ows left behind on the Llano.
The corporal and two men, whether they've found the Indian or not, will
make all haste after us. Fear of falling in with some party of Apaches
will stimulate their speed. I wonder why they haven't got up long ago.
Something strange about that."

"No doubt the storm has detained them."

"Do you think it's been that, ayadante?"

"I can't think of anything else, colonel. Anyhow, they wouldn't be
likely to come here, but go on straight to Albuquerque. The corporal is
a skilled _rastrero_, and, reaching the place where the troop separated,
he'd be pretty sure to follow the trail of the larger party. All the
more from his knowing it the safer one, so far as savages are
concerned."

"I hope he has done so. We don't want him here."

Saying this, Uraga resumes his thoughtful attitude and silently puffs
away at his cigar, apparently watching the smoke as it curls up and
spreads against the canvas.

Roblez, who appeared anxious about something, after a time again essays
speech. He puts the interrogatory,--

"How long are we to remain here?"

"That will depend on--"

Uraga does not complete the response--at least not till after taking
several whiffs at his weed.

"On what?" asks the impatient subordinate.

"Many matters--circumstances, events, coincidences."

"May I know what they are. You promised to tell me, colonel."

"I did--in time. It has not yet come. One thing I may now make known.
When we leave this camping-place we shall take no prisoners along with
us."

"You intend setting them free?" The question is asked, not with any
idea that this is Uraga's design, but to draw out the explanation.

"Free of all cares in this world, whatever may be their troubles in the
next."

"They are to die, then?"

"They are to die."

"You mean only the men--Don Valerian and the doctor?"

"What a ruffian you are, Roblez! By your question you must take me for
the same--a sanguinary savage. I'm not so bloodthirsty as to think of
killing women, much less one so sweet as the Senorita Miranda. Men
don't desire the deaths of their own wives--at least, not till after the
honeymoon. The Dona Adela is to be mine--shall, and must!"

"I am aware that is your wish, and as things stand you have a fair
chance of obtaining it. You can have her without spilling her brother's
blood. Excuse me, colonel, but I can see no reason why he should not be
let live, at least till we take him to San