d to say who are the two he is
guarding. At his feet Uraga lies, crestfallen, with a craven look upon
his face, like a fox in the trap; his splendid habiliments torn,
mud-bedaubed, bedraggled. Besides him his adjutant, Roblez--his
confederate in many a crime--also showing signs of having received rough
treatment, but not without resenting it. His aspect is that of a tiger
encaged, chafing at the torture, regardless of what may be the end. On
the camp ground are seen some sixty horses with half-a-dozen mules.
About fifty of the former are under saddle and bridle, as if soon to be
mounted. The others have lariats around their necks, intended to be
led.

A few men--those of inferior standing--look after the animals; while the
larger number is gathered into a group near the centre of the camp
ground. Their air, attitudes, earnest speech, and excited
gesticulations tell they are taking counsel on some matter of serious
import.

Walt Wilder is among them, Hamersley being absent. The latter is inside
the square tent, in pleasanter companionship.

He is seated upon a _catre_, Adela by his side, her hand clasping his.
This without any bashfulness or reserve at her brother being present.
Which he is, along with the dear old doctor, both now released from
their bonds. It is a tableau of true love, wreathed with fraternal
affection.

With devotion also, of an humbler kind, Conchita is passing out and in,
rejoicing in a general way. She pays no attention to a peon who lies
tied behind the tent--Jose; and gives only scorn to another seen fast
bound beside him--Manuel.

Notwithstanding her knowledge that this man is madly in love with her--
for she now also knows how much he has been a traitor--her thoughts, as
her eyes, are upon one more true--on her grand, gallant _Tejano_! She
is proud to observe the distinguished part he plays among his
_compaisanos_. For, in truth, Walt is doing this. Standing a half head
taller than any of the Rangers around him, he is alike leader in their
deliberations, those the most serious in which men can be engaged.

No question of life and death. It has been, but is no longer. The
latter has been unanimously decreed, the verdict declared, the sentence
pronounced. Their talk now only relates to the manner of execution.

The Ranger Captain, who presides, puts the interrogatory thus:

"Well, boys, what are we to do with them? Shoot or hang?"

"Hang!" is the response from more than