t
different from what it was when you knew me as your subordinate. It
will enable me to obtain free pardon for you."

Miranda still remains silent--long enough to rouse the impatience of him
who dictates, and tempt the alternative threat already shaping itself on
his tongue.

"Refuse," he continues, his brow suddenly clouding, while a light of
sinister significance flashes from his eyes, "Refuse me, and you see not
another sun. By that now shining you may take your last look of the
earth; for this night will certainly be your last on it alive. Observe
those vultures on the cliff! They are whetting their beaks, as if they
expected a banquet. They shall have one, on your body, if you reject
the terms I've offered. Accept them, Don Valerian Miranda; or before
to-morrow's sun reaches meridian the birds will be feeding upon your
flesh, and the wild beasts quarrelling over your bones. Answer me, and
without prevarication. I demand plain speech, yes or no."

"No!" is the monosyllable shouted, almost shrieked, by him so menaced.
"No!" he repeats; "never shall I consent to that. I am in your power,
Gil Uraga. Put your pistol to my head, blow out my brains, as you say
you can do with impunity. Kill me any way you wish, even torture. It
could not be more painful than to see you the husband of my sister,
either by my consent or her own. You cannot force mine upon such
disgraceful conditions, nor yet gain her's. My noble Adela! She would
rather see me die, and die along with me."

"Ha! ha!" responded Uraga, in a peal of mocking laughter, mingled with a
whine of chagrin, "we shall see about that. Perhaps the senorita may
not treat my offer quite so slightingly as yourself. Women are not so
superbly stupid. They have a keener comprehension of their own
interests. Your sister may better appreciate the honour I am intending
her. If not, Heaven help her and you! She will soon be without a
brother. Adios, Don Valerian! I go to pour speech into softer ears.
For your own sake, hope--pray--that my proposal may be more favourably
received."

Saying this, Uraga turns upon his heel and abruptly walks away, leaving
behind his captive with hands tied and heart in a tumult of anguished
emotion.

CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN.

A SISTER SORELY TRIED.

The marquee occupied by Adela Miranda and her maid is not visible from
the spot where her brother lies bound. The other tent is between, with
some shrubbery further concea