o have my way, it should never come to an end. But why do you
talk of leaving this place? Do you suppose the troubles are over, and
we can return safely? I don't wish to go there, brother. After what
has happened, I hate New Mexico, and would prefer staying in the Llano
Estacado."

"I have no thought of going back to New Mexico."

"Where, then, brother?"

"In the very opposite direction--to the United States. Don Francisco
advises me to do so; and I have yielded to his counsel."

Adela seems less disposed to offer opposition. She no longer protests
against the change of residence.

"Dear sister," he continues, "we cannot do better. There seems little
hope of our unfortunate country getting rid of her tyrants--at least,
for some time to come. When the day again arrives for our patriots to
pronounce, I shall know it in time to be with them. Now, we should only
think of our safety. Although I don't wish to alarm you, I've never
felt it quite safe here. Who knows, but that Uraga may yet discover our
hiding-place? He has his scouts searching in all directions. Every
time Manuel makes a visit to the settlements, I have fear of his being
followed back. Therefore, I think it will be wiser for us to carry out
our original design, and go on to the American States."

"Do you intend accompanying Don Francisco?"

She listens eagerly for an answer.

"Yes; but not now. It will be some time before he can return to us."

"He is going home first, and will then come back?"

"Not home--not to his home."

"Where, then?"

"That is the news I thought might be painful. He has resolved upon
going on to our country for reasons already known to you. We suspect
Uraga of having been at the head of the red robbers who have plundered
him and killed his people. He is determined to find out and punish the
perpetrators of that foul deed. It will be difficult; nay, more, there
will be danger in his attempting it--I've told him so."

"Dear brother, try to dissuade him!"

If Hamersley could but hear the earnest tone in which the appeal is
spoken it would give him gratification.

"I have tried, but to no purpose. It is not the loss of his property--
he is generous, and does not regard it. His motive is a nobler, a
holier one. His comrades have been murdered; he says he will seek the
assassins and obtain redress, even at the risk of sacrificing his own
life."

"A hero! Who could not help loving him?"

Adela does n