ur generous interference. I leave Santa Fe in ten minutes. I
must bid you farewell."

He held forth his hand. I muttered the word "farewell," but without
offering to exchange the salutation. The stories of cruel atrocity
connected with the name of this man came into my mind at the moment, and
I felt a loathing for him. His arm remained in its outstretched
position, while a strange expression began to steal over his
countenance, as he saw that I hesitated.

"I cannot take your hand," I said at length.

"And why?" he asked, in a mild tone.

"Why? It is red, red! Away, sir, away!"

He fixed his eyes upon me with a sorrowful look. There was not a spark
of anger in them. He drew his hand within the folds of his manga, and
uttering a deep sigh, turned and walked slowly out of the room.

Saint Vrain, who had wheeled round at the close of this scene, strode
forward to the door, and stood looking after him. I could see the
Mexican, from where I lay, as he crossed the quadrangular patio. He had
shrugged himself closely in his manga, and was moving off in an attitude
that betokened the deepest dejection. In a moment he was out of sight,
having passed through the saguan, and into the street.

"There is something truly mysterious about that man. Tell me, Saint
Vrain--"

"Hush-sh! look yonder!" interrupted my friend, pointing through the open
door.

I looked out into the moonlight. Three human forms were moving along
the wall, towards the entrance of the patio. Their height, their
peculiar attitudes, and the stealthy silence of their steps, convinced
me they were Indians. The next moment they were lost under the dark
shadows of the saguan.

"Who are they?" I inquired.

"Worse enemies to poor Seguin than you would be, if you knew him better.
I pity him if these hungry hawks overtake him in the dark. But no;
he's worth warning, and a hand to help him, if need be. He shall have
it. Keep cool, Harry! I will be back in a jiffy."

So saying, Saint Vrain left me; and the moment after I could see his
light form passing hastily out of the gate.

I lay reflecting on the strangeness of the incidents that seemed to be
occurring around me. I was not without some painful reflections. I had
wounded the feelings of one who had not injured me, and for whom my
friend evidently entertained a high respect. A shod hoof sounded upon
the stones outside; it was Gode with my horse; and the next moment I
heard him hamm