-Rose, "you are now free to go."

"Not yet, with your permission," replied the prisoner. "In all that has
taken place, there is a mystery which I do not seek to penetrate--but--"

"Carramba! it is very simple," answered Pepe. "This young man," said
he, pointing to Fabian--

"Not yet, Pepe," replied the latter solemnly, making a sign to the
hunter to postpone his explanations. "In the court of justice which is
about to be convened--in the presence of the Supreme Judge (Fabian
pointed to heaven), by the accusation as well as the defence, all will
become clear to Diaz, if he will remain a short while with us. In the
desert, time is precious; and we must prepare ourselves, by meditation
and silence, for the terrible deed which we are now compelled to
accomplish."

"I am most anxious to obtain permission to stay. I do not know if this
man be innocent or guilty; but, I do know that he is the chief whom I
have freely chosen; and I will remain with him to the last, ready to
defend him against you at the cost of my own life, if he is innocent--
ready to bow before the sentence which condemns him, if he is guilty."

"Be it so," rejoined Fabian. "You shall hear and judge for yourself."

"This man is of noble birth," continued Diaz, sadly, "and he lies yonder
in the dust, bound like the meanest criminal."

"Unloose him, Diaz!" replied Fabian, "but do not endeavour to shield him
from the vengeance which a son must claim for his mother's murderer.
Require from him a promise that he will not attempt to escape; we shall
rely upon you in this matter."

"I pledge my honour that he will not do so," said the adventurer, "nor
would I assist him in the attempt." And Diaz, as he said this,
proceeded towards Don Estevan.

In the mean time Fabian, oppressed by sad and anxious thoughts, seated
himself at some distance, and appeared to deplore his unfortunate
victory.

Pepe turned away his head, and for a while stood as if attentively
observing the mists as they floated above the crests of the mountains.

Bois-Rose reclined in his usual attitude of repose, while his eyes,
expressive of deep anxiety, were centred upon the young man, and his
noble physiognomy seemed to reflect the clouds which gathered upon the
brow of his beloved protege.

Meanwhile Diaz had rejoined the prostrate captive.

Who can guess how many conflicting thoughts crowded upon the mind of the
Spanish nobleman, as he lay upon the ground? His expression ret