, well built, and robust; and he sat -upright and stiff on his saddle, with that confidence which denotes the -old soldier. His companions belonged to the class of Indios Manzos, a -bastard race, in which Spanish blood and Indian blood are so mixed that -it is impossible to assign them any characteristic type. Still, the -richness of their dress, and the way in which they rode by the first -horseman's side, rendered it easy to guess that they were confidential -servants, men whose fidelity had been long proved--almost friends, in -short, and not domestics, in the vulgar acceptation of the term. As far -as it is possible to recognize the age of an Indian, in whose face -traces of decrepitude are nearly always invisible, these two men must -have reached middle age, that is, from forty to forty-five years. - -These three horsemen rode a short distance behind each other, with -a thoughtful and sorrowful air: at times they turned a glance of -discouragement around, stifled a sigh, and continued their journey with -drooping heads, like men convinced they have undertaken a task beyond -their strength, but whom their will and, before all, their devotion -urge onwards at all risks. - -The presence of these strangers on the banks of the Rubio was, indeed, -one of those unusual facts which no one would have been able to -explain, and which would certainly have greatly surprised the hunters -or Indians who might have seen them. - -In the country where they now were, animals were rare; hence they were -not hunting. These regions, remote from all civilized zones, fatally -bordered unexplored countries, the last refuge of the Indians; these -men were, therefore, neither traders nor ordinary travellers. - -What reason could have been so powerful as to urge them to bury -themselves in the desert, so few in number, where every human face must -be to them that of an enemy? Where were they going? what were they -seeking? This question none but the men themselves could have answered. - -The ford had been passed; before them lay extended a barren and sandy -plain, opening on the gorge to which we have already alluded. On this -plain not a blade of grass glistened: the burning beams of the sun -descended perpendicularly on the parched sand, which rendered the heat, -if possible, more oppressive and stifling. The eldest of the travellers -turned to his companions:--"Courage, Muchachos!" he said, in a gentle -voice and a sad smile, as he pointed to the edge of the forest, not -more than three miles from them, whose close and thick vegetation -promised them a refreshing shade. "Courage! we shall soon rest." - -"Your Excellency need not trouble yourself about us," one of the -criados answered; "what your Excellency endures without complaining, we -can also endure." - -"The heat is stifling: hence, like yourselves, I feel the want of a few -hours' rest." - -"If absolutely necessary, we could go on a long time yet," the man who -had already spoken said, "but our horses can hardly drag themselves -along. The poor beasts are almost foundered." - -"Yes, men and beasts want rest. However strong our will may be, there -are limits before which the human organization must yield. Courage! in -an hour we shall have arrived." - -"Come, come, Excellency, do not think of us any more." - -The first traveller made no answer, and they continued their journey in -silence. - -They soon reached the gorge, which they passed through, and found -themselves among thickets, which, gently approaching, began to offer -them a scanty shade, but, just as they reached the spot the first -traveller had pointed out for their halt, he suddenly stopped and -turned to his companions,--"Look there," he said, "Do you not see a -slight pillar of smoke rising in the thicket, down there in front of -us, a little on the left of the skirt of the forest?" - -They looked. "In truth," the elder answered, "there can be no mistake -about it, although from here it might be taken for a mist; still, the -way in which the spiral rises, and its blue tinge, prove that it is -smoke." - -"After the ten mortal days we have been wandering about these immense -solitudes without meeting a living soul, that fire must be welcome to -us, for it indicates man, that is, friends; let us go straight up to -them, then; perhaps we shall obtain from them some valuable information -about the object of our journey." - -"Pardon me, Excellency," the criado answered, quickly, "when we quitted -the Presidio, you promised to place yourself in my hands, so excuse my -giving you some advice, which, under present circumstances, will be -very useful to you." - -"Speak, my excellent Bermudez, I place the most perfect confidence in -your experience and fidelity; your advice will be well received by me." - -"Thanks, Excellency," the man answered, whom he had called Bermudez, -"I have been a long time your vaquero, and in that capacity have been -frequently mixed up both with hunters and Indians, which has given me -certain notions of desert life, by which I have profited, although I -never before went so far on to the prairie as today. Hence, in the -spot where we are, we must above all avoid a meeting with our fellow -men, and only accost them prudently, while employing the greatest -precautions; the more so, as we do not know whom we have before us, and -if we have to deal with friend or foe." - -"It is true; your remark is correct; but, unfortunately, it is a little -late." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if we have seen the smoke of their fire, it is probable the -people down there saw us long ago, and are spying all our movements, -especially as we made no attempt at concealment." - -"That is certain, Don Mariano, that is certain," Bermudez continued, -with a shake of his head. "Hear, then, what, with your permission, -Excellency, I propose, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which -is always unpleasant; you will remain here with Juanito, while I go on -alone, and push on my reconnoissance up to the fire." - -Don Mariano hesitated to reply, for it seemed to him hard to refuse his -old servant thus. - -"Decide, Excellency," the latter said, quickly; "I know the Redskin -way of talking; they will salute me either with a shower of arrows, or -a bullet; but, as they are generally very bad shots, they are almost -certain not to hit me, and then I will easily enter into negotiations -with them. You see that the risk I have to run is not tremendous." - -"Bermudez is right, Excellency," Juanito answered, sententiously; being -a methodical and silent man, who never took the word save under grave -circumstances; "you must let him act as he thinks proper." - -"No!" Don Mariano said, resolutely, "I will never consent to that. God -is master of our existence; He alone can dispose of it at His will: if -any accident happened to you, my poor Bermudez, I should never pardon -myself; we will continue to advance together; at any rate, if they are -enemies before us, we shall be able to defend ourselves." - -Bermudez and Juanito were preparing to answer their master's -objections, and the discussion would have probably lasted a long while, -but at this moment the galloping of a horse was heard, the grass -parted, and a rider appeared about a dozen paces from the group. It was -a white man, and dressed in the garb of the prairie hunters. "Hold, -Caballeros," he cried, as he made a friendly sign with his hand, and -checked his horse; "advance without fear, you are welcome: I noticed -your indecision, and am come to put an end to it." - -The three men exchanged glances. - -"I thank you for your cordial invitation," Don Mariano at length -answered, "and accept it gladly." - -All suspicion being done away with, the four persons walked together -toward the fire, which they reached a few moments later. Near this fire -were two Indians, man and wife. - -The travellers dismounted, took off saddle and bridle, and after giving -their horses food, seated themselves with a sign of satisfaction by -their new friends, who did the honour of their provisions and bivouac -with all the cordial simplicity of the desert. - -The reader has doubtless recognized Ruperto, Flying Eagle, and -Eglantine, whom we left proceeding toward the Chief's village, whither -Ruperto had received orders from Marksman to accompany the Chief. - -Don Mariano and his companions were not only fatigued, but also -excessively hungry; the hunter and the Indians left them at full -liberty to assuage their appetites, and when they saw them light their -papelitos, they imitated them, and the conversation began. Turning at -first on the ordinary topics of the desert, the weather, the heat, and -the abundance of game, it soon grew more intricate, and assumed even a -serious character. - -"Now that the meal is ended, Chief," Ruperto said, "put out the fire; -it is unnecessary for us to reveal our presence to the vagabonds who -are doubtless prowling about the prairie." - -Eglantine, at a sign from Flying Eagle, put out the fire. - -"It was, indeed, your smoke which betrayed you," Don Mariano remarked. - -"Oh!" Ruperto said, with a laugh, "because we wished it; had we not, -we should have made our fire so as to remain unseen." - -"You wish, then, to be discovered?" - -"Yes; it was a throw of the dice." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What I say to you seems an enigma, but you will soon be able to -understand it. Look," the hunter added, stretching out his arm in the -direction of the gorge, "do you see that horseman going at full speed? -In a quarter of an hour, at the most, he will be up with us; owing to -the precaution I have taken, he will pass without noticing us." - -"Do you fear anything from that horseman?" - -"Nothing; on the contrary, the Chief and myself are here to help him." - -"You know him then?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Hum! you are becoming more and more incomprehensible, Caballero." - -"Patience," the hunter said, with a laugh, "did I not tell you you -should soon have a solution of the enigma?" - -"Yes, and I confess that my curiosity is so excited, that I am -impatiently waiting it." - -In the meanwhile, the horseman Ruperto had pointed out to Don Mariano -came up rapidly, and soon passed, as the hunter had foreseen, a -few paces from the bivouac, without noticing it. So soon as he had -disappeared in the forest, Ruperto began again:--"A few hours ago," -he said, "not far from the spot where we now are, the Chief and I, -without wishing it, overheard a conversation of which this horseman was -the object, a conversation in which the question was simply to make -him fall into an odious snare. I do not know who this horseman is, -nor do I wish to know it, but I have an instinctive repulsion to all -that in the slightest degree resembles treachery. This Indian Chief, -like myself, immediately resolved on saving this Caballero, if it were -possible; we knew that he must pass by here, as he had an appointment -with one of the men whom accident, or rather Providence, had made us -so singularly listen to. Two men, however brave they may be, are very -weak against some twenty bandits, still we did not lose courage, but -resolved, if Heaven sent us no allies, bravely to attempt the adventure -by ourselves; the more so, as the persons whose bloodthirsty plans we -had surprised seemed to us to be atrocious villains; still, by the -Chief's advice, I lit this fire, certain that if any traveller came -this way the smoke would serve him as a beacon, and assuredly lead him -here; you see, Caballero, that I was not mistaken, as you have come." - -"And I am glad I have," Don Mariano warmly replied: "I most readily -join in your plan, which appears to be suggested in every respect by an -honest and good heart." - -"Do not make me out better than I am, Caballero," the hunter made -answer; "I am only a poor devil of a wood ranger, very ignorant of city -matters; but under all circumstances, I obey the inspirations of my -heart." - -"And you are right, for they are sound and just." - -"Thanks; now we are in force, I assure you that the picaros, however -numerous they may be, will see some fun; but we have still time before -us; rest yourselves, sleep a few hours; when the moment arrives, we -will arrange what to do." - -Don Mariano was too tired to need a repetition of this invitation; a -few moments later he and his companions were plunged in a deep and -restorative sleep. At sunset Ruperto woke them, "It is time," he said. - -They rose; for the few hours' rest had restored them all their -strength. The arrangements to be made were simple, and soon decided on. - -We have seen what took place; Addick and Don Stefano, themselves -surprised, when they expected to surprise Don Miguel, not knowing -how many enemies they had to contend with, fled after an obstinate -struggle. Don Mariano and Ruperto, satisfied with having saved Don -Miguel, retired so soon as the issue of the combat appeared no longer -dubious. - -Recalled, however, to the banks of the Rubio by the shots fired at -the last moment by Don Miguel, they saw a man and rushed toward him, -possibly more with the hope of helping him than taking him prisoner. -The man had fainted. Don Mariano and Ruperto raised him in their arms, -and transported him beneath the covert of the forest, where Eglantine -had contrived with great difficulty to light a fire; but when they were -enabled to see the wounded man's face by the glare, both uttered a cry -of stupefaction. - -"Don Stefano Cohecho!" Ruperto exclaimed. - -"My brother!" Don Mariano said, with mingled grief and horror. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -RECALLED TO LIFE. - - -With the first gleam of day, the terrible hurricane, which had raged so -cruelly through nearly the whole night, gradually calmed; the wind had -swept the sky, and borne far away the gloomy clouds which studded the -blue heavens with black spots; the sun rose majestically in floods of -light; the trees, refreshed by the tempests, had reassumed that pale -green hue, sullied on the previous day by the dusty sand of the desert; -and the birds, hid in countless myriads beneath the dense foliage, -poured forth that harmonious concert which they offer every morning -at sunrise to the All High--a sublime and grand hymn, a ravishing -hymn, whose rhythm, full of simple melodies, causes the man buried -in this ocean of verdure to indulge in sweet dreams, and plunges him -unconsciously into a melancholy reverie of the hope, whose realization -is in heaven. - -As we have said, Don Miguel Ortega, saved by the tried courage and -presence of mind of the two wood rangers, was carried by them to the -foot of a tree, beneath which they laid him. - -The young man had fainted. The hunters' first care was to examine his -wounds: he had two, one on the right arm, the other on the head, but -neither of them was dangerous. The wound in the arm bled profusely, a -bullet had torn the flesh, but had produced no fracture of the bone, or -any grave accident; as for the wound in the head, evidently produced by -a sharp instrument, the hair had already matted over it, and checked -the haemorrhage. - -Don Miguel's faintness was produced by the loss of blood in the first -place, and next by the nervous excitement of a long and obstinate -struggle, and the immense amount of strength he had been compelled to -expend to resist the numerous enemies who had treacherously attacked -him. - -The wood rangers, owing to the life they led, and the innumerable -accidents to which they are constantly exposed, are obliged to possess -some practical knowledge of medicine, and particularly of surgery. -Pupils of the Redskins, simples play a great part in their medical -system. Brighteye and Marksman were masters of the art of treating -wounds summarily, after the Indian fashion. After carefully washing -the wounds, and removing the hair from that on the head, they plucked -_oregano_ leaves, formed them into a species of cataplasm, by slightly -moistening them with spirits diluted in water, and applied this -primitive remedy to the wounds, fastening it on with leaves of the -_abanigo_, cut into strips, round which they wound aloe threads. Then, -with the blade of a knife, they slightly opened the wounded man's -tightly closed jaws, and poured a few drops of spirits into his mouth. -In a few moments Don Miguel half opened his eyes, and a fugitive glow -coloured his pallid cheeks. - -The hunters, with their hands crossed on the muzzles of their rifles, -carefully inspected the wounded man's face, trying to read on his -features the probable results of the means they had thought it -necessary to employ, in order to relieve him. - -The man who recovers from a deep fainting fit is not at the first -moment conscious of external objects, nor does he remember what has -happened: the equilibrium of his faculties, suddenly interrupted by the -successive blows they have experienced, is only re-established slowly -and gradually, in proportion as the eye grows brighter, the memory -clearer. Don Miguel looked around him with a glance that contained no -warmth or expression, and almost immediately closed his eyes again, as -if already wearied by the effort he had been forced to make in opening -them. - -"In a few hours his strength will be restored, and before three days -there will not be a trace of it," Brighteye said, tossing his head -sententiously. "By Jove! he is one of those sturdy fellows I like." - -"Is he not?" Marksman answered,--"so young and so valiant? What a rude -attack he sustained." - -"Yes, and bravely, we must say; still, for all that, if we had not been -there, he would have found it difficult to get out of the scrape." - -"He would have perished, there is not the least doubt of it, and that -would have been unfortunate." - -"Very unfortunate! however, he is well out of it. By the way, what are -we going to do with him now? We cannot stay here for ever; on the other -hand, he is unable to make a movement; but we must take him back to -the camp, his men will feel alarmed at his absence, and who knows what -would happen if it were prolonged?" - -"That is true; we cannot think of putting him on his horse, so we must -hit on some other expedient." - -"By Jove! that will not trouble us; the torpor into which he has fallen -will last about two hours; in the meantime, he will be hardly capable -of uttering a few words, and vaguely recalling what has happened to -him; it is not, therefore, necessary for both of us to remain by him, -one will be enough--say myself: you will go to the camp, state what has -occurred, tell the Gambusinos in what condition their Chief is, ask for -help, and bring it here as speedily as possible." - -"You are right, Brighteye, on my word; your advice is excellent, and I -will set about it at once. I shall not be gone more than two hours, so -keep good watch, for we do not know who may be prowling round us, and -spying our movements." - -"Don't be frightened, Marksman, I am not one of those men who let -themselves be surprised;--stay, I remember an adventure that occurred -to me in every respect similar to this. It was a long time ago, in -1824, I was very young, and--" - -But Marksman, who heard with secret terror his comrade beginning one -of his interminable stories, hastily interrupted him without ceremony, -saying--"By Jove! I have been acquainted with you for a long time, -Brighteye, and know what manner of man you are, so I go perfectly easy -in mind." - -"No matter," the hunter replied, "if you would let me explain--" - -"Useless, useless, my friend; explanations are uncalled for from a man -of your stamp and experience," Marksman said, as he leaped into his -saddle, and started at full speed. - -Brighteye looked after him for a long time. "Hum!" he said, -thoughtfully; "the Lord is my witness that that man is one of the most -excellent creatures in existence; I love him as a brother, and regret -that I can never make him understand how useful and precious it is to -keep up a recollection of past events, so as not to feel embarrassed -when any of those difficulties so common in desert life suddenly spring -up:--well, I cannot help it." And he began once more examining the -wounded man, with that intelligent attention he had not once ceased -testifying toward him. - -Don Miguel had not made a movement; more than an hour had elapsed, -and when the effects of the fainting fit wore off, he instantaneously -fell into that heavy, agitated sleep, from which nothing could arouse -him for a long time. Brighteye, seated by his side, with his rifle -betwixt his legs, philosophically smoked his Indian pipe, waiting, with -the patience peculiar to hunters, till some symptom told him that the -wounded man had succeeded in shaking off that torpor of evil augury -which had seized upon him. - -The old Canadian would have desired, even at the risk of an intense -fever setting in, that a sudden commotion should recall the young man -roughly to life; he built on the arrival of the Gambusinos to obtain -this result, and he frequently consulted the desert with anxiety to try -and perceive them, but he saw and heard nothing: all was silent around -him. - -"Come," he muttered at times, bending a dissatisfied glance at Don -Miguel, who lay stretched at his feet, "the shock has been too rude, -and nothing _will_ happen to restore him to a consciousness of life; on -my soul, I am most unlucky." - -At the moment when, perhaps for the hundredth time, he repeated this -sentence with ever-increasing annoyance, he heard at a short distance -off a rather loud rustling, and the breaking of some dead branches. - -"Eh, eh!" the hunter said, "what is the meaning of this?" - -He raised his head smartly, and looked carefully around; suddenly he -broke into a concentrated burst of laughter, and his eyes sparkled with -joy. - -"By Jove!" he said, gaily, "this is exactly what I want. Heaven has -sent that young gentleman to draw me from my dilemma, and he is right -welcome." - -At about twenty paces from the hunter, a magnificent jaguar, crouching -on the largest branch of an enormous cochineal tree, fixed a glaring -look upon him, while at intervals passing one of its fore claws over -its ears, with the airs and purring sound peculiar to the feline race. -This wild beast, probably terrified by the hurricane of the past night, -had not been able to regain its den, toward which it was proceeding, -when it found the two men in its path. - -The jaguar, or American tiger, far from attacking men, carefully avoids -a meeting with them, and only accepts a combat when compelled and -driven to bay, but then it becomes terrible, and a contest with it is -frequently mortal, unless its opponent is accustomed to the numerous -tricks it employs to insure the victory. At the moment the tiger -perceived the hunter, the latter saw the tiger, hence the combat was -imminent. The two enemies remained for several minutes in an attitude -of observation; their glances crossed like sword blades. - -"Come, make up your mind, sluggard," Brighteye muttered. - -The jaguar uttered a hoarse yell, sharpened its formidable claws for -a few seconds on the branch which served it for a pedestal, and then, -drawing itself up, bounded on the hunter. The latter did not stir; with -his rifle to his shoulder, his feet well apart and firmly fixed, and -his body bent slightly forward, he followed with a careful eye all the -movements of the wild beast; at the moment the latter made its spring, -the hunter pulled the trigger. - -The tiger turned a somersault with a ferocious yell, and fell at -Brighteye's feet. The Canadian bent down to it, but the jaguar was -dead; the hunter's bullet had entered its brain through the right eye, -and killed it on the spot. At the howl of the brute, and the sound -of Brighteye's rifle, Don Miguel opened his eyes and suddenly raised -himself on his elbow, with a terrified look, and features contracted by -a strange and terrible emotion, which reddened his face. - -"Help! help!" he shouted in a thundering voice. - -"Here I am!" Brighteye exclaimed, as he rose up, and forced him to lie -down again. - -Don Miguel looked at him. - -"Who are you?" he said, at the expiration of a minute; "what do you -want with me? I do not know you." - -"That is true," the hunter said, imperturbably, and addressing him like -a child, "but you will soon know me: do not be alarmed; for the moment, -it is enough for you to know that I am a friend." - -"A friend!" the wounded man repeated, trying to restore order to his -ideas, which were still confused, "what friend?" - -"By Jove!" the hunter said, "you do not count them by thousands, I -suppose; I have been your friend for some hours past. I saved you at -the moment when you were dying." - -"But all that tells me nothing--teaches me nothing. How am I here? how -are you here?" - -"Those are a good many questions all at once, and it is impossible -for me to answer them: you are wounded, and your state forbids any -conversation. Will you drink?" - -"Yes," Don Miguel answered, mechanically. Brighteye held his gourd to -him. - -"Still," he continued, after a moment, "I have not been dreaming." - -"Who knows?" - -"Those shots, the shouts I heard?" - -"Quite a trifle;--a jaguar I killed, and which you can see a few yards -off." - -There was silence for a few minutes: Don Miguel was thinking deeply; -light was beginning to dawn on his mind, his memory was returning. -The hunter anxiously followed on the young man's face the incessant -progress of returning thought. At length a flash of intelligence lit up -the young man's eye, and fixing his feverish glance on the old hunter, -he asked him,--"How long is it since you saved me?" - -"Scarce three hours." - -"Then, since the events that brought me here--there has only passed--?" - -"One night." - -"Yes!" the young man continued in a deep voice, a terrible voice, "I -fancied I was dead." - -"You only escaped by a miracle." - -"Thanks." - -"I was not alone." - -"Who else came to my assistance? tell me his name, that I may preserve -it preciously in my memory." - -"Marksman." - -"Marksman!" the wounded man exclaimed, tenderly, "always he. Oh! I -ought to have expected that name, for he loves me." - -"Yes." - -"And what is your name?" - -"Brighteye." - -The young man trembled, and held out his arm. "Your hand," he said; -"you were right just now in saying you were a friend, you have been so -for a long time, Marksman has often spoken to me about you." - -"We have been connected for thirty years." - -"I know it: but where is he, that I do not see him?" - -"He went, about two hours back, to the camp of the Cuadrilla to bring -help." - -"He thinks of everything." - -"I remained here to watch over and take care of you during his absence; -but he will soon return." - -"Do you believe that I shall be long helpless?" - -"No; your wounds are not serious. What floors you at this moment is the -moral shock you received, and chiefly the blood you lost when you fell -in a fainting state into the Rubio." - -"Then that river--" - -"Is the Rubio." - -"I am, then, on the spot where the struggle ended?" - -"Yes." - -"How many days do you think I shall remain in this state?" - -"Four or five at the most." - -There was silence for several minutes. - -"You told me that it is the weakness of my senses, produced by the -moral shock I received, which overpowers me, I think?" Don Miguel began -again. - -"Yes, I said so." - -"Do you believe that a firm and powerful will could produce a -favourable reaction?" - -"I do." - -"Give me your hand." - -"There it is." - -"Good: now help me." - -"What are you going to do?" - -"Get up." - -"By Jove! I was right in saying you were a man. Come, I consent: have a -try." - -After a few minutes spent in fruitless efforts, Don Miguel at length -succeeded in standing upright. - -"At last!" he said, triumphantly. - -At the first step he took, he lost his balance, and rolled on the -ground. Brighteye rushed toward him. - -"Leave me," he shouted to him, "leave me; I wish to get up by myself." - -He succeeded: this time he took his precautions better, and succeeded -in walking a few steps. Brighteye regarded him with admiration. - -"Oh! the will must subdue the matter," Don Miguel continued, with -frowning brow and swollen veins, "I will succeed." - -"You will kill yourself." - -"No, for I must live; give me something to drink." - -For the second time Brighteye handed him the gourd; the young man -eagerly raised it to his lips. "Now!" he exclaimed, with a feverish -accent, as he returned the gourd to the hunter, "to horse." - -"What, to horse?" Brighteye said, with stupefaction. - -"Yes; I must be moving." - -"Why, that is madness." - -"Let me alone, I tell you, I will hold on; but as the wound in the left -arm prevents my getting into the saddle, I must claim your assistance." - -"You wish it." - -"I insist on it." - -"Be it so; and may God be merciful to us." - -"He will protect us, be assured." - -Brighteye helped the young man into the saddle; against the hunter's -previsions, he kept firm and upright. "Now," he said, "take up your -jaguar's skin, and let us be off." - -"Where are we going?" - -"To the camp; Marksman will be greatly astonished to see me, when he -believes me to be half dead." - -Brighteye silently followed the young man; he gave up any further -attempts to understand this strange character. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH. - - -In spite of Don Miguel's firm will to overcome the pain, the horse's -movement occasioned him a degree of suffering which made his features -quiver, and drops of cold perspiration stand on his face, which was -pale as that of a corpse; at times his sight troubled him, he found -everything turning around him, he tottered in his saddle, and held on -convulsively to his horse's mane through fear of falling. - -"Stupid matter," he muttered in a hoarse voice, "shall I not succeed in -conquering you?" - -Then he redoubled his efforts to seem apathetic, smiled on Brighteye, -and gaily addressed him. - -For the first time in his life, the old hunter felt himself nonplussed: -though he ransacked his memory to try and find an analogous -circumstance to this in the course of his varied life, to his great -regret he was forced to confess to himself that he had never witnessed -anything like it. This annoyed him, and he therefore walked with a -dissatisfied air by the young man's side. - -Still they advanced. Suddenly, however, they heard the sound of horses -near them on the trail they were following. - -"Here is Marksman," Don Miguel said. - -"That is probable." - -"He will be greatly astonished to meet me coming toward the help he is -bringing." - -"That is certain." - -"Let us hurry our horses on a little." - -Brighteye looked at him. "You have sworn, then, to bring on a -congestion of the brain?" he said to him plainly. - -"How so?" the young man asked in surprise. - -"By Jove! that is easy to see," the hunter went on, hastily; "for an -hour you have been committing one act of madness after the other; but -do not deceive yourself, Caballero, what you take for strength is only -fever. It is that alone which sustains you, so take care, do not -obstinately continue an impossible struggle, from which, I warn you, -you will not emerge the victor. I let you act as you pleased, because -I saw no harm in doing so up to the present; but, believe me, you have -done enough. You have measured your strength, and know what you are -capable of doing under urgent circumstances. That is all you want; so -now let us stop and wait." - -"Thank you," Don Miguel said, cordially squeezing his hand; "you are -really my friend, your rude words prove it to me. Yes, I am a madman; -but what would you? I am in a strange position, when every hour I lose -may entail extreme dangers on myself and other persons, and I am afraid -of succumbing before I have accomplished the task which misfortune has -imposed on me." - -"You will succumb much sooner if you will not be reasonable. Four or -five days are soon passed; and, besides, what you cannot do, your -friends will accomplish." - -"That is true. You make me blush for myself. I am not only mad, but -also ungrateful." - -"Come, do not talk about that any more. The noise is approaching. -They are probably your companions; still they might be enemies, for -everything must be expected in the desert. Let us enter this thicket, -where we shall be perfectly concealed from the eyes of the comers. If -it be Marksman, we will show ourselves; if not, we will keep close." - -Don Miguel warmly approved of the idea, for he understood that, in -case of a fight, he should be but slight help to his companion in his -present condition. The two men disappeared in the thicket, which closed -on them, and they awaited, pistol in hand, the arrival of the persons. - -Brighteye was not mistaken. It was really Marksman, returning with -some fifteen Gambusinos. When they were only a few paces off, the two -horsemen showed themselves. Marksman could not believe his eyes. He -did not understand how the man he had left deprived of consciousness, -stretched out on the ground like an inert and almost lifeless body, had -possessed the strength to come and meet him, and to sit so upright and -firm in his saddle. - -Don Miguel enjoyed for a little while his triumph, and the admiration -he inspired in these men, with whom the sole supremacy is that of -strength, and then bent down with a smile to Marksman. - -"You are not the less welcome with the help you bring me," he said in -a low voice; "this help has become, at this moment, very necessary, if -not indispensable; for my resolution alone keeps me in the saddle." - -"You must make haste to return to the camp, and, for fear of accident, -lie down on a litter." - -"A litter?" Don Miguel objected. - -"You must, believe me. It is urgent that you should reassume, as soon -as possible, the command of your Cuadrilla, so do not waste your -strength in useless bravado." - -Don Miguel bowed without replying, for he understood the truth of the -hunter's remark. So, after getting off his horse with the aid of the -two Canadians, he himself ordered his companions to make the litter in -which he should be carried to the camp. - -Marksman passed his arm through the young man's, and, making a sign to -Brighteye to follow them, led him a few paces from the party, and made -him sit down on the grass. - -"Now that you are in a condition to answer me, profit by the time -during which your litter is being made. You have plenty to tell me." - -The young man sighed. "Question me," he said. - -"Yes, that will be better. How and by whom were you attacked?" - -"I cannot tell you. It is a strange history; so confused that it is -impossible for me, in spite of all my efforts, to disentangle it." - -"No matter. Tell me what happened to you; perhaps we, who are better -accustomed to the prairies than yourself, will find a thread which will -guide us through this apparently inextricable labyrinth." - -Don Miguel then told all the facts that had occurred, in all their -detail. At the name of Addick, Marksman frowned; when the Mexican spoke -of Don Stefano, the hunters exchanged an intelligent glance; but when -the young man reached that singular turn in the combat when, on the -point of succumbing, he had been suddenly surrounded by strangers, who -disappeared as if by enchantment, after disengaging him, the hunters -displayed marks of the greatest surprise. - -"Such," Don Miguel concluded, "was the odious ambush into which I fell; -and to which I should have been a victim, if you had not arrived so -opportunely to save me. Now that you know all as well as I do, what is -your opinion?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said; "all that is really very extraordinary. There -is at the bottom of the affair a dark machination, carried out with -a diabolical skill and perversity which startles me. I have certain -suspicions which I wish first to clear up; hence, I cannot give you my -opinion at once. Before all, I must investigate certain matters; but -trust to me for that. But these men who came so fortunately to your -help--did you not see them?--did you not speak to them?" - -"You forget," Don Miguel said, with a smile, "that they appeared in the -thick of the fight; brought as it were by the hurricane, that raged so -furiously. The time would have been badly chosen for conversation." - -"That is true; I did not know what I was saying. But," the hunter -added, striking the ground with the butt of his rifle, "I will not -be beaten. I swear to you that I shall soon have discovered who your -enemies are, whatever care they may take, and precautions employ, to -conceal themselves." - -"Oh! I intend to go in pursuit of them, so soon as I have got back my -strength." - -"You, Caballero," Marksman remarked drily, "have first to get well. On -reaching your camp, you will have to shut yourself up, as in a citadel, -and not take a step till you have seen me again." - -"What! do you intend to leave me, then?" - -"Brighteye and myself are going to start directly. We should be of no -use near you, while we may be of service elsewhere." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"On our return, you shall know all." - -"I cannot remain in such a state of uncertainty. Besides, I do not -understand you." - -"Yet it is clear enough. I intend, aided by Brighteye, to tear the mask -from this Don Stefano--a mask which, in my opinion, hides a very ugly -countenance--to know who this man is, and why he is such an obstinate -enemy to you." - -"Thanks, Marksman; now I am easy in my mind. Go; do all that seems -proper to you. I am convinced that you will accomplish everything that -can be humanly accomplished. But, before separating, promise me one -thing." - -"What is it?" - -"Promise me, that so soon as you have obtained all the information -you are going to seek, you will bring it to me, without undertaking -anything against this man, on whom I intend to take personally--you -understand me, Marksman, personally--exemplary vengeance." - -"That is your affair. I shall not interfere with you. Every man has his -task in this world; the man is your enemy, and not mine. So soon as I -have succeeded in bringing you face to face, or at least putting you -opposite each other in an equal position, you will do as you please. I -shall wash my hands of it." - -"Good, good!" Don Miguel muttered. "If any day I hold that demon in my -clutches, as he held me in his, he shall not escape, I swear!" - -"So it is settled, we can start?" - -"When you please." - -Brighteye had hitherto listened calmly to the conversation; but at this -remark he stepped forward, and laid his hand on Marksman's arm. "One -moment," he said. - -"What, more last words?" the hunter answered. - -"Only a word; but one which, I fancy, possesses some value in the -present state of affairs." - -"Make haste, then!" - -"You wish to discover who this Don Stefano is, as he thinks proper to -call himself, and I approve it; but there is another matter, I fancy, -quite as serious, which we ought to try and make out first." - -"What is it?" - -Brighteye turned his head to the right, and then to the left, bent -his body slightly forward, and lowering his voice so that the -persons he addressed could hardly hear him, he continued in a severe -tone,--"Desert life in no way resembles that in the towns. Down there -people know each other slightly or intimately, either by name or -through personal relations; they are frequently connected by interests -more or less direct; in a word, socialities exist between all the -inhabitants of towns, attaching them one to the other, and forming -them, as it were, into one family. In the desert this is no longer the -case; egotism and personality are the masters; the 'I' is the supreme -law; each man only thinks of himself, only acts for himself, and I will -say, further, only loves himself." - -"Cut it short, for goodness sake, Brighteye; cut it short!" Marksman -said impatiently. "What the deuce are you driving at?" - -"Patience!" the imperturbable Canadian said; "patience! and you shall -know. In short, then, in the desert, unless a man has lived for years -side by side with another--sharing pain and pleasure, good fortune -and ill, with him--he lives alone, without friends, only counting -indifferent persons as enemies. In the trap to which Don Miguel almost -fell a victim last night, two sorts of people revealed themselves -spontaneously to him. These were, first, inveterate enemies, and then -equally staunch friends. Do not fancy," the hunter continued, growing -warm, "that I have not calculated the range of the words I have just -made use of; you would be greatly mistaken. Does it not seem strange -to you, as it does to me, now that you are cool, and reason in all -the plenitude of your faculties,--does it not seem strange to you, I -repeat, that, at a given moment, without it being possible to know -how or why--these men suddenly emerged, as it were, from the ground, -to lend you a hand; then, when the danger was past, or nearly so, -they disappeared as suddenly as they came, leaving no trace of their -passage, and not breaking the incognito which covered them,--is not -this strange?--answer!" - -"In truth," Marksman muttered, "I did not think of that till now; the -conduct of those men is inexplicable." - -"That is exactly what must be explained!" Brighteye exclaimed -violently. "The prairie is not so densely populated that, at a given -moment, and amid a frightful hurricane, there should be men ready to -defend you for the mere satisfaction of doing so; those people must -have had secret motives for doing so, and that object it is urgent for -us to discover. Who tells us that they did not form part of the band -which attacked you? that it was not a trick to seize you more easily--a -part of the game, the execution of which our unforeseen presence -destroyed? I repeat to you, we must, before all, find these men, know -who they are, and what they want; in a word, whether they are friends -or enemies." - -"It is very late now to undertake such a search," Don Miguel observed. - -The two hunters smiled, as they exchanged a significant glance. "Very -late for you, certainly, who do not possess the key of the desert," -Brighteye replied; "but with us it is different." - -"Yes," Marksman supported him: "let us only find a trace of their -passage, however light it may be--a footstep on the damp sand, so as to -hold one end of their trail--that will be enough to reach the other, -and we shall give a good account of these strangers, whose conduct, -as Brighteye observed very truly, is too strange and too fine to be -honest." - -"Oh! why cannot I follow you?" Don Miguel exclaimed, regretfully. - -"Get well first; then, I am certain, your part will begin; for, before -three days, we shall bring you all the information you want today, and -without which you can effect nothing." - -"So you promise me that in three days--" - -"Yes, in three days we shall return from our expedition. Trust to our -promise, and nurse yourself, so as to be able to begin the campaign at -once." - -"I shall be ready." - -"So, now, good-bye! the sun is already high in the heavens; we have not -a moment to lose." - -"Good-bye, and good luck!" - -The hunters cordially pressed Don Miguel's hand, remounted their -horses, and went off rapidly in the direction of the Rubio ford. The -chief of the Gambusinos, laid on a litter, went quickly back to his -camp, which he reached a little before sunset. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -DON MARIANO. - - -We will now return to Don Stefano Cohecho, whom we left in a fainting -state between Ruperto and Don Mariano. - -The double exclamation drawn from the hunter and the Mexican traveller, -on recognizing the man they had picked up on the river bank, had -plunged all three of them into a profound state of stupefaction. -Bermudez was the first to recover his coolness, and he walked up to his -master. "Come, Don Mariano," he said to him, "do not stay here. Perhaps -it will be as well that, when your brother opens his eyes, he should -not see you." - -Don Mariano fixed a burning glance on the wounded man. "How is it that -I find him here?" he said, as if speaking to himself. "What is he -doing in these savage regions? It was false, then, what he wrote about -important business calling him to the United States, and that he had -started for New Orleans?" - -"Senor Don Estevan, your brother," Bermudez replied gravely, "is one -of those darkly-intriguing men with whom it is impossible to know -their thoughts, or guess their motives or action. You see the hunter -gives him a name which does not belong to him. For what purpose does -he conceal himself, then? Believe me, Don Mariano, there is a mystery -beneath this which we will clear up, with the aid of Heaven; but let us -be prudent; let us not reveal our presence to Don Estevan; there will -always be time to do so when we discover that we have been deceived." - -"That is true, Bermudez; your advice is good, and I will follow it; -but, before retiring, let me assure myself as to his present condition. -That man is my brother; and, however great the injuries he has done me -may be, I should not like to see him die without assistance." - -"Perhaps it would be better," Bermudez muttered. - -Don Mariano looked at him angrily, and bent over the wounded man. The -latter was still in a fainting state. Eglantine lavished on him those -delicate and intelligent attentions, of which women of all nations and -every colour possess the secret, but yet could not recall him to life. - -"Pray, Excellency, take my advice," Bermudez urged, "and retire." - -Don Mariano took a last look at his brother, and seemed to hesitate; -then turning away, with an effort, he said--"Let us go." The old -servant's face brightened. - -"I recommend this man to you," Don Mariano added, addressing Ruperto. -"Pay him all the attention his condition demands and humanity orders." - -The hunter bowed. The Mexican gentleman walked a few steps toward his -horse, which, with those of his companions, was fastened to a young -ebony tree. Don Mariano retired with regret: a secret voice seemed to -warn him to remain. At the moment he placed his foot in the stirrup, a -hand was laid on his arm, and he turned sharply. A man was standing by -his side. It was Flying Eagle. - -The chief had left to the whites the care of transporting the wounded. -With the instinct peculiar to his race, he had examined with the -utmost attention the scene of the ambush and all the spots whither the -accidents of the combat had led the fighters. His object in thus acting -had been to discover some trace, some sign, which, in case of need, -might be useful to those who had an interest in discovering the causes -of the snare laid for Don Miguel. Accident had aided him admirably, -by supplying him with a proof whose value must be immense, and which, -doubtlessly, Don Stefano would have bought back with his best blood, in -order to destroy it. Unfortunately, this proof, interesting as it was, -was a sealed letter for the Indian, and in his hands possessed no value. - -Flying Eagle immediately thought of Don Mariano, who would probably -explain to him the importance of the mysterious find he had made. After -turning it over several times, he hid it in his bosom, and with the -characteristic decision of his race, walked rapidly back to the camp, -where he was certain of finding the Mexican. - -"Is my father going away?" the Redskin asked. - -"Yes," Don Mariano answered; "but I am glad to see you, Chief, before -my departure, that I may thank you for your cordial hospitality." - -The Indian bowed. "My father can decipher the 'collars' of the -Palefaces. I think," he continued, "the whites have great knowledge. My -father must be a chief of his nation." - -Don Mariano looked at the Comanche in surprise. - -"What do you mean?" he asked him. - -"Our Indian fathers taught us to preserve, on the skins of animals, -prepared for the purpose, the interesting events that happened in -our tribe in the old ages of the world. The Palefaces know all; they -possess the great medicine; they also have collars." - -"Certainly, we have books, in which, by means of recognized signs, the -history of nations, and even the thoughts of men, can be traced." - -The Indian made a gesture of joy. - -"Good!" he said; "my father must know these signs, for his head is -grey." - -"I do know them. Can the simple knowledge I possess be of any service -to you?" - -Flying Eagle shook his head negatively. - -"No," he said; "not to me, but perhaps to others." - -"I do not understand you, Chief; be good enough, therefore, to explain -yourself more clearly, for I wish to go away before that man regains -his consciousness." - -The Indian took a side glance at the injured man. - -"He will not open his eyes for an hour," he said. "Flying Eagle can -talk to his father." - -In spite of himself, Don Mariano felt interested in knowing what the -Indian wished to tell him; so he resolved to wait, and made him a sign -to speak. The chief continued in a low voice,--"Let my father listen," -he said. "Flying Eagle is not an old gossiping woman; he is a renowned -chief. The words his breast breathes are all inspired by the Wacondah. -Flying Eagle loves the Palefaces, because they have been good to him, -and have, in certain circumstances, rendered him great services. After -the fight, the Chief went over the field of battle; near the spot where -the man fell whom my father brought here, Flying Eagle found a medicine -bag, containing several collars. The Indian looked at them on all -sides, but could not understand them, because the Wacondah had spread -over his eyes the thick bandage which prevents the Redskins equalling -the Whites. Still the Chief, suspecting that perhaps this mysterious -bag, useless to him, might be important for my father, or some of his -friends, previously concealed it in his breast, and ran in all haste -to hand it to my father. Here it is," he added, drawing a portfolio -from his bosom, and handing it to Don Mariano; "let my father take it; -perhaps he will be able to discover what it contains." - -Though the Redskin's action was perfectly natural on his part, and the -portfolio and its contents might be matters of indifference to the -gentleman, he only took it from the Chief's hands with reluctance. The -Indian folded his arms and waited, perfectly satisfied with what he had -done. - -Don Mariano absently examined the portfolio he held in his hand. It was -made of very ordinary shagreen, with no ornaments or gilding; it could -be seen that it was more for use than luxury; and it was crammed with -papers, and fastened with a small silver clasp. The examination, begun -absently, suddenly assumed a great importance for Don Mariano, for his -eyes had fallen on these words, half effaced, engraved in letters of -gold on one of the sides of the portfolio,--"Don Estevan de Real del -Monte." - -At the sight of these words, which revealed to him the name of the -owner of the object he held, he gave a start of surprise. While turning -and speaking, he came on his brother, who still lay unconscious, and by -a movement independent of his will, his hand squeezed it forcibly. This -pressure opened the hasp, and several papers fell out. - -Bermudez stooped quickly, and handed them to his master. The latter -mechanically held out his hand to receive them, and return them to the -portfolio; but Bermudez checked him resolutely. - -"Heaven gives you the means to know the truth at last," he said; "do -not neglect the opportunity it affords you, or you may repent it when -too late." - -"Violate my brother's secrets!" Don Mariano muttered, with a movement -of repulsion. - -"No," Bermudez retorted drily, "but learn how he became master of -yours. Excellency, remember the object of our journey." - -"But if I were discovered--if he were not guilty?" - -"All the better. In that way you will acquire certainty." - -"What you urge me to do is wrong. I have no right to act so." - -"Well, I, who am only a wretched Criado, Excellency, whose actions have -no serious import, will assume that right for your sake, Excellency." -And by a gesture swift as thought, he seized the portfolio. - -"Wretch!" Don Mariano shouted. "Stay, what are you going to do?" - -"Save, perhaps, her you love, as you dare not do it yourself." - -"My father will leave his slave free," the Indian interposed, "the -Wacondah inspires him." - -Don Mariano had not the courage to resist longer, for involuntarily -an unknown feeling he could not explain, told him that he was wrong, -and Bermudez did well to act so. The half-caste had, with the greatest -coolness, opened the papers, not appearing to care for any seeming -impropriety in his conduct. - -"Oh!" he suddenly exclaimed, "did I not tell you, Excellency, that -Heaven placed in your hands the proofs you had so long been seeking in -vain? Read! read! and if it be possible, still doubt the testimony of -your eyes, and refuse longer to believe in your brother's perfidy, and -odious treason." - -Don Mariano seized the papers with a feverish gesture, and hurriedly -read them. After reading them two or three times, he stopped, raised -his eyes to heaven, and then let his head fall in his hands with an -expression of the utmost pain. "Oh, oh!" he muttered, in despair, "my -brother! my brother!" - -"Courage!" Bermudez said, softly. - -"I will have it," he answered; "the hour of justice has arrived." - -A strange change had suddenly taken place in him. This man, a few -moments previously so timid, and whose hesitation was extreme, was -metamorphosed. He seemed to have grown; his features had assumed an -imposing rigidity, and his eyes flashed fire. - -"No more childish fears," he said; "no further tergiversation. We must -act." - -Then turning to Flying Eagle, he asked him,-- - -"Is that man seriously wounded?" - -The Indian carefully examined Don Stefano. - -During the whole period of the examination, no one uttered a word. -Everyone understood that Don Mariano had at length formed an energetic -resolution, and that he would accomplish it remorselessly, and without -hesitation, no matter what the consequences might be to him hereafter. - -Flying Eagle returned in a few minutes. - -"Well?" the gentleman asked him. - -"That man is not really wounded," the Indian answered; "he has only -received a serious contusion on the head, which has plunged him into a -sort of lethargic faint, from which he will not recover for an hour." - -"Very well; and on waking, in what state will he be?" - -"Very weak; but that weakness will soon wear off, and tomorrow he will -be as right as before he received the blow." - -A bitter smile played round Don Mariano's lips. "Tell that hunter, your -friend, to come here; I must speak to you both," he said. "I have a -service to ask of you." - -The Chief obeyed. - -"I am at your service, Excellency," Ruperto remarked. - -"We will hold a council," Don Mariano then said. "Is not that the term -you employ in the desert when you have to discuss important business?" - -The hunter and the Indian made a sign of assent. - -"Listen to me attentively," the gentleman continued, in a firm and -impressive voice. "The man there is my brother, and he must die. I -do not wish to kill him, but to try him. All you now present will be -his judges; I his accuser. Will you aid me to accomplish an act of -vengeance, but a deed of the most rigorous justice? I repeat to you, I -will accuse him before you all, and documents in hand. He will be at -liberty to defend himself; your conscience will be clear; he will have -entire freedom to do so; and, moreover, you will condemn or acquit him, -according to the opinion you form on the evidence. You have heard me; -reflect; I await your reply." - -There was a supreme silence. After a few moments, Ruperto took the -word. "In the desert, where human justice does not penetrate," he said, -"the law of God must prevail. If we have a right to kill the noxious -and malevolent brutes, why should we not the right to punish a villain? -I accept the office you offer me, because in my heart I am persuaded -that in doing so I am doing my duty, and am useful to society, of -which I make myself the avenger." - -"Good!" Don Mariano answered. "I thank you. And you, Chief?" - -"I accept," the Comanche said distinctly. "Traitors must be punished, -no matter to what race they belong. Flying Eagle is a chief; he has the -right to sit at the council fire, in the first rank of the Sachems, and -condemn or acquit." - -"It is now your turn," Don Mariano continued, addressing his servant; -"answer." - -Bermudez stepped forward a pace, and bowed respectfully to Don Mariano. -"Excellency," he said, "we knew this man when he was a child; we -dandled him on our knees. At a later date he became our master; our -hearts would not be free in his presence. We cannot judge him; we ought -not to condemn him. We are only fit to execute the sentence, whatever -it may be, which is dealt out to him, if we receive the order. Old -slaves, liberated by the kindness of their master, are never equal to -him." - -"Those feelings are what I expected from you. I thank you for your -frankness, my children. In truth, you should not interfere in this -matter. Heaven, I hope, will send us two men with loyal hearts and firm -will to take your places, and fulfil the duty of judges impartially." - -"Heaven has heard you, Caballero," a rough voice said; "we are here at -your disposal." - -The branches of the thicket near which our characters were, were then -torn boldly asunder, and two men appeared. They walked a few steps -forward, rested their rifles on the ground, and waited. - -"Who are you?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Hunters." - -"Your name?" - -"Marksman." - -"And yours?" - -"Brighteye. For about half an hour we have been hidden behind this -bush. We heard all you said, and hence it is useless to repeat your -statement. But there is another man who must be present at the trial." - -"Another man! Who?" - -"The one he attacked so traitorously, whom you drew from his hand, and -whom we saved." - -"Ha! who knows where to find that man at present?" - -"We do," Marksman said, "as we only left him an hour ago, to take up -your trail." - -"Oh, if that is the case, you are right; that man must come." - -"Unfortunately, he is seriously wounded; but if he cannot come of -himself, he can be carried: and I know not why, but his presence seems -to me not only necessary, but even indispensable, in order to clear up -certain facts which it is our duty to fathom." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience, Caballero! you will soon understand. This man's camp is not -far off, and he can be here before sunset." - -"But who will warn him?" - -"Myself," Brighteye answered. - -"I thank you for the hearty offer." - -"We are possibly more interested than yourself in clearing up this -mysterious machination," Marksman answered. - -At a sign from his friend, Brighteye remounted his horse, which he had -left in the thicket, and rode off at full speed, while Don Mariano -followed him with a glance at once curious and puzzled. "You speak to -me in riddles," he said to Marksman, who was still leaning on his rifle. - -The latter shook his head. - -"The history, whose odious incidents will be unrolled before you, is a -sad one, Excellency, and you have not the key, in spite of the proofs -you believe you possess." - -Don Mariano sighed, and two burning tears ran down his cheeks, which -were furrowed by grief. - -"Courage, _mi amo!_" Bermudez said. "Heaven is at length on your side." - -The gentleman pressed the hand of his faithful servant, and turned his -head away to conceal the emotion he felt. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -BEFORE THE TRIAL. - - -When Brighteye went off, Marksman, the Indian, and Ruperto approached -the wounded man, who was still plunged in the same state of lethargy, -and collected around him, in order to await his recovery. - -Don Mariano, whose scruples were now extinguished, and who was anxious -to know all the windings of his brother's dark machinations, in order -to have solid arguments for the accusations he was about to bring -against him before that supreme tribunal he had so unexpectedly found, -withdrew from his servants into a dense coppice, where, free from all -glances, he opened the portfolio with feverish impatience, and began -reading the papers it contained, with a horror that increased with -every fresh letter he unfolded. - -Don Mariano did not wish his brother to be aware of his presence before -being confronted with his judges, for he counted on his unexpected -apparition to foil his perspicacity and presence of mind, by making -him lose his coolness. Hence he concealed himself in a spot invisible -to the most searching glance, reserving the right of appearing at the -decisive moment. - -More than an hour elapsed, ere Don Stefano, in spite of Eglantine's -incessant care, made a movement indicating his return to life. Still -the three men, crouched silently round him, did not for a moment relax -in their watchfulness; they understood the full extent of the act they -were about to accomplish, and desired, with that intuitive mistrusting -possessed by loyal souls, that the man they were about to try should be -sufficiently collected, and so far in possession of his faculties, as -to defend his life bravely. - -At the moment when the sun, rapidly declining on the horizon, -lengthened the shadows of the trees, and only appeared through the -lower branches like a huge ball of fire, the evening breeze passed like -a fresh breath over the pale brow of the wounded man, who uttered a -deep sigh at the feeling of comfort this beneficial freshness caused -him to experience, after the stifling heat of the day. - -"He is going to open his eyes," Marksman muttered. - -Flying Eagle laid his finger on his lips as he pointed to the wounded -man. - -Low as the hunter had spoken, Don Stefano had heard him; though not, -perhaps, understanding the meaning of the words that had struck his -ears, but sufficiently so to recall him to a sense of existence. - -Don Stefano was no common man, and a worthy son of the bastard race -of Mexico. Cunning was the most prominent point in his eminently -dissimulating character; accustomed ever to judge men and things badly, -distrust seemed innate in his heart. Marksman's words warned him to -keep on his guard, without stirring, without opening his eyes, lest he -should reveal his return to life; he made a supreme effort to recall -the events that preceded his accident, so as to arrive, from deduction -to deduction, at the position in which he now was, and guess, if that -were possible, into whose hands chance, or his ill fortune, had made -him fall. - -The task Don Stefano imposed on himself was not easy, for, by the force -of circumstances, he was deprived of his most potent auxiliary, sight, -which would have enabled him to recognize the persons who surrounded -him, or, at any rate, perceive were they friends or enemies. Thus, -though he listened with the utmost attention, in order to catch a word -or a phrase to guide him in his suppositions, and show him how to base -his calculations on probable, if not positive, data, as the hunters, -warned by the Chief, and suspecting a trick, abstained for their part -from making a gesture or uttering a word, all his previsions were -foiled, and he remained in the most utter ignorance. - -This prolonged silence further heightened Don Stefano's anxiety, and -presently threw him into such a state of alarm that he resolved, at all -risks, on removing his doubts. Putting his plans almost at once into -execution, he made a movement as if to rise, and suddenly opened his -eyes, and took an inquiring and searching glance around. - -"How do you feel?" Marksman asked, as he bent over him. - -"Very weak," Don Stefano answered, in a suffering voice. "I feel a -general heaviness, and frightful buzzing in my ears." - -"Good," the hunter continued, "that is not dangerous. It is always so -after a fall." - -"I have had a fall, then?" the wounded man continued, whom the sight -of Ruperto, an old acquaintance, began to reassure. - -"Hang it! it is probable, as we found you lying on the banks of the -Rubio." - -"Ah, you found me, then?" - -"Yes, about three hours back." - -"Thanks for the aid you gave me; had it not been for that, I should -probably be dead." - -"Very possibly; but do not be in a hurry to thank us." - -"Why not?" Don Stefano suddenly said, as he cocked his ears at this -ambiguous answer, which seemed to him a disguised threat. - -"Eh, who knows?" Marksman retorted, simply; "No one can answer for the -future." - -Don Stefano, whose strength was rapidly returning, and who had already -regained all his lucidity of mind, rose quickly, and fixed on the -Canadian a glance which seemed meant to read his most intricate -thoughts. "I am not your prisoner, though?" - -"Hum!" was all the hunter replied. - -This interjection made the wounded man thoughtful, and disturbed him -more than a long phrase. "Let us speak frankly," he said, after a few -moments' reflection. - -"I wish for nothing better." - -"Of you, then, there is one I know," he continued, pointing to Ruperto, -who gave a silent nod of assent. "I never, to my knowledge, injured -that man; on the contrary--" - -"That is true," Ruperto answered. - -"I never saw you, so you can have no feelings of animosity against me." - -"That is correct. This is the first time Providence has brought us face -to face." - -"There remains this Indian warrior, who, like yourself, is a perfect -stranger to me." - -"All that is correct." - -"For what reason, then, can I be your prisoner? Unless, as I cannot -believe, you belong to those birds of prey, called pirates, who swarm -in the desert?" - -"We are not pirates, but frank and honest hunters." - -"A further reason why I should address my question to you again, and -ask you if I am your prisoner or no?" - -"The question is not so simple as you suppose, although we have no -reproaches to bring against you personally. Have you not insulted or -offended other persons since you have been on the prairie?" - -"I?" - -"Who else but you? Did you not try, no later than last night, to -assassinate a man in an ambuscade you laid for him?" - -"Yes; but that man is my enemy." - -"Well! Suppose, for a moment, we are friends of that man!" - -"But it is not so. It cannot be." - -"Why not? What makes you suppose so?" - -Don Stefano shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. - -"You must think me very foolish," he said, "if you would try to make me -believe that quibble." - -"It is not so much one as you imagine." - -"Nonsense! If I had fallen into the hands of that man, he would have -had me conveyed to his camp, in order to revenge himself on me in -the presence of the bandits he commands, and to whom the sight of my -punishment would, doubtlessly, have been too agreeable for him to have -tried to deprive them of the delightful sight." - -The old hunter, whose language had hitherto been ironical and face -malicious, suddenly changed his tone, and became as serious and stern -as he had previously been sarcastic. "Listen," he said, "and profit -by what you are going to hear. We are not the dupes of your feigned -weakness. We know very well that your strength has nearly returned. The -advice I give you is frank, and intended to guard you against yourself; -you are not our prisoner, it is true, and yet you are not free." - -"I do not understand you," Don Stefano interrupted him, the last words -clouding over his face, which had suddenly grown brighter. - -"Not one of the persons present," Marksman continued, "has any charge -to bring against you. We do not know who you are; and before today, I, -at least, was entirely ignorant of your existence; but there is a man -who asserts that he has against you--not feelings of hatred, for that -would be a matter to settle between yourselves in a fair fight--but -motives of complaint sufficiently great to justify your immediate -trial." - -"My trial!" Don Stefano repeated, in the utmost astonishment; "but -before what tribunal does that man intend to try me? We are here in the -desert." - -"Yes; and you seem to forget it. In the desert, where the laws of -cities are powerless to punish the guilty, there is a terrible, -summary, implacable legislature, to which, in the common welfare, every -aggrieved person has a right to appeal, when suspicious circumstances -demand it." - -"And what is this law?" Don Stefano asked, whose pale face had already -assumed a cadaverous hue.-- - -"It is Lynch law." - -"Lynch law?" - -"Yes; and in the name of that law we, who, as you say, you do not know, -have been assembled to try you." - -"Try me! But that is impossible. What crime have I committed? Who is -the man that accuses me?" - -"I cannot answer these questions. I do not know the crime of which you -are accused, nor the name of your accuser; but believe me, we have no -hatred or prejudice against you, and we shall, therefore, be impartial. -Prepare your defence during the few moments left you, and when the -moment arrives, try to prove your innocence, by confounding your -accuser--a thing which I ardently desire." - -Don Stefano let his head fall in his hands with an expression of -despair. "But how would you have me prepare my defence, when I am -ignorant of the nature of the crimes imputed to me? Give me a light -through the darkness, a flash, however slight, that I may be able to -guide myself, and know where I am." - -"In speaking as I did, Caballero, I obeyed my conscience, which -ordered me to warn you of the danger that threatened you. It would be -impossible for me to tell you more, for I am as ignorant as yourself." - -"Oh! it is enough to drive a man mad," Don Stefano exclaimed. - -At a sign from Marksman, Ruperto and Flying Eagle rose. The hunter -nodded to Eglantine to imitate their example. All four withdrew, and -Don Stefano was left alone. - -The Mexican rolled on the ground with the insensate fury of a man -before whom an insurmountable obstacle suddenly rises, and who, driven -into a desperate position, is forced to confess himself vanquished. -A prey to the deepest anxiety, ignorant whither to turn in order -to dispel the tempest growling over his head, he sought in vain in -his mind for the means to escape from the hands that held him. His -inventive genius, so fertile in schemes of every description, furnished -him with no subterfuge, no stratagem, that would aid him advantageously -in supporting this supreme contest with the unknown. In vain he racked -his brains: he found nothing. Suddenly he drew himself up, and by a -movement rapid as thought, thrust his hand into his chest. "Ah!" he -exclaimed, sorrowfully, and let his hand fall again by his side, "what -has become of my portfolio?" He searched eagerly around him, but found -nothing. "I am lost," he added, "if those men have found it. What shall -I do? What will become of me?" - -A sound of horses was heard in the distance, gradually approaching -the spot where the hunters were encamped. The sound soon became more -distinct, and it was easy to recognize the advent of a numerous party -of horsemen. In fact, within a quarter of an hour, some thirty mounted -men, led by Brighteye, entered the clearing. "Brighteye among these -bandits!" Don Stefano muttered. "What can be the meaning of it?" - -His uncertainty did not last long. The new arrivals escorted a man whom -Don Stefano recognized at once. "Don Miguel Ortega! oh, oh!" Then he -added, with one of those cunning smiles habitual to him, "Now I know -my accuser. Come, come," he said to himself, "the position is not so -desperate as I supposed. It is evident these men know nothing, and my -precious papers have not fallen into their hands. Hum! I fancy that -this terrible Lynch law will be wrong this time, and I shall escape -from this peril, as I have done from so many others." - -Don Miguel had passed without seeing Don Stefano, or perhaps, as was -more likely, without appearing to notice him. As for the prisoner, -interested as he was in observing everything, and not allowing the -slightest detail to escape his notice, he followed with watchful eye, -while feigning the most indifferent behaviour, all the movements -of the hunters. After gently depositing the litter at the side of -the clearing opposite to that where Don Stefano lay, the Gambusinos, -instead of dismounting, formed a large circle, and remained motionless, -rifle on thigh, thus rendering any attempt at flight impossible. - -Buffalo skulls, intended to act as seats, were arranged in a semicircle -round a fire of dry branches. On these skulls, five in number, five men -immediately took their seats, arranged in the following order:--Don -Miguel Ortega, performing the duties of president, in the centre, -having on his right Marksman, on his left Brighteye, and then the -Indian Chief and a Gambusino. This tribunal in the open air, in the -heart of the virgin forest, surrounded by these horsemen, in their -strange costume, motionless as bronze statues, produced an effect -at once imposing and striking. These five men, with stern looks and -frowning eyebrows, calm and apathetic, bore a marvellous resemblance to -that Holy Vehm, which in old times, on the banks of the Rhine, took the -place of legal justice, no longer able to repress crime, and gave its -judgments in the open air, to the hoarse growling of the winds, and the -mysterious murmurs of the waters. - -In spite of his daring, Don Stefano felt a shudder of terror all over -him, as he looked round the clearing, and saw all eyes fatally fixed -upon him, with the implacable rigidity of desert force and justice. -"Hum!" he muttered to himself, "I believe I shall have a difficulty to -get out of the scrape, and was too hasty in claiming victory." - -At this moment, two hunters, at a sign from Don Miguel, quitted the -ranks, dismounted, and approached the wounded man. The latter made an -effort, and succeeded in gaining his feet. The hunters took him by -the arms, and led him before the tribunal. Don Stefano drew himself -up, crossed his arms on his chest, and bent a sardonic glance on the -men before whom he was led. "Oh, oh!" he said, with a mocking accent, -addressing Don Miguel, "it is you, then, Caballero, who are my accuser?" - -The captain shrugged his shoulders slightly. "No," he replied; "I am -not your accuser, but your judge." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -After these words, there was a moment of expectation--almost of -hesitation. A leaden silence seemed to brood over the forest. - -Don Stefano was the first to overcome the feeling of terror which -involuntarily pervaded him. "Well!" he said, with a contemptuous tone, -and a clear, cutting voice; "if it be not you, where is this accuser? -Will he hide himself, now that the hour has arrived? Will he recoil -before the responsibility he has assumed? Let him appear--I am ready -for him!" - -Don Miguel shook his head. "When he does appear, you may, perhaps, find -that he has come too soon," he answered. - -"What do you want with me, then?" - -"You shall hear." - -Don Miguel was pale and sombre; a sad smile played round his -discoloured lips; it was evident that he was making extraordinary -exertions to overcome his weakness and keep his seat. After a few -moments' consideration, he raised his head. "What is your name?" he -asked. - -"Don Stefano Cohecho," the accused answered without hesitation. - -The judges exchanged a glance. - -"Where were you born?" - -"At Mazatlan, in 1808." - -"What is your profession?" - -"Merchant, at Santa Fe." - -"What motive brought you into the desert?" - -"I have told you already." - -"Repeat it!" Don Miguel said, with perfect coldness. - -"I would remark that these questions, perfectly unnecessary for you, -are beginning to grow tiresome." - -"I ask you what motive brought you into the desert?" - -"The failure of several of my correspondents compelled me to take a -journey, in the hope of saving some fragments of my endangered fortune. -I am in the desert, because there is no other road to the town I wish -to reach." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To Monterey. You see the docility with which I answer all your -questions," he said, with the impertinent tone he had assumed ever -since he was led before his judges. - -"Yes," Don Miguel replied, slowly, and laying a stress on each word, -"you display great docility. I wish, for your own sake, you were -equally truthful." - -"What do you mean by that remark?" Don Stefano asked, haughtily. - -"I mean that you have answered each of my questions with a falsehood," -Don Miguel said, coolly and drily. - -Don Stefano frowned, and his tawny eye emitted a flash. "Caballero!" he -said, violently, "such an insult--" - -"It is no insult," the adventurer answered, in his old tone; "it is the -truth, and you know it as well as I." - -"I should be curious to know the meaning of this," the Mexican tried to -say. - -Don Miguel looked at him fixedly; and, in spite of his impudence, Don -Stefano could not endure the glance. - -"I will satisfy you," the adventurer said. - -"I am listening." - -"To my first question you answered that your name was Don Stefano -Cohecho?" - -"Well?" - -"That is false; for your name is Don Estevan de Real del Monte." - -The accused gave a slight start. Don Miguel continued:--"To my second -question, you replied that you were born at Mazatlan, in 1808. That is -false; you were born at Guanajuato, in 1805." - -The adventurer waited a moment, to give the man he addressed time to -reply. But Don Estevan, whose right name we will in future adhere to, -did not think it advisable to do so. He remained cold and gloomy. Don -Miguel smiled contemptuously, and continued:-- - -"To my third question, you answered that you carried on the business -of a merchant, and were established at Santa Fe. That is all false. -You never were a merchant. You are a senator, and reside in Mexico. -Lastly--You said you were only crossing the desert on your road to -Monterey, where the interests of your pretended business called you. As -for the latter assertion, I need hardly, I believe, prove its falsehood -to you, for that is palpable from the other answers you made. Now I -await your reply, if you have one to make--which I doubt." - -Don Estevan had had time enough to recover from the rude blow he had -received; hence he did not feel alarmed, as he believed he could guess -whence the attack came, and by what means those in whose presence he -now was had obtained this information about him. Hence he replied in -a sarcastic tone, and drawing in his lips spitefully,--"Why do you -fancy I cannot answer you, Caballero? Nothing is more easy; on the -contrary, _caspita!_ because, during my fainting fit, you--shall I say -robbed me? No, I am polite; I will therefore say--adroitly carried -off my portfolio; and because, after opening it, you obtained certain -information, you throw it in my face, convinced that I shall feel -disarmed by your being so conversant with my affairs. Nonsense! You -are mad, on my soul. All these things are absurdities, which will not -bear analysis. Yes, it is true that my name is Don Estevan. I was born -at Guanajuato, in 1805, and am a senator--what next? Those are strong -motives on which to base an accusation against a Caballero! _Cuerpo -de Cristo!_ Am I the only man in the desert who assumes a name other -than his own? By what right do you, who only call each other by your -surnames, wish to prevent me from following your example? It is the -height of absurdity; and if you have no better reason to allege, I must -ask you to let me go and attend to my affairs in peace." - -"We have others," Don Miguel answered, in an icy tone. - -"I know your reasons. You, Don Miguel, who are also called Don -Torribio, and sometimes Don Jose, accuse me of having laid a trap for -you, from which you were only saved by a miracle. But that is a matter -between ourselves, in which Heaven alone must be the arbiter." - -"Do not bring that name forward. I have already told you that I was not -your accuser, but your judge." - -"Very good. Restore me my portfolio, and let us stop here, believe me, -for in all this there is no advantage for you, unless you have resolved -to assassinate me, which is very possible; and in that case I am at -your service. I do not pretend to contend against the thirty or forty -bandits who surround me. So kill me if you think proper, and let us -have an end of it." - -Don Stefano uttered these words with a tone of sovereign contempt, -which his judges, like men whose mind is made up beforehand, did not -appear to notice. - -"We have not stolen your portfolio," Don Miguel answered; "not one of -us has seen it, much less opened it. We are not bandits, and have no -design to assassinate you. We are assembled to try you according to -the regulations of Lynch Law; and we perform this duty with all the -impartiality of which we are capable." - -"If that be the case, let my accuser appear, and I will confound him. -Why does he hide himself so obstinately? Justice must be done in the -sight of all. Let this man come, who asserts that he has such heavy -crimes to bring against me--let him come, and I will prove him a vile -calumniator." - -Don Estevan had scarcely uttered these words, ere the branches of -a neighbouring bush were drawn back, and a man appeared. He walked -hastily toward the Mexican, and laid his hand boldly on his shoulder. - -"Prove to me, then, that I am a vile calumniator, Don Estevan," he -said, in a low and concentrated voice, as he regarded him with an -expression of implacable hatred. - -"Oh," Don Estevan exclaimed, "my brother!" and lolling like a drunken -man, he recoiled a few paces, his face covered with a deadly pallor, -his eyes suffused with blood, and immeasurably dilated. Don Mariano -held him with a firm hand, to prevent him falling on the ground, and -placed his face almost close to his. - -"I am your accuser, Estevan," he said. "Accursed one, what have you -done with my daughter?" - -The other made no reply. Don Mariano regarded him for a moment with an -expression impossible to describe, and disdainfully threw him off with -a gesture of sovereign contempt. The wretch tottered, and stretched -out his arms, trying instinctively to keep up; but his strength failed -him; he fell on his knees, and buried his face in his hand, with an -expression of despair and baffled rage, the hideousness of which no -pencil could render. - -The spectators remained calm and stoical. They had not uttered a -word or made a sign; but a secret terror had seized upon them, and -they exchanged looks which, if the accused had seen them, would have -revealed to him the fate which in their minds they reserved for him. - -Don Mariano gave his two servants a signal to follow him, and, with -one on either side, he took his place in the centre of the clearing, -in front of the improvised tribunal, and began speaking in a powerful, -clear, and accented voice. "Listen to me, Caballeros, and when I -have told you all I have to say about the man you see there crushed -and confounded, before I had even uttered a word, you will judge him -according to your conscience, without hatred or anger. That man is my -brother. When young, for a reason it is unnecessary to explain here, -my father wished to drive him from his presence. I interceded for him, -and though I did not obtain his entire pardon, still he was tolerated -beneath the paternal roof. Days passed, years slipped away; the boy -became a man; my father, at his death, gave me his whole fortune, to -the prejudice of his other son, whom he had cursed. I tore up the -will, summoned that man to my side, and restored him, a beggar and a -wretch, that share of the wealth and comfort of which his father, in my -opinion, had not the right to deprive him." - -Don Mariano stopped, and turned to his servants. The two men stretched -out their right hands together, took off their hats, and said, in one -voice, as if replying to their master's dumb questioning,--"We affirm -that all this is strictly true." - -"Hence this man owed me everything--fortune, position, future; for, -owing to my influence, I succeeded in having him elected a senator. -Let us now see how he rewarded me for so many kindnesses, and the -extent of his gratitude. He had succeeded in making me forget what I -regarded as errors of youth, and persuade myself that he was entirely -reformed: his conduct was ostensibly irreproachable; under certain -circumstances, he had even displayed a rigour of principle, for which -I was obliged to reprove him; in a word, he had succeeded in making -me his dupe. Married, and father of two children, he brought them up -with a strictness which, in my eyes, was a proof of his reformation; -and he carefully repeated to me often--'I do not wish my children -to become what I have been.' Owing to one of those numberless -_pronunciamientos_ which undermine and dismember our fine country, I -was an object of suspicion to the new government, through some dark -machination, and compelled to fly at once to save my threatened life, -I knew not to whom to confide my wife and daughter, who, in spite of -their desire, could not follow me. My brother offered to watch over -them. A secret presentiment, a voice from heaven, which I did wrong to -despise, warned my heart not to put faith in this man, nor accept his -proposition. Time pressed; I must depart; the soldiers sent to arrest -me were thundering at the door of my house; I confided what was dearest -to me in the world to that coward there, and fled. During the two years -my absence lasted, I wrote letter after letter to my brother, and -received no reply. I was suffering from mortal alarm, and was almost -resolved, at all risks, to return to Mexico, when, thanks to certain -friends who were indefatigable in my behalf, my name was erased from -the list of postscripts, and I was permitted to return to my country. -Scarcely two hours after receiving the news, I set out. I arrived at -Veracruz four days later. Without taking time to rest, I mounted a -horse, and galloped off, only leaving my wearied steed to take another, -along the seventy leagues of road separating the capital from the -port, and dismounted at my brother's door. He was away, but a letter -from him informed me that, compelled by urgent business to proceed to -New Orleans, he would return in a month, and begged me to await him. -But not a word about my wife and daughter; not a syllable about the -fortune I had entrusted to him. My alarm was changed into terror, and I -presaged a misfortune. I left my brother's house, half mad, remounted -the almost foundered horse that had brought me there, and proceeded as -rapidly as possible to my own house. Windows and doors were closed; the -house I had left so gay and animated was silent and gloomy as a tomb. I -stood for a moment, not daring to rap at the door. At length I made up -my mind, preferring the reality, however horrible it might be, to the -uncertainty which drove me mad." - -At this point in his story Don Mariano stopped. His voice was broken -by the internal emotion he experienced, and which it was impossible for -him to master any longer. - -There was a solemn silence. Don Estevan had not changed his position. -Since the beginning of his brother's narrative, he appeared to be -plunged in profound grief, and crushed by remorse. - -Presently, Bermudez, seeing that his master was incapable of continuing -his narrative, took the word in his turn,--"It was I who opened the -door. Heaven is my witness that I love my master, and unhesitatingly -would lay down my life for him. Alas! I was fated to cause him the -greatest grief it is possible for a man to suffer--forced to answer -the questions he pressed on me. I told him of the decease of his wife -and daughter, who had died a few weeks after each other in the convent -of the Bernardines. The blow was terrible; Don Mariano fell as if -struck by lightning. One evening, when, as was his custom since his -return, Don Mariano was alone in his bedroom, with his face buried -in his hands, giving way to sorrowful reflections, while regarding, -with eyes full of tears, the portrait of the dear beings he was never -to see again, a man wrapped up in a large cloak, and with a sombrero -pulled down over his eyes, demanded speech of senor de Real del Monte. -On my remarking that his Excellency saw nobody, this man insisted with -strange tenacity, declaring he had to hand to my master a letter, the -contents of which were of the utmost importance. I know not how it was, -but the man's tone appeared to me so sincere, that, in spite of myself, -I infringed the positive orders I had received, and led him to Don -Mariano." - -That gentleman at this moment raised his head, and laid his hand on the -old servant's arm. "Let me continue now, Bermudez," he said. "What I -have to add is not much." - -Then, turning to the hunters, who still appeared cold and apathetic, -he went on,--"When this man was in my presence, he said, without any -introductory remarks, 'Excellency, you weep for two persons who were -very dear to you, and whose fate is unknown to you.' 'They are dead,' I -replied. 'Perhaps so,' he said. 'What will you give the man who brings -you, I will not say good news, but a slight hope?'" - -"Without replying, I rose, and went to a cabinet, in which I kept my -gold and jewels. 'Hold out your hat,' I said to him. In a second the -hat was full of gold and diamonds. The stranger put them all out of -sight, and said, with a low bow,--'My name is Pepito; I am a little of -all trades. A man, whose name you need not know, gave me this strip of -paper, with orders to hand it to you immediately on your arrival in -Mexico. I only learned your return this morning, and have now come to -carry out the order I received.'" - -"I tore the paper from his hands, and read it, while Pepito deluged me -with thanks, to which I did not listen, and then retired. This was what -the paper contained." - -Don Miguel stretched out his arm toward Don Mariano. - -"'A friend of the Real del Monte family,'" the Gambusino said, in a -loud voice, "'warns Don Mariano that he has been shamelessly deceived -by the man in whom he placed entire confidence, and who owed everything -to him. That man poisoned Dona Serafina de Real del Monte. Don -Mariano's daughter was buried alive in the _In pace_ of the Bernardine -convent. If senor del Monte desires to examine thoroughly the frightful -machinations of which he has been the victim, and perchance see -again one of the two persons whom the man who deceived fancied had -disappeared for ever, let Don Mariano keep the contents of this letter -the most profound secret, feign the same ignorance, but quietly make -preparations for a long journey, which no one must suspect. On the next -5th November, at sunset, a man will be at the Teocali do Quinametzin -(the Giant). This man will accost Don Mariano by pronouncing two -names, those of his wife and daughter. Then he will tell him all that -he is ignorant of, and perhaps be able to restore him a little of the -happiness he has lost.' The note ended here, and was not signed." - -"That is true," Don Mariano said, utterly astounded; "but how did you -learn these details? It was doubtlessly yourself who--" - -"When the time arrives, I will answer you," Don Miguel said, in a -peremptory tone. "Go on." - -"What more shall I say? I started for the strange meeting promised -me, nourishing in my heart I know not what mad hopes. Alas! man is -so constituted that he clings to everything which can aid him in -doubting a misfortune. This day, God, who has probably taken pity on -me, made me meet the man who is my brother; the sight of him caused -me an astonishment I cannot express. How could it be him, when he had -written me he was gone to New Orleans? A vague suspicion, which I had -hitherto repulsed, gnawed at my heart with such force, that I began to -believe, though it appeared to me very horrible, that my brother was -the traitor to whom I owed all my misfortunes. Still I doubted, I was -undecided, when this portfolio, lost by the wretch and found by the -Indian Chief, Flying Eagle, suddenly tore off the thick bandage that -covered my eyes, by giving me all the proofs of the odious machinations -and crimes committed by this wretch, this cruel fratricide, for the -ignoble object of robbing me of my fortune to enrich his children. -Here is the portfolio. Read the papers it contains, and decide between -my villainous brother and myself." - -While saying this, Don Mariano offered the portfolio to Don Miguel, -who, however, declined it. - -"Those proofs are unnecessary for us, Don Mariano," he said; "we -possess others more convincing still." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You shall understand." And Don Miguel rose. - -Without being able to explain why it was so, Don Estevan felt a shiver -all over his body, for he guessed, by a species of intuition, that his -brother's accusation contained nothing so terrible as the facts Don -Miguel was preparing to reveal. He threw up his head slightly, bent -forward, and with panting chest and dilated nostrils, fascinated, as -it were, by the chief of the adventurers, he awaited, with constantly -increasing anxiety, what Don Miguel was going to say. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE JUDGMENT. - - -The sun had disappeared on the horizon; shadows had assumed the place -of light; the darkness falling from the sky had covered the forest -with an impenetrable brown shroud. The Gambusinos lighted branches of -_ocote_, and then the clearing, in which the events we are describing -took place, was fantastically lighted by torches, whose flickering, -ensanguined glare played on the trees and the persons collected under -their dense foliage, and gave the whole scene a strange and sinister -stamp. - -Don Miguel, after looking around to demand attention, began -speaking:--"As you have found that portfolio," he said, "I have -nothing more to tell you. It was really your brother who committed the -fearful crime with which you charge him. Fortunately, his object could -not be completely attained. Your wife is dead, it is true, Don Mariano; -but your daughter still lives. She is in safety, and it was I who was -fortunate enough to tear her from her tortures, and from that _In pace_ -in which she was thrust alive. I will restore your daughter to you, Don -Mariano, pure and uncontaminated as when I took her from her tomb." - -Don Mariano, so fierce in grief, was unable to bear joy. The commotion -the news produced was so violent, that he rolled unconsciously on -the ground; clasping his hands fervently with a last effort to thank -Heaven for having granted him so much joy, after visiting him with so -much suffering. The gentleman's servants, aided by several Gambusinos, -hastened round him, and paid him all the attention his condition -demanded. - -Don Miguel allowed time for the emotion produced by Don Mariano's fall -to calm, and then made a sign for silence. "It is now our turn, Don -Estevan," he said. "Furious at seeing one of your victims escape you, -you did not fear to pursue her even to this spot. Knowing that it was -I who saved her, you laid a snare for me, in which you hoped I should -perish. The hour has arrived to settle our accounts." - -On seeing that he no longer had his brother as his adversary, Don -Estevan regained all his boldness and impudence. At this address he -drew himself up coldly, and fixed a sarcastic glance on the young man. -"Oh! oh!" he said ironically; "my good gentleman, you would not be -sorry to assassinate me, eh? so as to make me hold my tongue. Do you -fancy me the dupe of the fine sentiments you utter so complacently? -Yes, you saved my niece, that is true; and I should thank you for it, -did I not know you so thoroughly." - -At these singular words, his hearers made a movement of surprise, which -did not escape Don Estevan's notice. Satisfied with the effect he found -he had produced, he went on. - -The scoundrel had judged the question at the first glance. Unable -completely to exonerate himself, he resolved to turn the difficulty, -which he expected to do the more easily, because the only person -capable of contradicting him was unable to hear him and put matters -in the right light. He assumed a placid countenance, and said, with -affected honesty:--"Good heavens! not one of us is infallible. Who -does not commit an error, at least once in his life? Far from me be -the thought of lessening the opprobrium of the deed I am accused of. -Yes, I broke my pledged faith; I deceived my brother, the man to whom -I owed all. You see, Caballeros, that I do not attempt to exculpate -myself; but between that fault and the committal of a crime, there is -a vast difference, and, thanks to Heaven, I cannot be accused of an -assassination; and I throw back the responsibility of this shameful -deed on the right person." - -"Who is that man?" Don Miguel asked, involuntarily astonished and -terrified by the fellow's cunning. - -"Oh," he said, with imperturbable coolness, "I will throw the -responsibility on those too zealous people who ever understand much -more than they should understand, and who, either through covetousness -or some other motive, always go further than they ought. I confess that -I certainly desired to get hold of my brother's fortune; but I intended -to do so legally." - -The Gambusinos, all scoundrels gifted with a marvellously elastic -conscience, which naturally rendered them very unscrupulous as to -deeds more or less reprehensible, were, however, terrified on hearing -such a theory. They asked each other, in a low voice, with the simple -credulity of semi-savages, if the man before them, who spoke thus, were -really their fellow being, or whether the Evil Spirit had not assumed -this shape in order to deceive them? - -"Understand me clearly, Caballeros," Don Estevan continued, in a voice -growing, every moment firmer, "the Mother Superior of the Bernardines -is my relative, and has an unbounded affection for me. When I let her -see through my plans, she urged me to persevere, assuring me that -she knew an infallible means to make my projects succeed. I believed -her words the more easily, because these means were very simple, -and consisted in compelling my niece to take the veil. I looked no -further, I swear to you. Poor child, I loved her too dearly to desire -her death! All went on as I desired, though I in no way interfered; -my sister-in-law died; that death seemed to me perfectly natural, -after the numberless sorrows that had overpowered her. I am accused -of having poisoned her. It is false! Perhaps she was so; I will not -affirm the contrary; but in that case my relative must be accused of -the crime, whose object it was, evidently, to bring the fortune I -coveted nearer to my grasp. I wrote at once to my brother, telling him -of this death, which really grieved me; but he did not receive the -letter. I see nothing astonishing in that, because he was continually -going from town to town, as his fancy led him. I frequently went to -the convent to visit my niece; she seemed to me determined to take the -veil. The Mother Superior, for her part, incessantly told me not to -trouble myself about anything; hence I let matters go on without any -interference on my part. On the day my niece was to take the veil, I -went to the convent; then, something unusual and scandalous occurred. -At the moment of professing, the girl refused distinctly to become a -nun, and I retired in despair at this misadventure. In the evening, a -nun came to my house and told me that my niece, after a very violent -scene with the Mother Superior, had been attacked by congestion of the -brain, and died suddenly. This news caused me considerable grief. All -night I walked about my room, deploring the irreparable misfortune -which overwhelmed my unhappy brother. On reflection, a suspicion sprung -up in my mind. This death appeared to me peculiar, and I dreaded -a crime. In order to clear up my doubts, I hurried to the convent -at daybreak; there a fresh surprise awaited me. The community were -upset--terror was visible on every face. During the night a band of -armed men entered the convent; my niece was torn from her tomb and -carried off by these men, who at the same time took away a young -novice. Then, convinced that I was not deceived, and that a crime had -been committed, I shut myself up with the Mother Superior in her cell, -and, by menaces and entreaties, succeeded in dragging the truth from -her. My horror was extreme on learning that my unfortunate niece had -really been interred alive. One thing was left me to do; one duty to -fulfil. I must discover traces of her, rescue her, and restore her to -her father's arms. I did not hesitate, but set out two days later. That -is the entire truth; my conduct has been reprehensible, even culpable; -but, I swear it, it has not been criminal." - -The audience had listened to this daring justification with icy -silence. When Don Estevan stopped speaking, not a sign of approval gave -him a hope of having convinced his hearers. - -"Supposing--though I do not admit it, for there are too many proofs to -the contrary--that what you assert be true," Don Miguel answered him, -"for what reason did you wish to assassinate me, when I had saved her -whom you had wished to restore to her father's arms?" - -"Do you not understand that?" Don Estevan exclaimed, in feigned -surprise. "Must I tell you everything?" - -"Yes, everything," the young man answered, coldly. - -"Well, yes, I did wish to assassinate you, because at the Presidio de -Tubar I was assured that you had only carried off my niece for the -purpose of dishonouring her. I wished to avenge on you the outrage I -believed you had done her." - -Don Miguel turned pale at this insult. "Villain!" he shouted, in a -voice of thunder, "do you dare to utter such an atrocious calumny?" - -The auditors had started in horror at Don Estevan's words, and, feeling -himself conquered, in spite of all his audacity, he was compelled to -bow his head beneath the weight of the general reprobation. - -Marksman then rose. "Caballeros," he said, "you have heard the -accusation brought against this man by his brother. During the whole -time that accusation lasted, you remarked his countenance; now you have -heard his defence. We have allowed him to say what he pleased, without -trying to interrupt or intimidate him: the hour has now arrived to -pronounce judgment. It is always a serious thing to condemn a man, even -the worst of malefactors. Lynch law, you know as well as I, admits no -compromises; it kills or it acquits. Although chosen to try this man, -we will not alone assume the responsibility of the act. Reflect, then, -seriously before answering the questions I shall address to you, and, -before all, remember that on your answer depends the life or death of -this wretched man. Caballeros, on your soul and conscience, is this man -guilty?" - -There was a moment of supreme silence; all the faces were grave, all -hearts beat forcibly. Don Estevan, with frowning brow, pale face, but -firm look--for he was brave--waited, a prey to an anxiety which he -could only conceal by the firmness of his will. - -Marksman, after waiting several minutes, went on in a slow and solemn -voice,--"Caballeros, is this man guilty?" - -"Yes!" all exclaimed, unanimously. - -At this moment, Don Mariano, through the care of his servants, -was beginning to give signs of life, precursors of his return to -consciousness. Brighteye bent over to Marksman. "Is it right," he -whispered, "that Don Mariano should be present at his brother's -condemnation?" - -"Certainly not," the old hunter said, quickly; "the more so, as -now that the first outbreak of wrath has passed, he would probably -intercede in his favour. But how shall we get him away?" - -"I'll manage that, and take him to the Gambusinos' camp." - -"Make haste!" - -Brighteye rose, and walked to Bermudez, in whose ear he whispered a -few words; then the two servants, taking their master under the arms, -disappeared with him in the thickets, followed by the hunter and -Eglantine, to whom the Canadian had made a sign to come. In the state -of agitation and excitement the Gambusinos were in, no one noticed this -departure, and not even the sound of several horses going away was -heard. - -Don Estevan alone noticed this removal, the purpose of which he -understood. "I am lost," he muttered. - -Marksman made a sign, and silence was restored, as if by enchantment. -"What penalty does the culprit deserve?" he asked. - -"Death!" the audience replied, like a funeral echo. - -Then, turning to the condemned man, Marksman continued--"Don Estevan de -Real del Monte, you, who came into the desert with criminal intentions, -have fallen beneath the stroke of Lynch law; it is the law of God; -eye for eye, tooth for tooth; it admits of only one punishment, that -of retaliation; it is the primitive law of old times restored to -humanity. You condemned a hapless maiden to be buried alive, and perish -of hunger. You will also be buried alive, to die of hunger; but as -you might long call on death ere it came to your aid, we will give -you the means to put an end to your sufferings when the courage to -endure them longer fails you. We are more merciful than you were to -your unhappy victim; for you will be only interred up to the armpits, -your left arm will remain at liberty, and we will place within your -reach a pistol, with which you can blow out your brains when you have -suffered sufficiently. I have spoken. Is this sentence just?" he added, -addressing his audience. - -"Yes," they said, in a low and concentrated voice. "Eye for eye, tooth -for tooth!" - -Don Estevan had listened with horror to the old hunter's words; the -fearful punishment to which he was condemned had struck him with -stupor; for though he expected death, that prepared for him seemed -so frightful, that at first he could not believe it; still, when he -saw, at a sign from Marksman, two Gambusinos set to work digging a -hole, his hair stood upright with terror, an icy perspiration beaded -on his temples, and he cried, in a hoarse voice, as he clasped his -hands,--"Oh, not that atrocious death, I implore you; kill me at once!" - -"You are condemned, and must endure your punishment, such as it was -pronounced," the old hunter answered. - -"Oh, give me the pistol you promised me, that I may blow out my brains -on the spot. You will be avenged." - -"We are not taking vengeance; the pistol will be left you when we -depart." - -"Oh, you are implacable!" he said, as he fell to the ground, where he -writhed in impotent rage. - -"We are just," Marksman merely answered. - -Don Estevan, having arrived at the height of fury, leaped up suddenly, -and, bounding like a jaguar, rushed head down, against a tree, with the -intention of dashing out his brains. But the Gambusinos watched his -movements too closely to let him carry out his desperate resolve; they -seized, and, despite his obstinate resistance and wild ravings, they -bound him, and rendered it impossible for him to make a movement. His -wrath then changed to despair. "Oh!" he shouted, "were my brother here, -he would save me. Oh, heavens! Mariano, help me, help me!" - -Marksman walked up to him. - -"You are about to be placed in your grave," he said to him. "Have you -any final arrangements to make?" - -"Then this horrible punishment is true?" he said, wildly. - -"It is true." - -"You must be wild beasts, then." - -"We are your judges." - -"Oh, let me live, be it only for a day!" - -"You are condemned." - -"Maldicion on you, demons with human faces! Assassins, who gives you -the right to kill me?" - -"By the right every man possesses to crush a serpent. For the last -time, have you any arrangements to make?" - -Don Estevan, crushed by this fearful contest, kept silence for an -instant; then two tears slowly dropped from his fever-burned eyes, and -he murmured in a gentle, almost childlike voice,--"Oh, my sons, my poor -darlings! What will become of you when I am no longer here?" - -"Make haste," the hunter said. - -Don Estevan fixed a haggard eye upon him. "I have two sons," he said, -speaking as in a dream; "they have only me left, alas! and I am about -to die! Listen, if you are not utterly a wild beast. Swear to perform -what I ask of you?" - -The hunter felt moved by this poignant grief. - -"I swear it," he said. - -The condemned seemed to be collecting his ideas. "Paper and a pencil," -he said. - -Marksman still held the portfolio; he tore a leaf from it, and gave it -to him, with the pencil. - -Don Estevan smiled bitterly at the sight of his portfolio. He clutched -the paper, and hurriedly wrote a few lines, which he gave to the -hunter. An extraordinary change had taken place in the prisoner's face; -his features were calm, his glance gentle and suppliant. "Here," he -said, "I count on your word. Take this letter; it is for my brother. -I recommend my children to him; it is for their sake I am dying. No -matter! if they are happy, I shall have attained my object--that is all -I want. My brother is good; he will not abandon the unhappy orphans I -leave as a heritage to him. I implore you, give him that paper." - -"Within an hour it shall be in his hands; I swear it!" - -"Thanks. Now do with me what you please; I care little. I have insured -the welfare of my children; that was all I wished for." - -The hole had been dug. Two Gambusinos seized Don Estevan, and lowered -him into it. When he was standing upright in the hole, the ground was -just on a level with his armpits; his right arm was fastened along his -side, the other left free. Then the earth was piled up around this -living man, who was already no more than a corpse. When the hole was -filled up, a Gambusino approached the condemned man with a scarf. - -"What are you going to do?" he asked in terror, though he guessed the -man's purpose. - -"To gag you," the Gambusino said, brutally. - -"Oh!" he remarked. - -He allowed himself to be gagged without resistance, and was, indeed, -hardly conscious of what was being done with him. Marksman then placed -a pistol under the wretch's quivering hand, and took off his hat. "Don -Estevan," he said, in a grave and solemn voice, "men have condemned -you. Pray to God that He may be merciful to you, for you have no hope -but in Him." - -The hunters and Gambusinos then remounted their horses, extinguished -the torches, and disappeared in the darkness, like a legion of black -phantoms. The culprit was left alone in the gloom, which his remorse -peopled with hideous spectres. With neck stretched out, eyes widely -dilated, and ears on the watch, he looked and listened. So long as he -heard the echo of the horses' footfalls in the distance, a wild hope -still filled his soul; he waited--he expected. What did he await--what -expect? He could not have said, himself; but man is so constituted. -Gradually every sound died out, and Don Estevan at length found himself -alone, in the heart of an unknown desert, with no hope of help from -anyone. Then he uttered a profound sigh, closed his hand on the pistol, -and placed the icy muzzle against his temple, muttering for the last -time the name of his children. - - * * * * * - -In the meantime the Gambusinos withdrew, a prey to that feeling of -undefinable uneasiness which involuntarily contracts the heart of -every man, when he has accomplished an act in which he knows that he -had, perhaps, no right to take the initiative--even when recognizing -its necessity and even strict justice. No one spoke; all heads were -bowed. They rode along, gloomy and thoughtful, by each other's side, -not daring to interchange their reflections, and listening to the -mysterious sounds of the solitude. They had just reached the last -limits of the forest covert: before them the waters of the Rubio -glistened like a long, silver ribbon in the pale moonlight. They had -gained the ford, when suddenly the distant explosion of a firearm -resounded hoarsely, driven back by the echoes of the Quebradas. -Instinctively these men, for all they were so brave and well tried, -shuddered, and stopped with a movement of stupor--almost of terror. -There was a minute of ghostly silence. Marksman understood that he must -break the gloomy dream which weighed like remorse on all these men. -Hence, masking with some difficulty the emotion that almost choked him, -he said, in a grave voice:--"Brothers! the vengeance of the desert is -satisfied. The scoundrel we condemned has at length done justice on -himself." - -There is in the human voice a strange and incomprehensible power. The -few words uttered by the Scout sufficed to restore to all these men -their pristine energy. - -"May heaven be merciful to him!" Don Miguel responded. - -"Amen!" the Gambusinos said, crossing themselves piously. - -From this moment the heavy weight that oppressed them was removed; the -culprit was dead. The unpleasant logic of an accomplished fact once -again justified Lynch Law, and at the same time stifled regret and -remorse, by putting an end to the cruel uncertainty which had hitherto -oppressed them. - -Don Stefano once dead, the girl he had so pitilessly pursued was saved, -in the eyes of these iron-hearted men: this reason alone was sufficient -to extinguish in them all pity for the criminal. A sudden reaction took -place in them, and their rebel natures, momentarily subdued, rose again -stronger and more implacable than ever. - -At a signal from the Canadian, the party recommenced their march, and -soon disappeared among the sandhills which cover the banks of the Rubio -ford. The desert, for an instant troubled by the sound of the horses' -feet on the pebbles, fell back into its calm and majestic silence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -BRIGHTEYE. - - -Brighteye, as we mentioned, aided by the two servants, had succeeded in -carrying off Don Mariano, who was still in a half-fainting state, in -order to spare him the atrocious sight of his brother's execution. The -motion and the night air rapidly restored the old gentleman to life. On -opening his eyes, his first word, after looking around him to see where -he was, was to ask about his brother. No one answered; the people who -led him along redoubled their speed. - -"Stay!" Don Mariano then shouted, as he rose with an effort, and tore -the bridle from the hands of his leader. "Stop--I insist!" - -"Are you in a condition to manage your own horse?" Brighteye asked him. - -"Yes," he replied. - -"Then we will let loose; but on one condition." - -"What is it?" - -"That you will promise to follow us." - -"Am I your prisoner, then?" - -"Oh, no! far from that!" - -"Why, then, is this attempt to force my will?" - -"We are merely acting on your behalf." - -"How am I here?" - -"Cannot you guess?" - -"I am waiting for your explanation." - -"We did not wish that, after accusing your brother, you should witness -his execution." - -Don Mariano, overpowered, let his head droop, sadly. "Is he dead?" he -asked, with a shudder. - -"Not yet," Brighteye answered. - -The hunter's accent was so gloomy, his face so mournful, that the -Mexican gentleman was struck with terror. "Oh, you have killed him!" he -muttered. - -"No," Brighteye answered, drily, "he must die by his own hand. He will -kill himself." - -"Oh! that is horrible! In Heaven's name tell me all; I prefer the -truth, however fearful it may be, to this frightful uncertainty." - -"Why describe the same to you? You will know all the details only too -well presently." - -"Very good," Don Mariano answered, resolutely, as he stopped his horse; -"I know what is left me to do." - -Brighteye looked at him in a very peculiar manner, and laid his hand -on his bridle. "Take care," he said, drily, "not to let yourself be -carried away by the first impulse, which is always unreflecting, and -regret presently what you have done tonight." - -"Still, I cannot let my brother perish," he exclaimed; "I should be a -fratricide." - -"No! for he has been justly condemned. You were only the instrument -Divine Justice employed to punish a criminal." - -"Oh! your spurious arguments will not convince me, my master. If, in a -moment of passion and senseless hatred, I forgot the ties that attached -me to that unhappy man, now that I see and understand all the horror of -my action, I will repair the evil I have done." - -Brighteye pressed his arm forcibly, leaned over to his ear, and -said:--"Silence! you will destroy him by trying to save him. It is not -your place to try it; leave that to others." - -Don Mariano tried to read in the hunter's eye the determination he -seemed to have formed, and, letting go of the bridle, he went on with -a thoughtful air. A quarter of an hour later, they reached the Rubio -ford. They stopped on the bank of the river, which, having fallen back -into its narrow bed, flowed on calmly and gently at this moment. - -"Go to the camp," Brighteye said; "it is useless for me to accompany -you further. I am going," he added, with a significant glance at Don -Mariano, "to join the Gambusinos. Continue your road gently, and you -will arrive at the camp only a few minutes before us." - -"Then you return?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Yes!" Brighteye answered; "good-bye for the present." - -"For the present!" the old gentleman said, as he held out his hand. -The hunter took it, and pressed it cordially. Don Mariano urged -his horse into the water, and his servants silently imitated him. -Brighteye remained motionless on the bank, and watched them cross. Don -Mariano turned, waved his hand to him, and the three men disappeared -in the tall grass. So soon as they were out of sight, Brighteye -turned his horse round, and regained the covert of the virgin forest. -The hunter seemed to be sadly troubled with thought. At length, on -reaching a certain spot, he halted and looked around, inquiringly -and suspiciously. The deepest silence and most complete tranquillity -prevailed all round him. - -"It must be!" the hunter muttered. "Not to do it would be worse than a -crime, for it would be cowardice. Well, Heaven will judge between us." - -After again carefully examining the neighbourhood, probably reassured -by the silence and solitude, he dismounted, took off his horse's bridle -to let it graze at its ease, hobbled it lest it should stray too far, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and cautiously entered the forest. - -The hunter was doubtlessly ruminating on one of those schemes whose -execution demands the continual tension of a man's faculties, for his -progress was slow and calculated, his eye constantly peered into the -gloom. With head outstretched, he listened to the nameless sounds -of the desert, stopping at times when an unusual rustling in the -brambles struck his ear, and revealed to him the presence of some -unknown being. Suddenly he stopped, remained for a second motionless, -and then disappeared in an inextricable medley of leaves, brambles, -and creepers, in which his presence could not possibly be suspected. -Scarcely was he hidden, ere the hoofs of several horses reechoed in the -distance, beneath the dense dome of forest verdure. Gradually the sound -came nearer, the steps grew more distinct, and a band of horsemen at -length appeared, marching in close column. They were the hunters and -Gambusinos. - -Marksman was conversing in a low voice with Don Miguel, carried on a -litter on the shoulders of two Mexicans, for he was still too weak to -sit a horse. The little party advanced gently, owing to the wounded man -they had in their midst, and were proceeding toward the Rubio ford. - -Brighteye watched his comrades pass, without making a movement to -reveal his presence. It was evident that he wished them to remain -ignorant of the fact that he had turned back, and that the motives -which impelled him to act must remain a secret between him and Heaven. -It was in vain that he looked for Flying Eagle and Eglantine among -the Gambusinos: the two Redskins had separated from the band. This -absence appeared greatly to vex the hunter. Still, after a minute, his -face resumed its serenity, and he shrugged his shoulders with that -careless air which indicates that a man has put up with an annoyance -against which he cannot contend. When the Gambusinos had disappeared, -the hunter emerged from his hiding place: he listened for a moment to -the sound of the horses' hoofs, which grew every moment weaker, and -soon died out in the distance. Brighteye drew himself up. "Good!" he -muttered, with an air of satisfaction; "I can now act as I please, -without fear of being disturbed, unless Flying Eagle and his squaw have -remained prowling about the place. Bah! we shall soon see; besides, -that is not probable, for the Chief is too anxious to rejoin his tribe, -to amuse himself by losing his time here. I will go on, at any rate." - -With this, he threw his rifle on his shoulder, and set out again with -a light and deliberate step, though not neglecting the precautions -usual in the desert on any march; for, by night, the wood rangers know -that they are ever watched by invisible foes, be they men or beasts. -Brighteye thus reached the skirt of the clearing, in which the dramatic -events we have described took place, and in which there only remained -at this moment a man buried alive, face to face with his crimes, -with no hope of possible help, and abandoned by all nature, if not -by Heaven. The hunter stopped, lay down on the ground, and looked. A -funeral silence, the silence of the tomb, brooded over the clearing. -Don Estevan, with eyes dilated by fear, his chest oppressed by the -earth, which collected round his body, with a slow and continuous -movement, felt the breath gradually departing from his lungs, his -temples beat ready to burst, the blood boiled in his veins, drops of -icy perspiration beaded at the roots of his hair, a bloodstained veil -was stretched over his eyes, and he felt himself dying. - -At this supreme moment, when all deserted him at once, the wretched man -uttered a hoarse and piercing cry; tears burst from his proud eyes; his -hand, as we have stated, nervously clutched the butt of the pistol left -to abridge his punishment, and he raised the barrel to his temples, -muttering, with an accent of indescribable despair--"Heaven! Heaven! -pardon me!" - -He pulled the trigger. Suddenly a hand was laid on his arm, the bullet -whizzed into the air, and a severe yet gentle voice replied--"God has -heard you. He pardons you!" - -The wretch turned his head wildly, looked, with an air of terror, at -the man who spoke thus, and, too weak to resist the terrible emotion -that agitated him, he uttered a cry resembling a sob, and fainted. - -As the reader will doubtlessly have guessed, the man who arrived so -opportunely for Don Estevan was Brighteye. "Hum!" he said, with a shake -of his head, "it was time for me to interfere." - -Then, without losing a moment, the worthy fellow busied himself with -drawing from his tomb the man he wished to save. It was a rude task, -especially as he lacked the necessary tools. The Gambusinos had -laboured conscientiously, and filled up the hole in such a way that the -man they were burying was solidly blocked in. - -Brighteye was compelled to dig with his knife, while using the utmost -precautions not to wound Don Estevan. At times the hunter stopped, -wiped his perspiring brow, and looked at the pale face of the Mexican, -who was still in a faint; then, after a few moments of this silent -contemplation, he shook his head two or three times, and set to work -again with redoubled ardour. - -These two men in the desert, surrounded by dense gloom, offered a -strange spectacle. Certainly, had a wayfarer been able to see what -was taking place in this unknown clearing, in the heart of the virgin -forest, peopled by wild beasts, whose hoarse roars rose at intervals -in the darkness, as if protesting against this invasion of their -domain--he would have fancied himself witness of some diabolical -incantation, and have fled at full speed, a prey to the wildest terror. -Still Brighteye went on digging. His task progressed but slowly, -because, in proportion as he went deeper, his difficulties grew greater. - -For a moment the hunter stopped, in despair of succeeding in saving -the condemned man; but this moment of discouragement lasted a very -short time. The Canadian, ashamed of the thought, began digging again -with that feverish energy which the reaction of a powerful will upon -a passing weakness imparts to a man of resolution. At length, after -extraordinary difficulties, the task, twenty times interrupted and -twenty times recommenced, was completed. The hunter uttered a shout of -triumph and pleasure; he then seized Don Estevan under the armpits, -drew him vigorously towards him, and, with some trouble, succeeded in -laying him on the ground. His first task was to cut asunder the bonds -that formed an inextricable network round the wretch's body; he opened -his clothes, to give his lungs the necessary freedom to inhale the -external air, then half filled a calabash of water from his gourd, -and threw the contents over Don Estevan's face. The fainting fit had -been produced by the emotion he felt on seeing a saviour arrive at the -moment when he believed that he had nought left but to die. The sudden -shock of the cold water effected a favourable reaction; he gave out a -sigh, and opened his eyes. - -His first movement, on regaining consciousness, was to look defiantly -up to heaven; then he held out his hand to Brighteye. "Thanks!" he said -to him. - -The hunter fell back, and declined to take the proffered hand. "You -must not thank me," he said. - -"Who then?" - -"God!" - -Don Estevan drew in his pale lips contemptuously; but soon -understanding that he must deceive his saviour, if he wished for a -continuance of that protection which he cared not yet to do without, he -said, with feigned humility--"That is true. God first, and you next." - -"I," Brighteye continued, "have only performed a duty--paid a debt; -now we are quits. Ten years ago, you rendered me an important service; -today I have saved your life. I discharge you from all gratitude, and -you must do the same with me. From this hour we no longer know each -other--our ways are different." - -"Will you abandon me thus?" he said, with a movement of terror, which -he could not overcome. - -"What more can I do?" - -"All!" - -"I do not understand you." - -"It would have been better to leave me to die in the hole, into which -you helped to place me, than save me to die of hunger in the desert, -become the prey of wild beasts, or fall into the hands of the Indians. -You know, Brighteye, that on the prairies a disarmed man is a dead -man; you do not save me at this moment, but render my agony longer and -more painful, since the weapon which, in their cruel generosity, your -friends left me to put an end to my misfortunes, when courage and hope -failed me, can no longer serve me at present." - -"That is true," Brighteye muttered. - -The hunter let his head sink on his chest, and reflected deeply for -several seconds. Don Estevan anxiously followed in the loyal and -characteristic face of the hunter all the emotions by turns reflected -there. The Canadian continued--"You are right in asking me for weapons. -If you are deprived of them, you run the risk of being, in a few hours, -in a similar position to that from which I took you." - -"You allow it." - -"By Jove! there is no doubt about it." - -"Then be generous to the end. Give me the means of defending myself." -The hunter shook his head. - -"I did not think of that," he said. - -"Which means, that had you thought of it, you would have let me die." - -"Perhaps so." - -This word fell like the blow of a sledgehammer on Don Estevan's heart. -He gave the hunter a suspicious glance. "What you say, then, is not -well," he remarked. - -"What would you have me answer you?" the other retorted. "In my eyes -you were justly condemned. I ought to have let justice follow its -course. I did not do so. Perhaps I was wrong. Now that I regard the -matter in cool blood, while allowing that you are right in asking me -for arms, and that it is indispensable for you to have them, in the -first place for your personal safety, and next to provide for your -wants, I am afraid to give them to you." - -Don Estevan had sat down by the hunter's side; he was playing -carelessly with the discharged pistol, and appearing to listen very -attentively to what Brighteye was saying. "Why so?" he answered. - -"Well, for a very simple reason. I have known you for a long time, as -you are well aware, Don Estevan. I know that you are not the man to -forget an insult. I am convinced that, if I give you arms, you will -only think of vengeance, and it is that I wish to avoid." - -"As for that," the Mexican exclaimed, with a fiendish laugh, "you can -only think of one method--leaving me to die of hunger. Oh, oh, yours -is singular philanthropy, _companero!_ You have rather a brutal way -of arranging matters for a man who piques himself on his honour and -loyalty." - -"You do not understand me. I will not give you arms--that is true; -but, at the same time, I will not leave the service I have done you -incomplete." - -"Hum! and what will you do to effect that result? I am curious to know -it," Don Estevan said, with a grin. - -"I will escort you to the frontiers of the prairie, guarding you from -all danger during the journey, defending you, and hunting for you. That -is simple enough, I believe." - -"Very simple, indeed; and, on getting there, I will purchase arms, and -return to seek my revenge." - -"Not so." - -"Why not?" - -"Because you will swear to me on the spot, by your honour, to forget -every feeling of hatred toward your enemy, and never to return to the -prairie." - -"And if I will not swear?" - -"Then it will be different. I shall leave you to your fate; and as that -will have happened by your own fault, I shall consider myself entirely -quits with you." - -"Oh! oh! but assuming that I accept the harsh conditions you force on -me, I must know how we are to travel. The road is long from here to the -establishments, and I am not in a condition to go afoot." - -"That is true, but need not trouble you. I have left my horse in a -thicket, a few paces from the Rubio. You will ride it till I can -procure another." - -"And you?" - -"I will follow on foot. We hunters are as good, walkers as riders. -Come, make up your mind." - -"Well, I must do what you desire." - -"Yes; I believe that is the best for you. Then you consent to take the -oath I demand?" - -"I see no way of getting out of the scrape otherwise. But," he -suddenly said, "what is the matter behind that tree?" - -"Where?" the hunter asked. - -"Over there," Don Estevan continued, pointing in the direction of a -dense clump of trees. - -The hunter turned his head quickly towards the spot indicated by the -Mexican. The latter lost no time in seizing the pistol he had been -playing with by the end. He raised it quickly, and dealt a blow with -the butt on the hunter's head. The blow was given with such force and -precision, that Brighteye stretched out his arms, closed his eyes, and -rolled on the ground with a heavy sigh. - -Don Estevan regarded him for a moment with an expression of contempt -and satisfied hatred, "Idiot!" he muttered, kicking him aside, "you -ought to have made those absurd conditions before saving me; but for -the present it is too late. I am free, _Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I will -avenge myself." - -After uttering these words, and looking up to heaven defiantly, he bent -over the hunter, stripped him of his weapons without the slightest -shame, and left him, not even stopping to see were he dead or only -wounded. "It is you, accursed dog!" he went on, "who will die of -hunger, or be devoured by wild beasts. As for myself, I no longer fear -anything, for I have in my hands the means to accomplish my vengeance." - -And the wretch walked hurriedly from the clearing to look for -Brighteye's horse, which he intended to mount. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE CAMP. - - -The Gambusinos reached their camp a little before sunrise. During their -absence, the few men left in charge of the entrenchments had not been -disturbed. - -Don Mariano awaited the return of the Mexicans with lively impatience. -So soon as he saw them, he went to meet them. - -Marksman was gloomy. The reception he gave the gentleman, though -cordial, was still rather dry. The hunter, although convinced he had -accomplished a duty in condemning Don Estevan, was for all that sad, -when thinking of the responsibility he had taken on himself in the -affair. - -It is one thing to kill a man in action while defending one's life, -in the midst of the intoxication of battle, another to try and coldly -execute an individual against whom no personal motive of hatred or -anger is felt. The old Canadian, in his heart, feared Don Mariano's -reproaches. He knew the human heart too well not to be assured that the -gentleman, when he regarded in cold blood the action he had excited the -Gambusinos to commit, would detest it, and curse the docile instruments -he had found. However great Don Estevan's crimes against Don Mariano -might be, however cruel his conduct, it was not his brother's place to -accuse him, or to demand his death at the hands of these implacable -men, in whom all feelings of clemency are extinguished through the -rough life they are forced to lead. - -Now that some hours had elapsed since Don Estevan's condemnation, -Marksman, who had begun to reflect again, and was able to regard that -action under a different light, had asked himself if he really had the -right to act as he had done, and if what he took for a deed of stern -and strict justice were not an assassination and disguised vengeance. -Hence he expected that Don Mariano, on seeing him, would reproach him, -and ask his brother's life at his hands. - -The hunter prepared to answer the questions Don Mariano was doubtless -going to address to him; and so soon as he perceived him, his brow, -already troubled by sad thoughts, grew even more overcast. But Marksman -was mistaken, not a reproach, not a word having reference to the -judgment passed Don Mariano's lips; not an allusion, however remote, -caused the hunter to suspect that the gentleman intended to attack that -delicate subject. - -The Canadian breathed again; but during the few moments they occupied -in returning to the camp side by side, he took a side glance at Don -Mariano's face. The old gentleman was pale and sad, but his countenance -was calm, and his features apathetic. - -The hunter shook his head. "He is turning over some scheme in his -mind," he muttered, in a low voice. - -So soon as the camp was entered, and the barriers were closed again -behind the Gambusinos, Don Miguel, after placing sentries at the -entrenchments, turned to Marksman and Don Mariano. "The sun will rise -in about two hours," he said to them; "deign to accept my hospitality, -and accompany me to my tent." - -The two men bowed. Don Miguel made his bearers a sign to place the -litter on the ground. He rose, helped by Marksman, and leaning on the -hunter's arm, entered the tent, followed by Don Mariano. The curtain -fell behind them. - -The Gambusinos, wearied with their night march, had hastened to -unsaddle their horses and give them food. Then, after throwing some -handfuls of dried wood on the fires, in order to revive the flame, -they wrapped themselves in their frasadas and zarapes, and lay down -on the ground, where they speedily fell asleep. Ten minutes after the -adventurers' return, they were all in the deepest sleep. Three men -alone were awake, and they were assembled in the tent, and holding a -conversation, at which we will invite the reader to be present. - -The interior of the tent into which Don Miguel had introduced his two -companions was furnished in the most simple fashion. In one corner was -the hermetically closed palanquin; in the opposite one, several furs -stretched on the ground marked the place of a bed; four or five buffalo -skulls served as chairs; it was impossible to meet with anything so -simple and less comfortable than this. - -Don Miguel threw himself on the bed, bidding his comrades, by a -graceful bow, to sit down on the buffalo skulls. Marksman and Don -Mariano drew them up by their host's side, and sat down silently. Don -Miguel then took the word. "Caballeros," he said, "the events which -have occurred this night, to which I shall not further allude, require -to be clearly explained, especially in the provision of the probable -complications which may result from them in the affairs which, I hope, -we shall undertake ere long. What I have to say regards and interests -you peculiarly, Don Mariano. Hence I address myself principally to -you. As for Marksman, he knows pretty nearly all the connecting links -of what I am about to tell you. If I beg him to be present at the -interview I wish to have with you, it is first owing to the old -friendship that unites us, and secondly, because his advice will be of -great help to us in the further resolutions we shall have to take." - -Don Mariano looked at the adventurer in a way which made him comprehend -that he understood not a syllable of this long prelude. - -"Do you not remember, Don Mariano," the Canadian then said, "that -before sending Brighteye to the camp to fetch Don Miguel, I told you -that you were ignorant of the most interesting portion of the history?" - -"Yes; I remember it, although, at the moment, I did not attach to the -statement all the value it deserved." - -"Well, if I am not mistaken, Don Miguel is about to explain these -frightful machinations to you in a few words." Then he added, as if -on reflection, "There is one man I should like to see here. It is -important that he should know the whole truth also; but since our -return to the camp I have not seen him." - -"Whom do you mean?" - -"Brighteye, whom I asked to accompany you here." - -"He did so; but on reaching the camp, as he doubtlessly supposed that I -had no further need of his protection, he left me." - -"Did he not tell you for what object?" the hunter asked, looking firmly -at the old gentleman. - -Don Mariano, in his heart, was troubled by this inquiry; but wishing -to leave to Brighteye the care of explaining his absence, and not at -all desirous of avowing his wish to save his brother, he replied, with -a degree of hesitation he could not entirely conceal,--"No; he told -me nothing, I fancied that he had joined you again, and am as much -surprised as yourself at his absence." - -Marksman frowned slightly. "That is strange," he said. "However," he -added, "he will not fail to return soon, and then we shall know what -he has been about." - -"Yes. Now, Don Miguel, I am at your orders. Speak; I am listening to -you attentively," Don Mariano said, not at all wishful to see the -conversation continued on that subject. - -"Give me my real name, Don Mariano," the young man answered, "for it -will perhaps inspire you with some confidence in me. I am neither Don -Torribio Carvajal, nor Don Miguel Ortega. My right name is Don Leo de -Torres." - -"Leo de Torres!" Don Mariano exclaimed, rising with stupefaction. "The -son of my dearest friend." - -"It is so," the young man answered, simply. - -"But no; that is not possible. Basilio de Torres was massacred, with -his entire family, by the Apache Indians, amid the smoking ruins of his -hacienda, twenty years ago." - -"I am the son of Don Basilio de Torres," the adventurer continued. -"Look at me carefully, Don Mariano. Do not my features remind you of -anyone?" - -The gentleman approached, laid his hand on the adventurer's shoulder, -and examined him for a few moments with the profoundest attention. "It -is true," he then said, with tears in his eyes, "the resemblance is -extraordinary. Yes, yes," he exclaimed, impetuously; "I now recognize -you." - -"Oh!" the young man continued, with a smile, "I have in my possession -the documents that guarantee my identity. But," he said, "that is not -the question. Let us return to what I wished to say to you." - -"How is it that since the fearful catastrophe which made you an orphan, -I never heard any mention of you? I, the best friend, almost the -brother of your father, I should have been so happy to provide for -you." - -Don Leo, to whom we will henceforth give his real name, frowned; his -brow was furrowed with deep wrinkles. He answered, with a sorrowful -accent and trembling voice,--"Thank you, Don Mariano, for the -friendship you evince for me. Believe that I am worthy of it; but, I -implore you, let me keep in my heart the secret of my silence. One day, -I trust, I shall be permitted to speak, and then I will tell you all." - -Don Mariano pressed his hand. "Act as you think proper," he said, with -deep emotion; "only remember one thing--that you have found in me the -father you lost." - -The young man turned his head away to conceal the tears he felt rising -in his eyes. There was a lengthened silence without; the barking of -the coyotes alone disturbed at intervals the imposing solitude of the -desert. The interior of the tent was only lighted by a torch of ocote -wood fixed in the ground, whose flickering flame played on the faces -of the three men with shadows and lights which imprinted on their -countenances a strange and fantastic expression. - -"The sky is beginning to be studded with broad white bands," Don Leo -continued: "the owls hidden beneath the leaves are saluting the return -of day; the sun is about to rise; permit me, in a few words, to explain -to you the facts with which you are unacquainted; for if I believe my -presentiments, we shall soon have to act vigorously, in order to repair -the ill deeds committed by Don Estevan." - -The two men bowed in affirmation. Don Leo went on:--"Certain reasons, -unnecessary to give here, led me to Mexico a few months ago. Owing to -those reasons, I led rather a singular life, frequenting the worst -society, and mingling, when the occasion offered, in society more or -less corrupt, according as you understand my words. Do not believe, -from what I have said, that I was engaged in any criminal operations, -for you would commit a grave error. I merely, like a goodly number of -my countrymen, carried on certain contraband trade; perhaps regarded -with an evil eye by government officials, but which had nothing very -reprehensible about it." - -Marksman and Don Mariano exchanged a glance; they understood, or -fancied they did. Don Leo feigned not to notice this glance. - -"One of the places I frequented most assiduously," he said, "was the -Plaza Mayor. There I visited an evangelista, a man of about fifty, half -Jew, half pawnbroker, who, under a venerable appearance, concealed the -most venal soul and most corrupt mind. This thorough scamp, through -the thousand secret negotiations he carried on, and his duties of -evangelista, was thoroughly acquainted with the secrets of an infinite -number of families, and all the infamies daily committed in that -immense capital. One day, when I happened to be in his shop at the -Oracion, a young girl entered. She was lovely, and seemed respectable. -She trembled like a leaf on entering the scoundrel's den; the latter -put on his most captivating smile, and obsequiously asked how he could -serve her. She turned a timid glance around, and noticed me. I know not -why, I scented a mystery. I pretended to be asleep, with my head on the -table, and my forehead resting on my crossed arms." - -"'That man!' she said, pointing to me." - -"'Oh!' the evangelista answered, 'he is intoxicated with pulque; he is -a poor sergeant, of no importance; besides, he is asleep.'" - -"She hesitated; then, seeming suddenly to form a resolution, she drew a -small paper from her bosom." - -"'Copy that,' she said to the evangelista, 'and I will give you two -ounces.'" - -"The old villain seized the paper, and looked at it." - -"'But it is not Castilian,' he said." - -"'It is French,' she answered, 'But what consequence is it to you?'" - -"'To me, none.'" - -"He prepared his paper and pens, and copied the note without further -observation. When it was finished, the girl compared the two notes, -gave a smile of satisfaction, tore up the original, folded the note, -and dictated a short address to the evangelista. Then she placed the -letter in her bosom, and went out, after paying the agreed on price, -which the evangelista seized gaily, for he had gained more in a few -minutes than he usually did in a month. The girl had scarce departed, -ere I raised my head: but the evangelista made me a sign to re-assume -my position. He had heard the key turning in his door. I obeyed, and -lucky it was I did so, for a man entered almost immediately. This man -evidently desired not to be known. He was carefully wrapped up in a -large rebozo, and the brim of his sombrero was pulled down over his -eyes. On entering, he gave an angry start." - -"'Who is that man?' he asked, pointing to me." - -"'I A poor drunkard asleep.'" - -"'A young girl has just left here.'" - -"'It is possible,' the evangelista answered, put on his guard by the -question." - -"'No ambiguous phrases, scoundrel,' the stranger answered haughtily. -'I know you, and pay you,' he added, as he threw a heavy purse on the -table. 'Answer!'" - -"The evangelista quivered. All his scruples disappeared at the sight of -the gold sparkling through the meshes of the purse." - -"'A young girl has just left here?' the stranger continued." - -"'Yes.'" - -"'What did she want of you?'" - -"'To copy a letter written in French.'" - -"'Very good. Show me the letter.'" - -"'She folded it up, wrote an address, and took it away.'" - -"'I know all that.'" - -"'Well?'" - -"'Well!' the stranger retorted, with a grin, 'as you are no fool, you -kept a copy of the note, and that copy I must have.'" - -"The man's voice had struck me. I could not tell why. As his back -was almost turned to me, I made the evangelista a sign, which he -understood." - -"'I did not think of that,' he answered." - -"He assumed such a simple face as he said this, that the stranger was -deceived. He made a move of annoyance. At length he said,--'She will -return.'" - -"'I do not know.'" - -"The stranger shrugged his shoulders. 'I know it though. Every time she -comes, you will keep a copy of what she makes you write. The answers -will come here?'" - -"'Not to my knowledge.'" - -"'You will not deliver them till you have shown them to me. I shall -return tomorrow; and do not be such a fool as you have been today, if -you wish me to make your fortune.'" - -"The evangelista grinned a smile. The stranger turned to go away. At -this moment the corner of his cloak caught in the table, and I saw his -face. I needed all my self-command not to utter a cry on recognizing -him, for it was Don Estevan, your brother. He drew his cloak over his -face again with a stifled curse, and went away. He had scarce gone -ere I leaped up. I bolted the door, and placed myself in front of the -evangelista. 'It is now our turn,' I said to him." - -"He made a movement of terror. My face had a terrible expression, which -made him fall back against the wall, clutching the purse he had just -received, and which he doubtless supposed I wished to take from him." - -"'I am a poor old man,' he said to me." - -"'Where is the copy you refused that man?' I said sharply." - -"He bent down to his desk, took the copy, and handed it to me, -trembling. I read it with a shudder, for I understood." - -"'Stay,' I said, giving him an ounce; 'every time you will hand me -the young lady's note, I allow you to show it also to that man. But -remember this carefully; not one of the answers written by the person -who has just left will be handed by you to the lady until I have read -it. I am not so rich as that stranger, still I can pay you properly. -You know me. I have only one thing more to say. If you betray me, I -will kill you like a dog.'" - -"I went out, and, as I closed the door, I heard the evangelista mutter -to himself, 'Santa Viring, into what wasp's nest have I got?'" - -"This is the key of the mystery. The young lady I saw at the -evangelista's was a novice in the convent of the Bernardines, where -your daughter was. Dona Laura, not knowing in whom to confide, had -begged her to let Don Francisco de Paulo Serrano know--" - -"My brother-in-law! her godfather!" Don Mariano exclaimed. - -"The same," Don Leo continued. "She had, I said, desired her friend, -Dona Luisa, to let senor Serrano receive the note, in which she -revealed to him her uncle's criminal machinations, and the persecutions -to which she was exposed, while imploring him, as her father's best -friend, to come to her aid, and take her under his protection." - -"Oh, my poor child!" Don Mariano murmured. - -"Don Estevan," Don Leo continued, "had by some means learned your -daughter's intentions. In order to be thoroughly acquainted with her -plans, and be able to overthrow them at the right moment, he pretended -to be entirely ignorant of them; let the young girl carry the letters -to the evangelista, reading the copies, and answering them himself, for -the simple reason that senor Serrano did not receive your daughter's -letters, because Don Estevan had bought his valet, who gave them to -him with seals unbroken. This skilful perfidy would doubtless have -succeeded, had not accident, or rather providence, placed me so -fortunately in the evangelista's shop." - -"Oh!" Don Mariano muttered, "the man was a monster." - -"No," Don Leo remarked; "circumstances compelled him to go much further -than he perhaps intended. Nothing proves that he meditated the death of -your daughter." - -"What would he then?" - -"Your fortune. By forcing Dona Laura to take the veil, he gained his -object. Unfortunately, as always happens when a man enters on that -thorny path which fatally leads to crime, although he had coldly -calculated all the chances of success, he could not foresee my -intervention in the execution of his plans--an intervention which must -make them fail, and compel him to commit a crime, in order to ensure -success. Dona Laura, persuaded that Don Francisco's protection would -not fail her, scrupulously followed the advice I sent her by means of -letters I myself wrote in the name of the friend she addressed. For my -own part, I held myself in readiness to act when the moment arrived. I -will enter into no details on this subject. Dona Laura refused to take -the vows in the church itself. The scandal was extreme, and the abbess, -in her fury, resolved to put an end to matters. The hapless young lady, -sent to sleep by means of a powerful narcotic, was buried alive in the -_in pace_, where she must die of hunger." - -"Oh!" the two men exclaimed, shuddering with horror. - -"I repeat to you," Don Leo continued, "that I do not believe Don -Estevan capable of this barbarity. He was probably the indirect -accomplice, but nothing more; the abbess was the sole culprit. Don -Estevan accepted accomplished facts; he profited by them, nothing more. -We must suppose so, for the honour of humanity; otherwise, this man -would be a monster. Warned on the same day of what had occurred in -the convent, I collected a band of banditti and adventurers. Then, at -nightfall, I entered the building by stratagem, and, pistol in hand, -carried off your daughter." - -"You!" Don Mariano exclaimed, with a movement of surprise, mingled with -joy. "Oh, heavens! then she is saved--she is in safety!" - -"Yes; at a place where I, aided by Marksman, concealed her." - -"Don Estevan would never have found her," the hunter added, with a -crafty smile. - -The gentleman was fearfully agitated. "Where is she?" he exclaimed. "I -will see her. Tell me where my poor darling child is." - -"You can understand," the young man answered, "that I did not keep her -near me. I knew that Don Estevan's spies and your brother himself were -pursuing me, and following my every step. After placing Dona Laura in -safety, I enticed all the pursuers on to my trail. In this way, this -palanquin," he said, pointing to it, "contained Dona Laura till we -reached the Presidio de Tubar. I was careful to let her be seen once or -twice; no more was needed to make it supposed that she was still with -me. By the care I took to keep the palanquin constantly closed, and let -no one approach it, I hoped to lead my enemies after me, and, once I -had them in the desert, punish them. My calculations were more correct -than Don Estevan's, for Heaven, helped me. Now that the criminal has -been punished, and Dona Laura has no more to fear, I am ready to make -known her place of concealment, and lead you to her." - -"Oh, my God! Thou art just and merciful," Don Mariano exclaimed, with -an expression of ineffable joy. "I shall see my child again. She is -saved." - -"She is lost, if you do not make haste," a sepulchral voice replied. - -The three men turned in terror. Brighteye, with a pale and bleeding -face, his clothes torn and bloodstained, was standing upright and -motionless in the entrance of the tent, holding the curtain back. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -FLYING EAGLE. - - -The Indians, owing to the life they are compelled to lead, and the -education they receive, are of an essentially suspicious character. -Accustomed to be constantly on their guard against everything that -surrounds them, to regard intentions ostensibly the most honest as -concealing treachery and perfidy, they have acquired an uncommon skill -in guessing the projects of persons with whom accident brings them in -contact, and foiling the snares set for them by their enemies. - -Mahchsi Karehde, we have already said, was an experienced warrior, as -wise in council as he was valiant in war, and, though still very young, -he justly enjoyed a great reputation in his tribe. - -So soon as Marksman had, in the name of Lynch law, pronounced Don -Estevan's sentence, there was a species of disorder among the hunters, -who broke their ranks, and began eagerly conversing together, as -generally happens in such a case. Flying Eagle took advantage of the -general attention being diverted, and no one noticing him, to give -Eglantine, whose eyes were incessantly fixed on him, a signal, which -the young woman understood, and he silently stepped into a thicket, -where he disappeared before anyone noticed his absence. - -After walking for about twenty minutes in the forest, the Chief, -probably supposing he was far enough off, stopped, and turned to his -squaw, who had remained a little distance behind the whole time. "Let -the Palefaces," he said, "accomplish their work. Flying Eagle is a -Comanche warrior; he must no longer interfere between them." - -"The Chief will return to his village?" Eglantine asked, timidly. - -The Indian smiled craftily. "All is not over yet," he replied. "Flying -Eagle will watch over his friends." - -The young woman let her head fall, and, seeing that the Indian had -seated himself, prepared to light the campfire; but the Chief stopped -her by a sign. "Flying Eagle does not wish to be discovered," he said. -"Let my sister take her place by his side, and wait; a friend is in -danger at this time." - -At this moment a great noise of breaking branches could be heard not -far from the spot where the Redskins had halted. The Indian listened -attentively for a few moments, with his head on the ground. "Flying -Eagle will return," he said, as he rose. - -"Eglantine will wait for him," the squaw said, looking at him tenderly. - -The Chief laid by her side the weapons that might have impeded him in -the project he meditated; he only kept his reata, which he carefully -coiled round his right hand, and crept in the direction of the sound -he had heard, which every moment grew louder. He had scarce advanced -twenty yards, by forcing his way through the intertwined creepers and -tall grass that barred his passage, ere he perceived, a few paces off, -a magnificent black horse, which, with ears laid back, head extended, -and all four feet fixed on the ground, was snorting in alarm; its -nostrils covered with foam, and its mouth bleeding. - -"Wah!" the Chief muttered, stopping short, and admiring the splendid -animal. He drew a few steps nearer, being careful not to startle the -animal more, which followed all his movements with a restless eye; and, -at the instant he saw it bound to escape, he made his reata whistle -round his neck, and threw it with such skill, that the running knot -fell on the horse's shoulders. The latter tried, for three or four -minutes, to regain the liberty so suddenly snatched from it; but soon -recognizing the futility of its efforts, it yielded once again to -slavery, and allowed the Indian to approach, with no further attempts -to maintain the struggle. The animal was not a wild horse, but Don -Estevan's magnificent barb, which he had probably lost during the -fight, when he was wounded. The horse's trappings were partly broken -and torn by the branches; but still they were in a good state of -service. - -The Chief, delighted with the windfall accident procured him, mounted -the horse, and returned to Eglantine, who, submissive and obedient as a -true Indian woman, had not stirred since his departure. - -"Flying Eagle will return to his village mounted on a horse worthy of -so great a Chief," she said, on noticing him. - -The Indian smiled haughtily. "Yes," he answered, "the sachems will be -proud of him." - -And with the simple childishness so well suited to the primitive -roughness of these men of iron, he amused himself, for some time, -with making the horse perform the most difficult passes and curvets, -happy at the terrified admiration of the woman he loved, and who could -not refrain from trembling on perceiving him manage this magnificent -animal with such ease. The Chief at length dismounted, and, while still -holding the bridle in his hand, sat down by the young woman's side. - -They remained thus for a long time, without exchanging a word. Flying -Eagle seemed to be reflecting deeply; his eyes wandered about in the -darkness, as if wishing to penetrate it, and distinguish some distant -object in the distance. He listened eagerly to the sounds of the -solitude, while playing mechanically with his scalping knife. "There -they are," he suddenly cried, as he rose, as if moved by a spring. - -Eglantine looked at him with astonishment. - -"Does not my sister hear?" he asked her. - -"Yes," she replied in a moment, "I hear the sound of horses in the -forest." - -"They are the Palefaces returning to their camp." - -"Shall we follow them?" - -"Flying Eagle never leaves, without a reason, the path made by his -moccasins. Eglantine will accompany the warrior." - -"Does my father doubt it?" - -"No; Eglantine is a worthy daughter of the Comanches; she will come -without a murmur. A Paleface, a friend of Mahchsi Karehde, is in danger -at this moment." - -"The Chief will save him?" - -The Indian smiled. "Yes," he said; "or, if I arrive too late for that, -I will at least avenge him, and his soul will quiver with joy in the -blessed prairies, on learning from his people that his friend has not -forgotten him." - -"I am ready to follow the Chief." - -"Let us go, then; it is time." - -The Indian leaped into his saddle at a bound, and Eglantine prepared -to follow on foot. Indian squaws never mount the warhorse of their -husbands or brothers. Condemned, by the laws that govern their tribe, -to remain constantly bowed beneath a yoke of iron, to be reduced to -the most complete abjectness, and devote themselves to the harshest -and most painful tasks, they endure everything without complaining, -persuaded that it must be so, and that nothing can save them from the -implacable tyranny that weighs on them from their birth to their death. -In compelling his wife to follow him on foot, through a virgin forest, -by impracticable roads, rendered more difficult through the darkness, -Flying Eagle was convinced that he was only doing a very simple and -natural thing. Eglantine, for her part, understood it so, for she did -not make the slightest remark. - -They set out, then, turning their back on the noise, and proceeding -towards the clearing. For what object did the Chief retrace his steps, -and return to the spot he had left an hour previously, in order to get -rid of the Gambusinos? We shall probably soon learn. - -When about a hundred yards from the clearing, they heard a shot. Flying -Eagle stopped. "Wah!" he said, "what has happened? Can I be mistaken?" - -Immediately dismounting, he gave his wife his horse to hold, bidding -her follow him at a distance; and, gliding through the grass, he -advanced hurriedly toward the clearing, feeling much alarmed by the -shot, which he could not account for, as the idea did not for a moment -occur to him that Don Estevan had fired it with the intention of -killing himself. The Chief was convinced that a man of that stamp would -never give the game up, however desperate it was. His appreciation was -not entirely false. - -Persuaded of this, Flying Eagle, fearing a mishap, the possibility of -which he seemed to have foreseen, hastened to reach the clearing, in -order to settle his doubts, and trembling to see them converted into a -certainty. - -On reaching the skirt of the clearing, he stopped, removed the branches -cautiously, and looked out. The darkness was so dense, that he could -distinguish nothing; a funereal silence prevailed over this portion -of the forest. Suddenly the bushes parted, a man, or rather a demon, -bounded out like a jackal, passed him with extreme velocity, and was -soon lost in the darkness. - -A sad presentiment contracted the Redskin's heart; he made a movement -to rush after the stranger, but altered his mind almost in the same -moment. "Let us look here first," he muttered, "I am certain of finding -that man again when I please." - -He entered the clearing. The deserted fires no longer gave out any -light. All was shadow and silence. The Chief walked rapidly toward -the spot where the grave had been dug. It was empty, Don Estevan had -disappeared. On the slope formed of the earth thrown out of the hole, a -man lay, motionless. - -Flying Eagle bent over him, and examined him attentively for some -seconds. "I knew it," he muttered, as he drew himself up with a smile -of disdain; "that must happen, the Palefaces are gossiping old women. -Ingratitude is a white vice--vengeance a red virtue." - -The Chief stood thoughtfully, with his eyes fixed on the wounded man. -"Shall I save him?" he at length said. "For what good? It is almost -better to let the coyotes tear him limb from limb; the red warriors -laugh at their fury. This man," he added, "was, yet, one of the best of -those plundering Palefaces who come to drive us from our last refuge. -Wah! what do I care our races are hostile, the wild beasts will finish -him--to each his prey." - -And he made a move to withdraw. Suddenly he felt a hand laid on his -shoulder, and a soft voice muttered gently in his ear,--"This Paleface -is the friend of the grey head who delivered Eglantine. Is my father -ignorant of it?" - -The Chief started at this question, which answered so truly his -innermost thoughts; for, while speaking to himself, and tying to prove -that he did right in abandoning the wounded man, the Indian knew -very well that the deed he premeditated was reprehensible, and that -honour commanded him to help the man stretched out at his feet. "Does -Eglantine know this hunter?" he answered evasively. - -"Eglantine saw him for the first time two days ago, when he so -courageously saved the friend of the Chief." - -"Wah!" the Indian muttered, "my sister speaks true. This warrior is -brave, his heart is large, he is the friend of the Redskins. Flying -Eagle is a Chief renowned for his goodness of soul, he will not abandon -the Paleface to the hideous coyotes." - -"Mahchsi Karehde is the greatest warrior of his nation, his head is -full of wisdom. What he does is well." - -Flying Eagle smiled with satisfaction at this compliment. "Let us -examine this man's wounds." - -Eglantine lighted a branch of ocote, which she made into a torch. The -two Indians bent down over the wounded man, who still lay motionless, -and by the oscillating light of the torch examined him more attentively. - -Brighteye had only a slight wound, produced by the butt of the pistol -by which he had been struck; the force of the blow, by producing an -abundant hemorrhage, had caused a stunning sensation, followed by a -syncope. The wound was narrow, of no great depth, and on the upper -part of the forehead between the eyebrows. Don Estevan had tried to -kill the worthy hunter in the same way as the bulls in the corridas. -The experienced Espadas often amuse themselves by killing the animals -in this fashion, in order to display their skill before the assembled -spectators. This blow, though dealt with a firm hand, was too hurried, -and had not been calculated with sufficient precision to be mortal. -Still it is evident that if the Indian Chief had not succoured him -before daybreak, the hunter would have been devoured alive by the wild -beasts prowling about in quest of prey. - -All Indians, when travelling, carry by a sling a parchment bag, which -they call the medicine bag. It contains the simples these primitive -men employ to cure the wounds they receive in combat, their surgical -instruments, and the powders intended to get rid of fevers. - -After examining Brighteye's wound, the Chief tossed his head with -pleasure, and immediately set about dressing. With a sharp instrument, -made of an onyx, and with the edge of a razor, he first cleared off the -hair round the wound; then he felt in his medicine bag, pulled out a -handful of oregano leaves, which he carefully pounded and mixed up with -Catalonian refino. We will remark here, that in all Indian medicaments -spirits play a great part. He added to this mixture a little water and -salt, formed the whole into a thick paste, and, after washing the wound -twice with spirits and water, he applied this species of cataplasm to -it, fastening it on with abanigo leaves. This simple remedy produced an -almost instantaneous effect; within ten minutes the hunter gave a sigh, -opened his eyes, and sat up, looking round him like a man suddenly -roused from a deep sleep, and who does not completely recognize -external objects. - -Brighteye, however, was a man endowed with far too powerful an -organization for this state to last long; he soon managed to restore -order in his ideas, recalled what had passed, and the treachery dealt -him by the man he had saved. "Thanks, Redskin," he said, in a still -weak voice, and holding out his hand to the Indian, who pressed it -cordially. - -"My brother feels better?" he asked, with solicitude. - -"I feel as well as if nothing had happened to me." - -"Wah! my brother will then avenge himself on his enemy." - -"Trust me for that; the traitor shall not escape me, so truly as my -name is. Brighteye," the hunter answered energetically. - -"Good! my brother will kill his enemy, and hang up his scalp at the -entrance of his wigwam." - -"No, no, Chief; that revenge may suit a Redskin, but it is not that of -a man of my race and colour." - -"What will my brother do, then?" - -The hunter smiled cleverly, but after a few moments continued the -conversation, though not in answer to the Indian's questions. "How long -have I been here?" he said. - -"About an hour." - -"No longer?" - -"No." - -"Heaven be praised. My assassin cannot be gone far." - -"Och! An evil conscience is a powerful spur," the Indian observed, -sententiously. - -"That is true." - -"What will my brother do?" - -"I do not know yet; the position I am in is very delicate," Brighteye -answered, thoughtfully, "Urged by my heart, and the memory of a service -done me long ago, I committed an action which may be interpreted in -various ways. I now perceive that I was wrong; still, I confess to you, -Redskin, that I do not at all wish to be exposed to the reproaches of -my friends. It is hard for a man of my age, whose hair is white, and -who must possess experience, to have it said that he has acted like a -child, and is an old fool." - -"Still, you must make up your mind." - -"I know it. That is the thing which torments me; the more so as it is -urgent that Don Miguel and Don Mariano should be warned as speedily as -possible of what has happened, in order to remedy the consequences of -my folly." - -"Listen," the Chief remarked. "I understand how repugnant the -confession you have to make will be to you. It is excessively painful -for an old man to bow his head under reproaches, however well deserved -they may be." - -"Well!" - -"If you consent, I will do what you have so much difficulty in -resolving on. While you accompany Eglantine, I will go to your friends, -the Palefaces; I will tell them what has happened. I will put them on -their guard against their enemy, and you will have nothing to fear from -their anger." - -At this proposition, an indignant flush suffused the hunter's face. -"No," he exclaimed, "I will not add cowardice to my fault. I will -endure the consequences of my deed,--all the worse for myself. I thank -you, Chief; your proposition comes from a good heart, but I cannot -accept it." - -"My brother is the master." - -"Let us make haste," the hunter continued; "we have lost too much time -already. Heaven alone knows what may be the consequences of my deed, -and the misfortunes that will probably spring from it. It is impossible -for me to prevent them, it is my duty to do everything to lessen their -effect. Come, Chief, follow me; let us proceed to the camp without -further delay." - -While uttering these words, the hunter rose with feverish impatience. - -"I am unarmed," he said; "the villain has stripped me." - -"Let my brother not feel vexed at that," the Indian answered; "he will -find the needful arms at the camp." - -"That is true. Let us go and look for my horse, which I left a few -yards off." - -The Indian stopped him. "It is useless," he said. - -"Why so?" - -"That man has taken it." - -The hunter struck his brow in his discouragement. "What shall I do?" he -muttered. - -"My brother will take my horse." - -"And you, Chief?" - -"I have another." - -At a sign from Flying Eagle, Eglantine led up the horse. The two men -mounted; the Chief took his squaw up behind him, and leaning over the -necks of their horses, they started at full gallop in the direction of -the Gambusino camp, which they reached about an hour later without any -fresh incident. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -QUIEPAA TANI. - - -We must return to the two chief characters of our story, whom we have -neglected too long. For that purpose we will go back a little way, and -take up our narrative at the moment when Addick, followed by the two -young ladies Don Miguel confided to him, set out for Quiepaa Tani. - -A quiver of extraordinary voluptuousness passed over the Indian so -soon as he saw himself in the plains with the maidens, free from the -inquisitive glances of Don Miguel, and those even more clear-sighted of -Marksman. His eye, sparkling with pleasure, passed from Dona Laura to -Dona Luisa, unable to rest longer on one than the other. He found them -both so lovely, that he was never satiated with gazing on them with the -frenzied admiration Indians experience at the sight of Spanish women, -whom they infinitely prefer to their own squaws. - -While mentioning this peculiarity to the reader, we must add that for -their part the Spaniards eagerly seek the good graces of the Indian -women, in whom they find, irresistible charms. Is this the effect of a -wise combination of Providence, wishing to effect the complete fusion -of the two people? No one knows; but what cannot be doubted is, that -there are few Spaniards in America who have not sundry drops of Indian -blood in their veins. - -The young Indian chief, in possession of his two captives--for it was -thus he regarded them so soon as they were placed in his charge--had -at first thought of conducting them to his tribe, to decide presently -which he would select; but several reasons made him abandon this plan -almost as soon as he formed it. In the first place, the distance to -traverse, before reaching his village, was immense, and it was not very -probable he could manage it in the company of two frail and delicate -girls, who could not endure the numberless fatigues of a desert -journey. On the other hand, the city was only a couple of miles before -him; the crowd, momentarily increasing, hampered his movements; and the -dark outlines of the two hunters, standing out blackly on the top of -the mound, warned him that, at the slightest suspicious movement, he -would see two formidable adversaries rise before him. - -Making a virtue of necessity, then, he shut up in the depths of his -heart the emotions that agitated him, and resolved, ostensibly, -to accomplish his mission, by entering the city; but he intended -to confide the maidens to his foster brother, Chicukcoatl (Eight -Serpents), Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, who, in his functions as High -Priest of the Temple of the Sun, would be able to hide them from the -sight of all, until the day when, all obstacles being removed, Addick -would be free to act as he pleased, and take back his captives. - -The two unhappy girls, violently separated from the only friends left -to them, had fallen into a state of prostration, which prevented them -from noticing the hesitations and tergiversations of the perfidious -guide in whose hands they found themselves. Surrendered defencelessly -to the will of a savage, who could, if he thought proper, treat them -with the utmost violence, although he had guaranteed their safety, they -knew that they had no human succour to expect. They were compelled to -leave their fate in the hands of Heaven, and resigned themselves with a -Christian spirit to the hard trials they would doubtless have to endure -during their residence among the Indians. - -The three travellers, mixed up in the dense crowd of persons proceeding -like themselves to the city, soon reached the edge of the fosse, -followed by the inquisitive glances of those who surrounded them, for -the Indians speedily recognized the young girls as Spaniards. - -Addick having, by a glance, bidden his companions be prudent, assumed -the most careless air he could well affect, although his heart beat as -if ready to burst, and presented himself at the gateway. - -After crossing the wooden bridge, he stood in apparent apathy before -the gate; a lance was lowered before the strangers, and barred their -passage. A man, whom it was easy to recognize, by his rich costume, -as an influential chief of the city, rose from a butaca, on which he -was carelessly seated, smoking his pipe, advanced with measured steps, -and stopped, carefully examining the group formed by Addick and his -companions. - -The Indian, at first surprised and almost frightened by this hostile -demonstration, recovered almost immediately; a flash of joy burst from -his savage eye; he bent over to the sentry, and whispered a few words -in his ear. The Redskin immediately raised his lance with a respectful -gesture, fell back a step, and made room for them to pass. They entered. - -Addick walked hastily toward the Temple of the Sun, congratulating -himself on having so easily escaped the danger which had been suspended -for several minutes over his head. The maidens followed him with -that resignation of despair which bears so striking a likeness to -docility and deference, but which is, in reality, only the recognized -impossibility of escaping a fate one fears. While our friends are -crossing the streets of the city to reach their destination, we will -describe, in a few words, Quiepaa Tani, the exterior of which the -reader is only acquainted with. The narrow streets, running at right -angles, open on an immense square, situated exactly in the centre of -the city, and which bears the name of Conaciuhtzin.[1] It is probable -that it was in compliment to the sun that the Indians conceived -this square, from which the streets of the city radiate; for it is -impossible to imagine a more correct representation of the planet -they adore than this mysteriously and emblematically significant -arrangement. Four magnificent palaces rise in the direction of the -four cardinal points. On the western side is the great temple, called -Amantzin-expan, surrounded by an infinite number of chiselled columns -of gold and silver. The appearance of this edifice is most imposing. -You reach it by a flight of twenty steps, each made of a single stone, -thirty feet in length; the walls are excessively lofty, and the roof, -like that of all the other buildings, is terraced. The Indians, -though perfectly acquainted with the art of building subterranean -arches, are completely ignorant of the way of raising domes in the -air. The interior of the temple is relatively very simple. Long -tapestries, embroidered with feathers of a thousand different hues, -and representing, in hieroglyphic writing, the entire history of the -Indian religion, cover the walls. In the centre of the temple stands -the _teocali_, or isolated altar, surmounted by a brilliant sun, made -of gold and precious stones, supported on the great _ayotl_, or sacred -tortoise. By an ingenious artifice, each morning the first beams of -the rising sun fall on this splendid idol, and make it sparkle with -such brilliant fire, that it really seems to be animated, and lights up -the surrounding scene. Before the altar is the sacrificial table, an -immense block of marble, representing one of those Druidic _menhies_ -so common in old Armorica. It is a species of stone table, supported -by four blocks of rock. The table, slightly hollowed in the centre, -is supplied with a conduit, intended to carry off the blood of the -victims. We must remark that human sacrifices are growing daily rarer. -We are, fortunately, far from an epoch when, in order to dedicate a -temple, sixty thousand human victims were immolated in one day at -Mexico. At present these sacrifices only take place under the most -exceptional circumstances; and, in that case, the victims are selected -from the prisoners condemned to death. At the back of the temple is a -space closed in with heavy curtains, entrance to which is interdicted -to the people. These curtains conceal the top of a staircase leading -to vast cellars, which extend under the whole temple, and which the -priests alone have the right to enter. It is in the most secret and -retired spot of these vaults that the sacred fire of Motecuhzoma burns -uninterruptedly. The floor of the temple is covered with leaves and -flowers, renewed every morning. - -On the southern side of the square is the _Tanamitec_, or Palace of -the Chief. This palace, whose name, literally translated, signifies "a -spot surrounded by water," is merely a succession of reception rooms -and immense courts, employed by the warriors entrusted with the defence -of the city for their military exercises. A separate building, to -which visitors are not admitted, is set apart for the residence of the -chief's family. Another building serves as arsenal, and contains all -the arms of the city, such as arrows, saoaies, lances, bows, and Indian -shields from the most remote period; European sabres, swords, and guns, -which, after fearing for so long, the Indians have learned to employ as -well as ourselves, if not better. The greatest curiosity, undoubtedly, -contained in this arsenal is a small cannon which belonged to Cortez, -and which that conqueror was compelled to abandon on the high road, -during his precipitate retreat from Mexico on the _noche triste_. This -cannon is still an object of fear and veneration to the Indians; for -many recollections of the conquest have remained in their hearts after -so many years and vicissitudes of every description. - -On the same square stands the famous _Ciuatl-expan_, or Palace of the -Vestals. It is here that, far from the glance of men, the Virgins of -the Sun live and die. No man, the High Priest excepted, can penetrate -to the interior of this building, reserved for the women dedicated to -the sun. A fearful death would immediately punish the daring man who -attempted to transgress this law. The life of the Indian vestals bears -considerable resemblance to that of the nuns peopling the European -convents. They are shut up, take a vow of perpetual chastity, and -pledge themselves never to speak to a man, unless it be their father -or brother, and in that case they can only converse through a grating -and in the presence of a third party, while careful to veil their -faces. When, during the ceremonies, they appear in public, or assist in -the religious festivals in the temple, they are completely veiled. A -vestal convicted of letting a man see her face is condemned to death. - -In the interior of their abode they amuse themselves with feminine -occupations, and privately perform the rites of their religion. Their -vows are voluntary. A young girl cannot be admitted into the ranks of -the Virgins of the Sun until the High Priest has acquired the certainty -that no one has forced her to this determination, and that she is -really following her vocation. - -Lastly, the fourth palace, situated on the eastern side of the square, -is the most splendid, and at the same time the most gloomy of all. -It is called the Iztlacat-expan, or Palace of the Prophets. It is -the residence of the priests. It would be impossible to describe the -mysterious, sad, and cold appearance of this residence; the windows of -which are covered with a wicker frame, so closely interwoven, as almost -to entirely exclude the light of day. A gloomy silence perpetually -prevails in this building; but at times, in the middle of the night, -when all are reposing in the city, the Indians awake in terror at the -strange sounds that appear to issue from the Iztlacat-expan. What is -the life of men who inhabit it? In what do they spend their time? No -one knows. Woe to the imprudent man, who, curious for information -on this point, would try to surprise the secrets of which he should -remain in ignorance; for the vengeance of the insulted priests would be -implacable. - -If the vow of chastity be imposed on the vestals, it is not so with -regard to the High Priest and his assistants; still we must remark, -that very few of them marry, and all abstain, at least openly, from -any connection with the other sex. The noviciates of the priests -lasts ten years, and it is only at the expiration of that period, -and after undergoing numberless trials, that the novices assume the -title of Chalchiuh. Until then they can alter their minds, and embrace -another career; but the case is extremely rare. It is true, that if -they took advantage of the law's permission, they would be infallibly -assassinated by their brothers, who would fear seeing a portion of -their secrets unveiled to the public. In other respects the priests are -highly respected by the Indians, whose love they contrive to acquire; -and we may say, that next to the chief, the Amanani is the most -powerful man in the tribe. - -Among peoples with whom religion is so powerful a lever, it may -be observed that the temporal and spiritual power never come into -collision; each knows how far his attributes extend, and follows the -line traced for him, without trying to infringe on the rights of the -other. Owing to this intelligent diplomacy, priests and chiefs act in -concert, and double their strength. - -The European, habituated to the tumult, noise, and movement of the -cities of the old world, whose streets are constantly encumbered by -vehicles of every description, and with the passers-by, who come into -collision at each step, would be strangely surprised at the sight of -the interior of an Indian city. There, there are no noisy ways of -communication, bordered by magnificent shops, offering to the curiosity -or greed of the purchasers and rogues the superb and dazzling specimens -of European industry; there are no carriages, not even carts; the -silence is only disturbed by the step of the few passers hastening -back to their dwellings, and who walk with the imposing gravity of -professors or magistrates of all nations. - -The houses, which are all hermetically closed, allow none of -the internal noises to be heard from the street. Indian life is -concentrated in the family, and closed against the stranger; the -manners are patriarchal, and the public way never becomes, as is too -often the case amongst our civilized peoples, the disgraceful scene of -the disputes, quarrels, or fights of the citizen. - -The vendors collect in immense bazaars, where, until midday, they -sell their merchandise; that is to say, fruits, vegetables, and meat; -for all other trade is unknown to the Indians, each family weaving or -making for itself the garments, furniture, or household articles it -requires. Then, when the sun has run half its course, the bazaars are -closed, and the Indian traders, who all inhabit the country, quit the -city, to return next morning with fresh vegetables. Each family lays in -its stock for the day. - -Among the Indians the men never work, the women are entrusted with -the purchases, the household cares, and the preparation of all that -is indispensable for existence. The men, too proud to do any domestic -work, hunt or go on the warpath. - -The payment for what is purchased is not effected, as in Europe, by -means of coins, which are generally only known to, or accepted by, -the coast Indians, who traffic with the whites; but by means of a -free exchange, which is practised by all the tribes residing in the -interior. The plan is most simple. The purchaser exchanges some article -for that he wishes to acquire, and all is settled. - -Now that we have made Quiepaa Tani known to the reader, let us -terminate this chapter by saying that Addick and his companions, after -wandering for some time through the streets, at length reached the -Iztlacat-expan. - -The Indian Chief had, as he desired, found a complaisant auxiliary -in the Amanani, who swore, on his head, to guard, with scrupulous -attention, the prisoners entrusted to him. - -We may as well add, that Addick told the High Priest that the ladies -he confided to his care were the daughters of one of the most powerful -men in Mexico, and that, in order to compel him to grant his protection -to the Indians, he had resolved on taking one of them to wife; still, -as the two girls pleased him equally--and for that reason it had -been impossible for him, up to that moment, to make a choice between -them--he prudently abstained from pointing out the object of his -purpose. Then he added, in order completely to conquer the good graces -of the man he took as his accomplice, and whose sordid avarice had long -been known to him, that a magnificent present would amply reward him -for the guardianship he begged him to accept. - -Tranquil for the future about the fate of the two maidens, and the -first part of the plot he had formed having completely succeeded, -Addick purposed to carry out the second in the same way; he -consequently took leave of those he had sworn to protect, and whom he -betrayed so shamefully: and, mounting his horse again, he left the -city, and proceeded, at full speed, towards the ford of the Rubio, -where he knew he should meet Don Miguel. - - -[1] Square of the Sun. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -A TRIO OF VILLAINS. - - -Leaving Addick to depart at full gallop from Quiepaa Tani, let us -turn for a little while to the maidens whom, prior to his departure, -he confided to the Amantzin. The latter shut the maidens up in the -Ciuatl-expan, inhabited by the Virgins of the Sun. Although prisoners, -they were treated with the utmost respect, after the orders Addick had -given, and they would have probably endured the annoyance of their -unjust captivity with patience, had not a deep alarm as to the fate -reserved for them, and an invincible sorrow, resulting from the events -to which they had been victims, and the terrible circumstances which -had led them to their present condition, by suddenly separating them -from their last defender, seized upon them. - -It was now that the difference of character between the two friends -was clearly shown. Dona Laura, accustomed to the eager homage of the -brilliant cavaliers who visited her father's house, and the enjoyment -of a slothful and luxurious life, as is that of all rich Mexican -families, suffered on feeling herself so roughly deprived of the -delights and caresses by which her childhood had been surrounded; -forgetting the tortures of the convent only to remember the joys of the -paternal mansion, and incapable of resisting the sorrow that preyed -upon her, she fell into a state of discouragement and torpor which she -did not even attempt to combat. - -Dona Luisa, on the contrary, who found in her present condition but -little change from her noviciate, while deploring the blow that struck -her, endured it with courage and resignation: her well-tempered soul -accepted misfortune as the consequence of her devotion to her friend. -Unconsciously, perhaps, another feeling had for some time past glided -into the maiden's heart--a feeling which she did not attempt to -explain, whose strength she did not thoroughly know; but which doubled -her courage, and made her hope for a deliverance, if not prompt, at -least possible, executed by the man who had already risked everything -for her friend and herself, and would not abandon them in the fresh -tribulations by which they were assailed, owing to the odious treachery -of their guide. - -When the two friends conversed together at times about any probability -of deliverance, Laura did not dare to pronounce the name of Don Miguel, -and through a reserve, the reason of which may be easily divined, she -pretended to rely on the name and power of her father. Luisa, more -frank, contented herself with answering that the bravery and devotion -that Don Miguel had displayed were a sure guarantee that he would, ere -long, come to their assistance. - -Laura, whom her companion had not thought it advisable to inform of -the numberless obligations which she owed the young man, could not -understand the connection that could possibly exist between him and the -future, and cross-questioned Luisa. But the latter remained dumb, or -eluded the question. - -"In truth, my friend," Laura said to her, "you speak incessantly of Don -Miguel. We certainly owe him great gratitude for the service he has -rendered us; but now his part is almost played out; my father, warned -by him of the position in which we are, will come, ere long, to deliver -us." - -"_Querida de mi corazon_"[1] Luisa answered her, with a toss of her -head; "who knows where your father is at this moment? _I_ trust in -help from Don Miguel, because he alone saved us from his own impulse, -without hope of reward of any sort, and he is too loyal and too much of -a gentleman not to finish an enterprise he has begun so well." - -This last sentence was uttered by the young lady with such an air of -conviction, that Laura felt surprised at it, and raised her eyes to her -friend, who felt herself instinctively blush beneath the weight of this -inquiring glance. - -Laura added nothing; but she asked herself what could be the nature -of the feeling which urged her friend to defend a man whom no one -attacked, and to whom she, Luisa, only owed such slight obligations, -and, indeed, scarce knew? - -From that day, as if by a tacit agreement, they never spoke of Don -Miguel, and his name was never mentioned by the maidens. - -It is a strange fact, and yet undoubtedly true, that priests, no matter -of what country they are, or the religion to which they belong, are -continually devoured by a desire to make proselytes at any price. The -Amantzin of Quiepaa Tani, in this respect, resembled all his brethren; -he would not allow the opportunity to slip which was apparently -afforded him of converting two Spanish girls to the religion of the -Sun. Gifted with a great intellect, thoroughly convinced of the -excellence of the religious principles he professed, and, besides, -an obstinate enemy of the Spaniards, he conceived the plan, so soon -as Addick intrusted him with the care of the maidens, of making them -priestesses of the Sun. In America, there is no lack of instances -of conversions of this nature, for what may seem monstrous to us is -regarded as perfectly natural in that country. - -The Amantzin planted his batteries in consequence. The maidens did -not speak Indian; on his side, he did not know a word of Spanish; but -this difficulty, apparently enormous, was quickly removed by the High -Priest. He was related to a renowned Indian warrior, of the name of -Atoyac, the very man, indeed, who was sentry at the gate of the city -upon Addick's arrival. This man had married a civilized Indian girl, -who, brought up not far from Monterey, spoke Spanish sufficiently -well to make herself understood. She was a woman of about thirty -years of age, although she appeared at least fifty. In these regions, -where growth is so rapid, a woman is usually married at the age of -twelve or thirteen. Continually forced to those hard tasks which, in -other countries, fall to the lot of men, their freshness speedily -disappears; on reaching the age of twenty-five, they are attacked by a -precocious decrepitude, which, ten years later, converts into hideous -and repulsive beings women who, in their youth, were endowed with great -beauty and exquisite grace, of which many European women would be -justly proud. - -Atoyac's wife was named Huitlotl, or the Pigeon. She was a gentle and -simple creature, who, having herself suffered much, was instinctively -urged to sympathize with the sufferings of others. Hence, in spite of -the law which forbade the introduction of strangers into the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun, the High Priest took on himself to let the -Pigeon enter the presence of the maidens. - -A person must have been a prisoner himself among individuals whose -language he does not understand, in order to imagine the satisfaction -which the prisoners must have felt on at length receiving a visit from -somebody who could converse with them, and help them to subdue the -utter weariness in which they passed their time. The Indian was hence -accosted as a friend, and her presence regarded as a most agreeable -interlude. - -In the second interview, however, the Spaniards guessed with what an -interested design these visits were permitted, and then a real tyranny -succeeded on the short joyous conversation of the first day. It was -a permanent punishment to the maidens. As Spaniards, and attached to -the religion of their fathers, they could not fulfil the High Priest's -hopes, while the Indian woman, incapable of playing the false and -roguish part to which she was condemned, did not hide from them that, -in spite of the honied words and insinuating manner of the Amanani, -they must expect to suffer the most frightful tortures, if they refused -to devote themselves to the worship of the Sun. The prospect was far -from being reassuring. The maidens knew the Indians to be capable -of putting their odious threats in execution without the slightest -remorse; hence, while promising in their hearts to remain staunch in -the faith of their fathers, the poor creatures were devoured by mortal -alarm. - -Time passed away, and the High Priest began to grow impatient at the -slowness of the conversion. The little hope the two maidens had kept up -of escaping from the sacrifice demanded of them was gradually deserting -them. This painful situation, which was further aggravated by the -absence of all news from without, at length produced an illness whose -progress was so rapid, that the High Priest considered it prudent to -suspend the execution of his ardent project of proselytism. - -Let us leave the wretched prisoners for a few moments, almost -felicitating themselves on the change that had taken place in their -health, as it for a time at least almost freed them from the odious -presence to which they were exposed, and take up the course of events -which happened to other persons who figure in this story. - -So soon as Don Estevan found himself at liberty, he dug his spurs into -the flanks of Brighteye's horse, and began a furious race across the -forest, whose evident object was to remove him as speedily as possible -from the clearing which had all but proved so fearfully fatal to him. -A prey to a mad terror which every moment that passed doubled, the -wretched man galloped haphazard, without object or idea, following -no direction, but flying straight before him, pursued by the hideous -phantom of the death which, for an hour that was as long as an age, had -bent over his shoulders, and had already stretched forth its skeleton -hand to seize him, when a miraculous accident sent a liberator. - -Don Estevan, in proportion as lucidity re-entered his brain, and -calmness sprung up again in his thoughts, became once more the man -he had ever been; that is to say, the implacable villain so justly -condemned and executed by Lynch law. Instead of recognising in his -deliverance the omnipotent finger of Providence wishing thus to show -him the path of repentance, he only saw a naturally accidental fact, -and entertained but one thought--that of avenging himself on the men -who prostrated him and set their feet on his chest. - -No one could say how many hours he thus galloped in the darkness, -revolving schemes of vengeance, and casting ironical looks of defiance -at Heaven. The whole night was passed in this mad race, and sunrise -surprised him at a long distance from the spot where he had undergone -his sentence. - -He stopped for a moment in order to restore a little connection in his -ideas and look around him. The trees, rather scattered at the spot -where he halted, enabled him to see between their trunks a plain in -front of him, terminating in the distance in tall mountains, whose -blue-grey summits mingled in the horizon with the sky: a rather wide -river flowed silently between two scarped banks, denuded of vegetation. -Don Estevan gave a sigh of relief. Supposing, as was not at all -probable, that anyone had started in pursuit, the rapidity of his -flight, and the innumerable turns he had taken, must have completely -hidden his trail. He advanced slowly to the edge of the forest, -resolved to stop for an hour or two to rest his panting steed, and -himself take that repose so absolutely necessary after so much fatigue -and agony. So soon as he reached the first trees of the wood, he -stopped again. Assured himself by a glance round that no human being -was in the vicinity, and reassured by the calmness and silence that -reigned around him, he dismounted, unsaddled and hobbled his horse, -and, lying down on the ground, he began reflecting. His position was -far from agreeable. He was alone, almost unarmed, in a strange country, -compelled to fly from men of his own colour, and obliged to depend on -himself alone to face all the events which might occur, and the dangers -that surrounded him on every side. - -Assuredly, a man more resolute than was Don Estevan, and gifted by -nature with a more powerful organization than he possessed, would, in -his place, have felt greatly embarrassed, and would have given way, -if not to despair, at least to discouragement. The Mexican, overcome -by the atrocious emotions and extraordinary fatigue he had endured -during the fatal night which had just passed, fell involuntarily into -such a state of prostration and insensibility, that gradually external -objects disappeared from his sight, and he only existed in his mind, -that ever-shining beacon in the human brain, and which God in his -infinite goodness allows to shine there in the darkest gloom, in order -to restore to the creature, in extreme situations, the feeling of his -strength and the will to struggle. - -For a long time Don Estevan had been seated, with his elbow on his -knee and his head on his hand, looking without seeing, listening -without hearing, when he suddenly started, and drew himself up sharply. -A hand had been gently laid on his shoulder. Slight as the touch was, -it was enough to arouse the Mexican, and restore him to a sense of his -present situation. He looked up: two men, two Indians, were by his -side; they were Addick and Red Wolf. - -A gleam of joy shone in Don Estevan's eye: these two men, he had a -presentiment, were two allies. He wanted them without hoping ever to -meet them. In fact, in the desert, who can be certain of meeting those -he seeks? - -Addick fixed a sardonic glance on him. "Och!" he said, "my pale brother -sleeps with his eyes open; his fatigue, it seems, is great." - -"Yes," Don Estevan answered. - -There was a moment of silence. "I did not hope to find my brother again -so soon, and in such an agreeable position," the Indian continued. - -"Ah!" Don Estevan said again. - -"Yes, aided by my brother Red Wolf and his warriors, I had set out to -bring help, if it were possible, to the Paleface." - -The Mexican looked at him suspiciously. "Thanks," he at length said, -with piercing irony; "I required help from nobody." - -"All the better--that does not astonish me: my brother is a great -warrior in his nation; but perhaps the help now useless to him will be -of service to him later." - -"Listen, Redskin," Don Estevan said; "take my advice, let us not deal -in repartees, but be frank towards each other. You know a great deal -more of my affairs than I should have wished anyone to discover. How -you learned it is of little consequence; still, if I understand you, -you have a proposal to make to me, a proposal you doubtless think I -shall accept, because of the position in which you find me. Make it, -then, frankly, briefly, as a man ought to do, and let us come to an -end, instead of wasting precious time in idle discourse and useless -beating about the bush." - -Addick smiled craftily. "My brother speaks well," he said, in a honied -voice; "his wisdom is great. I will be frank with him; he wants me; I -will serve him." - -"_Voto a brios!_ that is talking like a man; that pleases me. Go on, -Chief; if the end of your speech resembles the beginning, I do not -doubt we shall come to an understanding." - -"Wah! I am convinced of it; but, before sitting down to the council -fire, my brother needs to regain his strength, weakened by a long fast -and heavy fatigue. Red Wolf's warriors are encamped close by. Let my -brother follow me. When he has taken a little nourishment, we will -settle our business." - -"Be it so. Go on; I follow you," Don Estevan answered. - -The three men then went off in the direction of the Redskin camp, which -was not more than a hundred paces from the spot they left. - -The Indians understand hospitality better than any other people, -excepting the Arabs--that virtue ignored in cities, where, to the -disgrace of civilized peoples, a cold egotism and shameful distrust is -substituted for it. Don Estevan was treated by the Indians as well as -it was possible for them to do. After he had eaten and drank as much as -he wanted, Addick returned to the charge. "Will my Paleface brother -hear me at present?" he said. "Are his ears open?" - -"My ears are open, Chief. I am listening to you with all the attention -of which I am capable." - -"Does my brother wish to avenge himself on his enemies?" - -"Yes," Don Estevan exclaimed, passionately. - -"But those enemies are powerful; they are numerous. My brother has -already succumbed in the contest he tried to wage with them. A man, -when he is alone, is weaker than a child." - -"That is true," the Mexican muttered. - -"If my brother consents to grant to Red Wolf and Addick what they will -ask of him, the Red Chiefs will help my brother to avenge himself, and -ensure him success." - -A feverish flush covered Don Estevan's face; a convulsive tremor flew -over his limbs. "_Voto a brios!_" he muttered, gloomily; "whatever be -the condition you lay down, I accept it, if you serve me as you say." - -"My brother must not pledge himself lightly," the Indian retorted, with -a grin. "He does not know the condition yet; perhaps he will regret -having been so hasty." - -"I repeat to you," Don Estevan repeated firmly, "that I accept the -condition, whatever it be. Let me know it, then, without further delay." - -The cautious Indian hesitated, or appeared to hesitate, for two or -three minutes, which seemed an age to the Mexican. At length he went -on, in a perfidiously gentle voice. "I know where the two Palefaced -maidens are whom my brother seeks in vain." - -Don Estevan, at these words, bounded as if he had been stung by a -serpent. "You know it!" he shouted, as he squeezed his arm violently, -and looked fixedly at him. - -"I know it," Addick answered, still with perfect calmness. - -"It is not possible." - -The Indian smiled contemptuously. "It was under my guardianship," he -said, "and guided by me, that they reached their present abode." - -"And you can lead me to it?" - -"I can." - -"On the instant?" - -"Yes, if you accept my conditions." - -"That is true; tell me them." - -"Which does my brother prefer, these young girls, or vengeance?" - -"Vengeance!" - -"Good; the young pale girls will remain where they are. Addick and Red -Wolf are alone; their cabins are desolate; they each need a wife. The -warriors hunt; the cihuatls prepare the food, and nurse the papooses. -Does my brother understand me?" - -These words were pronounced with so strange an intonation, that the -Mexican shuddered involuntarily, but he recovered almost immediately. -"And if I accept?" he said. - -"Red Wolf has two hundred warriors. They are at my brother's service, -to aid him in accomplishing his vengeance." - -Don Estevan let his head fall in his hands. For a few moments he -remained motionless. This man, who had so coolly resolved on his -niece's death, hesitated at the odious proposition now made him. This -condition seemed to him more horrible than death. - -The Indians waited, apparently apathetic witnesses of the contest -that was going on in the heart of the man they wished to seduce. They -watched this conflict of good and evil inclinations, coldly calculating -the chances of success offered them by the evil instincts of the wretch -they held beneath their eye. However, the struggle was not long. Don -Estevan raised his head, and said, with a calm voice, cold face, and no -sign of emotion,--"Well, be it so, the die is cast. I accept, and will -keep my word; but first keep yours." - -"We will keep it," the Indians answered. - -"Before the eighth sun," Addick added, "my brother's enemies will be in -his power; he will deal with them as he thinks proper." - -"And now, what must I do?" Don Estevan asked. - -"Here is our plan," Addick replied. - -The three men then discussed the plan of campaign they intended to -follow, in order to gain the object they proposed. But, as we shall -soon see it work out, we will leave it, to return to our other -characters. - - -[1] Cherished one of my heart. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE. - - -The persons collected in Don Miguel's tent could not repress a movement -of surprise, almost of terror, at the sudden appearance of Brighteye, -pale, bleeding, and with disordered garments. The hunter had stopped in -the entrance of the tent, tottering, and looking around with haggard -eyes, while his face gradually assumed an expression of sorrow and -profound discouragement. All these men, accustomed to the incessantly -changing life of the desert, whose courage, incessantly put to the -rudest trials, was surprised at nothing, felt themselves, however, -shudder, and a foreboding of misfortune. - -Brighteye still remained motionless and dumb. Don Miguel was the first -to recall his presence of mind, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -mastery over himself to address the newcomer. "What is the matter, -Brighteye?" he asked him in a voice which he tried in vain to render -firm; "of what sad news are you the bearer?" - -The Canadian passed his hand several times over his damp forehead, and, -after casting a last suspicious glance around him, he at length found -courage to reply in a low and inarticulate voice--"I have terrible news -to announce." - -The adventurer's heart beat audibly; still, he mastered his emotion, -and said in a calm voice, with a sigh of resignation--"It will be -welcome, for we can hear nothing from you which is not so. Speak, then, -my friend, we are listening to you." - -Brighteye hesitated, a feverish flush mounted over his face; but, -making a supreme effort, he said, "I have betrayed you--betrayed you -like a coward." - -"You!" they all exclaimed, unanimously, in denial, and shrugging their -shoulders. - -"Yes, I!" - -These two words were uttered in the tone of a man whose resolution is -definitely formed, and who loyally accepts the responsibility of an act -which he recognises in his heart as culpable. - -His hearers regarded him in stupor. "Hum!" Marksman muttered, shaking -his head sorrowfully; "there is something incomprehensible in all this. -Leave it to me to find it out," he continued, addressing Don Miguel, -who seemed preparing to address fresh questions to the hunter. "I know -how to make him speak." - -The adventurer consented with a mute sign, and then fell back on his -bed, while bending an interrogatory glance on the Canadian. - -Marksman quitted the spot he had hitherto occupied, and walking up to -Brighteye, laid his hand on his shoulder. The Canadian quivered at this -friendly touch, and looked sorrowfully at the old hunter. "By Jove!" -the latter said, with a smile, "deuce take me if our ears were not -tingling just now! Come, Brighteye, old comrade, what is the matter? -Why this terrified look, as if the sky was on the point of falling on -our heads! What means this pretended treachery of which you accuse -yourself, and whose flagrant impossibility I guarantee; I, who have -known you these forty years?" - -"Do not pledge yourself so for me, brother," Brighteye answered, in a -hollow voice; "I have broken the law of the prairies. I have betrayed -you, I tell you." - -"But, in the devil's name, explain yourself! You cannot have bargained -to our injury with those Apache dogs, our enemies? Such a supposition -would be ridiculous." - -"I have done worse." - -"Oh! oh! What, then?" - -"I have--" Brighteye hesitated. - -"What?" - -Don Mariano suddenly interposed. "Silence!" he said, in a firm voice, -"I guess what you have done, and thank you for it. To me it belongs to -justify you in the sight of our friends, so let me do so." - -All eyes were curiously turned on the gentleman. - -"Caballeros," he continued, "this worthy man accuses himself of -treachery towards you, because he consented to do me an immense -service. In a word, he has saved my brother." - -"Can it be possible?" Don Miguel passionately exclaimed. - -Brighteye bowed in affirmation. - -"Oh!" the adventurer said, "wretched man, what have you done?" - -"I would not be a fratricide," Don Mariano nobly answered. - -This word burst like a bombshell amid these lion-hearted men. They let -their heads sink instinctively, and quivered involuntarily. - -"Do not reproach this honest hunter," Don Mariano continued, "with -having saved that wretch. Has he not been sufficiently punished? The -lesson has been too rude for him not to profit by it. Forced to allow -his defeat, bowed beneath shame and remorse, he is now wandering alone -and without help beneath the omnipotent eye of God, who, when his hour -arrives, will inflict on him the chastisement for his crimes. Now, Don -Estevan is no longer an object of alarm to us; we shall never meet him -again on our path." - -"Stop!" Brighteye shouted, vehemently; "were it as you state, I should -not reproach myself so greatly for having consented to obey you. No, -no, Don Mariano, I ought to have refused. When the serpent is dead, the -venom is dead also! Do you know what this man did? So soon as he was -free, thanks to me, immediately forgetting that I was his saviour, he -treacherously tried to deprive me of the life I had just restored him. -Look at the gaping wound on my skull," he added, suddenly raising the -bandage that surrounded his head, "here is the proof of his gratitude -he left me on separating from me." - -All present uttered an exclamation of horror. - -Brighteye then narrated, in their fullest detail, the events which had -occurred. The hunters listened attentively. When his story was ended, -there was a moment of silence. - -"What is to be done?" Don Miguel muttered, sorrowfully. "All must be -begun afresh. There is no lack of villains on the prairie with whom -this man can come to an understanding." - -Don Mariano, overwhelmed by what he had just heard, remained gloomy and -silent, taking no part in the discussion, recognizing in his heart the -fault he had committed, but not feeling the courage to avow it, and -thus assume the immense responsibility of the sentence passed by the -wood rangers. - -"We must come to an end of this," Marksman said, "moments are precious. -Who knows what that villain is doing while we are consulting? Let us -raise the camp as speedily as possible, and proceed to those maidens, -for they must be saved in the first place. As for ourselves, we shall -be able to foil the scoundrel's machinations, when aimed directly at -ourselves." - -"Yes," Don Miguel exclaimed, "let us start. Heaven grant that we arrive -in time." - -And forgetting his weakness and wounds, the adventurer rose boldly. -Brighteye stopped him. The old hunter, freed from the burthen that -weighed so heavily on his conscience, had regained all his boldness and -freedom of mind. - -"Permit me," he said, "to have to deal with a powerful foe. Let us -not act lightly, or let ourselves be deceived this time. Hear what I -propose." - -"Speak," Don Leo answered. - -"From what I know of this unhappy story, you, Don Miguel, aided by my -old companion, Marksman, have hidden these young girls in a place where -you suppose them safe from the attack of your enemy." - -"Yes," the adventurer answered, "except by treachery." - -"We must always suspect treachery as possible in the desert," the -hunter went on, roughly; "you have a proof of it before you; hence -redouble your prudence. Don Miguel and his Cuadrilla will, guided by -us, set out immediately in pursuit of Don Stefano. Believe me, the -most important thing for us is to secure the person of our enemy, and, -by heavens, I swear to do all humanly possible to catch him. I have a -terrible account to settle with him now," he added, with an expression -of concentrated hatred which no one misunderstood. - -"But the young ladies?" Don Leo exclaimed. - -"Patience! Don Miguel; if you possessed as much strength as good will, -I should have reserved for you the honour of going to seek them in the -asylum you so judiciously selected for them; but that task will be too -rude for you; leave to Marksman, then, the care of carrying it out, and -be assured he will give you a good account of it." - -Don Leo de Torres remained for a moment gloomy and thoughtful. Marksman -took his hand, and pressed it warmly. "Brighteye's advice is good," -he said; "under the present circumstances, it is the only plan we can -follow; we must play a game of trickery with our adversaries, in order -to foil their villainy. Leave that to me; I have not been christened -'The Scout' in vain. I swear to you, on my life, that I will bring the -two maidens back to you." - -The adventurer breathed a sigh. "Do as you think proper," he said, in -a sorrowful voice, "as I am quite powerless." - -"Good, Don Leo!" Don Mariano exclaimed; "I perceive that your -intentions are truly honourable, and I thank you for your self-denial. -As for you, my worthy friend," he said, turning to Marksman, "though I -am old, and but little accustomed to desert life, I will accompany you." - -"Your desire is just, senor, and I have no right to oppose it, as it -is your daughter I am going to try and save; the fatigue you will -endure, and the perils you incur during this expedition, will add to -the happiness you experience in embracing your daughter, when I have -succeeded in restoring her to you." - -"Now," Brighteye said, "do you, Marksman, who know the direction you -are about to follow, give us a place of meeting, where we can assemble -again when each of us has accomplished his allotted task." - -"That is important," the Canadian answered; "it would be even as well -if a detachment from Don Miguel's Cuadrilla were to proceed directly to -the meeting place we select, in order that, in the event of a mishap, -each band can find succour or support there." - -"Fifteen of my most resolute men shall go at once to encamp at the spot -you select, Marksman," Don Miguel said, "in order to be ready to go -wherever their presence is necessary." - -"We are carrying on regular warfare; do not forget that; hence we must -neglect no precaution. Ruperto, who is an old buffalo hunter, will, -with your permission, Don Miguel, take the command of this party, and -proceed to Amaxtlan."[1] - -"Oh, I know the spot well," Ruperto interrupted; "I have often hunted -beaver and otter there." - -"That is all right," Marksman continued. "Now, whatever happens, we -must all be at the appointed place this day month, except through a -grave impediment, and, in that case, the detachment missing will send a -scout to Ruperto, in order to inform him of the cause of its delay. Is -that agreed?" - -"Yes," his auditors answered. - -"But," Don Miguel added, "I suppose that you will not go alone with Don -Mariano?" - -"No; I shall also take Domingo, who, for certain reasons known to -myself, I shall not be sorry to have constantly under my hand. Don -Mariano's two servants will also follow me; they are brave and devoted. -I need no more people." - -"They are very few," Don Leo remarked. - -The old hunter smiled in a peculiar way. "The less We are, the better -it will be," he said, "for the dangerous enterprise we meditate; our -little band will pass invisible, where a larger party would be stopped; -trust to me for that." - -"I have one more word to add." - -"Say it." - -"Succeed!" - -The Canadian smiled again, but this time with an expression of tender -pity. "I shall succeed," he answered, simply, as he forcibly pressed -the hand his friend offered him. - -The two men understood one another. Don Leo then left the tent. - -Soon all was bustle in the camp. The Gambusinos were busily engaged in -destroying the entrenchments, loading the waggons, and saddling the -horses; in short, everybody made preparations for a hurried departure. - -"Did you not tell me, Marksman," asked Brighteye, "that you were picked -up by Flying Eagle?" - -"Yes," the other answered. - -"Did the Chief leave you at once, then?" - -"No; he followed me to the camp, and so did Eglantine." - -"Heaven be praised! He will accompany me on my expedition; he is a -brave and experienced warrior; his help, I believe, will be very -necessary to the success of my plans. Where is he?" - -"A few steps off; let us go and find him, for I have also something to -say to him." - -The two hunters left the camp together. They soon perceived Flying -Eagle, squatting by a fire, and calmly smoking his Indian calumet; his -wife sat motionless by his side, anxious to satisfy his slightest wish. -On seeing the hunters, the Chief took the pipe from his mouth, and -saluted them courteously. - -Brighteye knew that the Comanche had taken several measurements of -the footsteps left by Don Estevan on his flight, and he wished to -ask the Chief for them, as he hoped to employ them in following his -enemy's trail. The Indian gave them to him without the slightest -hesitation. The hunter placed them carefully in his bosom, with a nod -of satisfaction. "Eh!" he muttered to himself. "This will enable me to -find one end of the trail; with the help of heaven, I hope that I shall -soon hold the other." - -In the meanwhile, Marksman had seated himself by Flying Eagle's side. - -"Does my red brother still intend to return to his tribe?" he asked -him. - -"The Sachem has been absent for a long time," the Indian answered; "his -sons are anxious to see him." - -"Good!" the hunter said; "it should be so. Flying Eagle is a renowned -Chief; his sons have need of him." - -"The Comanches are too wise to notice the absence of a warrior." - -"My brother is modest; but his heart flies toward the village of his -fathers." - -"Are not all men the same?" - -"That is true; the feeling of one's country is innate in the heart of -man." - -"The Palefaces are raising their camp." - -"Yes." - -"Are they returning to the side of the great Salt Lake, into their -stone villages?" - -"No; they are starting for a great buffalo hunt in the prairies, down -by the endless river with the golden waves." - -"Wah!" the Chief said, with a certain degree of emotion; "then many -moons will pass ere I see my brother again." - -"Why so, Chief?" - -"Does not the great Pale hunter accompany his brothers?" - -"No!" Marksman answered, laconically. - -"Och! my brother must be laughing. What will the Palefaces do, if he -does not accompany them?" - -"I am going in the direction of the sun!" - -The Indian started, and fixed a piercing glance on the speaker. "The -direction of the sun," he said, as if speaking to himself. - -"Yes," Marksman continued; "to the evergreen prairies of the country -of Acatlan,[2] on the banks of the fair streams of Atonatiah."[3] - -The Chief started violently. Marksman remained calm, and apparently -indifferent, although he attentively followed the various emotions -which contracted the Chief's features, in spite of the mask he tried to -draw over them. "My brother is wrong," he said, presently. - -"Why so?" - -"My brother is ignorant that this land of which he speaks is sacred. -Never has the foot of a white man trodden it with impunity." - -"I know it," the hunter answered, carelessly. - -"My brother knows it, and persists in going there?" - -"Yes." - -There was a silence of several moments' duration between the two men, -the Indian hastily puffing the smoke from his calumet, a prey to an -emotion he could not master. At length he spoke again. "Every man -has his destiny," he said, in that sententious tone peculiar to the -Indians. "My brother doubtless attaches a great importance to this -journey." - -"An immense importance, Chief; I am going to that country, though -perfectly aware of the perils that await us, for interests of value, -and impelled by a will more powerful than my own." - -"Good! I do not ask my brother's secrets. The heart of a man is his -own; he alone must read in it. Flying Eagle is a powerful Sachem; -he also follows that road; he will protect his Pale brother, if the -hunter's intentions are pure." - -"They are so." - -"Wah! my brother has the word of a Chief; I have spoken." After -uttering these words, the Indian took up his calumet again, and -began smoking silently. Marksman was too conversant with the Indian -manners to press him further. He rose, with joy in his heart at having -succeeded in obtaining an ally so powerful as the Comanche Chief, and -he went in all haste to make the preparations for departure. - -For their part, during the conversation we have reported, the -Gambusinos had not remained inactive. Don Miguel or Don Leo, whichever -it pleases the reader to call him, had so urged on his men, that -everything was ready,--waggons loaded and horsed, and the riders -mounted, with rifle on thigh, only awaited the signal for setting out. -Don Miguel selected from his band fifteen old Gambusinos, practised in -Indian tricks, and in whom he believed he could trust. He said a few -words to them, explanatory of his intentions, and placed them under -Ruperto's command, with orders to obey him as they would himself. The -Gambusinos swore to do so. This duty accomplished, he summoned Domingo. -The Gambusino came up to his Chief with that cunningly indolent manner -familiar to him, and waited respectfully for his orders. When Domingo -learned what was expected from him, he was in no way flattered by the -confidential commission his Chief gave him, especially as he was not at -all anxious to be under the immediate supervision of Marksman, whose -peering glance incessantly occasioned him a nervous tremor, and whose -assiduous watchfulness was most disagreeable to him. Still, as it was -impossible openly to disobey Don Miguel, the worthy Gambusino made up -his mind for the worst, making himself a secret promise to keep on his -guard, and double his prudence. - -When Don Miguel had completed all the duties of a wise and intelligent -Chief, he mounted his horse, though with difficulty, owing to the -weakness occasioned by his wounds. He placed himself at the head -of his band, to the right of Brighteye, and after giving a parting -salutation to Don Mariano and Marksman, he ordered his men to start. -The two parties set out immediately, that led by Ruperto turning to -the left, and proceeding toward the mountains, and Brighteye, with his -men, temporarily following the course of the Rubio. All now left in -the deserted camp were Marksman, Don Mariano, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, -the two servants, and Domingo, who followed with a look of envy his -gradually disappearing comrades. The old hunter, for reasons he kept -secret, did not wish to set out before sunset. Scarcely had that planet -disappeared on the horizon, amid floods of vapours, ere the night set -in, and the landscape was almost immediately plunged in dense gloom. We -have already several times remarked that, in high American latitudes, -there is no twilight, or, at least, it is so weak, that night arrives -almost without any transition. - -Marksman, since the departure of the two first detachments, had not -uttered a syllable, or made a movement; his comrades, doubtless for -motives resembling his own, respected their Chief's silence; but night -had scarcely set in, ere the hunter rose sharply. "Start!" he said, in -a quick voice. - -All rose. Marksman took an inquiring glance around. "Leave the horses," -he said; "they are useless to us. We are not going to begin a journey, -but a manhunt. We must be unimpeded in our movements, for the trail -we shall follow is difficult. Juanito, you will remain here with the -animals, until you hear from us." - -The creole made a sign of discontent. "I should have preferred to -follow you, and not quit my master," he said. - -"I understand that, but I want a courageous and resolute man to guard -our horses, and I cannot select a better one than you; besides, I -trust that you will not remain alone long. Still, as we do not know -what route we shall have to follow, or what obstacles may arise, build -yourself a tent. Hunt, do what you think proper, but remember that you -must not stir from this place without my orders." - -"That is agreed, compadre," Juanito answered; "you can start when you -please. If your journey were to last six months, you will be certain to -find me here on your return." - -"Good," Marksman said; "I reckon on you." - -Then he whistled his mustang, which ran up at the summons, and laid -its intelligent head on its master's shoulder. It was a noble animal, -rather tall, with a small head, but its eyes flashed with ardour; its -wide chest, its firm and nervous legs, all denoted the blood horse. -Marksman seized the reata which hung from a ring fixed to the saddle, -unfastened it, rolled it round his body, and then, giving the mustang a -light tap on the croup, watched it depart with a sigh of regret. - -The hunter's comrades were provided with their arms and provisions, -consisting of pemmican, or buffalo meat, dried and pounded, and maize -tortillas. - -"Come, let us start," the Canadian said, throwing his rifle over his -shoulder. - -"A pleasant journey, and happy return," Juanito said, unable to prevent -himself accompanying that adieu by a sigh, in which it could be easily -read how vexed he felt at being thus left behind. - -"Thanks," the adventurers answered. - -So soon as they left the camp, they walked in Indian file, that is to -say, one behind the other, the second placing his foot exactly in the -steps of the first, and the third in those of the second, and so on to -the last. The latter, however, as closing the march, was careful to -efface, as far as was possible, the traces left by himself and those -who preceded him. - -Juanito, after looking after them for some minutes, as they descended -the mound, at the top of which the camp was, cautiously returned, and -seated himself by the fire. "Hum!" he muttered, "I shall not have -much fun here, but what must be must be." And with this philosophical -reflection, the worthy Mexican lit his cigarette, and began -smoking peacefully, while following with interest the blue wreaths -fantastically entwined by the evening breeze that rose from the smoke -of his Havanah tobacco, whose perfume he inhaled with all the methodic -phlegm of a true Indian Sagamore. - - -[1] The spot where a river divides into several branches. - -[2] The country of reeds. - -[3] Sun of the water. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -A HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE--(_concluded_). - - -In the new world, when people are travelling in Indian regions, and -do not desire to be tracked by the Redskins, they must be careful to -go to the east, if their business lies in the west, and _vice versa;_ -in a word, imitate the manoeuvres of a ship, which, if surprised by -a contrary wind, is obliged to tack, and thus gradually approaches -the point it wishes to reach. Marksman was too conversant with the -cleverness and craft of the Indians not to act in a similar fashion. -Although the presence of Flying Eagle was, to a certain point, a -guarantee of security, still, not knowing with what Indian tribe -accident might bring him in contact, Marksman resolved not to be -discovered by anybody, were that possible. - -Fenimore Cooper, the immortal historian of the North American Indians, -has, in his excellent works, initiated us into the tricks employed -by the Tuscaroras, Mohicans, and Hurons, when they wish to foil the -researches of their enemies; but, no offence to the numerous admirers -of the sagacity of young Uncas, a magnificent type of the Delaware -nation (of which he was not, however, the last hero, for it still -exists, though sadly, diminished), the Indians of the United States are -only children, when compared with the Comanches, Apaches, Pawnees, and -other nations of the great western prairies, who may justly be regarded -as their masters in every respect. The reason is very simple, and easy -of comprehension. The northern tribes never existed in the condition -of political powers. Each of them governs itself, separately, and, to -some extent, according to its fancy. The Indians composing them rarely -ally themselves with their neighbours, and have, from time immemorial, -constantly led a nomadic life. Hence they have only possessed the -instincts (though highly developed, we grant) of men constantly -inhabiting the forests; that is to say, a marvellous agility, a great -fineness of hearing, and a miraculous length of sight--qualities, by -the way, which may be also found in the Arabs, and generally in all -wandering tribes, whatever be the nook of earth that shelters them. As -for their sagacity and skill, the wild beasts taught them, and they -only had the trouble of imitating them. - -The Mexican Indians join to the advantages we have mentioned the -remains of an advanced civilization--a civilization which, since the -Conquest, has taken refuge in inaccessible lurking places, but, for all -that, no less exists. The families, or tribes, regard themselves as -the members of one great whole--the nation. Now, the American nations, -continually fighting with the Spaniards on one side, and the North -Americans on the other, have felt the necessity of doubling their -strength, in order to triumph over the two formidable enemies who -incessantly harass them, and their descendants have gradually modified -what was injurious in their manners, to appropriate those of their -oppressors, and combat them with their own weapons. They have carried -these tactics so far--which have hitherto saved them, not only from -serfdom, but also from extermination--that they are perfect masters in -trickery and cunning; their ideas have grown larger, their intelligence -has been developed, and they have ended by surpassing their enemies in -craft and diplomacy, if we may employ the expression. And this is so -true, that for the last three hundred years the latter have not only -failed in subduing, but in preventing their periodical incursions, -which the Comanches proudly call the _Mexican Moon_, and during which -they destroy everything they come across with impunity. - -Can we really regard as savages these men, who, formerly driven back -by the dread of fire arms, and the sight of horses, animals of whose -existence they were ignorant, and compelled to conceal themselves in -inaccessible ravines, have yet defended their territory inch by inch, -and, in certain districts, have actually reconquered a portion of -their old estates? Better than anyone, we know that there are savages -in America, savages in the fullest sense of the term; but they have -proved a cheap conquest, and they daily disappear from the earth, for -they possess neither the necessary intelligence to understand, nor -the energy to defend themselves. These savages to whom we allude, -before being subject to the Spaniards or Anglo-Americans, were so to -the Mexicans, the Peruvians, and the Araucanos of Chili, owing to -their intellectual organization, which scarce elevates them above the -brutes. We must not confound this race of helots, who are an exception -in the genus, with the great untamed nations whose manners, necessarily -alluring, we are attempting to portray here; for in spite of the -efforts they make to withdraw themselves from its influence, that -European civilization they despise rather through the hereditary hatred -of their conquerors and the whole race generally, than from any other -motive, surrounds, crushes, and invades them on all sides. Perhaps, -before a hundred years are past, the emancipated Indians, who smile -with pity at the paltry contests going on between the phantom republic -that surrounds them, and the colossal pigmy of the United States which -menaces them, will take their rank again in the world, and raise their -heads proudly; and that will be just, for they are heroic natures, -richly endowed, and capable, under good direction, of undertaking or -carrying out great things. In Mexico itself, since the period when that -country proclaimed its so-called independence, all the eminent men who -have risen either in arts, diplomacy, or war, belong to the pure Indian -race. In support of our statement, we will cite a fact of immense -significance:--The best history of southern America, published up to -this day, was written by an Inca, Garcillasso de la Vega. Is not this -conclusive? is it not time to condemn all those systematically absurd -theories which insist on representing the red family as a bastard race, -incapable of amelioration, and fatally destined to disappear? - -Ending here this digression, which is perhaps, too lengthy, but is -indispensable for the due comprehension of the facts that follow, we -will take up our narrative again, at the point where we broke it off. - -After a march of three hours, rendered fatiguing and difficult by the -lofty grass, the adventurers reached the skirt of the forest. About -midnight, Marksman, after allowing his comrades two hours' rest, -started again. At sunrise they reached a species of canyon, or narrow -gorge, formed by two walls of perpendicular rocks, and were constrained -to march for four hours in the bed of a half dried-up torrent, in which -their footsteps fortunately left no mark. During several days their -journey over abrupt and desolate mountains was effected with great -toil, but did not offer any incident worthy of narration. At length -they found themselves again in the region of the _tierras calientes_; -the verdure reappeared, and the heat became sensible. Hence the -adventurers, who had suffered extremely from the cold in the lofty -regions of the Serrania, experienced a feeling of marked comfort on -inhaling the gentle and perfumed atmosphere, in contemplating the azure -sky and dazzling sun which had now taken the place of a grey and leaden -sky, and the limited, fog-laden horizon, which they had left behind -them. Toward the end of the fourth day after leaving the mountains, -Marksman uttered a shout of satisfaction, on noticing the skirt of -the immense virgin forest, toward which he was marching, rise in the -distant azure of the prairie. "Courage, my friends!" he said; "we shall -soon obtain the shadow and freshness lacking here." - -The adventurers, without replying, hurried their steps, like men who -perfectly appreciated the value of the promise made them. Night had -completely set in, when they reached the banks of a rather high river, -whose vicinity the tall grass had concealed from them, although for -some minutes they had heard the continued rustling of the water over -the pebbles. Marksman resolved to wait till the next day, and look for -a ford. The party camped, but the fire was prudently not lighted. The -adventurers wrapped themselves in their zarapes, after taking a scanty -meal, and soon fell asleep. Marksman alone watched. Gradually the moon -sunk on the horizon: the stars began to dim and go out in the depths of -the sky. The hunter, whose eyes fatigue closed against his will, was -about to yield to sleep, when suddenly a strange and unexpected sound -made him start. He drew himself up, as if he had received an electric -shock, and listened. A slight rustling agitated the reeds that bordered -the river, whose calm and motionless waters resembled a long silvery -ribbon. There was not a breath of air. The hunter laid his hand on -Flying Eagle's shoulder; the latter opened his eyes, and gazed at him. -"The Indians," Marksman muttered in the Chief's ear. Then, crawling on -his hands and knees, he glided down the slope, and entered the water. -Then he looked around him. The moon shed sufficient light to let him -survey the country for a long distance, but, in spite of the attention -he devoted, he could see nothing. All was calm; but he waited with eye -fixed, and ear on the watch. Half an hour passed, and the sound which -had aroused him was not repeated. However closely he listened, no sound -arose to disturb the silence of night. Still Marksman felt certain he -was not mistaken. In the desert all sounds have a cause, a reason; the -hunters know them, and can distinguish them, being never deceived as -to their nature. The hunter was immersed, however, in the water up to -his waist belt. In America, if the heat of the day is stifling, the -nights, to make up for it, are excessively fresh, and Marksman felt an -icy coldness invading his whole body. Tired of waiting, and believing -that he was deceived, he was at length preparing to return to the bank, -when, at the moment he was preparing to carry out his design, a hard -body struck his chest. - -He looked down, and instinctively thrust out his hands. He stifled a -cry of surprise; what had touched him was the side of a canoe, gliding -noiselessly through the reeds, which it parted in its passage. This -canoe, like all the Indian boats in these parts, was made of birch -bark, detached from the tree by means of boiling water. Marksman -examined the canoe, which seemed to be moving without the assistance of -any human being, and rather drifting with the current than proceeding -in a straight line. Still one thing astonished the Canadian: the canoe -was moving without the slightest oscillation. Evidently an invisible -being, probably an Indian, was directing it, but where was he? Was -he alone? This it was impossible to guess. The Canadian's anxiety -was extreme; he did not dare make the slightest move, through fear -of imprudently revealing his presence. And yet the canoe was moving -on. Resolved to know how it was, Marksman gently drew his knife, and, -holding his breath, bent down in the river, and only let the top of -his face emerge from the water. What he expected happened: in a moment -he saw the eyes of an Indian, who was swimming behind the canoe, and -pushing it with his arm, sparkle in the gloom like two live coals. -The Redskin held his face on a level with the water, and was looking -searchingly around him. The Canadian recognized an Apache. Suddenly -the stranger's eyes were fixed on the hunter. The latter; judged that -the time had arrived, and bounding with the suppleness and speed of a -jaguar, he seized his enemy by the throat; giving him no time to utter -a cry of alarm, he buried his knife in his heart. The Apache's face -turned black; his eyes were dilated; he struck the water for a moment -with his legs and arms; but soon his limbs stiffened, a convulsion -passed over his body, and the current bore him away, leaving behind a -slight reddish trace. He was dead. The Canadian, without the loss of a -moment, clambered into the canoe, and, holding on to the reeds, looked -across to the spot where he had left his comrades. The latter, warned -by Flying Eagle, had cautiously come up, bringing with them the rifle -left by the hunter on the bank. - -So soon as they were together again, they freed the canoe from the -reeds that barred its passage, and, by Marksman's advice, after -embarking, and turning the canoe into the current, they lay down -in the bottom. For some time they had been gliding along gently, -believing themselves hidden from the invisible enemies they supposed -to be concealed around them, when suddenly a terrible clamour broke -out, like a thunderclap. The body of the Apache killed by Marksman, -after following the current for some distance, had stopped in some -grass and dead leaves, exactly opposite an Indian camp, near which -the adventurers had passed a few hours previously, not suspecting its -presence. At the sight of their brother's corpse, the Redskins uttered -the formidable howl of grief we mentioned, and rushed tumultuously -toward the bank, pointing to the canoe. - -Marksman, seeing himself discovered, seized the paddles, and, aided by -Flying Eagle and Domingo, he was in a few minutes out of range. The -Apaches, furious at this flight, and not knowing with whom they had -to deal, overwhelmed their enemies with all the insults the Indian -tongue could supply, calling them hares, ducks, dogs, owls, and other -epithets, borrowed from the nomenclature of the animals they hate or -despise. The hunter and his companions did not trouble themselves about -these impotent insults; they began paddling vigorously, which soon -restored the circulation in their limbs. - -The Indians then changed their tactics; several long-barbed arrows were -shot at the canoe, and several shots were even discharged; but the -distance was too great, and the water was only dashed up by the bullets. - -Thus the night passed. - -The adventurers paddled eagerly; for they had noticed that the river, -owing to its countless bends, was visibly drawing nearer to the forest -they had so much interest in reaching. Still, believing that they no -longer had anything to fear from their enemies, they laid down the -paddles for a few moments, to rest, and take a little food. - -The day rose while they were thus engaged, and a magnificent landscape -was unfolded before the dazzled eyes of the adventurers. "Oh!" Flying -Eagle exclaimed, with an expression of surprise. - -"What is the matter?" Marksman answered at once, who understood that -the Chief had noticed something out of the common. - -"Look!" the Comanche said, emphatically, holding his arm out in the -direction they had come during the night. - -"_Virtudieu!_" the Canadian shouted. "Two canoes in pursuit of us. Oh, -oh! we must make a fight of it." - -"_Cuerpo del Cristo!_" Domingo said, in his turn, with a bound, which -almost upset the frail boat. - -"What is the matter now?" - -"Look!" - -"A thousand demons!" the hunter exclaimed. "We are beset." - -In fact, two canoes were rapidly coming up in the rear of the -adventurers, while two others, starting from, the opposite sides of -the river, were pulling ahead of them, with the evident intention of -barring their passage, and cutting off their retreat. - -"_Voto a Dios!_ these Redskins want to make us dance a singular -_jaleo_" Domingo muttered. "What do you say, old hunter?" - -"Good, good!" Marksman replied gaily; "we'll find the music. Attention, -comrades, and redouble your energy." - -At a sign from him, all the men took up paddles, and gave such an -impetus to their canoe, that it seemed to fly over the water. The -situation was becoming critical for the whites. Marksman, upright, and -leaning on his rifle, coldly calculated the chances of this inevitable -rencontre. He did not fear the boats in pursuit, for they were at too -great a distance behind, to hope to catch him; all his attention was -concentrated on those in front, between which he must pass. Each stroke -of the paddle diminished the distance which separated the white men -from the Redskins. The hostile canoes, as far as could be judged from -a distance, seemed overloaded, and only advanced with some difficulty. -Marksman had judged the situation with an infallible glance, and formed -one of those daring resolutions, to which he owed the reputation he -enjoyed, and which resolution could alone save him and his friends, in -these critical circumstances. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -RED SKINS AND WHITE. - - -Marksman, as we have said, had formed a final resolution. Instead of -trying to escape by passing between the two canoes, which would have -entailed a risk of being run down, he turned slightly to the left, and -paddled straight toward the canoe nearest his own. - -The Indians, who did not at first comprehend the meaning of this -manoeuvre, greeted him with shouts of joy and triumph. The adventurers -kept silence, but they redoubled their efforts, and continued to -advance. A sarcastic smile played round the lips of the Canadian -hunter. As his canoe drew nearer to that of the Apaches, he noticed -that the left bank of the river was indented, and at this moment -perceived that this was caused by an islet very near the land, but -leaving a sufficient passage for his boat, which would thus avoid a -bend again on the pursuing foe. The main point was in reaching the -point of the islet before the Indians in the first canoe did so. The -latter had at length begun to suspect, if they did not completely -guess, the intentions of their intrepid adversary; hence they, for -their part, changed their tactics, and altered their steering. Instead -of going to meet the Whites, as they had done up to this moment, they -suddenly tacked, and paddled vigorously in the direction of the island. - -Marksman understood that he must stop their progress at all risks. Till -then, not a shot or an arrow had been fired on either side. The Apaches -were so persuaded that they would succeed in capturing the adventurers, -that they thought it useless to proceed to those extremities. The -Whites, on their part, who also felt the necessity of saving their -powder in a hostile country, where it would be impossible to renew -their stock, had hitherto imitated them through prudence, however much -they might have desired to come to blows. Still, the Indian canoe was -now not more than fifty yards from the isle. The hunter, after taking -a final glance around, bent down to his comrades, and said a few words -in a low voice. They immediately laid down their paddles, and, seizing -their rifles, rested them on the gunwales of the boat, after putting in -a second bullet. Marksman had done the same. "Are you ready?" he asked, -a moment after. - -"Yes!" the adventurers answered. - -"Fire, then, and aim low." - -The five shots sounded like one. - -"Now to your paddles, and quick!" the hunter said, giving the example, -as usual. - -Eight arms took up the paddles again, and the light canoe began -bounding once more over the water. The hunter alone reloaded his rifle, -and waited on his knee, ready to fire. - -The effect of the volley was soon visible,--the five shots, all aimed -at the same spot, had opened an enormous breach in the side of the -Indian boat, just on a level with the water line. Cries of terror and -pain rose from the group of Apaches, who leapt into the water one after -the other, swimming in every direction. As for the canoe, left to -itself, it floated a little way, gradually filled with water, and at -length sunk. - -The adventurers, believing themselves freed from their enemies, relaxed -their efforts for a moment. Suddenly, Flying Eagle raised his paddle, -while Marksman clubbed his rifle. Two Apaches, with athletic limbs and -ferocious glances, were trying to fasten on the canoe and upset it. -But they soon fell back with fractured skulls, and floated down the -stream. A few moments later the hunters reached the passage. - -Several Apaches, however, had managed to swim to the island: so soon -as they emerged from the water, they set out in pursuit of the whites, -running along the bank; for want of better instruments, they hurled -stones at them, for they could not use their damp rifles, and they had -lost their bows and arrows through their sudden plunge in the river. - -Though the weapons employed by the Apaches for the moment were so -primitive, Marksman recommended his companions to redouble their -efforts, in order to escape as soon as possible from these immense -projectiles, which, from behind every tuft of grass and elevation of -the ground, fell sharp as hail round the canoe,--for the Redskins, -according to their habit, took care not to let themselves be seen, -through fear of bullets. Still, this situation was growing unbearable, -and they must emerge from it. The hunter, who was eagerly watching -an opportunity to give his obstinate foes a severe lesson, at length -fancied he had found it. He saw, a few yards from him, a tuft of -floripondios moving slightly; quickly shouldering his rifle, he aimed, -and pulled the trigger. - -A terrible yell burst from the medley of floripondios, canaverales, -creepers, and aquatic plants which formed this hedge, and an Apache, -bounding like a wounded tiger, rushed forward with the intention of -seeking shelter behind the tree that grew a short distance from him -in the centre of the islet. Marksman, who had reloaded his rifle, -pointed it at the fugitive, but raised it again directly. The Apache -fell on the ground, and was rolling in the last convulsions. At the -same instant a dozen Indians rushed from behind the shrubs, raised the -corpse in their arms, and disappeared with the speed of a legion of -phantoms. - -A sudden calm, an extraordinary tranquillity, succeeded the extreme -agitation and irregular cries which had aroused the echoes a few -moments previously. - -"Poor wretch!" Marksman muttered, as he laid his rifle again in the -bottom of the canoe, and seized a pair of paddles; "I am vexed at what -has happened to him. I believe they have enough; now that they know the -range of my rifle, they will leave us in peace." - -The hunter had calculated correctly: in truth, the Redskins gave no -further signs of life. - -What we say here must not in any way surprise the reader: every -Indian understands honour in its own fashion. The Indians hold it as -a principle never to expose themselves uselessly to any danger. With -them success alone can justify their actions; hence, when they no -longer consider themselves the stronger, they renounce, without shame, -projects they have conceived and prepared for many weeks. - -The adventurers at length doubled the point of the island. The second -canoe was already a very long way behind them, as for those they had -just perceived behind them, they only looked like dots on the horizon. -When the Redskins in the second canoe saw that the adventurers had -gained a start which it was impossible for them to pick up, and that -they were escaping, they made a general discharge of their weapons,--a -powerless demonstration, which injured nobody, for the bullets and -arrows fell a considerable distance short of the White men; then they -turned back to join their comrades, who had sought shelter on the -island. - -Marksman and his companions were saved. After paddling for about an -hour longer, in order to place sufficient distance between themselves -and their enemies they took a moment's rest, and washed the contusions -they had received from several stones that had struck them with fresh -water. In the ardour of the engagement, they had not noticed the -blows, but now that the danger was past, they were beginning to suffer -from them. The forest which, in the morning, owing to the constant -meanderings of the river, was so far from them, was now much nearer, -and they hoped to reach it before night, after a short interruption. -They, therefore, took to their paddles again with renewed ardour, -and continued their voyage. At sunset, the canoe disappeared beneath -an immense dome of foliage belonging to the virgin forest, which the -river crossed at an angle. So soon as the darkness began to fall, -the desert woke up, and the howling of wild beasts proceeding to the -watering places were heard hoarsely echoing in the unexplored depths -of the forest. Marksman did not consider it prudent at this hour to -enter a strange country, which doubtless contained dangers of every -description. Consequently, after pulling for some time, to find a -suitable landing place, the hunter gave the order to pull into a -point of rock, which jutted out in the water, and formed a species of -promontory, on which it was easy to land. - -So soon as he stepped ashore, the Canadian walked round the rock, in -order to look at the vicinity, and know in what part of the forest they -were. This time chance had served them better than they could have -dared to hope. After removing, with great pains and minute precautions, -the creepers and brambles that choked the path, the hunter suddenly -found himself at the entrance of a natural path, probably formed by one -of those volcanic convulsions so frequent in this country. On seeing -it, he stopped, and lighting an _ocote_ branch, with which he had been -careful to provide himself, he boldly, entered the grotto, followed by -his companions. The sudden appearance of the light startled a swarm -of night birds and bats, which began flying heavily, and escaping in -every direction. Marksman continued his progress, not troubling himself -about these gloomy hosts, whose lugubrious sports he interrupted so -unexpectedly. This grotto was high, spacious, and airy. It was, under -the present circumstances, a precious discovery for the adventurers; -for it offered them an almost secure shelter for the night against the -researches of the Apaches, who assuredly had not given up the pursuit. -The adventurers, after exploring the cavern on all sides, and assuring -themselves that it had two exits, which secured the means of flight, -if they were attacked by too numerous enemies, returned to their boat, -drew it from the water, and carried it on their shoulders to the -extremity of the grotto. Then, with that patience of which Indians and -wood rangers are alone capable, they effaced the least traces, the -slightest imprints, which might have allowed their place of debarkation -to be discovered, or the retreat they had chosen guessed. The bent -blades of grass were raised, the creepers and brambles they had moved -drawn together, and after the task was accomplished, no one could -have suspected that several persons had passed through them. After -this, collecting an ample stock of dead wood and _ocote_ branches, for -torches, they reentered the grotto, with the manifest intention of at -last taking a little of that rest they needed so greatly. All these -preparations took time; hence, the night was already far advanced when -the adventurers, after swallowing a hasty meal, at length wrapped -themselves in their zarapes, and lay down, with their feet to the fire, -and their rifles in their hands. Nothing disturbed their sleep, which -was continuing when the first sunbeams purpled the horizon with their -joyous tints. It was Marksman who aroused his companions. - -Flying Eagle was not in the grotto. This absence in no way alarmed the -hunter; he was too well acquainted with the Comanche sachem to fear any -treachery on his part. - -"Up!" he cried to the sleepers. "The sun has risen; we have rested -enough; it is time to think of our business." - -In an instant all were afoot. - -The hunter was not mistaken: the fire was scarce kindled, ere -Flying Eagle made his appearance. The Chief bore on his shoulders a -magnificent elk, which he threw silently on the ground, and then seated -himself by Eglantine's side. - -"On my word, Chief," Marksman said, gaily, "you are a man of -precaution; your hunt is welcome; our provisions were beginning to -diminish furiously." - -The Comanche smiled with pleasure at this remark, but he made no -other reply: like all his fellows, the Indian only spoke when it was -absolutely necessary. - -At a sign from the Canadian, Domingo, who was a first-rate hunter, -immediately set to work breaking up the elk. The pemmican, queso, -and Indian corn remained in the adventurer's alforjas, thanks to -the succulent steaks cut adroitly from the animal by Domingo, and -which, roasted on the ashes, procured them a delicious breakfast; the -festival was crowned with a few drops of pulque, from which the two -Comanches abstained, according to the custom of their nation. Pipes and -cigarettes were then lighted, and each began smoking silently. - -Marksman reflected on the steps he must take, while Domingo and -Bermudez prepared everything for departure; at length, he decided on -speaking. "Caballeros," he said, "we have arrived at the spot where -our journey really commences; it is time for me to tell you where -we are going. So soon as we have crossed this forest, which will not -take long, we shall have before us an immense plain, in the midst of -which stands a city; this city is called by the Indians Quiepaa Tani; -it is one of those mysterious cities in which, since the conquest, the -Mexican civilization of the Incas has taken refuge; to that city we are -proceeding, for the maidens we wish to save have sought shelter there. -That city is sacred; woe to the European or white man who is discovered -in its vicinity! I confess to you that the perils we have hitherto -incurred are as nothing to be compared with those that probably await -us, ere we gain the end we have proposed to ourselves. It is impossible -for all of us to dream of entering that city; the attempt would be -madness, and only result in our being massacred for no good. On the -other hand, we might find it necessary to meet there those devoted -companions, who, in the hour of danger, would come to our aid. I have, -therefore, resolved on this: Bermudez will proceed to the spot where -we left Juanito; then both, leading the horses with them, will join -Brighteye's and Ruperto's detachments at the agreed on spot, and guide -them here. What is your opinion, Caballeros? Do you approve my plan?" - -"In every point," Don Mariano answered, with a bow. - -"And you, Chief?" - -"My brother is prudent; what he does is well." - -"What? I am going to leave you!" poor Bermudez muttered, addressing his -master. - -"It must be, my friend," the latter answered; "but not for long, I -hope." - -"Try to remember the road we have followed, so as not to make a -mistake in returning," the hunter remarked. - -"I will try." - -"Eh, old hunter?" Domingo said with a grin. "Why the deuce do you not -send me, who am a wood ranger, and have the desert at my fingers' ends, -instead of this poor man, who, I feel sure, will leave his bones on the -way?" - -Marksman gave the Gambusino a piercing glance, which made him blush -and look down. "Because," he answered, laying a stress on each word, -"friend Domingo, I feel such a powerful inclination toward you, that I -cannot consent to let you out of my sight for a moment! You understand -me, I suppose?" - -"Perfectly, perfectly," the Gambusino stammered; "you need not get in a -passion, old hunter. I will stay. What I said was in your behalf; that -was all." - -"I appreciate your offer, as it deserves," the Canadian answered, -sarcastically; "so let us say no more about it." Then he continued, -addressing Bermudez, "As we may possibly soon require help, try, on -your return, to take a shorter and more direct road. You hear?" - -"And understand; be at rest. I am too satisfied of the recommendations -you give me, to neglect them." - -"A last word. I have told you that it was absolutely necessary, for -the success of the difficult expedition we are attempting, that we -should find here, in case of need, a strong detachment of resolute men; -warn Ruperto to be doubly prudent, and avoid, as far as possible, any -meeting, and, of course, any quarrel with the Indians." - -"I will tell him." - -"Now put the canoe in the water; and good luck." - -"Heaven grant you may succeed in saving my poor Nina," the old servant -said, with an emotion he could not overcome. "I would joyfully give my -life for her." - -"Go in peace, my friend," Marksman answered, affectionately. "You have -already sacrificed much." - -The adventurers then left the grotto, not without first looking round -to see there was no danger. A profound silence prevailed beneath the -impenetrable forest covert. They then raised on their shoulders the -canoe, in which they had placed provisions for the comrade who was -about to leave them, and it soon floated lightly on the water. Bermudez -took his parting farewell, and then turning away, with an effort, -leaped into the canoe, seized the paddles, and went off. - -"We shall meet again soon," Don Mariano said, with emotion. - -"Soon, if Heaven decree it!" Bermudez answered. - -"Amen!" the adventurers piously murmured. - -Marksman followed, for a long time, the course of the canoe, and then -turned hastily to his comrades. "His is a devoted heart," he muttered, -as if speaking to himself. "Will he get there?" - -"God will protect him!" Don Mariano answered. - -"That is true," the hunter said, passing his hand over his forehead. -"I am mad, on my word, to have such thoughts, and, what is more, -ungrateful to Providence, which has hitherto watched over us with such, -solicitude." - -"Well spoken, my friend," Don Mariano remarked. "I feel a presentiment -that we shall succeed." - -"Well, would you have me speak frankly to you?" the hunter said, gaily. -"I feel the same presentiment; so forwards!" - -Flying Eagle at this moment laid his hand on the hunter's shoulder. -"Before starting, I should like to hold a council with my brother," he -said; "the case is grave." - -"You are right, Chief; let us return to the grotto; our movements must -be combined with the utmost prudence, so that when the moment arrives, -we may not commit an irreparable mistake which would hopelessly -compromise the success of our expedition." - -The Comanche made a sign of assent, and preceding his friends, returned -to the cavern. The fire was not yet completely out, but smouldered in -the ashes; in a second it blazed up again, and the four men seated -themselves gravely round it. The Chief then took his calumet from his -girdle, filled it with sacred tobacco, lit it, and after slowly drawing -two or three mouthfuls of smoke, passed it to Marksman. The calumet -then passed round, without a word being uttered, until the tobacco -contained in the bowl was consumed. When nothing remained but the ash, -the Chief shook it out in the fire, returned the calumet to his girdle, -and addressed Marksman. "A Chief would speak," he said. - -"My brother can speak," the hunter answered, with a bow: "our ears are -open." - -The Sachem, after making his wife a sign to retire out of range -of voice, which, according to the Indian custom, Eglantine did -immediately, bowed reverently to the members of the council, spoke, as -follows. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE COUNCIL. - - -Flying Eagle, since the commencement of the expedition, in which -he had consented to take a share, had constantly played a passive -part, accepting, without discussion, the combinations proposed by -Marksman, executing frankly and faithfully the orders he received -from the hunter; in a word, entirely performing the part of a warrior -subordinate to a chief whose duty it is to think for him: hence the -new attitude suddenly assumed by the Sachem filled the Canadian with -surprise, for he had no notion on what subject the debate was about to -turn, and he feared in his heart lest, in the critical situation he -was in at the moment, the Comanche intended to leave him to his own -resources, or, perhaps, raise obstacles to the execution of his plans. -Hence he impatiently awaited the explanation of his ally's strange -conduct. - -The Chief, still apathetic, rose, and bowing once again, began to -speak:--"Palefaces, my brothers," he said, in his guttural and -sympathetic voice, "for more than a moon we have been together on the -same path, sharing the same fatigue, sleeping side by side, eating -the produce of the same chase; but the chief you admitted to share -your labour and perils has not, till this day, been allowed to advance -so far in your confidence as a friend should do. Your heart has even -remained to him closed and covered with a thick cloud. Your projects -are as unknown to him as on the first day. The words your chest -breathes are and remain to him inexplicable riddles. Is this right? is -it just? No! Why did you summon me? Why did you beg me to accompany -you, if I am ever to remain a stranger to you? Up to the present I have -shut up in my heart the bitterness which your suspicious conduct caused -me. Not a complaint rose from my heart to my lips, on seeing myself -treated in a manner so ill suited to my rank and the relations I have -maintained with you. Even at this moment I would continue to maintain -silence if my friendship for you was not stronger than the resentment -caused by your ungenerous conduct toward me. We are on the holy land -of the Indians; the ground we tread on is sacred; perils surround us, -numberless snares are laid for our steps on all sides. Why should I -teach you to avoid them, if your plans are not at length revealed to -me, and unless I know whether the path we are following is that of war -or of hunting? Speak with frankness--take the skin from your heart, -as I have done from mine. Enlighten me as to the conduct you intend -to pursue, and the object you propose, so that I may aid you by my -counsels should that be necessary, and that, being your ally, I should -no longer be kept aloof from your deliberations, which is a disgrace to -the nation of which I have the honour to be a member, and unworthy of -a warrior like myself. I have spoken, brothers. I await your answer, -which I am convinced will be such as warriors so wise and experienced -as yourselves ought to give." - -During the long speech of the Comanche Chief, Marksman had repeatedly -given signs of impatience, and, had he not feared making a breach in -the rules of Indian etiquette by interrupting him, he would certainly -have done so; it was with great difficulty he succeeded in restraining -himself and maintaining that apathetic appearance absolutely demanded -in such circumstances. So soon as the Chief took his place again, the -hunter rose, and after bowing to the audience, he spoke in a firm -voice, with these words:--"The Wacondah is great. He holds in his right -hand the hearts of all men, whatever their colour may be. He alone can -know their intentions and read their souls. The reproaches you address -to me, Chief, have an appearance of justice which I will not discuss -with you. You may have supposed, from the conduct which circumstances -have hitherto constrained me to hold toward you, that I did not grant -you all the confidence you so justly desired; but it is not so; I -waited till the hour for speaking arrived, not only to explain to you -my intentions, but also to claim your assistance and intervention. As -you wish me to explain myself at once, I will do so; but, perhaps, it -would have been better for you to wait till the forest in which we now -are was traversed." - -"I will remark to my brother that I demand nothing of him. I thought it -my duty to make certain observations to him; if he does not find them -just, his heart is good. He will pardon me when he remembers that I am -only a poor Indian, whose intellect is obscured by a cloud, and that I -had no intention to wound him." - -"No, no, Chief," the hunter said quickly; "as we are on this question, -it is better to clear it up at once, in order not to have to return to -it again, and that nothing may arise between us for the future." - -"I am at my brother's orders, ready to hear, if it pleases him, and -willing still to wait, if he considers it necessary." - -"I thank you, Chief; but I adhere to my first resolution. I prefer to -tell you all." - -The Comanche smiled cunningly. "Is my brother really resolved to -speak?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Good. Then my brother has nothing to add. All that he has to say to me -I know. He can tell me nothing more than I have guessed myself." - -The hunter could not repress a start of surprise. "Oh, oh," he -muttered, "what is the meaning of that, Chief? Why, then, the -reproaches you addressed to me?" - -"Because I wished to make my brother understand that a friend must -hold nothing concealed from another, especially when that friend has -been proved for long years, when his fidelity is staunch, and he can be -depended on like a second self." - -The hunter smiled slightly, but at once regained his gravity. "Thanks -for the lesson you give me, Chief," he said, holding out his hand -cordially. "I deserve it, for I really failed in my confidence to you. -The service I expect from you is so important for us that I put off -daily asking it of you, and, in spite of myself, I confess I should -probably not have made up my mind till the very last moment." - -"I know it," the Comanche said, his good temper entirely restored. - -"Still," the hunter continued, "in spite of the assurance that you know -my plans, it would be, perhaps, as well for me to enter into certain -details of which you are ignorant." - -"I repeat to my brother that I know all. Flying Eagle is one of the -first Chiefs of his nation; he has a quick ear and a piercing sight. -For nearly two moons he has not left the great Pale warrior; during -that period many events have happened, many words have been spoken -before him. The Chief has seen, he has heard, and all is as clear in -his mind as if these things had been drawn for him on one of those -collars which the white men know so well how to make, and some of which -he has seen in the hands of the Chief of the Prayer." - -"However great your penetration may be, Chief," the hunter objected, "I -can scarcely imagine you are so well acquainted with my intentions as -you suppose." - -"Not only do I know my brother's intentions, but I am also aware of the -service he expects from me." - -"By Jove! Chief, you will cause me enormous pleasure by telling it to -me; not that I doubt your penetration, for the red men are renowned for -their cleverness. Still, all this seems to me so extraordinary that I -should like to be convinced, were it only for my personal satisfaction, -and to prove to the persons who hear us how wrong we white men are in -imagining that we are so superior in intellect, when, on the contrary, -you Indians leave us far behind." - -"Hum!" Domingo muttered, "what you say there is rather strong, old -hunter. It is notorious that the Indians are brute beasts." - -"That is not my opinion," Don Mariano remarked, "though I know very -little of the Redskins, with whom I never entered into any connection -before this occasion. Still, since my arrival in these regions, I have -seen them accomplish acts so astonishing, that I should not feel at all -surprised if this Chief had completely read our plans, as he assures -us." - -"I think so too," the hunter added. "However, we shall judge. Speak, -Chief, that we may know as soon as possible what opinion to form of the -penetration you flatter yourself with possessing." - -"Flying Eagle is not a chattering old woman, who boasts rightly and -wrongly; he is a Sachem, whose deeds and words are ripely meditated. He -does not pretend to know more than his brothers, the Palefaces; still, -the experience he has acquired serves him in the place of wisdom, and -helps him to explain what he sees and hears." - -"That is well, Chief. I know that you are a valiant and renowned -warrior. Our ears are open; we are listening to you with all the -attention you deserve." - -"My brother, the great hunter, wishes to enter Quiepaa Tani, where the -two white maidens are sheltered, one of whom is the daughter of the -Chief with the grey beard. These two women were confided to an Apache -Sachem, called Addick. My brother, the hunter, is anxious to arrive at -Quiepaa Tani, because he fears treachery from the Apache Chief, whom he -suspects of having allied himself with the white man who was hired by -the Palefaces to carry off the two women, and make them disappear. I -have spoken. Have I truly understood the intentions of my brother, or -am I deceived?" - -His auditors regarded each other with amazement. The Chief enjoyed his -triumph for a moment, and then continued--"Now, this is the service the -hunter wishes to ask of the Comanche Sachem--" - -"By heavens, Chief!" Marksman exclaimed, "I must confess that all you -have said is true. How did you learn it? I know not how to explain it, -although I grant we have said enough on the subject in your presence to -enable you to guess it; but as for the service I expect from you, if -you can tell me that, I will allow you to be the greatest--" - -"Let my brother not be rash," the Chief interrupted him, with a -proud smile, "lest he should soon take me for an adept of the great -_medicine_." - -"Hum!" the hunter said, gravely, "I should not like to swear you are -not." - -"Och! my brother shall judge. No Paleface has, till this day, succeeded -in entering Quiepaa Tani; still my brother wishes, at all hazards, to -visit the city, in order to obtain certain information about the two -pale virgins. Unfortunately, my brother does not know how to set about -his plan, nor how he would succeed in saving the maidens, if he found -them in danger. That is why he thought of Flying Eagle. He said to -himself that his red brother was a Chief, and must have friends or -relations in Quiepaa Tani; that the entrance to the city, forbidden -him through his colour, was not so to the Chief, and that Flying Eagle -would obtain for him the information he could not obtain himself." - -"Yes, that is what I thought, Chief. Why should I conceal it? Am I -mistaken? Will you not do that for me?" - -"I will do better," the Indian answered. "Let my brother listen. -Eglantine is a woman; no one will notice her; she will enter the city -unperceived, and obtain the information the hunter needs better than -the Chief can. When the moment for action arrives, Flying Eagle will -help the hunter." - -"By Jove! you are right, Sachem; your idea is better than mine. It is -preferable in every respect that Eglantine should go on the discovery. -A woman cannot inspire suspicions, and she can learn news better than -anyone. Let us start, then, without any further delay. So soon as we -have crossed the forest, we will send her to the Tzinco." - -Flying Eagle shook his head, and kept his hold of the hunter's arm, who -had already risen to set out. "My brother is quick," he said; "let me -say one word more." - -"Let us see." - -"Eglantine will go ahead; my brother will have news sooner." - -Don Mariano rose, and pressed the Comanche's hand with emotion. "Thanks -for the good thought that has occurred to you, Chief," he said to him. -"You have delicate feelings; your heart is noble; it can sympathize -with a father's sorrow. Once again I thank you." - -The Indian turned away, to conceal the trace of agitation on his face, -which, in his idea, was unworthy a Chief, who, under all circumstances, -must remain stoical. - -"In truth," Marksman said, "the Chief's proposal will make us gain -precious time; his idea is excellent." - -Flying Eagle made Eglantine a sign to approach him, which she at once -obeyed. The Chief then explained to her in his tongue what she was to -do, to which she listened with charming grace, standing timidly before -him. When Flying Eagle had given her his instructions most fully, and -she perfectly understood what was wanted of her, she turned gracefully -to Don Mariano and Marksman, and said, with a smile almost prophetic ---"Eglantine will learn." - -These two words filled the poor father's heart with joy and hope. -"Bless you, young woman!" he said; "bless you, for the kindness you -show me at this moment, and that you intend to show me." - -The separation between husband and wife was as it should be with -Indians; that is to say, grave and cold. Whatever love Flying Eagle -felt for his companion, he would have been ashamed, in the presence of -strangers, and above all of whites, to display the slightest emotion, -or allow the feelings of his heart towards her to be guessed. After -bowing once more to Don Mariano and Marksman in farewell, Eglantine -hastened away, with that quick and high step which renders the Indians -the first walkers in the world. Though the Chief's stoicism was so -great, still he looked after his young wife, until she disappeared -among the trees. - -As nothing pressed them at the moment, the adventurers allowed the -great heat of the day to pass, and only set out when the declining -sun appeared like a ball of fire, almost on a level with the ground. -Their march was slow, owing to the countless difficulties they had -to surmount, in forcing their way through the intertwined creepers -and brambles, which they had to cut down with axes at every step. At -length, after a four days' march, during which they had to endure -extraordinary fatigue, they saw the trees growing more sparsely, -the scrub become less dense, and, between the trees they perceived -a deep and open horizon. Although the adventurers were in the heart -of a virgin forest, where, according to all probability, they could -not expect to meet anybody of their own species, they neglected no -precaution, and advanced very prudently in Indian file, with the finger -on the trigger, eye and ear on the watch; for being so near one of the -sacred Indian cities, they might expect, especially after the smart -skirmish a few days previous, to be tracked by scouts sent in search -of them. Toward the evening of the fourth day, at the moment they were -preparing to camp for the night in a vast clearing on the banks of a -nameless stream, so many of which are met with in the virgin forests, -Marksman, who was marching at the head of the little party, suddenly -stopped, and looked down on the ground, with signs of the utmost -astonishment. - -"What is it?" Don Mariano anxiously asked him. - -Marksman did not answer him; but he turned to the Indian Chief, and -said, with a certain degree of alarm, "Look yourself, Chief; this seems -to me inconceivable." - -Flying Eagle stooped down in his turn, and remained a long time -examining the marks which seemed to trouble the hunter so greatly. At -length he rose. - -"Well?" Marksman asked him. - -"A band of horsemen has passed by here this very day," he replied. - -"Yes," the hunter said; "but who are the horsemen? Where do they come -from? That is what I want to know." - -The Indian resumed his inspection, with an attention more minute than -before. "They are Palefaces," after a pause, he said. - -"What! Palefaces!" Marksman exclaimed, with a voice prudently -suppressed; "it is impossible! Think where we are. Never has a white -man, excepting myself, penetrated into these regions." - -"They are Palefaces," the Chief insisted, "Look, one of them stopped -here and dismounted; here is the mark of his steps; his foot crushed -that tuft of grass; one of his nails in his shoe left a black line on -that stone." - -"That is true," Marksman muttered; "the Indian moccasins do not leave -such marks. But who can these men be? How did they get here? What -direction have they followed?" - -While Marksman was asking himself these questions, and hopelessly -seeking the solution of the problem, Flying Eagle had walked some -paces, attentively following the marks, which were perfectly plain on -the ground. - -"Well, Chief," the hunter asked, as he saw him returning, "have you -found anything which can put us on the right scent?" - -"Wah!" the Indian said, with a toss of his head. "The trail is fresh; -the horsemen are not far off." - -"Are you sure of it, Chief? Remember how important it is for us to know -who the people are we have for neighbours." - -The Comanche remained silent for a moment, plunged in serious thought. -Then he raised his head. "Flying Eagle," he said, "will try to satisfy -his brother. Let the Palefaces remain here till his return; the Chief -will take up the trail; he will soon tell the hunter if the men are -friends or enemies." - -"By Jove! I will go with you, Chief," Marksman sharply replied. "It -shall not be said that, in order to be useful to us, you exposed -yourself to a serious danger, without having a friend near to back you -up." - -"No," the Indian went on; "my brother must remain here; one warrior is -sufficient." - -Marksman knew that, when once the Chief had formed a resolution, -nothing could make him alter it. Hence he no longer urged it. "Go -then," he said, "and act as you please. I know that what you do will be -right." - -The Comanche threw his rifle over his shoulder, lay down on the ground, -and crawled like a serpent amid the underwood. - -"And what are we to do?" Don Mariano asked. - -"Await the Chief's return," Marksman answered; "and while doing so, -prepare supper, the need of which I am certain you are beginning to -feel, like myself." - -The adventurers installed themselves, as well as they could, in the -clearing, following Marksman's advice, and awaiting the return of the -scout, whose absence, however, was much longer than they expected; for -night had fallen long before he made his appearance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE SECOND DETACHMENT. - - -As we have said in our previous chapter, Flying Eagle started on the -trail of the horsemen whose footsteps had been perceived by Marksman. -The Indian was really one of the finest sleuth-hounds of his nation; -for, although night fell rapidly, and soon prevented him from -distinguishing the traces which served to guide him in his search, he -continued not a bit the less to advance with a sure and certain step. -About ten minutes after leaving his companions, the Chief rose to his -feet, and not appearing to attach great importance to the marks on the -ground, he continued his search, satisfying himself with looking, from -time to time, peeringly at the trees and shrubs that surrounded him. -Flying Eagle continued walking thus for an hour without hesitation or -checking his speed. On reaching a spot where the trees fell back on -both sides, thus forming an open space into which several wild beast -tracks opened, the Chief stopped for a moment, cast an investigating -and suspicious glance around, clutched his rifle, which he had hitherto -carried on his back, inspected the priming carefully, and bending his -body to a level with the tall grass, he advanced with measured steps -toward a thicket, the branches of which he drew aside, and in which -he speedily disappeared. So soon as he was completely concealed, the -Comanche knelt down, gradually opened the leafy curtain that hid him, -and looked out. Suddenly Flying Eagle rose, uncocked his rifle, which -he threw back again on his shoulder, and stepped forth with head erect, -and a smile on his lips. - -In the centre of a large clearing, illumined by three or four fires, -some twenty men were encamped, picturesquely grouped round the fires, -and joyously preparing their evening meal, while their horses grazed -a short distance off. These horsemen, whom Flying Eagle recognized at -the first glance, were Don Leo de Torres, Brighteye, and the Gambusinos -detached in pursuit of Don Estevan. The Indian approached the fire near -which Don Leo and the hunters were seated, and stopped in front of -them. - -"May the Wacondah watch over my brothers!" he said, in salutation; "a -friend has come to visit them." - -"He is welcome," Don Leo answered gracefully, as he held out his hand. - -"Yes," Brighteye went on, "a thousand times welcome; though there's -reason that his presence should surprise us." - -The Chief bowed, and took his place between the two whites. - -"How is it we meet you here?" the hunter asked. - -"The question my brother asks me at this moment is exactly what I was -preparing to ask myself." - -"How so?" Don Miguel asked. - -"Does not my brother, the Paleface, know where he is at this moment?" - -"Not at all. Since our separation, we have constantly followed the -trail of an enemy, though we could not catch him up; that trail has led -us to parts strange to Brighteye himself." - -"I am bound to confess it. This is the second time such a thing has -occurred to me, and under exactly similar circumstances. The first -time, I remember, it was in 1843. I was on the--" - -"But if the hunter does not know these regions," Flying Eagle -interrupted him unceremoniously, "my brother, the warrior knows them." - -"I?" Don Leo said. "Not the least in the world, Chief. I assure you it -is the first time I have come this way." - -"My brother is mistaken, he has been here already; but, like all the -Palefaces, my brother's memory is short, he has forgotten." - -"No, Chief. I am too well acquainted with the desert not to recognize, -at the first glance, any spot which I have once visited." - -The Indian smiled at this pretension, which was so poorly justified. -"Yes, that has happened to my brother today," he said, "though only -three moons, at the most, have passed since he visited these parts in -company with the Pale hunter, to whom he gave the name of Marksman." - -The adventurer started, and a lively emotion could be seen on his face. -"What do you mean, Redskin, in Heaven's name?" he said quickly. - -"I mean that Quiepaa Tani is there," the Indian answered, stretching -out his arm in a south-western direction; "that we are but a half day's -journey distant from it at the most." - -"Can it be possible?" - -"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, energetically, as he suddenly rose; -"thanks for these good news, Chief!" - -"What are you going to do?" Brighteye asked him. - -"What am I going to do? Cannot you guess it? Those we wish to save are -only a few leagues from us, and you ask me that question!" - -"I ask it of you because I fear, through your impetuosity and -imprudence, lest you might compromise the success of our expedition." - -"Your words are harsh, old hunter; but I pardon them, because you -cannot understand my feelings." - -"Perhaps I can, perhaps I cannot, Don Miguel; but, believe me, in an -expedition like ours, stratagem alone can lead to success." - -"Deuce take stratagem, and he who recommends it," the young man -exclaimed passionately. "I wish to deliver the girls whom, through my -mad confidence, I led into this snare." - -"And whom you lose for ever by another act of madness. Trust in the -experience of a man who has lived in the desert more years than you -count months in your life. Since we have been following Don Estevan's -trail, you have seen that a strong party of Indian horsemen has joined -him, I think? At two paces from a holy city, whose population is -immense, do you intend to contend with your fifteen Gambusinos against -several thousand brave and experienced Redskin warriors? That would be -committing suicide with your eyes open. If Don Estevan is proceeding -in this direction, it is because he also knows that the maidens are in -Quiepaa Tani. Do not let us hurry, but watch our enemy's movements, -without revealing our presence, or letting him suspect we are so near -him. In that way I answer for our success on my head." - -The young man had listened to these remarks with the greatest -attention. When Brighteye ceased, he pressed his hand affectionately, -and sat down at once by his side. "Thanks, my old friend," he said, -"thanks for the rough way in which you have spoken to me. You have -brought me back to my senses. I was mad. But," he added a moment after, -"what is to be done? How to save these unhappy maidens?" - -Flying Eagle, during the preceding conversation, had remained calm and -silent, apathetically smoking his Indian calumet; on hearing Don Leo -speak thus, he understood it was time for him to interfere. "The Pale -warrior can regain his courage," he said; "Eglantine is in Quiepaa -Tani; tomorrow at sunrise we shall have news of the pale virgins." - -"Oh! oh!" the young man said joyously. "So soon as your wife returns -from that nest of demons, I promise her, Chief, the handsomest pair of -bracelets, and the prettiest earrings an Indian cihuatl ever yet wore." - -"Eglantine needs no reward for serving her friends." - -"I know it, Chief; but you will not refuse me the satisfaction of -giving her this slight token of my gratitude, Chief?" - -"My brother is at liberty to do so." - -"Halloh!" Brighteye suddenly remarked, "by what chance did you come to -our camp this night?" - -"Have you not understood?" - -"On my word, no. We were far from suspecting you to be so near us." - -"That is true," Don Miguel remarked: "but now that I know where we are, -all is explained." - -"Yes; but that does not tell us why the Chief came to find us here." - -"Because," Flying Eagle replied, "we discovered your footsteps crossing -the trail we followed." - -"That is true; and you came to reconnoitre." - -The Chief nodded an assent. - -"Have our friends stopped far from here?" - -"No," the Indian said, "I am going to rejoin them, in order to tell -them who are the men I have seen. My absence has been long; the -Palefaces are soon alarmed. I am going." - -"One moment," Brighteye observed. "As chance has brought us together -again, perhaps it will be better not to separate again; we shall, -possibly, need one another." - -"What is your advice, Chief? Will it be better for us to accompany you -to your bivouac, or will you join us?" - -"We will come hither." - -"Make haste, then; for I am curious to know what has happened to you -since our separation at the ford of the Rubio." - -"Flying Eagle is a good runner," the Chief answered, "but he has only -the feet of a man." - -"By the way, why did you not come on horseback" - -"Our horses were left at the camp of the great river. A trail is better -followed afoot." - -"That is easily remedied. How many are you?" - -"Four." - -"What, four? I fancied you were more." - -"Yes, but the Pale hunter will explain to you why two of our comrades -have left us." - -"Good. I will accompany you." - -Don Leo immediately gave orders to have four horses got ready, and -recommended Brighteye to watch over the camp during his absence, then, -mounting his horse, in which he was imitated by the Chief, the two set -off, leading the horses intended for the men they were going to find. -The two men only took twenty minutes in covering the ground which -Flying Eagle had spent more than an hour in crossing, owing to the -precautions he was compelled to take when following an unknown trail, -which might belong to enemies. They found Marksman and Don Mariano -with loaded rifles, and keeping good watch. While awaiting Flying -Eagle's return, they had fallen asleep; but the steps of the horses -awoke them, and they stood on their defence in case of the worst. On -their awakening, however, a very disagreeable surprise awaited them. -They found only two instead of three. Domingo, the Gambusino, had -disappeared. So soon as he recognized Don Miguel, the Canadian said, -with extreme agitation--"Dismount, dismount, Caballero! We must all go -beating." - -"What humbug at this hour, Marksman!" Don Miguel answered. "Why, you -must be mad!" - -"I am not mad," the Canadian said, hurriedly; "but I repeat, dismount -and hunt; we are betrayed!" - -"Betrayed!" Don Miguel exclaimed, starting with surprise; "by whom? in -Heaven's name!" - -"By Domingo! The traitor has fled during our sleep! Oh! I was right to -distrust his coppery face!" - -"Domingo fled!--a traitor! You are mistaken!" - -"I am not. Hunt after him, I tell you, in the name of those you have -sworn to save." - -No more was needed to exasperate the young man; he bounded from his -steed, and seized his rifle. "What is to be done?" he asked. - -"Scatter over the ground," the hunter rapidly answered. "Each go a -different way; and may Heaven bless our search! We have lost too much -time already." - -Without any further exchange of words, the four men buried themselves -in the forest in four different directions. But the darkness was dense. -Beneath the cover, where, even by day, the sunbeams penetrated with -difficulty, on this black and moonless night they could distinguish -nothing two steps ahead of them; and if, instead of flying, the -Gambusino had contented himself with hiding in the vicinity, the -hunters would evidently have passed without noticing him. The search -lasted a long time, for the hunters comprehended the importance of -finding the fugitive again; but, in spite of all their skill, they -could discover nothing. Marksman, Don Mariano, and Don Miguel had been -back by the fire several minutes; they were communicating to each -other the closeness of their pursuit, when, suddenly, a dazzling flash -crossed the forest, and a shot was heard, almost immediately followed -by a second. "Let us run up," Marksman shouted. "Flying Eagle has found -the vermin. Never was a better sleuth-hound after game." - -The three men ran at full speed in the direction of the shots they had -heard. On approaching, they found that an obstinate contest was going -on. The war yell of the Comanches, uttered in Flying Eagle's powerful -voice, permitted them no doubt on that head. At length, they debouched -on the scene of action. Flying Eagle, with his foot on the chest of a -man thrown down before him, and who writhed like a serpent to escape -the fearful pressure, leant his back against a black oak, and, tomahawk -in hand, was defending himself like a lion against half a dozen Indians -who attacked him together. The three white men clubbed their rifles, -and rushed into the medley with a terrible cry of defiance. The effect -of this diversion was instantaneous. The Redskins dispersed in all -directions, and fled like a legion of phantoms. - -"After them!" Don Miguel howled, as he rushed forward. - -"Stop!" Marksman shouted, as he seized him by the arm; "you might as -well pursue the cloud carried off by the wind. Let the scoundrels -escape, we shall find them again, I warrant." - -The adventurer perceived that a pursuit in the dark would be giving an -enormous advantage to his enemy, who was better acquainted with the -country, and probably very numerous; hence he stopped with a sigh of -regret. The Chief was then surrounded, and complimented on his glorious -resistance. The Sachem received the remarks with his habitual modesty. - -"Wah!" he merely answered, "the Apaches are cowardly old women. One -Comanche warrior is sufficient to kill six times ten of them, and -twenty more." - -By a miraculous hazard, the brave Indian had only received a few -insignificant wounds, to which, in spite of his friend's earnest -entreaties, he paid no further attention than washing them with cold -water. - -"But," Marksman suddenly said, stooping down, "whom have we here? Eh! -if I am not mistaken, it is our fugitive!" - -It was really Domingo. The poor wretch had his thigh broken; -doubtlessly foreseeing the fate that awaited him, he howled with pain, -but would give no other answer. - -"It would be a good deed," Don Mariano said, "to dash out this poor -fellow's brains, to terminate his sufferings." - -"Let us be in no hurry," the implacable hunter remarked. "Everything -will have its season. Let Flying Eagle explain to us how he found him." - -"Yes, that is important," Don Miguel said. - -"It is the Wacondah who delivered this man into my hands," the Chief -answered, sententiously. "I had ransacked the forest with as much care -as the darkness permitted me, and was returning to you, wearied with -nearly two hours' fruitless search, when, at the moment I least thought -of it, I was attacked by more than ten Apaches, who rushed on me from -all sides at once. This man was at the head of the assailants. He fired -his gun at me, but did not hit me. I answered in the same way; but more -successfully, for he fell. I immediately set my foot on his chest, for -fear he should escape me, and defended myself to my best against my -enemies, in order to give you time to come to my assistance. I have -spoken." - -"By heavens, Chief!" the hunter exclaimed, enthusiastically, "you -are a brave warrior! What you have done is grand. This villain, on -leaving us, found a party of these birds of prey, and was, doubtlessly, -returning with the intention of attacking us during our sleep." - -"Well!" Don Mariano remarked, "he is found again; so all is for the -best." - -The wounded man made a great effort, and, leaning on his right hand, -he drew himself up and gave a ghastly grim "Yes, yes," he answered, "I -know I am about to die; but it will not be without vengeance." - -"What do you say, villain?" Don Mariano exclaimed. - -"I say that your brother knows all, my fine gentleman, and will succeed -in foiling your plans." - -"Viper! what have I done to make you act thus towards me?" - -"You did nothing," he replied, with a demoniac grin; "but," he added, -pointing to Don Miguel, "I have hated that man for a long time." - -"Die, then, villain!" the exasperated young man shouted, as he set the -cold muzzle of his rifle on his forehead. - -Flying Eagle turned the weapon aside. - -"This man is mine, brother," he said. - -Don Miguel slowly removed his rifle, and turned to the Chief. "I -consent; but on condition that he dies." - -A sinister smile played for a second round the Indian's thin lips. -"Yes," he said, "and by an Apache, death." Then, unfastening the bow -he wore by the side of his panther skin quiver, he placed the string -round the Gambusino's skull, and, forming a tourniquet, by means of an -arrow passed through the string, while, with his knee buried between -the wretch's shoulders, he seized his hair in his right hand, and -drew it to him. He scalped in this manner, inflicting on him the most -abominable torture that can be imagined, since, instead of cutting -the skin with his knife, he literally tore it off by means of the -string. The bandit, with his face inundated with blood, and disfigured -features, clasped his hands by a supreme effort, exclaiming, with an -expression impossible to describe--"Kill me! oh, for pity's sake, kill -me!" - -The Comanche placed his furious face close to the bandit's. "Traitors -are not killed," he said, in a hollow voice. And then, seizing him by -the neck, he thrust the blade of his knife between the clenched teeth, -forced the mouth open, and tore out his tongue, which he threw from him -in disgust. "Die like a dog!" he yelled; "thy lying tongue shall betray -never more." - -Domingo uttered a cry of pain so horrible that the hearers started with -terror, and rolled senseless on the ground.[1] - -Flying Eagle contemptuously kicked the bandit's body aside, and turned -to his companions. "Let us go," he said. - -They followed him in silence, terrified by the scene of which they had -been witnesses. An hour later, they found Brighteye at the bivouac. - -At sunrise, Flying Eagle approached Marksman and gently touched him on -the shoulder. "What do you want?" the hunter asked, as he woke. - -"The Sachem is going to meet Eglantine," the Chief answered, simply. -And he went away. - -"There is something human in those savage fellows after all," the -hunter muttered, as he watched him depart. - - -[1] The author saw this punishment inflicted on a North American by an -Apache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE TLACATEOTZIN.[1] - - -Two hours after sunrise, Flying Eagle returned to the camp, followed -by Eglantine: the council immediately assembled to hear the news. -The young Indian woman had not learned much: it was contained in one -sentence. - -The two Mexican girls were still in the city. Addick was absent, but -expected at any moment. These news, slight as they were, were, however, -good; for, though the details were wanting, the hunters knew that their -enemies had not yet had time to act. The point was now to get before -them and carry off the girls, ere they had time to prevent it. But -to do so, they must enter the city, and there lay the difficulty. A -difficulty which, at the first blush, appeared insurmountable. - -In this moment of distress, all eyes were turned to Flying Eagle. -The Chief smiled. Through the expression of agony depicted on every -countenance, the Indian guessed what was expected of him. "The hour -has arrived," he said. "My Pale brothers demand of me the greatest -sacrifice they can demand of a Sachem--that is to say, to open to -them the gates of one of the last refuges of the Indian religion, -the principal sanctuary where still is preserved intact the law of -Tlhui-camina,[2] the greatest, the most powerful, and most unhappy of -all the sovereigns who have governed the country of Hauahuac: still, -in order to prove to my Pale brothers how red the blood is that flows -in my veins, and how pure and cloudless my heart is, I will do it for -them, as I have promised." - -At the assurance given by Flying Eagle, whose word could not be -doubted, every face brightened. The Chief continued--"Flying Eagle has -no forked tongue; what he says, he does; he will introduce the great -Pale hunter into Quiepaa Tani; but my brothers must forget that they -are warriors and brave: cunning alone can make them triumph. Has the -great hunter of the Palefaces understood the words of the Chief? Is he -resolved to trust to his prudence and sagacity?" - -"I will act as you point out, Chief," Marksman replied, for he knew -that the Comanche was addressing him. "I promise to let myself be -entirely guided by you." - -"Wah!" the Indian continued, with a smile. "All is well, then: before -two hours, my brother will be in Quiepaa Tani." - -"May Heaven grant it be so, and my poor child be saved!" Don Mariano -muttered. - -"I have been long used to contend in cunning with Indians," the hunter -answered. "Up to the present, thanks to Heaven! I have always come off -pretty well from my meetings with them. I have good hopes of success -this time." - -"We will hold ourselves in readiness to come to your aid, if needed," -Don Miguel observed. - -"Above all, take care not to be tracked; you know that traitor of a -Domingo has put them on your scent." - -"Trust to me for that, Marksman," Brighteye eagerly interposed; "I know -what it is to play at hide and seek with the Indians. It is not the -first time this happens to me; and I remember, in 1845, at the hour I -was--" - -"I know," the Canadian cut him short, "that you are not the man to let -yourself be surprised, my friend, and that is enough for me; but keep a -good lookout, so as to be ready at the first signal." - -"And what will that signal be? for we must understand one another -thoroughly, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, which, annoying at -all times, would, in our present circumstances, be utter ruin." - -"You are right. When you hear the cry of the hawk repeated thrice, at -equal intervals, then you must act vigorously." - -"That is understood," Brighteye said; "trust to me for that." - -"I am ready," Marksman said to the Chief. "What must I do?" - -"In the first place, dress yourself," Flying Eagle answered. - -"What! dress myself?" the hunter said, surveying his person with -surprise. - -"Wah! does my brother fancy he will enter Quiepaa Tani in his Paleface -clothes?" - -"That is true; an Indian disguise is absolutely necessary. Wait a -minute." - -The _travestissement_ did not take long to effect. Eglantine modestly -retired into the forest, so as not to be present at the hunter's -toilet. In a few minutes Marksman took from his alforjas a razor, with -which he removed beard and moustache. During this time the Chief had -plucked a plant, which grew abundantly in the forest. After extracting -the juice, Flying Eagle helped the Canadian, who had removed all his -garments, to stain his body and face. Then the Chief drew on his chest -an _ayotl_, or sacred tortoise, accompanied by several fantastic -ornaments that had nothing warlike about them, and which he reproduced -on his face. After that, he gave the hunter's black hair a white tinge, -intended to make him look very aged; for among the Indians the hair -retains its colour for a long period. He knotted his curls on the top -of his head, after the fashion of the Yumas--the most travelled of the -Redskins--and to the left of this tuft, to show that it adorned the -head of a pacific Chief, he fixed a passagallo feather, instead of a -scalp lock, as is the custom with the warriors. - -When these preparations were completed, Flying Eagle asked the -Europeans, who had curiously followed the metamorphosis, how they liked -their comrade. - -"My word," Brighteye answered, simply, "if I had not been present -at the transformation, I should not recognize him; and, by the way, -I remember a singular adventure that occurred to me in 1836. Just -imagine--" - -"Well, and what do you say?" the Indian continued, pitilessly cutting -the Canadian short, and turning to Don Miguel. - -The latter could not refrain from laughing on looking at the hunter. "I -consider him hideous; he bears such a resemblance to a Redskin, that I -feel sure he can risk it boldly." - -"Och! the Indians are very clever," the Chief muttered. "Still, I -believe that, disguised thus, if my brother is willing thoroughly to -represent the character he has assumed, he has nothing to fear." - -"I mean to do it. Still, I would remark, Chief, that I do not yet know -what part you mean me to play." - -"My brother is a Tlacateotzin--a great medicine man of the Yumas." - -"By Jove! the idea is a good one. In that way I can get in anywhere." - -The Comanche bowed with a smile. - -"I shall be very clumsy, if I do not succeed," the hunter continued. -"But as I am a doctor, I must not forget to furnish myself with -medicaments." - -Thereupon Marksman rummaged his alforjas, took out of them all that -might have compromised him, and only left in them a little box of -specifics, which he always carried about him,--a precious store he had -employed on many an occasion. He closed the alforjas, threw them on his -back, and turned to the Chief. - -"I am ready," he said to him. - -"Good. Myself and Eglantine will go in front, in order to make the road -easy for my brother." - -The hunter gave a sign of assent. The Indian called his wife, and both, -after taking leave of the adventurers, went off. - -So soon as the Chief was out of sight, the hunter in his turn said -good-bye to his comrades. It was, perhaps, the last time he would see -them; for who could foresee the fate reserved for him among these -ferocious Indians, into whose hands he was about defencelessly to -surrender himself? - -"I will accompany you to the edge of the forest," Don Miguel said, "in -order fully to understand the means I must employ to be able to run up -at the first signal." - -"Come," the hunter said, laconically. - -They went away followed by the eyes of all their comrades, who saw -Marksman depart with an indescribable feeling of anxiety and sorrow. -The two men walked side by side, without exchanging a word. The -Canadian was plunged in deep thought; Don Miguel seemed a prey to an -emotion which he could not succeed in overcoming. In this way they -reached the last trees of the forest. The hunter stopped. "It is here -we must part," he said to his companion. - -"That is true," the young man muttered, as he looked sadly around. Then -he was silent. The Canadian waited a moment. Seeing, at length, that -Don Miguel would not speak, he asked him,--"Have you anything to say to -me?" - -"Why do you ask me that question?" the young man asked him, with a -start. - -"Because," the hunter answered, "you have not come so far, Don Leo, -merely to enjoy my company a little longer. You must, I repeat, have -something to say to me." - -"Yes, it is true," he said, with an effort; "you have guessed it. I -wish to speak with you; but I know not how it is, my throat rises. -I cannot find words to express my feelings. Oh, if I possessed your -experience, and your knowledge of Indian language, no other than -myself, I assure you, Marksman, would have gone to Quiepaa Tani." - -"Yes, it must be so," the hunter muttered, speaking to himself, rather -than answering his friend; "and why should it not be so? Love is the -sun of youth. All love in this world. Why should two handsome and -well-made beings alone remain insensible to each other and not love? -What do you wish me to say to them for you?" he added quickly. - -"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, "you perceived, then, that I loved her? -You are master, then, of the secret which I did not dare to confess to -myself!" - -"Do not be alarmed about that, my friend. The secret is as safe in my -heart as in yours." - -"Alas, my friend! the words I should wish to say to her my mouth alone -could utter with the hope of making them reach her heart. Say nothing -to her, that will be best; but you can tell her that I am here, and -watching over her, and that I shall die or she will be free soon in her -father's arms." - -"I will tell her all that, my friend." - -"And then," he added, breaking, by a feverish movement, a little steel -chain round his neck, which held a small bag of black velvet, "take -this amulet. It is all that is left to me of my mother," he said, -with a sigh; "she hung it round my neck on the day of my birth. It is -a sacred relic--a piece of the true cross, blessed by the pope; give -it to her, and let her guard it preciously, for it has preserved me -from many perils. That is all I can do for her at this moment. Go, -my friend, save her, as I am compelled to form silent vows for her -deliverance. You love me, Marksman. I will only add one word,--from the -attempt you make at this moment my life or death will result. Farewell! -farewell!" - -Seizing the hunter's hand with a nervous movement, he pressed it -forcibly several times, and, turning quickly away, not to let his -tears be seen, he rushed into the forest, where he disappeared, after -making a last sign with his hand to his friend, who was watching his -departure. After Don Miguel's departure, the Canadian stood for a -moment a prey to extraordinary sorrow. "Poor young man!" he muttered, -with a profound sigh, "is that the state people are in when they love?" -In a moment he overcame the strange emotion which contracted his heart, -and boldly raised his head. "The die is cast!" he said. "Forward!" Then -assuming the easy, careless step of an Indian, he proceeded, slowly to -the plain, while looking inquiringly around him. - -In the brilliant beams of the sun, which had risen radiantly, the green -plain the hunter was crossing assumed a really enchanting appearance. -As on the first occasion when he came to this country, all was in -motion around him. - -The Canadian, who, by the help of his new exterior, was able to -examine at his leisure all that went on around him, curiously examined -the animated scene he had before his eyes: but what most fixed his -attention was a band of horsemen in their war costume, or rather paint, -armed with those long javelins and barbed spears which they wield with -such dexterity, and whose wounds are so dangerous. Most of them also -carried a strong rifle and a reata at their girdle, and, marching in -good order, they advanced at a trot towards the city, seeming to come -from the opposite direction to that which the hunter was following. - -The numerous persons spread over the plain had stopped to examine them. -Marksman, profiting by this circumstance, hurried on to mingle with the -crowd, among whom, as he hoped, he was speedily lost, no one thinking -of paying the slightest attention to him. The horsemen continued to -advance at the same pace, not appearing to notice the curiosity they -excited. They were soon about forty yards from the principal gateway. -On arriving there they were stopped At the same moment, three horsemen -galloped out of the city, bounded over the drawbridge, and went to -meet them. Three warriors then left the first party and approached -them. After a few hastily exchanged words, the six horsemen rejoined -the detachment, which had remained motionless in the rear, and entered -the city with it. Marksman, who followed the party closely, neared -the gate at the very moment the last horseman disappeared in the -city. The hunter understood that the moment for boldness had arrived. -Assuming the most careless air he could put on, although his heart -was ready to burst, he presented himself in his turn for admission. -He noticed Flying Eagle and his squaw standing some distance off, and -conversing with an Indian who seemed to hold a certain rank. This -doubled the bold Canadian's courage; he crossed the bridge undauntedly, -and arrived with apparent stoicism at the gateway. A lance was then -levelled before him, and barred his passage. At a sign from Flying -Eagle, the Indian with whom he had been speaking left him and proceeded -toward the gate. He was a tall warrior, to whom his iron-grey hair -and the numerous wrinkles in his face imparted a certain character of -gentleness, intelligence, and majesty. He said a word to the sentry, -who was barring the hunter's passage; he raised his lance at once, and -fell back a few paces with a respectful bow. The old Indian made the -Canadian a sign to enter. "My brother is welcome in Quiepaa Tani," he -said gracefully, as he saluted the hunter; "my brother has friends -here." - -Marksman, owing to the life he had so long led on the prairies, spoke -several Indian dialects with as much fluency as his mother-tongue. -From the question the Redskin addressed to him, he felt that he was -backed up; he therefore assumed the necessary coolness to play his part -properly, and answered,--"Is my brother a Chief?" - -"I am a Chief." - -"Och! let my brother question me. Ometochtli will answer." - -In thus changing his personality, as it were, the hunter had been -careful to change his name also. After a long and barren research, he -at length selected that of Ometochtli, as best adapted to the person -he wished to represent; for, despite its apparently formidable look, -it simply means "two rabbits," a most inoffensive name, and perfectly -coinciding with the hunter's new character. - -"I shall not question my brother," the Chief said, cautiously. "I know -who he is and whence he comes. My brother is one of the adepts of the -great medicine, of the wise nation of the Yumas." - -"The Chief is well informed," the hunter remarked. "I see that he has -spoken with Flying Eagle." - -"Has my brother left his nation for long?" - -"It will be seven moons at the first leaves since I put on the -moccasins of a hunter." - -"Wah!" the Chief continued, with a certain appearance of respect; -"where are the hunting grounds of my brother's nation situated?" - -"Near the great shoreless lake." - -"Does my brother intend to practise medicine at Quiepaa Tani?" - -"I have only come here for that purpose, and to worship the Wacondah in -the magnificent temple which the piety of the Indians has raised to him -in the holy city." - -"Very good. My brother is a wise man; his nation is peaceful," he said, -as he raised his head, and drew up his tall form, proudly. "I am a -warrior, and my name is Atozac." - -By a strange accident, the first Indian with whom Marksman conversed -was the same who received Addick, and whose wife was selected by the -High Priest to serve as his interpreter with the maidens. - -"My brother is a great Chief," he replied to the Indian's words. - -The latter bowed with superb modesty on receiving this flattering -remark. "I am a son of the sacred tribe to whom the guardianship of the -temple is confided," he said. - -"May the Wacondah bless the race of my brother." - -The Chief was completely under the charm; the hunter's compliments had -intoxicated him. "My brother, Two Rabbits, will follow me. We will join -the friends who are awaiting us, and then proceed to my _calci_, which -will be his during the whole period of his stay in Quiepaa Tani." - -Marksman bowed respectfully. "I am not worthy, to shake the dust off my -moccasins on the threshold of his door." - -"The Wacondah blesses those who practise hospitality, my brother. Two -Rabbits is the guest of a Chief; let him follow me, then." - -"I will follow my brother, since such is his will." - -And, without further resistance, he began walking behind the old Chief, -charmed in his heart at having emerged so well from the first trial. -As we said, Flying Eagle and Eglantine had stopped a few paces off, -and they soon found them. All four, without uttering a word, proceeded -toward the house inhabited by the Chief, which was situated at the -other extremity of the city. This long walk allowed the hunter to -take a look at the streets which he crossed, and obtain a superficial -acquaintance with Quiepaa Tani. They at length reached the Chief's -house. Heutotl--the Pigeon--Atozac's wife, seated cross-legged on a -mat of maize straw, was making tortillas, probably intended for her -husband's dinner. Not far from her were three Or four female slaves, -belonging to that bastard race of Indians to which we have already -alluded, and to which the title of savages may be justly applied. When -the Chief and his guests entered the cabin, the Pigeon and her slaves -raised their eyes in curiosity. - -"Heutotl," the Chief said, with dignity, "I bring you strangers. The -first is a great and renowned Comanche Sachem. You know him already, as -well as his squaw." - -"Flying Eagle and Eglantine are welcome in the _calci_ of Atozac," she -answered. - -The Comanche bowed slightly, but did not utter a word. - -"This one," the Chief continued, pointing toward the hunter, "is a -celebrated Tlacateotzin of the Yumas. His name is Two Rabbits; he will -also dwell with us." - -"The words I addressed to the Sachem of the Comanches, I repeat for the -great medicine man of the Yumas," she said with a gentle smile; "the -Pigeon is his slave." - -"My mother will permit me to kiss her feet," the Canadian said, -politely. - -"My brother will kiss my face," the Chief's wife responded, holding up -her cheek to Marksman, who respectfully touched it with his lips. - -"My brothers will take a draught of pulque," the Pigeon continued; "the -roads are long and dusty, and the sunbeams hot." - -"Pulque refreshes the parched throat of travellers," Marksman answered. - -The presentation was concluded. The slaves drew up butacas, on which -the travellers reclined. Vessels of red earth, greatly resembling the -Spanish alcaforas, filled with pulque, were brought in, and the liquor, -poured out by the mistress of the house in horn cups, was presented by -her to the strangers with that charming and attentive hospitality of -which the Indians alone possess the secret. - - -[1] Literally, the "Man-God," a name given by certain Comanche tribes -to those who practice the healing art. - -[2] Surname of Motecuhzoma I.,--"He who shoots arrows up to the sky." -The hieroglyphic of this king is, in fact, an arrow striking heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -THE FIRST WALK IN THE CITY. - - -While pretending to be absorbed in eagerness to respond to the eager -politeness of his host, the Canadian attentively examined the interior -of the house in which he was, in order to form an idea of the other -residences in the city; for he justly assumed that all must be built -almost after the same plan. - -The room in which Atoyac received his guests was a large, square -apartment, whose whitewashed walls were decorated with human scalps, -and a row of weapons, kept in a state of extreme cleanliness. Jaguar -and ocelot skins, zarape, and frasadas were piled up on a sort of -large chests, in all probability intended to serve as beds. Butacas -and other wooden seats, excessively low, composed the furniture of the -room, in the centre of which stood a table rising not more than ten -inches from the ground. These simple arrangements are found almost -identical, by the way, in almost all Indian _callis_, which are usually -composed of six rooms. The first is the one we have just described; -it is the ordinary living room of the family. The second is intended -for the children; the third is the sleeping room. The fourth contains -the looms for weaving zarapes, which the Indians work with inimitable -skill. These looms, made of bamboo, are admirable for the simplicity of -their mechanism. The fifth contains provisions for the rainy season, -the period when hunting becomes impossible; while the sixth, or last, -is set aside for the slaves. As for the kitchen, there is really none, -for the food is prepared in the _corral_, that is to say, in the open -air. Chimneys are equally unknown, and each room is warmed by means of -large earthen brasiers. The internal arrangements of the _calli_ are -entrusted to the slaves, who work under the immediate superintendence -of the mistress of the house. These slaves are not all savages. The -Indians completely requite the whites for the misfortunes they deal -them. Many wretched Spaniards, captured in war, or victims to the -ambuscades the Redskins incessantly lay for them, are condemned to the -hardest servitude. The fate of these unhappy beings is even more sad -than that of their companions in slavery, for they have no prospect -of being set at liberty some day; they must, on the contrary, expect -to perish sooner or later, the victims of the hatred of their cruel -masters, who pitilessly avenge on them the numberless annoyances they -have themselves endured under the tyrannical and brutalizing system -of the Spanish Government. Hence, under the pressure of this hard -captivity a man may truly apply to himself the despairing words writ up -by the divine Dante Alighieri over the gates of his Inferno, _Lasciate -ogni speranza_. - -Atoyac, to whom chance had so providentially guided the Canadian, was -one of the most respected Sachems of the warriors of Quiepaa Tani. -In his youth he had lived long among the Europeans, and the great -experience he had acquired while traversing countries remote from his -tribe had expanded his intellect, extinguished in him certain caste -prejudices, and rendered him more sociable and civil than the majority -of his countrymen. While drinking his pulque in small sips, as the -gourmand should do who appreciates at its just value the beverage -he is imbibing, he conversed with the hunter, and gradually, either -through the influence of the pulque, or the instinctive confidence the -Canadian inspired him with, he became more communicative. As always -happens under such circumstances, he began with his own affairs, and -narrated them in their fullest detail to the hunter. He told him he was -father of four sons, renowned warriors, whose greatest delight it was -to invade the Spanish territory, burn the haciendas, and destroy the -crops, and carry off prisoners; next he related to him the travels he -had made, and seemed anxious to prove to Two Rabbits that his courage -as a warrior, his experience, and military virtues, did not forbid him -recognizing all there was noble and respectable in science; he even -insinuated that, although a Sachem, he did not disdain, at times, to -study simples and investigate the secrets of the great medicine, with -which the Wacondah, in his supreme goodness, had endowed certain chosen -men for the relief of the whole of humanity. - -Marksman affected to be deeply touched by the consideration the -powerful Sachem, Atoyac, evinced for the sacred character with which he -was invested, and resolved in his heart to profit by his host's good -feeling toward him to sound him adroitly about what he was so anxious -to know, that is, the state in which the maidens were, and in what -part of the city they were shut up. As, however, Indian suspicions can -be very easily aroused, and it was necessary to employ the greatest -patience, the hunter did not allow his intentions to be in any way -divined, and waited patiently. - -The conversation had gradually become general; still, more than an -hour had already elapsed, and in spite of all his efforts, aided by -those of Flying Eagle, the hunter had not yet succeeded in approaching -the subject he had at heart, when an Indian presented himself in the -doorway. - -"The Wacondah rejoices," the newcomer said, with a respectful bow. "I -have a message for my father." - -"My son is welcome," the Chief answered; "my ears are open." - -"The great council of the Sachems of the nation is assembled," the -Indian said; "they only await my father Atoyac." - -"What is there new, then?" - -"Red Wolf has arrived with his warriors. His heart is filled with -bitterness. He wishes to speak to the council. Addick accompanies him." - -Flying Eagle and the hunter exchanged a glance. - -"Red Wolf and Addick returned!" Atoyac exclaimed, with amazement. "That -is strange! What can have brought them back so soon, and together, too?" - -"I know not; but they entered the city hardly an hour ago." - -"Did Red Wolf command the warriors who arrived this morning?" - -"Himself. My father could not have seen him when he passed by here. -What shall I answer the Chief?" - -"That I am coming to the council." - -The Indian bowed and went away. The old man rose with ill-concealed -agitation, and prepared to go out. Flying Eagle stopped him. "My father -is affected," he said; "there is a cloud on his mind." - -"Yes," the Chief answered, frankly; "I am sad." - -"What can trouble my father, then?" - -"Brother," the old Chief said, bitterly, "many moons have passed since -the last visit paid by you to Quiepaa Tani." - -"Man is only the plaything of circumstances; he can never do what he -has projected." - -"That is true. Perhaps it would have been better for you and for us had -you not remained away so long." - -"Often, often I had the desire to come, but a fatality always prevented -me." - -"Yes, it must be so; were it not for that, we should have seen you. -Many things that have happened, would not have occurred." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It would be too long to explain to you, and I have no time to do so -at this moment; I must proceed to the council, where I am awaited. -Suffice it for you to know, that for some time an evil genius has -breathed a spirit of discord among the Sachems of the great council. -Two men have succeeded in obtaining a dangerous influence over the -deliberations, and forcing their ideas and wishes upon all the chiefs." - -"And these men, who are they?" - -"You know them only too well." - -"But what are their names?" - -"Red Wolf and Addick." - -"Wah!" Flying Eagle said. "Take care; the ambition of those men may, if -you do not pay attention, bring great misfortunes on your heads." - -"I know it; but can I prevent it? Am I, alone, strong enough to combat -their influence, and cause the propositions to be rejected which they -impose on the council?" - -"That is true," the Comanche answered, thoughtfully; "but how to -prevent it?" - -"There would be a way, perhaps," Atoyac said, in an insinuating voice, -after a short silence. - -"What?" - -"It is very simple. Flying Eagle is one of the first and most renowned -Sachems of his nation." - -"Well?" - -"As such, he has a right, I believe, to sit in the council?" - -"He has." - -"Why does not he go there, then?" - -Flying Eagle turned an inquiring glance on the hunter, who was -listening to this conversation with an apathetic face, though his heart -was ready to burst; for he guessed, by a species of presentiment, that -in this council questions of the highest importance to him would be -discussed. From the Chief's dumb inquiry he understood that if he -remained longer a stranger to the discussion, he would appear, in his -host's eyes, to display an indifference toward the welfare of the city, -which the latter might take in ill part. "Were I so great a Chief as -Flying Eagle," he said, "I should not hesitate to present myself at -the council. Here, the interests of one nation or the other are not -discussed; but vital questions often arise, affecting the welfare of -the red race generally. To abstain, under such circumstances, would, in -my opinion, be giving the enemies of order and tranquillity in the city -a proof of weakness, by which they would, doubtless, profit to insure -the success of their anarchical projects." - -"Do you believe so?" Flying Eagle remarked, with feigned hesitation. - -"My brother, Two Rabbits, has spoken well," Atoyac said, eagerly. -"He is a wise man. My brother must follow his advice, and with the -more reason, because his presence here is known to everybody, and his -absence from the council would certainly produce a very evil effect." - -"As it is so," the Comanche answered, "I can no longer resist your -wish; I am ready to follow you." - -"Yes," the hunter added, meaningly, "go to the council; perhaps your -unexpected presence will suffice to overthrow certain projects, and -prevent great misfortunes." - -"I will behave in such a manner as to overawe our enemies," the -Comanche answered, evasively, who, while feigning to address these -words to his host, really intended them for the hunter. - -"Let us go," said Atoyac. - -Flying Eagle bowed silently, and went forth. - -The hunter remained alone in the _calli_ with the two women. The -Pigeon, during the previous conversation, had been busy talking in a -low voice with Eglantine. Almost immediately after the departure of the -two warriors, the woman rose and prepared to go out. Eglantine, without -saying a word, laid her finger on her lip, and looked at the hunter. He -wrapped himself in his buffalo robe, and addressed Atoyac's wife. - -"I do not wish to trouble my sister," he said. "While the chiefs are in -council, I will take a walk, and examine, with greater attention, the -magnificent Temple, of which I only had a glimpse on coming here." - -"My father is right," she answered; "the more so, as Eglantine and -myself have also to go out, and we should have been compelled to leave -my father alone in the _calli_." - -Eglantine smiled softly as she nodded to the hunter. The latter, -suspecting that Flying Eagle's squaw had discovered the retreat of the -maidens during the conversation with her friend, and that the desire -she evinced to get rid of him had no other design but to obtain more -ample information about them, made not the slightest objection, and -walked slowly out of the _calli_, with all the majesty and importance -of the wise personage he represented. Besides, the Canadian was not -sorry to be alone for a little while, that he might reflect on the -means he should employ to approach the two maidens, which it seemed -to him by no means easy to manage. On the other hand, he intended -to employ the liberty left him in taking a turn round the city, and -obtaining all the topographical knowledge he needed. Not knowing in -what way his stay in the city would terminate, and how he should leave -it again, he, at all risks, carefully studied the plan of the streets -and buildings, from the double point of view of an attack or an escape. - -The hunter had assumed such a mask of placidity and indifference; his -questions were asked with so nonchalant an air, that not one of those -he addressed dreamed for a moment of suspecting him; and, as always -happens, he succeeded in obtaining--thanks to his skill--remarkably -precious details about the weak points in the city,--how it was -possible to enter and leave it after the closing of the gates, and -other equally valuable information, which the hunter carefully -classified in his mind, and which he resolved to put to good use when -the moment arrived. - -In Quiepaa Tani there are a good many unoccupied persons, who spend -their lives in wandering about, a prey to an incurable _ennui_. It was -with these people that the hunter formed an acquaintance during his -lengthened walk round the city, listening with the greatest patience -to their prolix and tedious narrations, when, certain of having drawn -from them all he could, he left them, to begin the same scheme a little -further on with others. - -Marksman remained away for three hours. When he returned to the -_calli_, Atoyac and Flying Eagle had not come back; but the two women, -seated on mats, were conversing with a certain degree of animation. - -On seeing him, Eglantine gave him an intelligent glance. The hunter -fell back on a butaca, drew out his pipe, and began smoking. After -exchanging a dumb bow with the pretended medicine man, the women again -resumed their palaver. - -"So," Eglantine said, "the prisoners taken from the whites are brought -here!" - -"Yes," the Pigeon answered. - -"That surprises me," the young woman continued; "for it would be only -necessary for one of them to escape, and the exact situation of the -city would be revealed to the Gachupinos, who would soon appear in the -place." - -"That is true; but my sister is ignorant that no one escapes from -Quiepaa Tani." - -Eglantine bowed her head with an air of doubt. - -"Och!" she said, "the whites are very crafty; still, it is certain that -the two young Pale maidens we have just seen will not escape,--they are -too well guarded for that. I do not know why, but I feel a great pity -for them." - -"It is the same with me, poor children! So young, so gentle, so pretty; -separated eternally from all those who are dear to them. Their fate is -frightful!" - -"Oh, very frightful! But what is to be done? They belong to Addick; -that Chief will never consent to restore them to liberty." - -"We will go and see them again, shall we not, my sister?" - -"Tomorrow, if you will." - -"Thanks; that will render us very happy, I assure you." - -The last words especially struck the hunter. At the sudden revelation -made to him, Marksman felt such an emotion, that he needed all his -strength and self-command to prevent the Pigeon noticing his confusion. - -At this moment Atoyac and Flying Eagle appeared. Their features were -animated, and they seemed in a state of rage, the more terrible, -because it was suppressed. - -Atoyac walked straight to the hunter, who had risen to receive him. On -noticing the animation depicted on the Indian's face, Marksman thought -that he had plainly discovered something concerning himself, and it -was not without some suspicion that he awaited the communication his -host seemed anxious to make to him. - -"Is my father really an adept of the great medicine?" Atoyac asked, -fixing a searching glance on him. - -"Did I not tell my brother so?" the hunter answered, who began to feel -himself seriously threatened, and looked inquiringly at Flying Eagle. -The latter smiled. - -The Canadian reassured himself a little; it was plain that, if he saw -any danger, the Comanche would not be so calm. - -"Let my brother come with me, then, and bring with him the instruments -of his art," Atoyac exclaimed. - -It would not have been prudent to decline this invitation, though -rather roughly given; besides, nothing proved to him that his host -entertained evil designs against him. The hunter, therefore, accepted. -"Let my brother walk in front; I will follow him," he contented himself -with answering. - -"Does my brother speak the tongue of the barbarous Gachupinos?" - -"My nation lives near the boundless Salt Lake. The Palefaces are our -neighbours; I understand, and speak slightly, the tongue they employ." - -"All the better." - -"Have I to cure a Paleface?" the Canadian inquired, anxious to know -what was wanted of him. - -"No," Atoyac replied. "One of the great Apache chiefs brought hither, -some moons back, two women of the Palefaces. They are ill; the evil -spirit has entered into them, and at this moment Death is spreading his -wings over the couch on which they repose." - -Marksman shuddered at this unexpected news; his heart almost broke; an -involuntary tremor passed over his limbs; he required a superhuman -effort to overcome the deep emotion he felt, and to reply to Atoyac, in -a calm voice--"I am at my brother's orders, as my duty commands." - -"Let us go, then," the Indian answered. - -Marksman took his box of medicaments, placed it cautiously under his -arm, left the _calli_ at the heels of the Sachem, and both proceeded -hastily towards the palace of the Vestals, accompanied, or, more -correctly speaking, watched at a distance, by Flying Eagle, who -followed in their footsteps, not once letting them out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -EXPLANATORY. - - -We are now compelled to go back a little way, in order to clear up -certain facts which necessarily remained in the shade, and which it is -urgent for the reader to know. - -We have related how Don Estevan, Addick, and Red Wolf easily came to an -understanding, in order to obtain a common vengeance. But, as generally -happens in all treaties, each having begun by stipulating for his -private advantage, it fell out that Don Estevan was about to reap the -least profit from the partnership. - -Few whites can rival the Redskins in craft and diplomacy. The Indians, -like all conquered peoples, bowed so long beneath a brutalizing yoke, -retained only one weapon, which is often deadly, however, by means -of which they contend most with success against their fortunate -adversaries. This weapon is cunning--the arm of cowards and the weak, -the defence of slaves against their masters. - -The conditions offered by the two Indian Chiefs to Don Estevan were -clear and precise. The Chiefs, by means of the warriors they had at -their disposal, would help the Mexican in seizing and avenging himself -on his enemies, inflicting on them any punishment he thought proper; -in return, Don Estevan would make over his niece and the other maiden, -now prisoners at Quiepaa Tani, to the Chiefs, who would do to them what -they pleased, Don Estevan giving up all right of interference with -them. These conditions being well and duly defined, the Indian Chiefs -set to work in fulfilling the clauses of the treaty as quickly as -possible. - -Red Wolf had a hatred for the two hunters and Don Miguel, which was -the more inveterate, because he had been conquered in the various -encounters he had with the three men. He, therefore, eagerly seized -the opportunity that offered to take his revenge, believing certain -this time of repaying his abhorred enemies all the humiliation they had -inflicted on him, and the ill they had done him. - -In less than four days, Addick and Red Wolf succeeded in collecting -a band of nearly one hundred and fifty picked warriors--obstinate -enemies for the whites, and to whom the coming expedition was a real -party of pleasure. When Don Estevan saw himself at the head of so large -and resolute a band, his heart dilated with joy, and he felt himself -ensured of success; for what could Don Miguel attempt with the few men -he had at his disposal? - -The road was long, almost impracticable. To reach Quiepaa Tani, it -was necessary to cross abrupt mountains, virgin forests, and immense -deserts; and even supposing the Gambusinos succeeded in overcoming -these seemingly insurmountable difficulties, when they arrived before -the city, what could they do? Would they, scarce thirty at most, -attempt to take by assault a city of nearly 20,000 souls, defended by -strong walls, surrounded by a wide moat, and containing 3,000 picked -men, the most renowned warriors of all the Indian nations, specially -entrusted with the defence of the sacred city, and who would, without -any hesitation, fall to the last man, sooner than surrender? Such a -supposition was absurd; hence Don Estevan dismissed it so soon as it -occurred to him. - -The first care of the Indian Chiefs was to learn in what direction -their enemies were. Unfortunately for the Redskins, the arrangements -made by the hunters were so adroit, that they were compelled to follow -their enemy on three different trails, and break up their war party, if -they wished to watch the Gambusinos on all sides. This was the first -occasion of a dissension between the three associates. Addick and Red -Wolf, when the question of a separation arose, naturally wished each -to take the command of a body, an arrangement which displeased Don -Estevan, and to which he would not at all consent, remarking, with -some degree of justice, that in the affair they had in hand everything -depended on the Chiefs; that the warriors had nothing to do but watch -the movements of their enemy, while they, the Chiefs, must remain -together, in order to arrange the necessary combinations in their -plans, and be enabled to act with vigour when the occasion presented -itself. The truth was, that Don Estevan, forced by circumstances into -an alliance with the two Sachems, had not the slightest confidence in -his honourable associates. He despised them as much as he was despised -by them, and felt certain that, if he allowed them to leave him, -under any pretence, he should never see them again; that they would -desert him on the prairie, remorselessly leaving him to get out of -the dilemma in the best way he could. The Indians perfectly understood -their partner's thoughts, but, far too cunning to let him see they -had read them, they pretended to admit the reasons he gave them, and -recognize their correctness. The Chiefs, therefore, remained together -and pushed on, only accompanied by twenty men, and having divided the -others into two bands, to watch the Gambusinos. - -Don Estevan was eager to reach Quiepaa Tani, in order to remove the -maidens from the city, and have them in his hands, in order, by -their presence, to stimulate the ardour of his allies. They set out. -A singular thing then happened. Six detachments of warriors were -following each other's trail for more than a month, each marching in -the footsteps of the previous one, and not suspecting that it was in -its turn followed by another. Matters went on thus without leading -to any encounter until the night when Domingo disappeared in the -virgin forest. This is how it happened. Marksman had well judged the -Gambusino, when suspecting him to be capable of treachery. That is why -he requested he should be left with him, that he might watch him with -greater care. Unfortunately, since the departure from the ford of the -Rubio, in spite of the incessant watchfulness kept up by Marksman, he -had never detected in the Gambusino the slightest doubtful movement -which would corroborate his suspicions, or convert them into certainty. -Domingo did his duty with apparent honesty and frankness. When they -reached the bivouac, the little arrangements for the night were made; -and the meal over, the Gambusino was one of the first to roll himself -in his zarape, lie down, and go to sleep from alleged weariness. In -short, the bandit managed to behave so cleverly, and to mask his -baseness, that the hunter, clever as he was, was taken in. Gradually -his vigilance relaxed, his distrust went to sleep, and, though not -reckoning greatly on the Gambusino's fidelity, he ceased looking after -him incessantly, as he did during the first days. And then they had -covered a great deal of ground during the past month; the hunters were -in a completely unknown country: hence it was not presumable that the -Gambusino, almost new to desert life, would venture to desert the -people with whom he was, and risk wandering alone in the desert, where -he would have every chance of dying of hunger in a few days. This -merely proved one fact, that Marksman, in spite of all his cleverness, -did not know the man with whom he had to deal, and did not suspect the -tenacity of purpose which forms the backbone of the Mexican character. - -Domingo hated the hunter because he had unmasked him, and with the -patience that characterizes the race to which he belonged, he awaited -the opportunity for vengeance, feeling certain, by the force of -events, that it must present itself from one day to the other. In the -meanwhile, he looked and listened. The hunters did not hesitate to -speak before him, for the reason that Marksman would, in that case, -have been obliged to tell his companions the suspicions he entertained -of the Gambusino, a thing that his innate loyalty prevented him doing. -Thus Domingo had profited by the opportunity to learn all the details -of the expedition of which he was an involuntary member--details he -intended to tell as clearly as possible to the person they interested -most, so soon as chance brought them together. - -On the evening when Marksman discovered that trail which troubled him -so greatly, Domingo, while foraging about on his own account, found -something which he carefully avoided showing his comrades. It was no -other than a tobacco pouch of small dimensions, richly ornamented with -gold embroidery, such as rich Mexicans usually carry. Domingo very -well recollected having seen it in Don Estevan's hand. The pouch must, -then, have been lost by him. For the present he hid it in his bosom, -intending to examine it more at his leisure, when he did not fear any -surprise from his companions. - -Flying Eagle followed the trail, as we have seen, and his friends, -after lighting the fire, preparing the meal, and eating a few -mouthfuls, waited his return. - -The day had been fatiguing; the Indian's return was deferred; Marksman -and Don Mariano, after conversing for a long time, felt their eyelids -weighed down and gently close; in short, they yielded to their fatigue, -lay down, and were soon buried in a deep sleep. As for Domingo, he had -been sleeping for an hour, as if he never intended to wake again. A -singular thing happened, however. Don Mariano and Marksman had scarce -closed their eyes, ere the Gambusino opened his eyes, and that so -freshly, that everything led to the belief that he had not been to -sleep at all, and never felt more wakeful than at the present moment. -He looked suspiciously around, and remained for some time motionless; -but, after a few moments, reassured by the gentle and regular breathing -of his companions, he sat up gently. He hesitated for several moments, -but then took the tobacco pouch from the place where he had concealed -it, and examined it with the closest attention. This pouch had scarcely -anything to distinguish it from others; but one circumstance struck the -hunter: the pouch was nearly half full of tobacco, and that tobacco -was fresh. Hence it could not have been long lost by Don Estevan--a -few hours, at the most. If that were so, as there was every reason to -assume, Don Estevan could not be far off, and must be a league, or at -the most two, from their bivouac. This reasoning was logical; hence -the Gambusino drew from it the conclusion that the opportunity he had -been waiting for so long had at length arrived, and he must seize it -at all risks. This conclusion once admitted, the rest can be easily -understood. The Gambusino rose, glided like a snake into the underwood, -and went off in search of Don Estevan. - -Accident is the master of the world; it regulates matters at its will; -its combinations are at times so strange, that it seems to take a -malignant pleasure in making the most odious plans succeed, contrary -to all expectations. This is what happened in the present case. The -Gambusino had not been wandering about the forest for more than hour, -groping his way as well as he could in the dark, which enwrapped him -like a shroud, when he arrived, at the moment he least expected it, in -sight of a fire lighted on the extreme verge of the forest. He walked -at once towards the brilliant flame he had noticed, instinctively -persuaded that near the _brasero_ which served him as a beacon he -should find the man he was looking for. His presentiments had not -deceived him. The camp, towards which he was proceeding, was really -that of Don Estevan and his allies, who, we must allow, did not believe -themselves so near their enemies. Had they done so, they would have -indubitably employed all the precautions usual in the desert to conceal -their presence. - -The sudden appearance of the Gambusino in the circle illumined by the -fire was a perfect tableau. The Indians and Don Estevan himself were -so far from expecting the man's arrival, that there was a moment of -fearful confusion, during which the Gambusino was seized, thrown down, -and bound, ere he had time to utter a syllable in his defence. The -warriors seized their arms, and scattered about the neighbourhood, in -order to assure themselves that the man who had so suddenly come among -them was alone, and they had nothing to fear. - -At length the alarm gradually cooled down; they felt easier, and -thought about questioning the prisoner. This was what the latter -desired, and which he earnestly requested, ever since he had been so -roughly pounced on. He was led into the presence of the three Chiefs, -and at once recognised by Don Estevan. "Eh!" the latter said, with a -grin. "It is my worthy friend, Domingo. What on earth brings you here, -my fine fellow?" - -"You shall learn, for I have merely come to do you a service," the -bandit answered, with his usual effrontery. "I should be obliged, -though, by your having me untied if it is possible. These cords cut -into my flesh, and cause me such suffering, that I shall be unable to -utter a word until I have got rid of them." - -When the bandit's request had been accomplished, he told all he had -heard in the fullest detail, without any pressing. The revelations of -the Gambusino caused his hearers considerable reflection, and they next -asked how he knew that they were so near? Domingo completed his story -by stating how he had found the tobacco pouch, and how, after his two -companions, Marksman and Don Mariano, fell asleep, he left them to go -in search of Don Estevan. - -In the Gambusino's story one thing especially struck Don Estevan, and -that was, that two of his greatest enemies were a few paces from him, -and alone. He at once leaned over to Red Wolf, and whispered a few -words, to which the other responded by a sinister smile. Ten minutes -later, the fire was extinguished. The Apaches, armed to the teeth, -under the guidance of Domingo, glided into the forest, and proceeded -toward the spot where the hunter and the gentleman were tranquilly -reposing, not suspecting the terrible danger that menaced them, and the -treachery to which they were the victims. - -We have seen how the Indian's enterprise failed, and in what way -the wretched Domingo received the chastisement for his crime. -Unfortunately, he had found time to speak, and his words had been -carefully garnered. When the Apaches recognized that they had to do -with a stronger party than they expected, and the men they wished to -surprise were on their guard, they withdrew in all haste, in order to -deliberate on the measures they must take to get before their enemies, -and foil their plans. The discussion, contrary to Indian habit, was -not long. In spite of the night, whose dense mantle still covered -the ground, they mounted their horses, and proceeded as speedily as -possible toward Quiepaa Tani, in order to enter the city first, and -have time to call on their friends to help them in the impending -contest. - -In spite of all his objections, Don Estevan was left behind, concealed -with some warriors on the outskirts of the forest. The Chiefs, with -all their influence, not daring openly to infringe the Indian laws -by introducing into the city a Paleface other than a prisoner, Don -Estevan was compelled to await their return with resignation. But if -the Indians had lost no time, the hunters, on their side, had so well -profited by it, that, as we have seen, Marksman, disguised as a Yuma -medicine man, entered Quiepaa Tani simultaneously with them. - -While Red Wolf made all the preparations for convening the great -council of the Chiefs, Addick left him, and proceeded to the house -of his friend, Cheuch Coatl (Eight Serpents), the Amantzin, or High -Priest. But the latter, on hearing of the young Chief's return, had -shut himself up with the Pigeon, who, accompanied by Eglantine, -had come to pay him a visit. The Amantzin advised her of Addick's -return--which she knew already--and recommended her to maintain silence -as to the active part she had played in the attempted conversion of the -maidens. The Pigeon, whom Eglantine had taught her lesson, promised to -remain dumb. She had told the High Priest of the presence in Quiepaa -Tani of a great Yuma medicine man, whose knowledge might be useful -in restoring the health of Addick's prisoners. The Amantzin thanked -the Indian woman, telling her he should probably see Atozac at the -council, and would not fail to ask him to lead Two Rabbits to him. -Feeling considerably calmer, the Amantzin dismissed the women, and -proceeded to Addick, being well prepared to receive him. At the first -words the young Chief uttered, referring to his great desire to see his -two prisoners as soon as possible, the old man replied that, in order -to be able to watch over them more effectually, and remove them from -the oppressive curiosity of the idlers of the city, who troubled him -with their continual visits, he had been compelled to transfer them -to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, until they could be returned -to their legitimate owner. Addick thanked his friend most warmly -for the care he had taken in performing the commission entrusted to -him--thanks which the Chief Priest received with hypocritical modesty, -while regarding the young Chief with a crafty look, which caused him to -feel uncomfortable. Hence, without further beating round the bush, he -resolved on settling the matter at once. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -CONVERSATIONAL. - - -The two men stood for a moment silently face to face, devouring each -other with their glances, with frowning brows and compressed lips, like -two duellists on the point of crossing swords; and, in truth, they were -about to engage in a duel, the more terrible because the only weapons -they could employ were cunning and dissimulation. - -The power of the Indian priests is immense; it is the more terrible, -because it is uncontrolled, and only depends on the deity they invoke, -and whom they compel to interfere in all circumstances when they have -need of his support. No people are so superstitious as the Redskins. -With them religion is entirely physical, they are completely ignorant -of dogmas, and prefer blindly believing the absurdities their diviners -lay before them, rather than give themselves the trouble of reflecting -on mysteries which they do not understand, and which, in their hearts, -they care little for. - -We have said that the High Priest of Quiepaa Tani was a man of lofty -intellect, constantly residing in the city, possessing the secrets, -and, consequently, the confidence of most families; he had built up his -popularity on a solid and almost immovable basis. Addick was aware of -this. On several occasions he had been obliged to have recourse to the -occult powers of the soothsayer, and, therefore, perfectly comprehended -the unpleasant consequences which would result to him from a rupture -with such a man. Chiuchcoatl stood with his arms folded on his chest, -and with apathetic face, before the young Chief, whose eyes flashed, -and features expressed the most violent indignation. Still, at the -expiration of a few moments, Addick, by an extraordinary effort of his -will, subdued the fire of his glance, smoothed down the expression of -his face, and offered his hand to the Priest, saying to him in a soft -and conciliatory voice, in which no trace of his internal agitation was -perceptible, "My father loves me. What he has done is well, and I thank -him for it." - -The Amantzin bowed deferentially, while slightly touching, with the end -of his three fingers, the hand held out to him. "The Wacondah inspired -me," he said, with a hypocritical voice. - -"The holy name of the Wacondah be blessed," the Chief replied. "Will -not my father allow me to see the prisoners?" - -"I should like it. Unfortunately, that is impossible." - -"What?" the young man exclaimed, with a shade of impatience, he could -not completely hide. - -"The law is positive. Entrance to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -is prohibited to men." - -"That is true; but these young girls are not priestesses. They are -Paleface women whom I brought here." - -"I know it. What my brother says is just." - -"Well, my father sees that nothing prevents my prisoners being restored -to me." - -"My son is mistaken. Their presence among the Virgins of the Sun -has placed them beneath the effect of the law. Forced by imperious -circumstances, I did not reflect on this when I made them enter the -Palace. In order to carry out my son's wishes, I wished to save them at -any price. Now I regret what I have done; but it is too late." - -Addick felt an enormous temptation to dash out the brains of the -wretched juggler, who deluded him so impudently with his hypocritical -accent and gentle manner; but, fortunately for the Priest, and probably -for himself, as such a deed, just as it was, would not have gone -unpunished, he succeeded in mastering himself. "Come," he continued, -in a moment, "my father is kind, he would not wish to reduce me to -despair. Are there no means to remove this apparently insurmountable -difficulty?" - -The Priest seemed to hesitate. Addick looked earnestly at him, while -awaiting his answer. "Yes," he continued, presently, "there is, -perhaps, one way." - -"What?" the young man exclaimed, joyfully. "Let my father speak!" - -"It would be," the old man answered, laying a stress on every word, -and, as it were, unwillingly, "it would be by obtaining authority from -the Great Council to remove them from the Palace." - -"Wah! I did not think of that. In truth, the Great Council may -authorize that. I thank my father. Oh! I shall obtain the permission." - -"I hope so," the Priest answered, in a tone which staggered the young -man. - -"Does my father suppose that the Great Council would wish to insult me -by refusing so slight a favour?" he asked. - -"I suppose nothing my son. The Wacondah holds in his right hand the -hearts of the Chiefs. He can alone dispose them in your favour." - -"My father is right. I will go immediately to the Council. It must be -assembled at this moment." - -"In truth," the Amantzin answered, "the first hachesto of the powerful -Sachems came to summon me a few moments before I had the pleasure of -seeing my son." - -"Then my father is proceeding to the Council?" - -"I will accompany my son, if he consents." - -"It will be an honour for me. I can, I trust, count on the support of -my father?" - -"When has that support failed Addick?" - -"Never. Still, today, above all, I should like to be certain that my -father will grant it to me." - -"My son knows that I love him. I will act as my duty ordains," the -Priest replied, evasively. Addick, to his great regret, was forced to -put up with this ambiguous answer. - -The two men then went out, and crossed the square, to enter the palace -of the Sachems, where the Council assembled. A crowd of Indians, -attracted by curiosity, thronged this usually deserted spot, and -greeted with shouts the passage of renowned sachems. When the High -Priest appeared, accompanied by the young Chief, the Indians fell -back before them with a respect mingled with fear, and bowed silently -to them. The Amantzin was more feared than loved by the people, as -generally happens with all men who hold great power. Chiuchcoatl did -not seem to notice the emotion his presence produced, and the hurried -whispers that were audible on his passing. With eyes sunk, and modest -even humble step, he entered the palace at the heels of the young -Chief, whose assured countenance and haughty glance formed a striking -contrast with the demeanour his comrade affected. - -The place reserved for the meeting of the Great Council was an immense -square hall, extremely simple, and facing north and south; at one end -was fastened to the whitewashed wall a tapestry made of the feathers -and down of rare birds, on which was reproduced, in brilliantly -coloured feathers, the revered image of the sun, resting on the great -sacred tortoise, the emblem of the world. Beneath this tapestry, and -sustained by four crossed spears planted in the ground, was the sacred -calumet, which must never be sullied by contact with the earth. This -calumet, whose red bowl was made of a precious clay, only found in a -certain region of the Upper Missouri, had a tube ten feet in length, -adorned with feathers and gold bells, and from its extremity hung a -small medicine bag of elk skin, studded with hieroglyphics. In the -centre of the hall, in an oval hole, hollowed for the purpose, was -piled, with a certain degree of symmetry, the wood destined for the -council fire, and which could only be lighted by the High Priest. The -hall was lighted by twelve lofty windows, hung with long curtains of -vicuna skin, through which a gloomy and uncertain light filtered, -perfectly harmonizing with the imposing aspect of the vast apartment. - -At the moment the Amantzin and Addick entered the place of meeting, -all the Chiefs comprising the Council had arrived; they were walking -about in groups, conversing and waiting. So soon as the High Priest -entered, each took his place by the fire, at a sign from the eldest -Sachem. This Sachem was an old man, whom two warriors held under -the arms to support. A long beard, white as silver--a singular fact -among Indians--fell on his chest; his features were stamped with -extraordinary majesty; and, indeed, the other Chiefs showed him -profound respect and veneration. This Chief was called Axayacatl, that -is to say, "the face of the water." He claimed descent from the ancient -Incas, who governed the country of the Anahuac before the Spanish -conquest, and, like his namesake, the eighth king of Mexico, his totem -was a face, before which he placed the symbol for water. We may remark, -in support of his claim, that his skin had not that reddish hue of new -copper which distinguishes the Indian race, but, on the contrary, -approached the European type. Whatever his descent might be, though, -one thing certain was, that in his youth he had been one of the bravest -and most renowned chiefs of the Comanches, that haughty and untameable -nation, which calls itself the Queen of the Prairies. When Axayacatl's -great age and numerous wounds prevented him waging war longer, the -Indians, by whom he was generally revered, had unanimously elected him -supreme Chief of Quiepaa Tani, and he had performed his duties for -more than twenty years, to the satisfaction of all the Indian nations. -After assuring himself that all the Chiefs were assembled round the -fire, the Sachem took from the hands of the hachesto, who stood by -his side, a lighted log, which he placed in the centre of the wood -prepared for the Council, saying, in a weak, though perfectly distinct -voice,--"Wacondah! thy children are assembling to discuss grave -matters; may the flame, which is thy Spirit, breathe in their hearts, -and raise to their lips words wise and worthy of thee." - -The wood--probably covered with resinous matter--caught fire almost -immediately, and a brilliant flame soon mounted, with a whirl, toward -the roof. - -While the Sachem was pronouncing the words we have just written, two -subaltern priests had taken the sacred calumet from the spot where -it was placed, and, after filling it with tobacco expressly reserved -for extraordinary ceremonies, they lifted it on their shoulders, and -presented it respectfully to the Amantzin. The latter took, with a -medicine rod, in order to confound evil omens, a burning coal from -the hearth, and lit the calumet, while pronouncing the following -invocation:--"Wacondah! sublime and mysterious being. Thou, whom the -world cannot contain, and whose powerful eye perceives the smallest -insect timidly concealed beneath the grass, we invoke thee, thee whom -no man can comprehend. Grant that the sun, thy visible representative, -may be favourable to us, and not drive far away the holy smoke of the -great calumet which we send toward him." - -The Amantzin, still holding the bowl of the calumet in the palm of -his hand, presented the tube in turn to each Chief, beginning with -the eldest. The Sachems each inhaled a few puffs of smoke, with the -decorum and reverence required by etiquette, with their eyes fixed on -the ground, and the right arm laid on the heart. When the tube of the -calumet at length reached the High Priest, he had the bowl held by one -of his acolytes, and smoked till all the tobacco was reduced to ashes. -Then the hachesto approached, emptied the ash into a little elkskin -pouch, which he closed, and threw into the fire, saying in a loud and -impressive voice,--"Wacondah! the descendants of the sons of Aztlan -implore thy clemency. Suffer thy luminous rays to descend into their -hearts, that their words may be those of wise men." - -Then the two priests took the calumet again, and placed it beneath the -image of the sun. The old Sachem took the word again. "The council -has assembled," he said, "two renowned Chiefs, who only arrived this -morning at Quiepaa Tani, on their return from a long journey, have, -they say, important communications to make to the Sachems. Let them -speak; our ears are open." - -We will enter into no details of the discussion that took place in the -Council; we will not even quote the speeches uttered by Red Wolf and -Addick, for that would carry us too far, and probably only weary the -reader. We need only say, that though the passions of the Sachems were -cleverly played on by the two Chiefs who had called the meeting, and -that sharp attacks were sharply returned, all passed with the decorum -and decency characteristic of Indian assemblies; that, although each -defended his opinion inch by inch, no one went beyond the limits of -good taste; and we will sum up the debate by stating that Red Wolf and -Addick completely failed in their schemes, and that the good sense, or -rather the ill will, of their colleagues prevented them attaining the -object of their desires. - -The High Priest, while pretending to support Addick, managed to embroil -the question so cleverly, that the Council declared unanimously that -the two young Palefaces shut up in the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun -must be considered, not as the property of the Chief who brought them -to the city, but as prisoners of the entire confederation, and as such -remain under the guardianship of the Amantzin, to whom the order was -intimated to watch them with the greatest care, and under no pretext -allow the young Chief to approach them. Chiuchcoatl, when he insinuated -to Addick that he should apply to the Council, knew perfectly well -what the result would be but not wishing to make an enemy of the young -man by refusing his request, he adroitly thrust the responsibility of -the refusal on the whole Council, and thus rendered it impossible for -Addick to call him to account for his dishonourable conduct toward him. - -Red Wolf had been more fortunate, from the simple reason that his -communication concerned the city. The Apache Chief demanded that -a party of five hundred warriors, commanded by a renowned Chief, -should be called under arms, to watch over the common safety, gravely -compromised by the appearance, in the vicinity of Quiepaa Tani, of -some forty Palefaces, whose evident intention it was to attack and -carry the city by storm. - -The Chiefs granted Red Wolf what he asked, and even much more than he -had ventured to hope. Instead of five hundred warriors, it was settled -that a thousand should be called; one-half of them, under the orders -of Atoyac, would traverse the country in every direction, in order -to watch the approach of the enemy, while the other half, under the -immediate orders of the governor, would guard the interior. After this, -the Council broke up. - -The High Priest then approached Atoyac, and asked him if he really had -a renowned Tlacateotzin at his house. The other replied, that, on the -same day, a great Yuma medicine man had arrived at Quiepaa Tani, and -done him the honour of entering his _calli_. Flying Eagle then joined -Atoyac in assuring the High Priest that this medicine man, whom he had -known for a long time, justly enjoyed a very extensive reputation among -the Indians, and that he had himself seen him effect marvellous cures. -The Amantzin had no reason to distrust Flying Eagle; he therefore put -the greatest confidence in his words, and, on the spot, begged Atoyac -to bring this Tlacateotzin as speedily as possible to the Palace of -the Virgins of the Sun, that he might devote his attention to the two -Paleface maidens placed under his ward by the Council-General of the -nation, and whose health had inspired him with great fears for some -time past. - -Addick heard these words, and rapidly approached the High Priest. "What -does my father say, then?" he exclaimed, in great agitation. - -"I say," the Amantzin replied, in his most honeyed voice, "that the two -maidens my son entrusted to my care have been tried by the Wacondah, -who sent them the scourge of illness." - -"Is their life in danger?" the young man continued, with ill-suppressed -agony. - -"The Wacondah alone holds in his power the existence of his creatures; -still I believe that the danger may be conquered; besides, as my son -has heard, I expect an illustrious Tlacateotzin of the Yuma race, just -come from the shore of the boundless Salt Lake, who, by the aid of his -science, can, I doubt not, restore strength and health to the slaves -whom my son took from the Spanish barbarians." - -Addick, at this unpleasant news, could not suppress a movement of -anger, which proved to the High Priest that he was not entirely his -dupe, but suspected what had happened; but, either through respect, -or fear lest he might be mistaken in his supposition, though more -probably because the place where Addick was did not appear to him -propitious for an explanation like that he wished to have with the -Amantzin, he contented himself with begging the old man not to neglect -anything to save the captives, adding, that he would be grateful to him -for any attention he might pay them. Then, suddenly breaking off the -conversation, he bowed slightly to the High Priest, turned his back on -him, and left the hall, talking eagerly in a low voice with Red Wolf, -who had waited for him a few paces off. - -The Amantzin looked after the young man with a most peculiar expression -in his eyes; then, resuming his conversation with Atoyac and Flying -Eagle, he begged them to send the Yuma medicine man to them that -evening, if possible. The latter promised this, and then left him to -return to the _calli_, where the physician was doubtless waiting for -them. - -Still, what had passed at the council afforded Flying Eagle serious -matter for reflection, by letting him see that the two Apache Chiefs -knew the greater part of Marksman's secret, and if the latter wished -to succeed, he must waste no time, but set to work at once. After -ten minutes' walking, the Chiefs reached the _calli_, where they -found Marksman awaiting them. The hunter, as we have seen, offered no -objections to Atoyac's request, but, on the contrary, after taking up -his medicine box, followed him eagerly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -Marksman followed Atoyac to the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun. In -spite of himself, the intrepid hunter felt his heart contract when -he thought of the perilous situation in which he was about to place -himself, and the terrible consequences discovery would entail. Still, -he stood up against this emotion, and succeeded in regaining sufficient -power over himself to affect a tranquillity and indifference which were -far from real. The two men walked silently side by side. The hunter, -fearing this prolonged dumbness might inspire his pride with doubts, -resolved to make him talk, in order to give his thoughts a different -direction from that he feared to see them take. "My brother has -travelled much?" he asked him. - -"Where is the warrior of our race whose life has not been spent in -long journeys?" the Indian answered, sententiously. "The Palefaces--my -brother knows it better than I--chase us like wild beasts, and compel -us incessantly to retire before their successive encroachments." - -"That is true," the hunter said, shaking his head with a melancholy -air. "What desert is so obscure in which we are now permitted to hide -the bones of our fathers, with the certainty that the plough of the -whites will not come to crush them in tracing its interminable furrow, -and scatter them in every direction?" - -"Alas!" Atoyac observed, "the red race is accursed. The day will come -when it will be sought in vain on the immense plains where it was -formerly more numerous than the brilliant stars which stud the vault -of heaven; for it is fatally condemned to disappear from the surface -of the world. The Palefaces are only the terrible implements of the -implacable wrath of the Wacondah against the children of the red -family." - -"My father only speaks too well. Formerly our race was all-powerful; -now it has fallen lower than the vilest slave, and has no hope left it -of ever rising again." - -"What has become of the powerful emperors of Anahuac, who commanded the -whole earth? Of the numberless cities they founded, but five compose -today the territory of Tlapalean.[1] They are the last refuges of the -children of Quetyalcoalt,[2] who are forced to hide themselves there -like timid deer, instead of boldly treading the countries possessed in -old times by their ancestors." - -"But, thanks be rendered to the Wacondah, whose power is infinite, -these five cities are completely sheltered from the insults of the -Gachupinos." - -Atoyac shook his head sadly, "My father is mistaken," he said. "Where -is the hidden spot to which Palefaces do not penetrate?" - -"That is possible. They effect everything; but up to the present no -Paleface has gazed on Quiepaa Tani. They have not been able to cross -the mountains and traverse the deserts, behind which the sacred city -rises calm and peaceful, deriding the vain efforts of its enemies to -discover it." - -"Scarce two suns ago, I should have spoken like my brother. I should -have rejoiced with him at this ignorance of the Palefaces; but today -this is no longer possible." - -"How so? What can have happened in so short a space of time, that -compels my brother to alter his opinion so suddenly?" the hunter asked, -growing all at once interested, and fearful of hearing bad news. - -"The Palefaces are in the vicinity of the city. They have been seen; -they are numerous and well armed." - -"It is not so; my father is mistaken. Cowards or old women were -frightened by their shadow, and spread this report," the Canadian -answered, shivering all over. - -"Those who brought the news are neither cowards, afraid of their -shadow, nor chattering old women--they are renowned chiefs. Today, at -the Great Council, they announced the presence of a strong party of -Palefaces, concealed in the forest, whose trees have so long spread out -their protecting branches before us, to conceal us from the piercing -glances of our enemies." - -"These men, however numerous they may be, unless they form a real army, -will not venture to attack a city so strong as this, defended by thick -walls, and containing a considerable number of chosen warriors." - -"Perhaps. Who can know? At any rate, if the Palefaces do not attack us, -we shall attack them. Not one of them must see again the land of the -Palefaces. Our future security demands it." - -"Yes, it must be so; but are you sure that the Chiefs of whom you -speak, and whose names I do not know, may not deceive you, and be -traitors?" - -Atoyac stopped and fixed a piercing glance on the Canadian, who endured -it with a calm air and unmoved countenance. "No," he said, a moment -after, "Red Wolf and Addick are no traitors." - -The hunter seemed to reflect for a moment, and then exclaimed, with -a resolute air, which imposed on the Indian, "No, indeed, those two -chiefs are not traitors; but they are on the road to become so ere -long. The dangers which menace us they heaped up on our heads to -satisfy their passions and thirst for vengeance." - -"Let my brother explain," the Chief said, at the height of -astonishment. "His words are plain." - -"I did wrong to utter them," the hunter continued, with feigned -humility. "I am only a man of peace, to whom the omnipotent Wacondah -has given the mission of relieving, according to the knowledge granted -him, the ills of humanity. I, a poor being, ought not to try and -uproot the powerful oak, whose weight in falling would crush me. Let -my brother pardon me. I imprudently allowed my indignation to carry me -away." - -"No, no," the Chief exclaimed, pressing his arm forcibly; "it cannot be -so. My father has begun, and he must tell me all." - -With that quickness of thought that distinguished him, the hunter had -conceived a plan founded on the distrust which forms the basis of the -Indian character. He pretended resistance to the Chief's instructions, -and was unwilling to enter into details of what he had let him have a -glimpse of; but the more the pretended medicine man declined to speak, -the more did the Chief press him to do so. At length the hunter feigned -to be intimidated by his host's mingled prayers and threats, and still -alleging the fear he felt of drawing on himself the hatred of two -renowned chiefs, he at length consented to give the information for -which Atoyac pressed him so urgently. "Here are the facts," he said. "I -will relate them to my brother exactly as they came to my knowledge. -Still, my brother will pledge me his word, that whatever be the -resolution he forms after hearing my words, he will in no way mix up a -peaceful and timid man in this affair. That my name shall not be even -mentioned, and that the chiefs whose conduct I am now about to unveil, -will not be aware of my presence at Quiepaa Tani?" - -"My brother can speak in all confidence. I swear to him by the sacred -name of the Wacondah, and by the great Ayotl, that whatever happens, -his name shall not be mixed up in this affair. No one shall know in -what way I obtained the information he will give me. Atoyac is one of -the first sachems in Quiepaa Tani. When it pleases him to say a thing, -his words do not require to be confirmed by any other testimony than -his own." - -As so often happens, under present circumstances, apart from the -discomfort produced by the hunter's reticence, the Chief was not sorry -at the importance the details he was about to learn would assuredly -give him, and the part he would be indubitably called on to play in the -events which would result from them. - -"Och!" the hunter said, with a sigh of satisfaction, "if that is -the case, I will speak." Then the Canadian told his complaisant and -credulous hearer a long and wonderfully confused story, in which truth -was so artfully mixed up with falsehood, that it would have been -impossible for the acutest man to distinguish one from the other; but -the result of which was, that, if the whites had reached the vicinity -of the city, Addick and Red Wolf had lured them after them, only -connecting their trail sufficiently for their pursuers not to lose -it. The whole of the facts recounted by the hunter were so skilfully -grouped, that the two chiefs, enveloped in this network of truth -and falsehood, must be inevitably convicted of treason if closely -cross-questioned, which the worthy hunter hoped most sincerely. "I will -allow myself no reflections," he added, in conclusion; "my brother is a -wise chief and experienced warrior: he will judge far better than I, a -poor worm, can of the gravity of the things he has just heard; still, I -implore him to remember what he has promised." - -"Atoyac has only one word," the Chief answered. "My father can reassure -himself; but what I have heard is extremely serious. Let us lose no -more time; I must go to the first Chief of the city." - -"Perhaps the two Sachems have drawn the Palefaces so near us with a -good intention," the hunter insinuated; "they hope, possibly, to pounce -upon them with greater ease." - -"No," Atoyac answered, with a gloomy air; "their intentions can only be -perfidious; their machinations must be foiled as speedily as possible; -if not, great misfortunes will occur, especially after the decision of -the Council, which gives the command of the warriors destined to act in -the city to Red Wolf, under the orders of the governor." - -Fortunately for the hunter, Atoyac was a personal enemy of Red Wolf -and Addick, which prevented him noticing with what cunning skill the -Canadian had led him to listen to his narrative. - -The two men hastily continued their walk, and in a few minutes reached -the Palace of the Vestals. After a few words with the warrior who had -charge of the gate, the Chief and the medicine man were introduced -into the interior. The High Priest came eagerly toward the newcomers, -whom he had been eagerly expecting. The Amantzin regarded the hunter -with suspicious attention, and made him undergo an interrogatory like -Atoyac's in the morning. - -His answers, prepared long before, pleased the High Priest; for, a few -moments after, he led him to the reserved apartments of the Palace, -in order to examine the state of the maidens. The Canadian's heart -trembled with the most violent emotion, and large drops of perspiration -beaded in his face. Indeed, the critical position in which he found -himself, was really of a nature to inspire him with serious alarm. What -he feared most of all was the effect his presence might produce on the -maidens, if, in spite of his perfect disguise, they recognized him at -once, or when he made himself known to them; for it was indispensable -for the success of the trick he intended to play, that those he was -going to see should know with whom they had to deal, and enter fully -into the spirit of the characters he meant them to play in the farce. -These reflections, and many others which rushed on the hunter, imparted -to his face a look of sternness, which was far from injuring him in the -minds of those who accompanied him. They at length reached the entrance -of the secret apartments, whose door, at a sign from the High Priest, -was widely opened before them. But so soon as they entered a large -hall, which, through the absence of all furniture, might be regarded as -a vestibule, the Amantzin turned to Atoyac, and gave him the order to -wait there, while he led the medicine man to the captives. - -As we have already said, the abode of the Virgins of the Sun was -interdicted to all men, excepting the High Priest. Under certain -circumstances, one person might be an exception to this rule, and that -was the doctor. Atoyac was too well acquainted with the severe law of -the palace to offer the slightest remark; still, when the High Priest -prepared to leave him, he caught him respectfully by the robe, and bent -to his ear. "My brother will return promptly," he said to him in a low -voice; "I have important news to communicate to him." - -"Important news," the Amantzin repeated, as he stared at him. - -"Yes," the Chief said. - -"And they concern me?" the High Priest continued slowly. - -Atoyac smiled confidentially. "I think so," he said, "for they relate -to Red Wolf and Addick." - -The High Priest gave a slight start. "I will return in a moment," -he said, with a gracious nod; then turning to the hunter, who stood -motionless a few steps off, apparently indifferent to what passed -between the two men, he said to him,--"Come." - -The hunter bowed, and followed the High Priest. The latter led him -across a long courtyard paved with bricks, and ascending ten steps of -blue and green-veined marble, he conducted him into a small isolated -pavilion, completely separate from the building in which the Virgins -of the Sun were secluded. The High Priest closed the door behind him, -which gave them admission to the pavilion; they crossed a species -of antechamber, and the Amantzin, raising a drapery which hung over -a narrow doorway, introduced the pretended physician into a room -splendidly furnished in the Indian style. The High Priest, wishing, -if possible, to make the maidens forget they were captives, had -gilded their cage with the utmost care, by decorating it with all -the articles of luxury and comfort which he supposed would please -them. In an elegant hammock of cocoa-fibre, overrun with feathers, -and hanging from golden rings, about eighteen inches from the floor, -there reclined a young woman, whose face of excessive pallor bore -the imprint of profound sorrow, and the evident traces of a serious -illness. It was Dona Laura de Real del Monte. By her side, with folded -arms and tear-laden eyes, stood Dona Luisa, her friend, or rather her -sister, through suffering and devotion. The state of prostration into -which Dona Luisa was plunged, proved that, in spite of her strength -of character, she had also, for some time past, given up all hope of -ever leaving the prison in which she was confined. This room, receiving -no light from without, was illuminated by four torches of ocote wood, -passed through gold rings in the wall, whose vacillating flame dimly -lighted up the scene. - -On seeing the two men, Dona Laura made a sign of terror, and buried -her face in her hands. The hunter saw that he must precipitate events, -so he turned to his guide, "The Wacondah is powerful," he said, in an -imposing voice; "the sacred tortoise supports the world on its shell. -His spirit eye is on me; it inspires me. I must remain alone with the -patients, that I may read in their faces the nature of the illness that -torments them." - -The High Priest hesitated; he fixed on the pretended physician a glance -which seemed to try and read his most secret thoughts. But, although -accustomed for many years to deceive his countrymen by his mystic -juggling, he was, after all, an Indian, and, as such, as accessible to -superstitious fears as those he deluded. He therefore hesitated, "I am -the Amantzin," he said, with a respectful accent. "The Wacondah can -only view with satisfaction my presence here at this moment." - -"My father can remain, if such is his pleasure; I do not compel him to -retire," the Canadian answered boldly, as he was determined to gain his -point at all hazards. "Now I warn him that I am in no way responsible -for the terrible consequences his disobedience will entail. The Spirit -that possesses me will be obeyed, for it is jealous. Let my father -reflect." - -The High Priest bowed his head humbly. "I will retire," he said; "my -brother will pardon my pressing." And he left the apartment. - -The Canadian silently accompanied him to the door of the vestibule, -closed it carefully after him, and ran back to the young ladies, who -recoiled with terror. "Fear nothing," he whispered; "I am a friend." - -"A friend!" Dona Laura exclaimed, who had fled, all trembling, into a -corner of the room. - -"Yes," he continued hastily; "I am Marksman, the Canadian hunter, the -friend, the companion of Don Miguel." - -Dona Laura sat up in her hammock, and a cry of surprise and joy burst -from her chest. - -"Silence!" the hunter said; "they may be listening." - -Dona Luisa gazed with dilated eyes on this scene, whose meaning escaped -her. - -"You, Marksman!" Dona Laura at length said, with an accent impossible -to describe. "Oh! we may be saved, then; we are not abandoned by all." - -And, sliding to the ground, she knelt piously, and, with clasped -hands, murmured a fervent prayer, while her eyes filled with tears. -Then, rising suddenly, she seized the hunter's hands, and pressed them -passionately. "Don Miguel," she said; "where is he?" - -"He is close by, and waiting for you. But, for Heaven's sake, listen to -me; moments are precious." - -"Oh, Caballero! take us away, take us away quickly," Dona Laura at -length said, completely recovered from her emotion. - -"Soon." - -"Yes, yes, save us!" Dona Laura exclaimed; "my father will reward you." - -Marksman smiled. "Your father will be very glad to see you again," he -said, softly. - -Dona Laura raised to him her lovely eyes, radiant with joy. "Where is -my father?" she asked him; but then added, "no, I cannot see him. He is -far, very far from here." - -"He is with Don Miguel, in the forest. Set your mind at rest." - -"Oh, Heaven!" the maiden exclaimed, "it is too much happiness." - -At this moment someone could be heard ascending the marble steps. -"Hist!" the hunter said, sharply; "be on your guard." - -"But what must we do?" Dona Laura asked, in a low voice. - -"Wait, and have confidence." - -"What, are you going?" - -"Leave us already?" they exclaimed together, with a movement of terror. - -"I will return. Leave me to act. Once again, hope and patience." - -"Oh, if you were to abandon us; if you did not save us," Laura said, in -despair, "we should have nothing left but to die." - -"Oh, have pity on us!" Dona Luisa murmured; - -"Trust to me, poor children," the hunter answered, more affected than -he liked to seem by this simple and profound sorrow. "Remember this -carefully--whatever happens, whatever may be told you, whatever sound -you hear, trust to me--to me alone--for I am watching over you. I have -sworn to save you, and I will succeed." - -"Thanks!" they replied. - -The steps had stopped at the door. - -Marksman, after making the maidens a last sign to recommend them -prudence, composed his features, sharply opened the door, and, -without uttering a word, passed by the High Priest, whom he did not -seem to notice, but evinced great marks of agitation, and, making -incomprehensible signs, ran toward the spot where Atoyac was awaiting -him. The Amantzin was dumb with surprise. After a moment, he closed the -doors the hunter had left open, and followed him, but as if he did not -dare to draw towards him. - -The maidens did not know whether they were not the sport of a dream. -So soon as they were alone, they fell into each other's arms, sobbing -violently. - - -[1] Literally, "red country." - -[2] Curlyce of Mexico: literally, it means the "serpent covered with -feathers." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -A MEETING. - - -The Indian Chief could not restrain a cry of terror, and recoiled a -few paces at the sudden apparition of the hunter. The latter stopped -in the centre of the room, and letting his head sink on his chest, -appeared plunged in profound thought. The High Priest, on rejoining -Atoyac, told him, in a few words, in what fashion the medicine man had -quitted the sick chamber, and the Indians, filled with superstitious -fear, stood motionless a few paces from him, respectfully waiting till -he addressed them. The hunter appeared gradually to regain possession -of his faculties; his agitation calmed down; he passed his hand over -his forehead, and sighed like a man at length relieved from a terrible -oppression. The Indians considered the moment favourable to approach -him, and ask him the questions they burned to address to him. "Well, my -father?" they said. - -"Speak," the High Priest added. "What is the matter with you?" - -The hunter rolled his eyes, uttered a fresh sigh, and muttered, in a -low, choking voice--"The spirit possesses me; it presses the marrow of -my bones." - -The Indians exchanged a timid glance, and fell back in terror. - -"Wacondah! Wacondah!" the Canadian continued; "why hast thou gifted thy -wretched servant with this unhappy knowledge?" - -The Redskins really felt the blood curdle in their veins by these -sinister words; a shudder of terror ran over their limbs, and their -teeth chattered. Marksman walked slowly toward them; they saw him -approaching without daring to make a movement to avoid him. The hunter -laid his right hand on the High Priest's shoulder, fixed a piercing -glance on him, and said, in a hollow voice--"The sons of the sacred -Ayotl must arm themselves with courage." - -"What does my brother mean?" the old man muttered, in a tremor. - -"A wicked spirit," the hunter continued, coldly, "has entered these -daughters of the Palefaces. This spirit will smite with death, from -this day forth, those who approach them; for the dread knowledge with -which the Wacondah has gifted me has enabled me to convince myself of -the malign influence that weighs upon them." - -The two Indians, credulous like all of their race, fell back a step. -Then the hunter, as if to confirm his words, feigned to be attacked by -a fresh crisis, and struggle with the spirit that dwelt in him. - -"But what must be done to deliver them from his evil influence?" Atoyac -asked, timidly. - -"All strength and all wisdom come from the Wacondah," the Canadian -answered. "I will ask my father, the Amantzin's leave to spend this -night in prayer in the Temple of the Sun." - -The Indians exchanged a glance of admiration. - -"Be it so, according to my father's wish," the High Priest said, with a -bow; "his wishes are orders to us." - -"Above all," the hunter continued, "let no one approach the daughters -of the Palefaces till tomorrow; then, perhaps, the Wacondah will grant -my prayers, by indicating the medicines I must employ." - -The High Priest gave a sign of assent. - -"It shall be so," he said; "let my father follow me; I will conduct him -to the temple." - -"No," Marksman objected; "that is not possible. I must enter the -sanctuary alone. My father will tell me the way to open the door." - -The Amantzin obeyed, and explained to him in what way the bars and -bolts were arranged, and how he must set to work to undo them. - -"Good," the hunter said; "tomorrow, at sunrise, I will let my father -know the will of the Wacondah, and if there be any hope left of saving -the patients." - -"I will wait, my son," the old man replied. - -The two Indians bowed respectfully to the medicine man, and retired -together. The hunter was surprised at seeing them go away thus, and -asked himself where they could be proceeding at such an hour. The -departure of the Indians was the only consequence of the confidential -information given to Atoyac by Marksman, and the High Priest and the -Chief were proceeding in all haste to the principal Sachem of the city, -to impart to him all they had learned of the supposed intentions of -Addick and Red Wolf. - -We will here return to what we have already told the reader, in order -to make him thoroughly understand the motive of the confidence with -which the Indians accepted the hunter's words. In these countries -soothsayers are, as it were, favourites of fortune, and enjoy an -unbounded supernatural power. As among the Redskins, the practice -of medicine is, properly speaking, only an affectation of religious -rites mingled with ridiculous juggling. The physicians are naturally -considered to be Acyars, and respected as such. And let it not be -supposed that the vulgar alone are imbued with this belief. The chiefs, -warriors, priests even, as we have shown, recognize in them a marked -superiority, even if they do not grant them equally absolute power. - -During the latest events we have described, night had set in, but -one of those American nights, so calm and soft, full of intoxicating -perfumes; a weak and delicate light poured from the stars, whose -innumerable army studded the profoundly azure sky with their flashing -light; the moon was standing high in the heavens, and poured down -on the sleeping city its silvery rays, which imparted to objects a -fantastic appearance; a religious silence brooded over the landscape. -The hunter looked after the two men so long as they remained in sight, -and then began crossing the square to reach the palace. - -The day had been a trying one to the Canadian. He had been compelled -at every moment to display presence of mind, and struggle in craft -with men whose clear-sighted eyes had been incessantly on the point -of discovering the wolf hidden beneath the sheepskin. Still, he had -valiantly supported his trials, and, from the way affairs had turned, -he had every reason to believe that he should succeed in delivering the -two maidens; hence the worthy hunter's laughter to himself at the way -in which he had played his part, and determined to brave it out boldly -to the end. On reaching the temple, he unfastened the bolts and bars, -and entered the interior, only leaving the doors to behind, for he felt -certain that no one would dare to trouble him, through the sanctity of -the spot in the first place, and then through the superstitious fears -he had succeeded in inspiring the Indians with. In asking the High -Priest's permission to spend the night in the sanctuary, the hunter -had no other design but to cover with the cloak of religion the means -he intended to employ for the escape of the maidens, and, at the same -time, have a few hours' liberty, during which he could arrange his -plans fully, without being disturbed by the hospitality and curiosity -of his host. - -The interior of the temple was gloomy. Only one lamp burned before the -sacrificing table, spreading a weak and trembling light, insufficient -to dispel the gloom. Marksman retired to a dark corner, sat down on -the ground, drew his pistols from his bosom, placed them by his side -for fear of a sudden attack, and, after trying with a piercing glance -to sound the dense gloom that surrounded him, feeling reassured by the -deadly silence, he began thinking deeply. Still, by degrees, either -through weariness or the influence of the spot where he was, in spite -of his violent efforts to keep awake, he felt his eyelids grow heavy, -and at length he gave way to the invisible sleep that overpowered -him. He could not say how long he had slept, when a slight noise he -heard, no great distance off, suddenly made him open his eyes. Like -all men accustomed to the active and perilous life of the desert, -where a man must be constantly on his guard, the hunter had acquired -such an exquisite delicacy of sense, that, however great his lassitude -might be, whenever he knew himself to be in a dangerous position, his -sleep was lighter than a child's. Marksman, when hardly awake, looked -around, while careful not to make the slightest movement indicating -that his slumbers were interrupted. He could see nothing; it was still -night, and what was more, the lamp was extinguished. He understood that -someone had entered the temple, and was spying him. But who could have -dared to cross the sacred threshold? Two sorts of persons alone would -venture to do it. A friend or an enemy. As for friends, he had only -one in the city, Flying Eagle. It was evident that the warrior, if he -wished to come to him, would have come openly, and not hiding himself, -which might draw a bullet at his head. Hence it was an enemy; but who? -Those he might have suspected, namely, Addick or Red Wolf, did not know -him, and hence could not have discovered him under his disguise, as he -had deceived sharper eyes than theirs. Besides, during the whole course -of the day, he had not been face to face with the two Chiefs, hence -it could not be they. But who was it, then? This was what the hunter -could not discover, in spite of all his cleverness. In his doubt, and -through fear of being taken unawares, he stretched out his hands till -they touched the pistols, and, with his head up, his eyes open, and -ears on the watch for the slightest sound, he prepared to bravely face -the foe, whoever he might be. The noise, however, which had disturbed -him was not repeated, all remained calm and silent. In vain did the -hunter strive to detect a shadow, even the slightest, or the least -sound. Nothing disturbed the majesty of the sanctuary. Still, Marksman -was not mistaken. He had distinctly heard a footstep timidly pacing the -stones of the temple. A man must have been once in his life in the same -position as the hunter was now in, to understand its agony and terror. -To feel close to you, scarce two yards off, an enemy watching you, -whose furious eye is unpleasantly fixed on you--to know he is there; -to guess it by that species of intuition God has bestowed on him to -foresee a danger, and not dare to stir, fear making the least movement -which might warn him that you were expecting the attack--this position, -comparable with that of the bird fascinated by the snake, is most -cruel, and, in a few minutes, becomes a punishment so intolerable that -death itself is preferable. - -Assuredly, Marksman was a man of tried courage. The enterprise he was -now attempting proved in him a rashness, we will not say pushed to -the verge of death, for that is nothing, but to a contempt of those -tortures the Redskins are so ingenious in inventing and varying, so -that they can extract the life from their victim, as it were, drop by -drop. Well, after a quarter of an hour of this expectation, he felt -an involuntary shudder, his hair stood erect, and a cold perspiration -beaded on his temples. "A million demons," he muttered to himself, -"I cannot stand this any longer. I must know what I have to expect, -whatever happens." - -At the same moment he leaped to his feet as if moved by a spring, a -pistol in either hand. All at once, a shadow bounded from behind a -pillar with a tiger's leap, and the hunter, seized by the throat, -rolled on the ground, before he could utter a cry. A foot was rested -on his chest, and he saw a hideous face grinning at him, as if through -a cloud. Marksman was alone, abandoned; without help; it was all over -with him, nothing could save him. He gave vent to a stifled sigh, and -closed his eyes, resigned to the fate that awaited him. But, at the -moment he felt he was about to receive the mortal blow, the grasp -on his throat relaxed, and a sarcastic voice said to him, "Get up, -powerful Tlacateotzin, I only wished to prove to you that you were in -my hands." - -The hunter rose all bruised, and still troubled by this sudden attack. -The other continued--"What would you give to escape the peril that -menaces you, and be free to return peacefully to the _calli_ of your -host Atoyac?" - -But Marksman had had time to recover from his flurry; he had picked up -his pistols; all fear had fled his heart, for he had only to defend -himself against one enemy. This enemy, after for a moment holding -him prostrate, committed the fault of restoring him liberty to move; -their position had suddenly become equal. "I will give you nothing, -Red Wolf," he said, resolutely. "Why did you not kill me when I lay -defenceless at your feet?" - -The Indian Chief--for he it was--recoiled, with surprise, on finding -himself so easily recognized. "Why did I not kill you, dog?" he -answered. "Because I had pity on you." - -"Because you were afraid, Sachem," the hunter said firmly; "it is a -different thing to kill an enemy in fighting, from assassinating an -adept of the great medicine in the temple of Wacondah, when protected -by his omnipotent hand. I say again, you were afraid." - -The hunter guessed rightly; it was his superstitious fear which -suddenly arrested the arm of the Chief, already uplifted to strike. "I -will not discuss matters with you," he said; "but tell me how you so -speedily guessed my name; for I do not know you." - -"But I know you; the Wacondah announced your presence to me; I expected -you; if I did not prevent your attack, it was because I wished to -see if you would carry your impiety so far as to sully the reverend -sanctuary of the temple." - -The Indian grinned. "You are going too far, sorcerer," he said, -ironically. "Had it not been for a moment of weakness I now regret, you -would be dead." - -"Perhaps so. What do you want of me?" - -"Do you not know, as you say nothing is hidden from you?" - -"I know what reason brings you here. You will try in vain to -dissimulate; if I ask you that question, it is because I would know if -you dare to tell a falsehood." - -Red Wolf reflected for a moment, and then continued, with a resolute -accent,--"Listen, sorcerer," he said; "either you are a rogue, as -I believe, or else you are really what you pretend to be--a great -medicine man, inspired by the Wacondah, and beloved by him; in either -case, I wish to clear up my doubts. Woe to you if you try to deceive -me, for I will kill you like a dog, and of your accursed hide, cut into -strips on your quivering body, I will make trappings for my horse; if, -on the contrary, you speak the truth, you will not have a more devoted -friend, or a more faithful servant than myself." - -"I despise your hatred, and do not want your friendship, Red Wolf," the -hunter answered, in an imposing tone; "your powerless menaces do not -terrify me; but, in order to make you fully understand the extent of -my knowledge, I consent to do what you ask, and tell you what reason -urged you to come to me." - -"Do so, sorcerer, and whatever may happen, Red Wolf will be yours." - -The hunter smiled contemptuously, and shrugged his shoulders, "It is -difficult, then, to divine what a man of blood wants? You and Addick, -your worthy accomplice, are leagued with a miserable dog, an outcast of -the Palefaces, to carry off from here two poor young girls confided to -the honour of your accomplice. Today you would like to cheat those with -whom you are allied, and keep the prisoners for yourself. Denounced to -the great Sachem by Atoyac, to whom all your designs are known, who is -also aware that you meditate seizing the supreme power, and becoming -Governor of Quiepaa Tani, you felt that you were lost; then you came to -me with the intention of corrupting me, and inducing me, by the power -I have at my disposal, to help you in carrying off the maidens whom -you covet, so that you may fly with them before the necessary steps -have been taken to arrest you. Is that all? Have I forgot any trifling -detail? Or have I really read your whole thoughts? Answer, Chief, and -contradict me if you dare!" - -The Sachem listened to the hunter's long tirade with increasing -trouble; the successive changes of his face while listening to the -sorcerer, would have been a curious study for an observer; and when -Marksman at length concluded, Red Wolf let his head sink in confusion, -and stammered, in an almost indistinct voice,--"My father is truly -a Tlacateotzin; the Wacondah inspires him; his knowledge is immense. -Who is the man who would dare to hide anything from him? His eye, more -piercing than the eagle's, reads all hearts." - -"Now you have my answer, Red Wolf," the hunter continued, "retire in -peace, and no longer disturb the meditations in which I am plunged." - -"Then," the Chief remarked, with hesitation, "my father will not do -anything for me?" - -"Yes, I do much." - -"What does my father?" - -"I allow you to retire in peace, when, by one sign, it would be easy -for me to lay you dead at my feet." - -The Indian drew two or three steps nearer the sorcerer, so as almost to -touch him; the latter, whose watchful ear had just heard the sound of -gentle footsteps coming toward him, did not notice this movement, for -all attention was directed to another quarter. Suddenly his frowning -brow grew smooth, and a smile played on his lips; he had discovered the -cause of this new mystery. "Well," he said to the Chief, "why does Red -Wolf remain here, when I gave him the order to withdraw?" - -"Because I hope to induce my father to have better feelings toward me." - -"My feelings toward the hunter are as they should be; I cannot change -them." - -"Yes, my father is kind; he will help Red Wolf." - -"No, I tell you." - -"My father will not serve me." - -"I will not." - -"Is that my father's last word?" - -"Yes." - -"Then die like the dog you are!" the Redskin howled furiously, as he -rushed with uplifted knife on the hunter. - -The latter had, for a few moments, attentively watched all the Chief's -movements. Being thoroughly acquainted with the treacherous and roguish -character of the Apaches, on seeing Red Wolf assume a gentle manner, -he perfectly foresaw what he meditated, and the termination he meant -to give the scene; but, for all that, he did not make the slightest -movement to escape the blow intended for him: he looked his assassin -full in the face, with folded arms and unruffled face. Still, the arm -raised against the hunter did not descend. A man suddenly emerged from -the shade that concealed him, appeared behind Red Wolf, seized his arm, -and twisted it with such force, that the knife dropped, and disappeared -again so rapidly, that the terrified Chief had not even the time to see -whether he had to deal with a man or a spirit. - -Red Wolf uttered no cry,--did not even attempt to avenge himself, -but his eyes rolled in their sockets, a convulsive tremor shook his -whole body, and he fell on his knees, murmuring, in a horrified -voice,--"Pardon, pardon, my father." - -The hunter fell back a step, as if to avoid the unclean contact of the -wretch prostrate before him, kicked the knife away with disgust, and -said, in a tone of supreme contempt,--"Pick up your weapon, assassin!" -In reply the Chief showed him his dislocated arm, which hung inert by -his side. - -"You wished it," the hunter continued. "Did I not warn you that the -Wacondah protected me? Go, retire to your _calli_; keep silence about -all that has happened here. At sunset be with your canoe at the -riverbank below the bridge; I will meet you there, and perhaps cure -you, if you strictly follow the order I give you; above all, forget not -that you must be alone. Go!" - -"I will obey my father; my lips will not utter a word without his -order. But how can I leave here, unless you aid me? The spirits that -watch over my father will come to me with death, when I am no longer -in his presence." - -"That is true: you have been sufficiently punished. Rise, and lean on -my shoulder; I will help you to walk to the entrance of the temple." - -Red Wolf rose without reply; his rebellious spirit was subdued. The -rude lesson he had received at length inspired him with a superstitious -dread of the medicine man, which nothing could overcome. - -The hunter gently led him to the outer gate. On arriving there, he -carefully examined his arm, assured himself that nothing was broken, -and dismissed him, saying in a tone in which kindness was mingled with -severity,--"Thank the Wacondah, who had pity on you. In a few days your -wound will be cured; but profit by this lesson, wretch. You will see -me again this evening. Go; now my help is no longer requisite, you can -reach your _calli_ alone." - -"I will try," the Chief answered, humbly. - -At a bow and sign from the hunter, he began walking slowly. Marksman -looked after him for some time, and then returned to the temple, -being careful to bolt the gate after him this time. At the moment the -hunter disappeared in the temple, the cry of the owl rose in the air, -announcing that the sun would speedily make its appearance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -COMPLICATIONS. - - -While these events were taking place in Quiepaa Tani, others we must -narrate were occurring in the camp of the Gambusinos. Don Miguel, -after parting from Marksman at the outskirts of the forest, returned -thoughtfully to the spot where his comrades awaited him. It was -evident that the bold adventurer, dissatisfied in his heart at the turn -affairs had taken, was meditating some desperate project to get near -the maidens. He had spent several hours on the top of the isolated -mound which commanded the whole plain, and which we have before -visited, and thence carefully studied the position of the city. Clearly -this young man, with his ardent character and impetuous passions, -consented very unwillingly to play a second part in an expedition in -which he had been hitherto the leader; his pride revolted at being -compelled to obey another, even though he were his devoted friend, and -he could count on him as on himself. He reproached himself for allowing -Marksman to expose himself thus alone to terrible dangers for a cause -which was his own. The true reason, however, which he did not dare -confess to himself, that, in short, would have gladly made him brave -the greatest perils, and evidently that instinct which impelled him -to revolt secretly against Marksman's prudence, and to take his place -at all risks, was his love for Dona Laura de Real del Monte. He loved -her with that powerful and invincible love which only chosen natures -are capable of experiencing--a love which grows with obstacles, and -which, when it has once taken possession of the heart of a man like -Don Leo, makes him accomplish the most daring and extraordinary deeds. -This love was the more deeply rooted in the young man's heart, because -he was completely ignorant of its existence, and believed he merely -acted through the affection he felt for the young girls, and the pity -their unhappy position inspired him with. If it were so at the outset, -as is true, for he did not know Dona Laura, matters had completely -changed since. A young man does not travel with impunity side by side -with a maiden for more than a month, seeing her incessantly, talking -with her at every moment of the day, and not fall in love with her. -There is in woman a certain charm, which we do not attempt to account -for, which seems to emanate from their being, to be impregnated in all -that surrounds them, which seduces and subjugates the strongest men -involuntarily. The silky rustling of their dress, the soft and airy -turn of the waist, the intoxicating perfume of their floating tresses, -the pure limpidness of their dreamy glance, which is turned toward -heaven, and tries to guess the secrets of which they are ignorant; all, -in short, in these incomprehensible and voluptuously simple beings -seems to command adoration and appeal to love. - -Dona Laura especially possessed that fascinating magnetism of the eye, -that slightly infantile gentleness of smile, which annihilate the -will. When her large blue eyes, veiled by long black lashes, kindly -settled on the young man, and were pensively fixed on him, he felt a -quiver over his body, a chill at his heart, and internally affected by -a sensation of immense and unknown pleasure, he wished to die then at -the feet of her who to him was no longer a creature of the earth, but -an angel. During the irregular course of his life, all the adventurer's -acquaintance with the other sex was what the corrupt society of Mexico -could offer; that is, the hideous and repulsive side. Accident, by -suddenly bringing him in contact with a poor and innocent girl like her -he had saved, produced a complete revolution in his ideas, by making -him understand that, until that day, woman, such as Heaven created her -for man, had remained an utter stranger to him. Hence, without noticing -it, and quite naturally, he yielded to the charm that unconsciously -acted on him, and had learned to love Dona Laura with, all the active -strength of his mind, not attempting to explain the new feeling which -had seized on him; happy in the present, and not wishing to think of -the future, which would probably never exist for him. Disregard of the -future is generally the character of all lovers; they only see, and -cannot see beyond, the present, by which they feel, through which they -suffer, or are happy; in which, in a word, they have their being. - -Possibly Don Leo, hidden in the heart of the desert with the girl he -had so miraculously saved, had for a few days caressed in his heart -the hope of eternal happiness with her he loved, far from cities and -their dangerous intoxication; but that thought, if ever he entertained -it, had irrevocably faded away upon the fortuitous appearance of Don -Mariano; the meeting with Dona Laura's father must eternally annihilate -the plans formed by the young man. The blow was a heavy one; still, -thanks to his iron will, he endured it bravely, believing that it would -be easy for him to forget the girl in the vortex of the adventurer's -life to which he was condemned. Unfortunately for Don Leo, he was -obliged to undergo the common lot; that is to say, his love grew in -an inverse ratio to the immovable obstacles that had suddenly arisen; -and it was precisely when he recognized that she could never be his, -owing to reasons of family and fortune, which raised an insurmountable -barrier between them, that he understood it was impossible for him -to live without her. Then, no longer striving to cure the wound in -his heart, he yielded completely to that love which was his life, -and only dreamed of one thing--to die in saving her he loved, so as -to draw a word of gratitude from her in his final hour, and perhaps -leave a soft and sad memory in her soul. We can understand that, under -such feelings, Don Leo absolutely insisted on delivering the maidens -himself; hence, from the moment he parted from his friend, he thought -of nothing but the means to enter the city and see her. It was in this -temper that he returned to the camp. Don Mariano was sad; Brighteye -himself seemed to be in a bad temper; in short, all conspired to -plunge him deeper and deeper in his gloom. Several hours passed and -the adventurers did not interchange a word; but at about two in the -afternoon, the hour of the greatest heat, the sentries signalled the -approach of a party of horsemen. All ran to their arms, but soon saw -that the newcomers were Ruperto and his Cuadrilla, whom Don Mariano's -servants had found and brought with them. - -Bermudez, following the injunctions he had received from Marksman, had -wished Ruperto to shut himself up with his men in the iron cavern; -but the hunter would listen to nothing, saying that his comrades had -gone further on the sacred soil of the Redskins than they had ever -done before; that they ran the risk at any moment of being crushed by -numbers, massacred, or made prisoners; that he would not abandon them -in such a critical position without trying to go to their help; and -so, in spite of all the criado's observations, the worthy hunter, who -possessed a tolerably strong share of obstinacy, pushed on, until he -at length found the encampment of his friends. Twice or thrice during -his journey he had come to blows with the Indians; but these slight -skirmishes, far from moderating his ardour, had no other result than to -urge him to haste; for now that the Redskins knew that detachments of -Palefaces were wandering in the vicinity of the city, they would not -fail to assemble in large numbers, in order to deal a great blow, and -free themselves from all their daring enemies at once. - -The arrival of the Gambusinos was greeted with shouts; Ruperto -especially was heartily welcomed by Don Miguel, who was delighted at -this reinforcement of resolute men at the moment he least expected it. - -The apathy which had fallen on the adventurers gave place to the -greatest activity. When the newcomers had performed their various -duties, groups were formed, and conversation commenced with the -vivacity and loquaciousness peculiar to Southern races. - -Ruperto was the more pleased at his happy idea of pushing on, when -he learned that there were not only Redskin encampments in the -vicinity, but that one of their most sacred cities was close at hand. -"_Canarios!_" he said, "we shall have to keep sharp watch, if we do not -wish to lose our scalps ere long. These incarnate demons will not let -us tread their soil in peace." - -"Yes," Don Leo remarked, carelessly; "I believe we had better not let -ourselves be surprised." - -"Hum!" Brighteye remarked, "it would be a disagreeable surprise that -brought a swarm of Redskins on our backs. You cannot imagine how these -devils fight, when they are in large bodies. I remember that, in 1836, -when I was--" - -"And the most exposed of us all is Marksman," Don Leo said, cutting -Brighteye short, who sat open-mouthed. "I am sorry that I let him go -alone." - -"He was not alone," the Canadian answered. "You know very well, Don -Miguel, that Flying Eagle and his cihuatl, as they call their wives, -accompanied him." - -Don Miguel looked at the hunter. "Do you put great faith in the -Redskins, Brighteye?" he asked him. - -"Hum!" the latter remarked, scratching his head; "that is according; -and if I must tell the truth, I will say that I do not trust them at -all." - -"You see, then, that he was really alone. Who knows what has happened -to him in that accursed city, in the midst of those incarnate demons? I -confess to you that my alarm is great, and that I am fearfully afraid -of a catastrophe." - -"Yet, his disguise was perfect." - -"Possibly. Marksman is thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners, and -speaks their language like his mother tongue. But what will that avail -him, if he has been denounced by a traitor?" - -"Holloa!" Brighteye said; "a traitor? Whom are you alluding to?" - -"Why, to Flying Eagle, caramba, or his wife, for only those two know -him." - -"Listen, Don Miguel," Brighteye remarked, seriously; "permit me to tell -you my way of thinking frankly; you do wrong in speaking as you now do." - -"I?" the young man exclaimed, sharply. "And why so, if you please?" - -"Because you only know very slightly--and what you know of them is -good--the people you are dishonouring by that epithet. I have known -Flying Eagle for many a long year; he was quite a child when I saw him -for the first time, and I have always found in him the staunchest good -faith and honour. All the time he remained in our company, he rendered -us services, or, at any rate, tried to render them to us; and, to -settle matters, all of us generally, and yourself in particular, are -under great obligations to him. It would be more than ingratitude to -forget them." - -The worthy hunter uttered this defence of his friend with an ardour and -firm tone which confused Don Miguel. "Pardon me, my old friend," he -said, in a conciliatory voice; "I was wrong, I allow; but, surrounded -by enemies as we are, threatened at each moment with becoming victims -to a traitor,--and Domingo's example is there to corroborate my -statement,--I allowed myself to be carried away by the idea--" - -"Any idea attacking the honour of Flying Eagle," Brighteye sharply -interrupted, "is necessarily false. Who knows whether, at this moment, -while we are discussing his good faith, he may not be risking his life -on our behalf?" - -These words produced a sensation on the hearers; there was a momentary -silence, which the Canadian soon broke, by continuing:--"But I am not -angry with you. You are young, and, from that very fact, your tongue -often goes faster than your thoughts; but, I entreat you, pay attention -to it, for it might entail dire consequences. But enough on the -subject. I remember a singular adventure which occurred to me in 1851. -I was coming from--" - -"Now that I reflect more seriously," Don Miguel interrupted, "I fully -allow that I was in the wrong." - -"I am happy that you allow it so frankly. Then we will say no more -about it." - -"Very good; and now, returning to the old subject, I confess to you -that I also feel anxious about Marksman." - -"There, you see." - -"Yes, but for other reasons than those you brought forward." - -"Tell me them." - -"Oh! they are very simple. Marksman is a brave and honest hunter, -thoroughly up to Indian roguery; but he has no one to back him up. -Flying Eagle would prove of but slight assistance to him; if he were -detected, the brave Chief could only be killed by his side; and he -would do so, I am convinced." - -"And I too; but what good would that do them? How, after that -catastrophe, should we succeed in saving the maidens?" - -Brighteye shook his head. "Yes," he said, "there is the difficulty; -that is the knot of the matter. Unfortunately, it is by no means easy -to remedy that eventuality, which, I trust, will not present itself." - -"We must trust so; but if it did, what should we do?" - -"What should we do?" - -"Yes." - -"Hum! You ask me a question, Don Miguel, which it is by no means easy -to answer." - -"Well, supposing it to be so, we must still find means of escaping from -the false position in which we shall find ourselves." - -"That is quite certain." - -"Well, then?" - -"Then, on my word, I do not know what I should do. Look you, I am not -a man who looks so far ahead. When a misfortune occurs, it is time -to remedy it, without bothering your brains so long beforehand. All -that I can say to you, Caballero, is that, for the moment, instead of -remaining here, stupidly planted like a flamingo that has lost a wing, -I would give a good deal to be in that accursed city, in a position to -watch over my old comrade." - -"Is that the truth? Are you really the man to attempt such an -enterprise?" Don Miguel exclaimed joyously. - -The hunter looked at him in surprise. "Do you doubt it?" he said. "When -did you ever hear me boast of things which I was not capable of doing?" - -"Do not be angry, my old friend," Don Miguel answered, quickly; "your -words caused me so much pleasure that, at the first blush, I did not -dare to believe them." - -"You must always put faith in my words, young man," Brighteye remarked, -sententiously. - -"Do not be afraid," Don Miguel said, with a laugh, "in future I will -not doubt them." - -"All right, then." - -"Listen to me. If you like, we will attempt the affair together." - -"Enter the city?" - -"Yes." - -"By Jove! that is an idea," Brighteye answered, quite delighted. - -"Is it not?" - -"Yes; but how shall we manage to get in?" - -"Leave that all to me." - -"Good. Then I will not trouble myself about it further; but there is -another matter." - -"What now?" - -"We are not presentable in this state," the hunter said, pointing, with -a laugh, to his attire; "by painting my face and hands, I might pass at -a push; but you cannot." - -"That is true. Well, let me alone, I will prepare an Indian dress with -which you can find no fault. During that time, do you disguise yourself -in your way." - -"It will soon be done." - -"And mine too." - -The two men rose, delighted, though probably from different reasons. -Brighteye was happy at going to his friend's assistance, while Don -Miguel only thought of Dona Laura, whom he hoped to see again. At -the moment they rose, Don Mariano stopped them. "Are you speaking -seriously, Caballeros?" he asked them. - -"Certainly," they answered, "most seriously." - -"Very good, then. I shall go with you." - -"What!" Don Miguel exclaimed, falling back in stupefaction. "Are you -mad, Don Mariano? You, who do not know the Indians, and cannot speak a -word of their language, to venture into this wasp's nest. It would be -suicide." - -"No!" the old man answered resolutely. "I wish to see my child again." - -Don Miguel had not the courage to combat a resolution so clearly -announced, so he let his head sink without answering; but Brighteye did -not regard the matter from that light. Perfectly cool, and consequently -seeing far and correctly, he understood the disastrous consequences Don -Mariano's presence would have for them. - -"Pardon me," he said, "but with your permission, Caballero, I fancy you -have not carefully considered the resolution you have just formed." - -"Caballeros, a father does not reflect when he wishes to see a child -whom he never hoped to hold to his heart again." - -"That is true. Still I would remark that what you propose doing, far -from helping you to see your daughter again, will, on the contrary, -sever her from you for ever." - -"What do you mean?" - -"A very simple thing. Don Miguel and myself are going to mix among -Indians, whom we shall have great difficulty in discovering, though -we know them. If you accompany us, the following will inevitably -happen:--At the first glance, the Redskins will see you are a white -man, and then, you understand, nothing can save you, or us either. Now, -if you insist, we will be off. I am ready to follow you. A man can only -die once; so as well today as tomorrow." - -Don Mariano sighed. "I was mad," he muttered, "I knew not what I said. -Pardon me; but I so longed to see my daughter again." - -"Have faith in us, poor father," Don Miguel said, nobly; "by what we -have already done, judge what we are still able to do. We will attempt -impossibilities to restore her who is so dear to you." - -Don Mariano, succumbing to the emotion which overpowered him, had -not the strength to reply. With eyes filled with tears, he pressed -the young man's hand, and sat down again. The two adventurers then -prepared for the dangerous expedition they meditated, by disguising -themselves. Owing to their acquaintance with Indian habits, they -succeeded in producing costumes harmonizing with the characters they -wished to assume, and in giving themselves a thorough Indian look. When -all the preparations were completed, Don Miguel confided the command -of the cuadrilla to Ruperto, recommending him to exercise the utmost -vigilance, and telling him the signal agreed on with Marksman. Then, -after a final pressure of Don Mariano's hand, who was still plunged -in the deepest grief, the two daring adventurers took leave of their -comrades, threw their rifles on their shoulders, and set out in the -direction of Quiepaa Tani, accompanied by several Gambusinos and by -Ruperto, who was glad to learn the situation of the city, so as to know -how to post his men so that they could run up at the first signal. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -A WALK IN THE DARK. - - -The sun was setting as the Gambusinos reached the skirt of the forest -and the limit of the covert. Before them, at a distance of about four -miles, rose the city, amid the verdure of the plain, which formed a -girdle of flowers and grass. The night fell rapidly, the darkness -grew momentarily heavier, mingling all the varieties of the scenery -in a sombre mass; the hour, in short, was most propitious for trying -the bold experiment on which they were resolved. They whispered a -last farewell to their comrades, and boldly entered the tall grass, -in the centre of which they speedily disappeared. Fortunately for the -adventurers, who would have found it impossible to find their way in -the darkness, the tracks of horsemen and foot passengers proceeding to -the city, or coming from it, had traced long paths, all leading direct -to one of the gates. The two men walked along, side by side, for a long -time in silence; each was thinking deeply on the probable results of -this desperate tentative. In the first moment of enthusiasm, they had -dreamed but slightly of the countless difficulties they must meet on -their path, and the obstacles which would doubtlessly at every moment -rise before them; they had only regarded the object they wished to -attain. But now that they were cool, many things to which they had not -paid attention, or which they would not allow to check them, presented -themselves to their thoughts, and, as so frequently happens, made them -regard their expedition under a very different light. Their object now -appeared to them almost impossible to gain, and obstacles grew up, as -it were, under their feet. Unfortunately, these judicious reflections -arrived too late; there was no chance of withdrawal, and they must -advance at all risks. All was calm and tranquil, however; there was -not a breath in the air, not a sound on the prairie, and, as the stars -gradually appeared in the sky, a pale and trembling gleam slightly -modified the darkness, and rendered it less intense, and they began -to see sufficiently well to be able to proceed without hesitation, and -reconnoitre the plain for some distance. Brighteye was not particularly -satisfied with his comrade's obstinate silence; the worthy hunter was -rather fond of talking, especially under circumstances like those he -found himself in at present; hence he resolved to make his companion -talk, in the first place, to hear a human voice--a reason which, -fortunately for themselves, the sedentary, who are exempt from those -great heart storms which yet endow existence with such charms, will not -understand; but the hunter's second reason was still more peremptory -than the first; now that he had embarked on this desperate enterprise, -he wished to obtain certain information from Don Miguel, as to the mode -in which he intended acting, and the plan he meant to adopt. So near -the city, and in an entirely uncovered plain, there was very slight -risk of the adventurers meeting with Indians; the only men they were -exposed to meet were scouts, sent out to reconnoitre, in the extremely -improbable event, that the Indians, contrary to their usual habit of -not making any movement during the night, had considered it necessary -to send out a few men to survey the environs. The two men could -therefore talk together without danger, save from some extraordinary -accident, though, of course, careful not to speak above their breath -and to keep eyes and ears constantly on the watch, so as to notice -a danger so soon as it arose. Brighteye, after coughing gently to -attract his comrade's attention, said, looking around him somewhat -impatiently,--"Eh, eh! the sky has grown enormously bright in the last -few minutes, and the night is not so black; I hope the moon will not -rise ere we reach our destination." - -"We have two hours before us ere the moon rises," Don Miguel answered; -"that is more than we want." - -"You believe two hours will be sufficient?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"All the better then, for I am not particularly fond of night walks." - -"It is not usual to take them." - -"Indeed, during the forty years I have traversed the desert in every -direction, this is only the second occasion of my indulging in a night -walk." - -"Nonsense!" - -"It is a fact; the first time deserves mentioning." - -"How so?" Don Miguel asked absently. - -"The circumstances were almost similar; I wanted to save a young girl, -who had been carried off by the Indians. It was in 1835. I was then -in the service of the Fur Company. The Blackfoot Indians, to avenge a -trick played on them by a scamp of an _employe_, hit on nothing better -than surprising Mackenzie fort; then--" - -"Listen!" Don Miguel said, seizing his arm. "Do you hear nothing?" - -The Canadian, so suddenly interrupted in his story, which he believed -this time he should really finish, did not, however, display any ill -temper, for he was accustomed to such mishaps; he stopped, lay down -on the ground, and listened attentively for two or three minutes, -with the most sustained attention, and then rose, shaking his head -contemptuously. "They are coyotes sharing a deer," he said. - -"You are certain of it?" - -"You will soon hear them give tongue." In fact, the hunter had scarce -finished speaking ere the repeated barking of the coyotes could be -heard a short distance off. - -"You hear," the Canadian said simply. - -"It is true," Don Miguel answered. - -They resumed their march. - -"Is this the way?" Brighteye said. "You remember what we agreed on, -Don Miguel? I trust entirely to you to get into the city, and I do not -exactly see what we shall do." - -"I do not know much more myself," the young man responded. "I spent -several hours today in carefully examining the walls, and fancied I -noticed a spot where it would be rather easy for us to pass." - -"Hum!" Brighteye remarked. "Your plan does not seem to me very good; it -will probably result in broken bones." - -"That is a chance to run." - -"Of course; but, without offence, I should prefer something else, if it -be possible." - -"That prospect does not frighten you, I hope?" - -"Not the least in the world. It is plain that the Indians cannot kill -me; if they could, they would have done so long ago, seeing the time I -have been in the desert." - -The young man could not refrain from laughing at the coolness with -which his comrade emitted this singular opinion. "Well, then," he said, -"what reason have you to find fault with my plan?" - -"Because it is bad. If the Indians cannot kill me, that does not prove -they will not wound me. Believe me. Don Miguel, let us be prudent: if -one of us is disabled at the start, what will become of the other?" - -"That is true; but have you any other plan to propose to me?" - -"I think so." - -"Well, let me know it. If it be good, I will adopt it; I am not at all -sweet on myself." - -"Good; can you swim?" - -"Why ask?" - -"Answer first, and then I'll tell you." - -"I swim like a sturgeon." - -"And I like an otter; we are well paired. Now, pay attention to what I -am going to say." - -"Move ahead." - -"You see that river a little to my right, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"Very good. That river intersects the city, I rather think." - -"Yes." - -"Supposing that the Redskins are acquainted with our arrival in these -parts, on which side will they apprehend an attack?" - -"From the plain, evidently. That is common sense." - -"All the better. So the walls will be furnished with sentries, watching -the plain, while the river, whence they fear no danger, will be -perfectly deserted." - -"That is true," Don Miguel said, striking his forehead; "I did not -think of that." - -"People cannot think of everything," Brighteye observed philosophically. - -"My worthy friend, I thank you for that idea. Now we are certain of -entering the city." - -"You had better not holloa till you are out--But you know the proverb. -Still, nothing will prevent us trying." - -They at once diverged to the left, in the direction of the river, -which they reached after a quarter of an hour's march. The banks were -deserted. The river, calm as a mirror, looked like a wide silver -ribbon. "Now," Brighteye continued, "we need not hurry; although we -can swim, we will reserve that expedient till others fail us. Examine -all the shrubs on one side, while I do so on the other. I am greatly -mistaken, or we shall find a canoe somewhere." The hunter's previsions -did not deceive him. After a few minutes' search, they found a canoe -hidden beneath a quantity of leaves in the midst of a thicket of -lentises and floripondios; the paddles were concealed a short distance -away. - -We have already described to the reader the mode adopted by the Indians -in building their boats, which, among other advantages, possesses that -of lightness. Brighteye took the paddles. Don Miguel put the canoe on -his back, and in a few minutes it was afloat. "Now let us get in," -Brighteye said. - -"A moment," Don Miguel observed; "let us muffle the paddles, to prevent -noise." - -Brighteye shrugged his shoulders. "Do not let us be too clever," he -said, "for that would injure us. If there are Indians about, they -will see the canoe; if they do not at the same time hear the sound of -paddles, they will suspect a trap, and try to detect the trick. No, no, -let me alone; lay yourself in the bottom of the canoe: fortunately for -us it is small, and the Redskins will never suppose that so small a -boat, pulled by one man, would have the pretension of surprising them. -That which relatively makes the security of our expedition, you must -not forget, is its rashness, even madness. Only Palefaces can hit on -such crack-brained schemes. I remember, in 1835, as I was telling you--" - -"Let us be off," Don Miguel interrupted, as he jumped into the canoe, -in the middle of which he laid himself down, in accordance with his -comrade's instructions. The latter followed him with a toss of the -head, and took up the paddles, which he only employed, however, with -an affected carelessness, which gave the boat a slow and measured -movement. - -"Look you," the hunter continued, "with the way we are moving, if there -are any of those red devils on the watch, they will certainly take -me for one of their comrades out fishing late, and returning to his -_calli_." - -Still, by degrees, and almost imperceptibly, the hunter increased his -speed, so that within half an hour they attained a certain degree of -speed, not great enough, however, to arouse suspicions. They then went -on for about an hour, and at length entered the city. But if they had -expected to land unnoticed, they were mistaken. Near the bridge, the -place where a number of pulled-up canoes showed that the Indians were -in the habit of stopping, Brighteye perceived a sentry leaning on his -long lance and watching them. The Canadian took a glance around, and -assured himself that the sentry was alone. "Good!" he muttered to -himself; "if there's only one, it will not be a long matter." - -Then he explained to Don Miguel what the matter was, to which the -latter answered a few words. - -"Listen," the hunter said, drawing himself up, "that is the only way." - -And he steered the canoe straight toward the sentry. So soon as the -Canadian was within hail--"Wah!" the Indian said, "my brother returns -very late to Quiepaa Tani; everybody is asleep." - -"That is true," Brighteye answered, in the language employed by the -sentry; "but I have brought in some splendid fish." - -"Eh?" the warrior remarked, seriously; "can I see them?" - -"Not only can my brother see them," the Canadian answered, graciously, -"but I authorize him to select any one he pleases." - -"Och! my brother has an open hand. The Wacondah will never allow it to -be empty. I accept my brother's offering." - -"Hum!" Brighteye muttered, "it is astonishing how the poor devil takes -the bait. He does not at all suspect that he is the fish." - -And with this philosophical reflection he continued his progress. -Soon after, the canoe grated on the sand. The Indian, affected by the -Canadian's deceptive offer, would not be beaten by him in politeness, -so he seized the side of the boat and began pulling it up. "Wah!" he -said, "my brother has had a fine fishing, for the canoe is very heavy." - -While saying this, he bent down to get a better hold, and began trying -anew. But he had no time; Don Miguel bounded from the boat, and, -clubbing his rifle, dealt a terrible blow of the butt on the wretched -Indian's skull. The poor sentry was killed at once, and rolled on the -sand without uttering a cry. - -"There!" Brighteye cried, as he got out in his turn, "that man, at any -rate, will not denounce us." - -"We must get rid of him now," Don Miguel observed. - -"That will not take long." - -The implacable hunter then selected a heavy stone, placed it in the -Redskin's frasada, and let him glide softly into the water. So soon as -this was effected, and every trace of the murder was removed, they drew -the canoe on land by the side of the others, and prepared to start. At -this moment the real difficulties of the enterprise began for them. -How should they find their way in a strange city in the dark? When and -how to find Marksman? These two questions seemed equally impossible of -solution. - -"Wah!" Brighteye at length said, "it must be no more difficult to -follow a trail in a city than on a plain. Let us try." - -"The first thing is to get away from here as soon as possible." - -"Yes, the place is not healthy for us; but suppose we try to find the -great square. There people generally expect to get useful information." - -"At this hour? That seems to me rather difficult." - -"On the contrary. We will hide till daybreak. The first Redskin who -passes within reach we will oblige to give us news of our friend. A -great physician, like him, must be well known, hang it all," he added, -with a laugh, a gaiety which Don Miguel shared with all his heart. - -Singular was the carelessness and recklessness of these two men; in the -centre of a city they had entered by killing one of its inhabitants, -where they knew they would meet only enemies, and where dangers were, -on all sides, hanging over their heads, they still found themselves as -much at their ease as if they had been among friends, and laughed and -jested together, just as if their position was the most agreeable in -the world. - -"Well," Brighteye continued, "we are in a very tidy labyrinth. Do you -not think with me that there is a frightful smell of broken bones about -here?" - -"Who knows? Perhaps we shall get out of it better than we fancy." - -"One thing is certain, we shall soon know all about it." - -"Let us take that street in front of us. It is wide and well laid. -Something tells me it will lead us right." - -"Heaven's mercy! that is as good as another." - -The hunters entered the street ahead of them. Accident had served them -well. After ten minutes' walk, they found themselves at the entrance of -the great square. "There," Brighteye said, in a tone of delight, "luck -is with us. We cannot complain; besides, it must be so. Accident always -favours madmen, and in that character we can claim its entire sympathy." - -"Silence!" Don Miguel said, sharply, "there is someone." - -"Where?" - -The young man extended his arm in the direction of the Temple of the -Sun. "Look!" he cried. - -"So there is," Brighteye muttered, a moment later, "but that appears to -be doing like us. He is evidently on the watch. What reason can he have -for being up so late?" - -After arranging, in a few words, the two adventurers separated, -and crept, from different sides, toward the night watcher, hiding -themselves, as well as they could, in the shadow, which was not an -easy task. The moon had risen some time previously, and spread a weak -light, it is true, but sufficient to let objects be distinguished for a -considerable distance. The man on whom the adventurers were advancing -still remained motionless at the spot where they had seen him; his body -bent forward, his ear leant against the door of the temple, he seemed -to be listening carefully. Don Miguel and Brighteye were not more than -six paces off, and were preparing to rush on him, when he suddenly -threw himself up. They with difficulty suppressed a cry of surprise. -"Flying Eagle!" they muttered. But although they spoke so low, the -other heard them, and immediately sounded the darkness with a piercing -glance. - -"Wah!" he said, on perceiving the two men, and resolutely advanced. - -The adventurers left the shadow that protected them, and waited. When -Flying Eagle had arrived almost close to them--"It is I," Don Miguel -said to him. - -"And I," Brighteye added. - -The Comanche, Chief fell back in a state of stupefaction impossible to -describe. "The grey-head here!" he exclaimed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE GREAT MEDICINE. - - -As we have stated, Marksman, after leading Red Wolf to the door of the -temple, and seeing him retire, reentered the sanctuary, closing the -door after him. The Comanche Chief was awaiting him, with shoulder -leaning against the wall, and folded arms. "Thanks for your help, -Chief," he said; "without you I was lost." - -"For a long time," the Indian replied, "Flying Eagle was hearing, -though invisible, his brother's conversation with Red Wolf." - -"Well, we have got rid of him for a long time; I hope, now, nothing -will occur to mar our plans or prevent their success." - -The warrior shook his head in contradiction. - -"Do you doubt it, Chief?" the hunter asked. - -"I doubt it more than ever." - -"Why so, when everything is going on as well as we can desire, when all -obstacles are levelled before us?" - -"Och! obstacles are levelled, but others greater and more difficult to -overcome arise immediately." - -"I do not understand you, Chief. Have you any ill news to tell me? If -so, speak quickly, for time is precious." - -"My brother shall judge," the Chief said, simply. Then tuning half -away, he clapped his hand thrice. As if this inoffensive signal had -the power to call up phantoms, two men instantaneously emerged from -the shadow, and appeared before the hunter's astonished eyes. Marksman -looked at them for a moment, and then clasped his hand with surprise, -muttering, "Brighteye and Don Miguel here! Mercy! what will become of -us?" - -"Is that the way you receive us, my friend?" Don Miguel asked, -affectionately. - -"In Heaven's name what have you come here for? What evil inspiration -urged you to join me when all was going on so well, and success, I may -say, was insured?" - -"We have not come to cross your plans; on the contrary, alarmed by the -thought of your being among these demons, we wished to see you and help -you, were that possible." - -"I thank you for your good intentions. Unfortunately, they are more -injurious than useful, under present circumstances. But how did you -manage to enter the city?" - -"Oh, very easily," Brighteye answered, and he told in a few words how -they had found them. The hunter shook his head. - -"It was a bold action," he said, "and I must allow that it was well -carried out. But how does it profit you to have incurred such perils? -Greater ones await you here--profitless, and of no advantage to us." - -"Perhaps so; but whatever happens," Don Miguel--answered firmly, "you -understand that I have not blindly exposed myself to all these dangers -without a very powerful motive." - -"I suppose so; but I try in vain to discover the motive." - -"You need not search long, I will tell you." - -"Speak!" - -"I must--you understand, I hope, old fellow," he said, laying a stress -on each, syllable--"I must see Dona Laura." - -"See Dona Laura! it is impossible," Marksman exclaimed. - -"I know nothing about impossibility; but this I know, that I will see -her." - -"You are mad, on my soul, Don Miguel; it is impossible, I tell you." - -The adventurer shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. "I repeat that I -will see her," he said, with resolution; "even if, to reach her, I were -compelled to wade in blood up to my waist; I insist on it, and it shall -be so." - -"But what will you do?" - -"I do not know, and care little. If you refuse to help me, well, -Brighteye and I will find means, will we not, old comrade?" - -"It is certain, Don Miguel," the latter answered, in the placid tone -habitual to him, "that I shall not leave you in the lurch. As to -finding a plan of reaching the captives, we shall find it, but I will -not answer that it is a good one though." - -There was a lengthened silence. Marksman was startled at Don Miguel's -resolution, which he knew to be unbinding; he calculated mentally the -chances, good and bad, which the young man's untoward arrival offered -for the success of his schemes. At last he took the word. "I will -not try," he said to Don Miguel, "any longer to dissuade you from -attempting to see the maidens; I have known you long enough to feel -that it would be useless, and that my arguments would, probably, only -urge you to commit an act of irremediable insanity. I therefore take -upon myself to lead you to Dona Laura." - -"You promise it?" the young man exclaimed quickly. - -"Yes; but on one condition." - -"Speak! whatever it be I accept it." - -"Good; when the moment arrives, I will let you know it; but take my -advice, and ask Flying Eagle to perfect your disguise; in the way you -and Brighteye are dressed at this moment, you could not take a step in -the city without being recognized. Now I leave you, for day has broken, -and I must go to the High Priest; I leave you in charge of Flying -Eagle; follow his instructions carefully, for you stake the life, not -only of yourself, but of those you desire to save." - -The young man shivered at the thought. "I will obey you," he said, "but -you will keep your promise?" - -"I will keep it this very day." - -After whispering a few words to Flying Eagle, Marksman left the three -men in the temple and went out. - -The Amantzin was preparing to go to the temple at the moment the hunter -entered his palace. Atoyac, curious like the true Indian he was, had -not left the High Priest since the previous evening, in order to be -present at the medicine man's second visit, which, judging from the -first, he assumed would be very interesting. The hunter returned, -accompanied by the Amantzin, who was his shadow, to the maidens' -apartment. He then attained the certainty that Dona Laura could without -inconvenience support the fatigue of being carried out of the Palace -of the Virgins of the Sun. The girl had, with the hope of a speedy -deliverance, regained her strength, and the disease which undermined -her had disappeared, as if by enchantment. As for Luisa, more dubious, -when the High Priest retired (for the hunter demanded to be left alone -with his patients), she said to the Canadian--"We shall be ready to -follow you when you order, Marksman, but on one condition." - -"How a condition?" the hunter exclaimed. Then he added, mentally, "What -is the meaning of this? Am I to meet obstacles on all sides? Speak, -Nina," he continued, "I am listening to you." - -"Pardon any apparent harshness in my words, we do not doubt your -loyalty. Heaven guard us from it still." - -"You do distrust me," the hunter interrupted, in a tone of chagrin. -"However, I ought to expect it, for you both know me too little to put -faith in me." - -"Alas!" Dona Laura said. "Such is the misfortune of our position, that, -in spite of ourselves, we tremble to meet traitors on all sides." - -"That miserable Addick, to whom Don Miguel trusted," Dona Luisa added, -"how has he behaved to us!" - -"That is true; you are obliged to speak so! What can I do to prove to -you certainly that you can place full and entire confidence in me?" The -maidens blushed, and looked at each other with hesitation. "Come," the -hunter said, simply, "I will remove all your doubts. This evening I -will see you again, and a man will accompany me who, I believe, will be -able to convince you." - -"Whom do you mean?" Dona Laura asked quickly. "Don Miguel?" - -"He will come?" the maidens exclaimed, simultaneously. - -"This evening, I promise you." - -The girls threw themselves into each other's arms to hide their blushes -and confusion. The hunter, after admiring the graceful group for -a moment, went out, saying in a soft and sympathetic voice,--"This -evening." - -The Amantzin and Atoyac were impatiently awaiting the result of the -visit in the vestibule of the palace. When the hunter joined them, -and the High Priest began questioning him as to the condition of the -patients, he seemed to reflect for a moment, then answered in a grave -voice--"My father is a wise man; nothing equals his knowledge; his -heart can repose, for his captives will soon be delivered from the evil -spirit that possesses them." - -"My father speaks the truth?" the Amantzin asked, trying to read in the -medicine man's face the degree of credit he should give him. - -But the latter was impenetrable. "Listen," he answered, "to what -the Great Spirit revealed to me during the night; at this moment a -Tlacateotzin from a remote hut has arrived at the city; I do not know -him, I never heard his name before this day; it is this divine man who -must aid us in saving the sick maidens. He alone knows what remedies -must be administered to them." - -"Still," the High Priest said, with an accent of ill-boded suspicion, -"my father has given us proofs of his immense learning, why does he not -finish alone what he has so well begun?" - -"I am a simple man, whose strength resides in the protection the -Wacondah grants me. He has revealed to me the means to restore health -to the sufferers; I must obey." - -The High Priest bowed submissively, and requested the hunter to confide -to him what he proposed doing. - -"The unknown Tlacateotzin will tell that to my father when he has seen -the captives," Marksman answered, "but he will not have long to wait, I -feel the approach of the divine man. Let my father admit him without -delay." - -Exactly at this moment several blows were struck on the outer door. The -High Priest, subdued by the hunter's assurance, hastened to open it. -Don Miguel appeared; thanks to Flying Eagle, he was unrecognizable. It -is almost unnecessary to state that this scene had been arranged by the -hunter and the Comanche Chief during the short conversation they had -before separating. Don Miguel took a scrutinizing look around. "Where -are the sick persons I am ordered by the Wacondah to deliver from the -evil spirit?" he said, in a stern voice. - -The High Priest and the hunter exchanged a glance of intelligence. -The two Indians were confounded. The arrival of this man, so clearly -predicted by Marksman, appeared to them a prodigy. We will not describe -the conversation that took place between Don Miguel and the maidens -when they at length met; we will restrict ourselves to saying that, -after an hour's visit, which elapsed to the young folks with the -rapidity of a moment, Marksman succeeded, with great difficulty, in -separating them, and returned with the adventurer to the High Priest, -whose suspicions he feared to arouse. - -"Courage!" the hunter whispered during the walk, "all is going on well; -leave me to manage the rest." - -"Well?" the High Priest asked, so soon as they appeared. - -Marksman drew himself up majestically, and assuming a stern and -imposing accent, said, "Listen to the words which the great Wacondah -breathes in my chest and sends up to my lips; this is what the divine -man here present says: the two suns that follow this are of evil -augury; but on the evening of the third, when the moon spreads its -beneficent light, my son, the Sachem Atoyac, will take the skin of a -vicuna, which my father, the venerated Amantzin, of Quiepaa Tani, will -kill in the arena, which he will bless in the name of Teotl;[1] he will -spread this skin on the top of a hillock, which is a little way out of -the city, in order that the evil spirit, on issuing from the maidens, -may not enter any of the inhabitants, and then lead the captives to the -spot where the skin is stretched out." - -"One of them, though," the High Priest remarked, "is incapable of -leaving the hammock on which her body reposes." - -"The wisdom of my son dwells in each of his words; but he may reassure -himself the Wacondah will give the necessary strength to those he -wishes to save." - -The Amantzin was restrained to bow before this unanswerable argument. - -"When what I have explained to my father is done," the Canadian -continued, imperturbably, "he will choose four of the bravest warriors -of his nation, to help him in guarding his captives during the night. -And after I have given the Amantzin and the men who accompany him a -liquor to drink, which will protect them from all evil influences, my -brother, the divine Tlacateotzin, will expel the wicked spirit that -torments the Pale women." - -The High Priest and the Sachem listened silently, and seemed to be -reflecting. The Canadian perceived it, and hastened to add, "Although -the Wacondah assists us, and gives us the necessary power to conquer, -still it is necessary that my brother, the Amantzin, and the four -warriors he selects, should pass the night preceding the great medicine -with us in the sanctuary. Atoyac will give, as an offering to the -Wacondah, twenty full cavales to the wise Amantzin. Will my brother do -so?" - -"Hum!" the Indian said, but little flattered by the preference, "if I -do so, what shall I gain by it?" - -Marksman looked at him fixedly. "The accomplishment before the second -moon," he answered, "of the project which Atoyac has ripened so long in -his mind." - -The hunter spoke haphazard; still, it seemed that the blow had told, -for the Sachem answered, with considerable agitation, "I will do it." - -"My father is a wise man," the High Priest said, his brow having -brightened when the hunter spoke of the offering of the twenty cavales; -"may the Wacondah protect him." - -"My son is kind," the Canadian contented himself with answering, and -took leave of the two men. - -On the square, Flying Eagle and Brighteye were awaiting the coming out -of the two adventurers. While proceeding towards their host's _calli_, -Marksman explained his plan in its fullest details to his comrades. -Nothing could be more simple, though, than his scheme, for it consisted -in carrying off the maidens so soon as they were placed on the mound. -This was the only possible chance of success, for they could not dream -of employing force to get them out of the Palace of the Virgins of the -Sun. The delay of three days, fixed by Marksman before attempting his -plan, was necessary, in order to send Flying Eagle off to his tribe, to -fetch the reinforcements they would doubtless greatly need during the -pursuit that must ensue on the rape. Brighteye, at the same time, would -leave the city to warn the Gambusinos of the day selected, so as to -avoid any misunderstanding, and place the hunters in good positions. - -The same evening, Flying Eagle, Eglantine, and Brighteye, as had been -arranged, got into Red Wolf's canoe, who was waiting near the hedge. -After the orders he received from Marksman, Eglantine was to remain -in the Gambusino's camp, while Flying Eagle, mounted on the famous -barb he had fortunately inherited from Don Estevan, would proceed -with all speed to his tribe. When Don Miguel and Marksman had seen -their comrades safely off, they returned to Atoyac's cabin. The worthy -Sachem, though he felt very angry at the tax of twenty cavales they -had put on him, received them most cordially, not daring to infringe -the laws of hospitality when dealing with men so powerful as the two -physicians. While conversing, he told them that Addick and Red Wolf had -disappeared from the city, no one knowing what had become of them. As -for Red Wolf, the hunters knew all about it, so his departure did not -trouble them; but it was not the same with Addick, who, as their host -told them, set out at the head of a powerful war party. They suspected -that the young Chief had gone to join Don Estevan, which urged them to -double their prudence, for they expected some perfidious machination -from these two men. - -The three days passed away in visits to the maidens and prayers in the -Temple of the Sun. Still, the time seemed very long to Don Miguel and -the ladies, who constantly trembled lest a fortuitous accident should -disturb the well-arranged plan for their deliverance. The last day, -Marksman and Don Miguel were conversing, as they had grown accustomed -to do, with Dona Laura and Dona Luisa, while recommending a passive -obedience to all their injunctions, when they fancied they heard a -rustling at the door of the apartment preceding that in which the -prisoners were confined. Marksman, at once reassuming his borrowed -face, opened the door, and found himself face to face with the High -Priest, who stepped away with the embarrassed air of a man detected in -the satisfaction of his curiosity. Had he heard what the young people -and the hunter had been saying in Spanish? Marksman, after reflection, -did not think so: still, he thought it prudent to recommend his -comrades to be on their guard. - -This long day at length terminated, the sun set, and night arrived. -All was ready for departure; the captives, each placed in a hammock, -suspended from the shoulders of four vigorous slaves, were transported -to the top of the mound chosen for the operation, and gently deposited -in the vicuna skin. The High Priest, by Marksman's orders, stationed -his warriors at the four cardinal points. He then uttered a few -mysterious words, to which Don Miguel replied in a low voice, burnt -some odoriferous grass, and bade the Indians and the High Priest kneel -down to implore the unknown deity. - -Don Miguel, during this period, gazed on the city, trying to -distinguish if anything extraordinary were occurring. All was calm. The -deepest silence reigned over the place. The two hunters, who had also -knelt, rose up. - -"Let my brothers redouble their prayers," Don Miguel said, in a hollow -voice, "I am about to compel the evil spirit to retire from the -captives." - -In spite of themselves, the maidens gave a start of terror at these -words. Don Miguel did not seem to notice it, but made a sign to -Marksman. "Let my brothers approach," the latter said. The sentinels -had a hesitation that threatened to degenerate into terror on the -slightest suspicious movement of the medicine men. Don Miguel then -proceeded:--"My brother and I," he said, "are about to return to -prayer; but to prevent the evil spirits seizing on you after leaving -the captives, my brother Two Rabbits will pour out for each a horn -of firewater, prepared and gifted by the Wacondah with the virtue of -saving those who drink it from the attacks of the evil spirit." - -The sentries were Apaches. At the word "firewater," their eyes sparkled -with covetousness. Marksman then poured them out a large calabash of -spirits, mixed with a strong dose of opium, which they swallowed at -a draught, with unequivocal signs of pleasure. The High Priest alone -seemed to hesitate, but at length made up his mind, and boldly emptied -the cup, to the great relief of the hunters, whom his hesitation was -beginning to alarm. - -"Now!" the Canadian shouted, in a rough voice, "on your knees, all of -you." - -The Apaches obeyed, Don Miguel imitating them. Marksman alone -remained standing, while Don Miguel, with his arms stretched to -the north, seemed ordering the evil spirit to retire; the Canadian -began turning rapidly, while muttering incoherent words, which the -adventurer repeated after him. After this, Don Miguel rose, and made an -invocation. Twenty minutes had passed. During this period, an Indian -fell, with his face to the ground, as if humbly prostrating himself. -Soon a second did the same, then a third, then a fourth, and, lastly, -the High Priest fell in his turn. The five Indians gave no signs of -life. Marksman, to make sure, let the nearest man taste the point of -his knife. The poor wretch did not stir; the opium had produced in -him and his comrades such an effect that their necks might have been -twisted before they woke. - -Don Miguel then turned to the ladies, who were awaiting with -ever-increasing perplexity the end of this scene. "Fly," he said, "if -you wish to save your lives." - -He then seized Dona Laura in his arms, threw her over his shoulders, -took a pistol in his left hand, and dashed down the hill. Marksman, -calmer than the young man, began by imitating thrice the signal agreed -on with his companions. At the expiration of a moment, which seemed -to him an age, the same cry answered him. "Heaven be praised!" he -exclaimed, "we are saved." - -He went towards Dona Luisa, and wished to take her in his arms. - -"No," she said, with a smile, "I thank you, but I am strong, and can -walk." - -"Come on, then, for heaven's sake." - -The girl rose. "Go on," she said, "I will follow you; think of your own -safety, I can defend myself." And she showed the hunter the pistols he -gave her two months previously. - -"Brave girl!" the hunter said; "but for all that, do not leave me." - -He made her go down in front of him, and both soon reached the foot of -the mound. When about half-way to the forest, the hunters were obliged -to stop, for the ladies, exhausted by fatigue and emotion, felt they -could not go further. Suddenly a large party of horsemen, with Don -Mariano, Brighteye, and Ruperto at their head, dashed at a gallop from -the forest, and hurried towards them. - -"Ah!" Don Miguel said, with maddening joy, "I have really saved her, -then!" - -The maidens mounted the horses prepared for them beforehand, and were -placed in the middle of the detachment. - -"My child! my darling daughter!" Don Mariano repeated, as he covered -her with kisses. - -The adventurer respected for a few minutes the gentle affection of the -father and daughter, who had so long been separated, and never hoped -to meet again. Two briny tears he could not check ran down his bronzed -cheeks, and in the presence of happiness so perfect, he forgot for a -minute that henceforth an insurmountable barrier was raised between -himself and her he loved so much; but soon regaining his spirits, and -comprehending the necessity of haste, he ordered-- - -"Forward, forward! we must not be surprised." - -All at once a sinister flash crossed the horizon; a sharp whizz was -heard, and a bullet crushed in the skull of a Gambusino, scarce a yard -from Don Miguel. Then a horrible yell, the war cry of the Apaches, -burst forth. - -"Back, back!" Marksman exclaimed, "the Redskins are on us." - -The Gambusinos, burying their spurs in their horses' flanks, started at -headlong speed. - - -[1] The great unknown God. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -THE FINAL STRUGGLE. - - -Marksman was not mistaken. Two parties of Redskins, one led by Addick -and Don Estevan, the other by Atoyac, were pursuing the Gambusinos. -We will explain to the reader, in a few words, this apparent alliance -between Addick and Atoyac. In the last chapter we stated that Marksman -surprised the Amantzin, listening at the door, and though the High -Priest did not understand a word of Spanish, and consequently could -not follow the conversation, still he evidenced a certain degree of -animation which appeared to him suspicious. Still, as he did not dare -openly to oppose the ceremony of the great medicine, which was to -take place in the same evening, he imparted his suspicions to Atoyac. -The latter, already badly disposed towards the two men, feigned, -however, to be astonished at the sudden doubts of the Amantzin, and -treated them as visionary. But at length, as the old man pressed him, -and seemed strongly persuaded that there was some machination hidden -behind the jugglery of the self-called medicine men, he consented -to watch what occurred on the hillock, and be ready to hurry to the -Amantzin's assistance, should he be the dupe of any trickery. This -being properly arranged, so soon as the procession with the captives -left Quiepaa Tani, Atoyac followed it with a band of warriors picked -from his relatives and friends, and, on arriving at the foot of the -mound, he clambered up it through the grass, prepared to see and hear -all that occurred. On hearing the prayers of the few men, the Chief -was on the point of regretting his coming. The noise of voices soon -ceased, and Atoyac, supposing that muttered prayers were now going -on, waited. Still, as the silence was prolonged, Atoyac determined to -climb to the top of the mound, and was utterly astounded at finding -only the Amantzin and the warriors lying on the ground. At first he -believed they were dead, and summoned his comrades, who had remained at -the bottom of the hill. The latter ran up at full speed, and lifted up -the sleepers, whom they shook violently, without being able to arouse -them. Atoyac then guessed a portion of the truth; he called to mind -the signal he had heard, and not doubting that the fugitives had gone -towards the forest, he rushed after them with a yell. Atoyac was the -first to perceive the party, and he it was who fired the shot which -killed the Gambusino. But the position of the whites was becoming -critical; for, on arriving at the edge of the forest, they found -themselves suddenly stopped by Addick's party, which charged furiously. -The ladies were in the centre of the Gambusinos, protected by Don -Mariano and Brighteye, and hence were in comparative safety. While -Marksman and Ruperto wheeled round to repulse the attack of Atoyac's -warriors, and cover the retreat, Don Miguel, wielding a club, which he -took from a wounded Apache, rushed into the thick of the fight with the -leap of a tiger at bay. The combatants, who were too close together -to employ their firearms, murdered each other with knives and lances, -or with fearful blows of clubs and rifle butts. The fearful carnage -lasted twenty minutes, excited by the savage yells of the Indians, and -the no less savage shouts of the Gambusinos, At length, by a desperate -effort, Don Miguel succeeded in bursting the human dyke that barred his -progress, and rushed, followed by his comrades, through the wide and -bloody gap he had opened, at the loss of ten of his most resolute men, -leaving Marksman to oppose the last efforts of the Redskins. Don Miguel -collected his men around him, and all hurried into the depths of the -forest, when they speedily disappeared. - -At sunrise, the adventurers reached the grotto where they had once -before sought shelter, and Don Miguel gave the order to halt. It was -time. The horses, panting with fatigue, could scarce stand; besides, -whatever diligence the Apaches might display, the adventurers were a -whole night in advance of them, hence they could take a few hours of -indispensable rest. - -Marksman, who soon arrived with the rearguard, confirmed Don Miguel's -views. The Redskins, according to his report, had suddenly returned -towards the city. These news redoubled the serenity of the adventurers. -While the Gambusinos, in different groups, were preparing a meal, and -attending to their wounds, and the maidens, who had retired into the -grotto, were sleeping on a pile of furs and zarapes, Don Miguel and the -two Canadians were bathing, in order to remove the traces of Indian -paint, and, after dressing in their proper clothes, they went to get -a few minutes' necessary rest. Don Miguel alone entered the grotto. -Eglantine, seated at the feet of the sleeping girls, lulled them gently -with the plaintive melody of an Indian song. Don Mariano was asleep not -far from his daughter. The young man thanked the Chief's wife with a -grateful smile, lay down across the entrance of the grotto, and fell -asleep too, after assuring himself that sentries were watching the -common safety. - -The first words of the maidens on awaking, were to thank their -liberators. Don Mariano was never wearied of caressing his daughter, -who was at length restored to him; and he knew not how to express his -gratitude to Don Miguel. Dona Laura, with all the _naive_ frankness -of a young heart, to which evasion is unknown, could not find words -sufficiently strong to express to Don Miguel the happiness with which -her heart overflowed. Dona Luisa alone remained gloomy and thoughtful. -On seeing with what devotion and readiness Don Miguel, with no other -interest than that of serving them, had so frequently risked his life, -the maiden discovered the greatness and nobility of the adventurer's -character; hence love entered her heart, the more violent because -the object yet did not seem to perceive it. Love renders persons -clear-sighted. Dona Luisa soon understood why her companion continually -boasted to her of the young man's generous qualities, and she guessed -the secret passion they felt for each other. A cruel pang gnawed her -heart at this discovery; in vain did she struggle against the horrible -tortures of an unbridled jealousy, for she felt that Don Miguel would -never love her. Still, the young girl yielded hopelessly to the chance -of seeing and hearing the man for whom she would have gladly laid down -her life. As for Don Miguel, he heard nothing, saw nothing; he was -intoxicated with joy, and indulged in the voluptuous felicity with -which Dona Laura's presence inundated him, as she sat, lovely and -careless, between himself and her father. Fortunately, Marksman was not -in love, and he saw clearly the dangers of the position. He summoned a -council, in which it was resolved that they should proceed in all haste -toward the nearest Mexican frontier, in order to place the ladies in -safety, and escape from any pursuit on the part of the Indians. They -must hasten, however, for, owing to an unlucky coincidence, it was -that period of the year called by the Redskins the "Moon of Mexico," -and which they had selected for their periodical depredations on the -frontiers of that hapless country. Marksman promised to reach the -clearings in four days, by roads known to himself alone. - -They set out. The adventurers were not disturbed in their rapid -flight, and, as Marksman had announced, on the afternoon of the fourth -day the party crossed a ford of the Rio Gila and entered Sonora. As -they advanced, however, on the Mexican territory, the hunter's brow -grew gloomier, and the glances he turned in every direction denoted -an anxious mind. The fact was, that the country, which should have -appeared at this season so luxuriant in vegetation, looked so strange -and desolate as to chill the heart. The fields turned up and trampled -by horses' hoofs; the ruins of burnt jacales, scattered here and -there; ashes piled up at places where mills must once have stood, -evidenced that war had passed along the road, with all the horrors -that march after it. About two leagues off, the houses of a fortified -pueblo an old presidio, could be seen glistening in the last beams -of the sun. All was calm in the vicinity; but the calmness was that -of death. Not a human being was visible; no _manada_ appeared on the -desolated prairie; the _recuas_ of the mules, the calls of the _nena_, -could neither be seen nor heard. On all sides, a leaden silence, a -mournful tranquillity, brooded over the scene, and imparted to it, -in the gay light of the sun, a crushing aspect. Suddenly Brighteye, -who rode a little ahead of the party, pulled up his horse, which had -shied so violently as nearly to throw him, and looked down with a cry -of surprise. Don Miguel and Marksman hurried up to him. A frightful -spectacle offered itself to the three men. At the bottom of a ditch -that ran along the road, a pile of Spanish corpses lay pell-mell, -horribly disfigured and stripped of their scalps. Don Miguel ordered -a halt, not knowing whether to advance or retire; it was permissible -to doubt under such circumstances. If they pushed on to the presidio, -it was probably deserted, or perhaps the Redskins had seized on it. -Still some determination must be formed within an hour. Don Miguel -at length noticed a ruined hacienda about five miles to their right; -though precarious, the shelter it afforded was better than bivouacking -on the plain. The adventurers pushed on, and soon reached the farm. -The hacienda bore traces of fire and devastation; the cracked walls -were blackened with smoke, the windows and doors broken in, and several -male and female bodies, half consumed, were piled up in the patio. Don -Miguel led the trembling girls to a room, after the ruins choking the -entrance had been removed; then, after urging them not to leave it, he -joined his companions, who, under Brighteye's directions, were settling -themselves as well as they could in the hacienda. Marksman had gone -out scouting with Ruperto. Don Mariano, excited by paternal love, had -turned engineer, and with the help of a dozen adventurers, was putting -the house in the best state of defence possible. - -Like all Mexican frontier haciendas, this one was surrounded by a tall -crenelated wall. Don Miguel had the gate blocked up; then, returning -to the house, he ordered the doors and windows to be put in, had -loopholes pierced, and placed sentries round the wall and on the -azotea. After this, he gave Brighteye the command of twelve resolute -men, and ordered them to ambush behind a wood covered mound, which rose -about two hundred yards from the hacienda. He then counted his forces; -including Don Mariano and his two servants, he had but twenty-one men -with him; but they were adventurers, determined to die to the last man -rather than surrender. Don Miguel did not lose all hope, and when these -precautions were taken, he waited. Ruperto soon arrived, and his report -was not reassuring. - -The Redskins had seized the presidio by surprise. The town had been -plundered, then abandoned; it was completely deserted. Numerous parties -of Apaches were visible in all directions, and it seemed certain that -the adventurers could not proceed a league from the hacienda without -falling into an ambuscade. - -Marksman at length arrived. He brought with him forty Mexican soldiers -and peasants, who had been wandering about at hazard for two days, at -the risk of being surprised by the Redskins, who pitilessly massacred -every white man who fell into their hands. Don Miguel gladly received -this unexpected help--a reinforcement of forty men was not to be -despised, especially as they were all armed, and capable of doing good -service. Marksman, as a good forager, also brought with him several -mules laden with provisions. The worthy Canadian thought of everything, -and nothing escaped him. When the men had been stationed at the spots -most exposed to a surprise, Don Miguel and Marksman ascended the -azotea, to have a look at the neighbourhood. - -Nothing had changed; the plain was still deserted. The calm was of -evil augury. The sun set in a mass of red vapour; the light suddenly -lessened, and night arrived, with its darkness and its mysteries. Don -Miguel, leaving the Canadian alone, went down to the apartment which -served as a refuge to the three females. The ladies were seated, sad -and silent. - -Eglantine walked up to him. - -"What does my sister want?" the young man asked. - -"Eglantine wishes to go," she answered, in her soft voice. - -"What, go!" he exclaimed, in surprise; "it is impossible. The night is -dark; my sister would run too much danger on the plain; the calcis of -her tribe are far away on the prairie." - -Eglantine assumed her usual pout as she shook her head. "Eglantine will -go," she said, impatiently. "My brother will give her a horse; she must -join Flying Eagle." - -"Alas! my poor girl, Flying Eagle is far away at this moment, I am -afraid; you will not find him." - -The girl raised her head quickly. "Flying Eagle does not desert his -friends," she said; "he is a great chief. Eglantine is proud to be his -squaw. Let my brother suffer her to go. Eglantine has in her heart a -little bird, that sings softly, and tells her where the Sachem is." - -Don Miguel suffered from considerable perplexity; he could not consent -to what the Indian girl asked him; he felt a repugnance to abandon the -woman who had given them so many proofs of devotion since she had been -among them. At this moment he felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned, -and saw Marksman. "Let her go," he said; "she knows better than we do -why she acts thus. The Redskins never do anything without a reason. -Come, dear child, I will accompany you to the gate, and give you a -horse." - -"Go, then," Don Miguel said; "but remember that you leave us against my -wish." - -Eglantine smiled, and kissed the two ladies, merely whispering one word -to them--"Courage!" - -Then she followed Marksman. - -"Poor, good creature!" Don Miguel muttered; "she wants to try and be -of use to us again, I feel convinced." Then he turned to the ladies. -"Ninas," he said to them, "regain your courage. We are numerous. -Tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall start again, with no fear of being -disturbed by the Indian marauders." - -"Don Miguel," Dona Laura answered, with a sad smile, "you will try in -vain to reassure us. We heard what the men said to each other: they are -expecting an attack." - -"Why not be frank with us, Don Miguel?" Dona Luisa added. "It is better -to tell us openly in what position we are, and to what we are exposed." - -"Good heavens! do I know it myself?" he replied. "I have taken all the -necessary precautions to defend the hacienda to the last extremity, but -I trust that our trail will not be discovered." - -"You are deceiving us again," Dona Laura said, in a reproachful voice, -so gentle that it went straight to the young man's heart. - -"Besides," the adventurer continued, not wishing to answer the -interruption, "be certain, senoritas, that, in case of an attack, we -shall all die, my comrades and myself, ere an Apache can cross the -threshold of this door." - -"The Apaches!" the maidens exclaimed, for the recollection of their -captivity was still quivering in their heart, and they trembled at the -mere thought of falling into their hands again. Still, this movement of -terror did not last an instant. Dona Laura's face immediately assumed -the angelic expression habitual to it, and she answered Don Miguel with -the softest possible intonation in her voice. - -"We have faith in you; we know that you will do all that is humanly -possible to save us. We thank you for your devotion; we know that our -fate is in the hands of God, and we place confidence in Him. Act like a -man, Don Miguel. Do not trouble about us further, but, I implore you, -watch over my father." - -"Yes," Dona Luisa added, "do your duty bravely; for our part, we will -do ours." - -Don Miguel looked without understanding her. She smiled and blushed, -but said no more. The young man seemed desirous to say a few words, -but, after a moment's hesitation, he bowed respectfully and left the -room. Laura and Luisa then threw themselves in each other's arms, and -embraced tenderly. - -When Don Miguel entered the patio, Marksman walked up to him, and -pointed to several rows of black dots, apparently crawling in the -direction of the hacienda. "Look!" he said, drily. - -"They are Redskins!" Don Miguel exclaimed. - -"I have seen them for the last ten minutes," the hunter continued; "but -we have time yet to prepare for their reception. They will not be here -for an hour." - -In truth, an hour passed away in this state of horrible expectation. -Suddenly the hideous head of an Apache appeared over the door of the -court, and looked furiously down into the patio. - -"No one can form an idea how impudent these Indians are," Marksman -said, with a grin; and, raising his axe, the body of the Apache rolled -outside, while his head fell, with grinning teeth, almost at Don -Miguel's feet. - -Several attempts of the same nature, made at various spots, were -repulsed with equal success. Then the Apaches, who had flattered -themselves with the idea of finding the whites asleep, seeing, on the -contrary, how badly they were received, uttered their war yell, and -rising tumultuously from the ground, where they had been hitherto -crawling, rushed toward the wall, which they tried to escalade on all -sides at once. - -A ball of fire flashed from the hacienda, and a shower of bullets -greeted them. Many fell; but the impetus of the charge was not felt. -A fresh discharge at point-blank range was impotent to repulse them, -although it caused them enormous losses. The attackers and attacked -were soon fighting hand to hand. It was an atrocious medley, a horrible -carnage, in which the hands were only unclutched by death, and in which -the conquered, after dragging his conqueror down with him, strangled -him in a last convulsion. For more than half an hour it was impossible -to recognize each other; the rifles, the lances, the arrows, and -machete strokes were interchanged with prodigious rapidity. At length -the Indians fell back; the wall was not yet escaladed. It was but a -short time; the Redskins returned almost immediately to the charge, -and the struggle recommenced with heightened fury. This time, in spite -of the prodigies of valour performed by the adventurers, they were -driven in by the mass of enemies that surrounded them, and compelled to -fall back on the house, contending every inch of ground; but now the -resistance could not last long. - -All at once shouts were heard in the rear of the Indians, and -Brighteye poured on them like an avalanche at the head of his party. -The Redskins, surprised and alarmed at this unforeseen attack, gave -way in disorder, and dispersed over the plain. Don Miguel rushed -forward, at the head of twenty men, to support Brighteye, and complete -the defeat of the Indians. The adventurers pursued the Apaches, whom -they furiously massacred; but all at once Don Miguel uttered a cry -of surprise and rage. While he had been led away in pursuit of the -Apaches, other Indians, suddenly springing up in the space left free, -rushed at the hacienda. The Gambusinos turned their horses round, and -retraced their steps at full gallop. It was too late. The hacienda -was invaded. The combat then became a horrible carnage--a nameless -butchery. In the midst of the Apaches, Atoyac, Addick, and Don Estevan -seemed to be multiplied, so rapid were their blows, so aroused was -their fury. On the highest step of the flight leading into the interior -of the house, Don Mariano and some Gambusinos he had rallied were -desperately resisting the repeated attacks of a swarm of Indians. -Suddenly a bloody veil was spread before Don Miguel's eyes; a cold -perspiration poured down his face; the Apaches had forced the entrance, -and were inundating the house. - -"Forward! Forward!" Don Leo howled, throwing himself headlong into the -medley. - -"Forward!" Brighteye and Marksman repeated. - -At this moment the two maidens appeared at the windows, closely -pursued by the Redskins, who seized them in their arms, and carried -them off, in spite of their shrieks and resistance. All was lost! At -this supreme moment, the war cry of the Comanches burst on the air, -and a cloud of warriors, at the head of whom Flying Eagle galloped, -fell like a thunderbolt on the Apaches, who believed themselves the -victors, Surrounded on all sides at once, after a heroic resistance, -the latter were compelled to give ground, and seek safety in flight. -The adventurers were saved at the moment when they believed nothing -was left them but to die, not to fall alive into the hands of their -ferocious enemies. - - - - -THE EPILOGUE. - - -Two hours later, the sun as it rose shone on a touching scene in that -hacienda which had been the scene of so obstinate a contest. - -The adventurers and the Comanche warriors, who arrived so fortunately -for them, hastily removed, as far as was possible, the traces of the -combat. The bodies of those who had fallen were piled up in a retired -corner of the patio, and covered with straw. Comanche sentries guarded -some twenty Apache prisoners, and the adventurers were busy, some -bandaging their wounds, others digging wide trenches to inter the dead. - -Under the saguon of the horses, two men and a woman had been laid on -trusses of straw, covered with zarapes. The woman was dead; it was -Dona Luisa. The poor child, whose life had only been one long self -denial and continued devotion, was killed by Don Estevan, at the moment -she blew out the brains of Addick, who was carrying off Dona Laura. -The two men were Don Mariano and Brighteye. Don Miguel and Laura were -standing on either side of the old gentleman, anxiously watching for -the moment when he should open his eyes. - -Marksman, sad, and with a pale brow, was bending over his old comrade, -who was on the point of death. - -"Courage!" he said to him; "courage, brother, it is nothing." - -The Canadian tried to smile. "Hum! I know what it is," he said in a -broken voice; "I have ten minutes left at the most, and after that--" - -He was silent for a moment, and seemed to be reflecting. "Tell me, -Marksman," he went on, "do you believe God will pardon me?" - -"Yes, my worthy friend; for you were a brave and good creature." - -"I have always acted in accordance with my heart. Well, it is said that -the mercy of God is infinite; I put my trust in Him." - -"Hope, my friend, hope!" - -"No matter. I was sure the Indians would never kill me; it was Don -Estevan, look ye, who wounded me, but I split his skull open. The -villain! I ought to have let him die in his pit, like a trapped wolf." - -His voice grew momentarily weaker; his eye was more glassy; his life -was ebbing fast. - -"Pardon him! Now he is dead, he is no longer dangerous." - -"Heaven be praised, I crushed the viper at last! Good-bye, Marksman, -my old comrade. We shall never again hunt buffalo and elk together on -the prairie; we shall no longer sound our war cry against the Apaches. -Where is Flying Eagle?" - -"Pursuing the Redskins." - -"Oh, he is a fine fellow. He was very young when I first knew him; -it was in 1845. I remember that I was returning from--" He stopped. -Marksman, who had bent as close as possible over him, to hear the words -he uttered in a voice that grew momentarily weaker, looked at him. He -was dead. The worthy hunter had surrendered his soul to God, without -feeling the cruel agonies of death. His friend piously closed his eyes, -knelt down by his side, and binding his pale forehead, prayed fervently -for his old comrade. - -Don Mariano, in the meanwhile, had remained in the same state of -apparent insensibility. Don Miguel and Dona Laura each held a hand, and -anxiously questioned his pulse. His two old servants were kneeling in a -corner of the room, and weeping silently. - -Suddenly Don Mariano uttered a deep sigh, a bright flush covered his -face, his eyes opened, and for some minutes he seemed trying to recall -his ideas, troubled by the approach of death. At length he made a -supreme effort, sat up, and looking by turns with an expression of -ineffable gentleness at the young people who had fallen on their knees, -he drew their hands towards him and forced them on his heart. - -"Don Miguel," he said, in a powerful voice, "guard her! Laura, you -love him, so be happy! My children, I bless you. Oh, God! In thy mercy -pardon the wretched man who is the cause of all our misfortunes. Lord, -receive me into Thy bosom! My children, my children, we shall meet -again!" His body was suddenly agitated by a convulsive tremor, his -features were contracted, and he fell back breathing his last sigh. He -was dead! - -After performing the last duties to his old comrade, Marksman followed -Flying Eagle and his warriors. From that moment he was never heard of -again; the death of Brighteye had broken all the energy and will in -this powerful man. Perhaps he is still dragging out the last days of a -wretched existence among those Indians with whom he formed the resolve -of living. - -The minute researches made by Don Leo de Torres, after his marriage -with Dona Laura de Real del Monte, led to no result; hence the young -man, to his great regret, was compelled to resign all hopes of ever -paying this simple and yet great-hearted man the debt of gratitude he -owed him. - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Indian Scout, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INDIAN SCOUT *** - -***** This file should be named 44196.txt or 44196.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/1/9/44196/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Library, Oxford.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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