you from about here, Manuel," says the colonel, in kindly
tones, making his approaches with skill. "Where have you been all this
while, my good man?"

"With my master," is the peon's reply.

"Ah, indeed! I thought your master had gone clear out of the country?"

"Out of the settled part of it only, senor."

"Oh! he is still, then, within Mexican territory! I am glad to hear
that. I was very sorry to think we'd lost such a good citizen and
patriot as Don Valerian Miranda. True, he and I differ in our views as
regards government; but that's nothing, you know, Manuel. Men may be
bitter political enemies, yet very good friends. By-the-way, where is
the colonel now?"

Despite his apparent stolidity, the Indian is not so stupid as to be
misled by talk like this. With a full knowledge of the situation--
forced upon him by various events--the badinage of the brilliant
_militario_ does not for a moment blind him. Circumstances have given
him enough insight into Uraga's character and position to know that the
tatter's motives should somewhat resemble his own. He has long been
aware that the Lancer colonel is in love with his young mistress, as
much as he himself with her maid. Without this knowledge he might not
have been there--at least, not with so confident an expectation of
success in the design that has brought him hither. For design he has,
deep, deadly, and traitorous.

Despite the influence of the aguardiente, fast loosening his tongue, he
is yet somewhat cautious in his communications; and not until Uraga
repeats the question does he make answer to it. Then comes the
response, slowly and reluctantly, as if from one of his long-suffering
race, who has discovered a mine of precious metal, and is being put to
the torture to "denounce" it.

"Senor coronel," he says, "how much will your excellency give to know
where my master now is? I have heard that there's a large bounty
offered for Don Valerian's head."

"That is an affair that concerns the State. For myself, I've nothing
personally to do with it. Still, as an officer of the Government, it is
my duty to take what steps I can towards making your master a prisoner.
I think I may promise a good reward to anyone who, by giving
information, would enable me to arrest a fugitive rebel and bring him
before the bar of justice. Can you do that?"

"Well, your excellency, that will depend. I'm only a poor man, and need
money to live upon. Don Valerian is