. I have experienced too many emotions for one day."

"Does the vile wretch, who cut your father's throat, deserve more
consideration than the noble gentleman, who murdered your mother, my
son?" answered the Canadian, resolutely.

"Whether it be your adopted father or any others who have been his
victims, this brigand is worthy of death," added Diaz, as he mounted
upon his saddle, "and I abandon him to your justice."

"It is with regret that I see you depart," said Bois-Rose to the
adventurer, "a man who like yourself is a bitter enemy to the Indians,
would have been a companion whose society I should have appreciated."

"My duty recalls me to the camp, which I quitted under the influence of
Don Estevan's unhappy star," replied the adventurer, "but there are two
things I shall never forget; they are, the conduct of generous enemies;
and the oath I have taken never to reveal to a living creature the
existence of this Golden Valley."

As he finished these words, the loyal Diaz quickly withdrew, reflecting
upon the means of reconciling his respect for his word, with the care
and safety of the expedition entrusted to him by its leader, previous to
his death.

The three friends speedily lost sight of him.

The sun shone out, and, glancing down from the Golden Valley, discovered
Cuchillo, greedily bending over his treasures, and the three hunters
holding council amongst themselves respecting him.

Fabian had listened in silence to Bois-Rose's advice, as well as that
given by Diaz previous to his departure; and he only waited the counsel
of the old carabinier.

"You have taken," said the latter, in his turn, "a vow, from which
nothing ought to release you; the wife of Arellanos received it from you
on her death-bed; you have her husband's murderer in your power; there
is nothing here to deny it."

Then, observing a look of anxious indecision in Fabian's countenance, he
added, with that bitter irony which formed a part of his character; "But
after all, if this duty is so repugnant to you, I shall undertake it;
for not having the least ill will against Cuchillo, I can bang him
without a scruple. You will see, Fabian, that the knave will not
testify any surprise at what I am going to tell him. Fellows who have
such a face as Cuchillo's expect to be hung every day."

As he concluded this judicious reflection, Pepe approached the green
hedge, which separated them from the outlaw.

The latter, unconscious of all tha