Fe, in New Mexico; thence to the United States, along with one
of the return caravans."

"When do you propose starting?"

"As to that, I am not tied to time. The train with which I am to cross
the plains will not be going for six months to come. I can get to Santa
Fe by a month's travel, I suppose?"

"Less than that. It is not a question of how soon you may arrive there,
but when you leave here. I advise you to start at once. I admit that
two days is but a short time to see the sights of even so small a place
as Chihuahua. But you have witnessed one of them--enough, I should say.
If you take my advice you will let it content you, and kick the
Chihuahua-ense dust from your feet before another twenty-four hours have
passed over your head."

"But why, Colonel Miranda?"

"Because so long as you remain here you will be in danger of losing your
life. You don't know the character of the man with whom you have
crossed swords. I do. Although wearing the uniform of an officer in
our army, he is simply a _salteador_. A coward, as I told you, too. He
would never have met you if he had thought I would have given him a
chance to get out of it. Perhaps he might have been tempted by the
hopes of an easy conquest from your supposed want of skill. It would
have given him something to boast about among the dames of Chihuahua,
for Captain Gil deems himself no little of a lady-killer. You have
spoilt his physiognomy for life; and, depend upon it, as long as life
lasts, he will neither forget nor forgive that. I shall also come in
for a share of his spite, and it behoves both of us to beware of him."

"But what can he do to us?"

"Caballero, that question shows you have not been very long in this
country, and are yet ignorant of its customs. In Mexico we have some
callings not congenial to your people. Know that stilettoes can here be
purchased cheaply, with the arms of assassins to use them. Do you
understand me?"

"I do. But how do you counsel me to act?"

"As I intend acting myself--take departure from Chihuahua this very day.
Our roads are the same as far as Albuquerque, where you will be out of
reach of this little danger. I am returning thither from the city of
Mexico, where I've had business with the Government. I have an escort;
and if you choose to avail yourself of it you'll be welcome to its
protection."

"Colonel Miranda, again I know not how to thank you. I accept your
friendly offer."

"Res