not this--cognisant of its true purpose--the
impression made is altogether different. Instead of admiration it is
disgust; and, in place of sending up a prayer for its success, the
spectator would feel apprehension, or earnestly desire its failure.

Its purpose is anything but praiseworthy. On the contrary, sinister, as
may be learnt by listening to the conversation of the two who ride at
the head of the detachment, some paces in advance of the first file.
They are its chief and his confidential second, the ruffian Roblez.

Uraga is speaking.

"Won't our worthy friend Miranda be surprised when he sees us riding up
to the door of his _jacal_, with these fifty fellows behind us? And the
old doctor, Don Prospero? I can fancy his quizzical look through those
great goggle spectacles he used to wear. I suppose they are still on
his nose; but they'll fly off as soon as he sees the pennons of our
lances."

"Ha! ha! ha! That will be a comical sight, colonel. But do you think
Miranda will make any resistance?"

"Not likely. I only wish he would."

"Why do you wish that?"

"_Ayadante_! you ask a stupid question. You ought to have a clearer
comprehension in the brisk, bright atmosphere of this upland plain. It
should make your brain more active."

"Well, _Coronel mio_, you're the first man I ever saw on the way to make
a prisoner who desired to meet resistance. _Carrambia_! I can't
understand that."

"I don't desire to make any prisoner--at least, not Don Valerian
Miranda. For the old doctor, I shan't much care one way or the other.
Living or dead, he can't do any great harm. Miranda I'd rather take
dead."

"Ah! now I think I comprehend you."

"If he show the slightest resistance--raise but a hand--I shall have him
that way."

"Why can't you anyhow? Surely you can deal with him as you think
proper--a refugee, a rebel?"

"There you again show your want of sense. You've got a thick skull,
_teniente_; and would be a bad counsellor in any case requiring skilful
management. This is one of the kind, and needs the most delicate
manipulation."

"How so?"

"For several reasons. Remember, Roblez, we're not now acting with the
Horned Lizard and his painted freebooters. Our fellows here have eyes
in their heads, and tongues behind their teeth. They might wag the
latter to our disadvantage if we allowed the former to see anything not
exactly on the square. And if we were to shoot or cut down Miranda, h