the traitorous mule-driver,
unexpected as pleasing, has opened to him the prospect of a grand
success. It may enable him to strike a _coup_ covering all--alike
giving gratification to his love, as his hate.

But the blow must needs be dealt deftly. There are circumstances to be
considered and precautions taken, not only to prevent its failing, but
secure against a publicity that might cause scandal to himself, to say
naught of consequent danger.

And it must be struck soon--at once. It is too ticklish a matter to
admit of delay, either in the design or execution.

Already has the matter flitted before his mind in its general outlines;
almost soon as receiving the report of the peon.

It is only the details that remain for consideration; and these he
intends considering alone, without any aid from his adjutant.

As time is an object, he speedily terminates his carousal with the
subaltern; who, dismissed, returns to the military _cuartel_.

Soon as he is gone the colonel again seats himself, and lighting a fresh
cigar, continues smoking. For several minutes he remains silent, his
eyes turned upwards, and his features set in a smile. One might fancy
him but watching the smoke of his cigar as it rises in spiral wreaths to
the ceiling. He is occupied with no such innocent amusement. On the
contrary, his grim smile betokens meditation deep and devilish. He is
mentally working out a problem, a nefarious scheme, which will ere long
bear evil fruit.

As the cigar grows shorter he seems to draw nearer to his conclusions.
And when at length there is only the stump between his teeth, he spits
it out; and, taking a hand-bell from the table, rings until a domestic
appears in the doorway in answer to the summons.

"Call in the guard-corporal!" is the order received by the servant, who
withdraws without saying a word.

Soon the soldier shows himself, saluting as he enters the door.

"_Cabo_! Bring your prisoner before me."

The corporal retires, and shortly after returns, having the Indian in
charge. He is commanded to leave the latter, and himself remain waiting
without. Directed also to close the door; which he does on getting
outside.

Thus closeted with the peon--still wondering why he has been made a
prisoner--Uraga submits him to a process of examination, which elicits
from the scared creature everything he seeds to know. Among the rest,
he makes himself acquainted with the situation of the valley, where