as may appear in that of one not hardened by habitual crime.
There is even something like compunction for what he is about to do,
with remorse for what he has already done. Now that he is drawing near
the scene, where those betrayed by him must suffer, his reflections are
anything but pleasant. Rather are they tinged with regret. Don
Valerian Miranda has been an indulgent master to him, and the Dona Adela
a kind mistress. On both he is bringing destruction.

And what is to be his reward? From the time of his betraying them, the
moment he parted with the secret of their hiding-place, he has lost
control of it.

He is no longer treated with the slightest respect. On the contrary, he
to whom he communicated it behaves to him as conqueror to conquered,
master to slave, forcing him forward with sword pointed at his breast,
or pistol aimed at his head.

If a guide, he is no longer looked upon as a voluntary one. Nor would
he be this, but for a thought that inspires, while keeping him true to
his treasonous intent. When he thinks of Conchita--of that scene in the
cotton-wood grove--of the Texan kissing her--holding her in his fond
embrace--when the Indian recalls all this, torturing his soul afresh,
then no more remorse, not a spark of regret, not a ray of repentance!

No; perish the dueno--the duena too! Let die the good doctor, if need
be--all whom his vengeance has devoted!

"Sirrah! are those the two peaks you spoke of?"

It is Uraga who puts this interrogatory, pointing to a pair of twin
summits seen rising above the horizon to eastward.

"_Si Senor Coronel_; they are the same."

"And you say the path leads down between them?"

"Goes down through a gulch, after keeping round the cliff."

"And there's no other by which the valley may be entered?"

"Your excellency, I did not say that. There is another entrance, but
not from the upper plain here. A stream runs through, and cuts it way
out beyond. Following its channel through the _canon_, the place can be
reached from below; but not after it's been raining. Then the flood
fills its bed, and there's no path along the edge. As it hasn't rained
lately, the banks will be above water."

"And anyone could pass out below?"

"They could, Senor Coronel."

"We require to observe caution, Roblez," says Uraga, addressing himself
to the adjutant; "else we may have made our long journey for nothing.
'Twill never do to enter the cage and find the birds flown.