Pawnee with a blow of your knife, it would not be
grand to say to him, `Dog, the ball that broke your head came from a
rifle of solid gold!' Few hunters can say as much."

"I agree to that," said Fabian; then added he seriously, "No, my
friends! Don Estevan escapes my vengeance, and the gold that I believe
would be mine escapes me also, for it is surrounded by soldiers. What
matters? have I not still, if I should become ambitious, the name and
fortunes of my forefathers to reclaim? Are there not in Spain tribunals
which dispense justice to all? God will do the rest, but I will not
madly expose two noble lives. I do not speak of mine; young as I am, I
have drunk the cup of bitterness to the dregs. You have done enough,
and your generous subterfuges cannot impose upon me."

So saying, Fabian held out his hands to the two hunters, who pressed
them in an affectionate grasp. The Canadian looked silently for a
minute at the noble face of him whom he was proud to call his son, and
then said:

"Fabian, my child, all my life has been passed on the sea or in deserts,
but I have preserved sufficient remembrance of cities and their customs
to know that justice is rather sold than given. This gold we shall
employ in making of you what you were intended to be; this gold, will
smooth all the obstacles against which your rightful cause might break
down. Pepe can tell you, like me, that we shall gladly expose our lives
in the hope of restoring to you the property of your ancestors, and the
illustrious name that you are so worthy to bear."

"Yes," said Pepe, "I have told you that the early part of my life was
not such as I should wish. It was a little the fault of the Spanish
Government, which never paid me for my services; still it is a weight
upon my heart. Often, I think sadly of my past life, but God always
pardons the repentant sinner, and gives him opportunity of repentance.
That day has arrived; my pardon is near, and it is but justice that I
should assist in restoring to you what I helped to take away."

"Let us go on then!" said Bois-Rose, "God has hitherto shown us our path
and will continue to aid us. If you stay, Fabian, we shall go alone."

So saying, the Canadian rose, and throwing his rifle over his shoulder
began his march. Fabian was forced to yield, and all proceeded towards
the mountains.

Daylight had not yet quite appeared when a new actor advanced in his
turn towards the same scenes. He came a