hat on the right."

The latter is bestridden by Uraga. With Walt's ideas of duty are
mingled memories that prompt to revenge. He remembers his comrades
slaughtered upon the sands of the Canadian, himself left buried alive.
With a feeling almost jubilant--natural, considering the circumstances,
scarce reprehensible--he takes his stand by the side of the mule which
carries Colonel Uraga. At the same time Cully places himself beside
that bestridden by Roblez.

Both have their bowie-knives in hand, the blades bare. One regarding
them, a stranger to their intent, might think they meant slaughtering
either the mules or the men on their backs.

They have no such thought, but a design altogether different, as
declared by Wilder's words--the last spoken by him before the act of
execution.

"When I gie the signal, Nat, prod yur critter sharp, an' sweep the
support from unner them. They've been thegither in this world in the
doin' o' many a rascally deed. Let's send 'em thegither inter the
next."

"All right, ole hoss! I'll be riddy," is the laconic rejoinder of
Cully.

After it another interval of silence, resembling that which usually
precedes the falling of the gallows drop. So profound, that the chirp
of a tree cricket, even the rustling of a leaf, would seem a loud noise.
So ominous, that the vultures perched upon the summit of the cliff
crane out their necks to inquire the cause.

The stillness is interrupted by a shout; not the signal promised by
Wilder, but a cry coming from the lips of Uraga.

In the last hour of anguish his craven heart has given way, and he makes
a piteous appeal for mercy. Not to those near him, knowing it would
scarce be listened to; but to the man he has much wronged, calling out
his name, "Colonel Miranda."

On hearing it Don Valerian rushes forth from the tent, his sister by his
side, Hamersley with the doctor behind. All stand in front regarding
the strange spectacle, of which they have been unconscious, seemingly
prepared for them. There can be no mistaking its import. The _mise en
scene_ explains it, showing the stage set for an execution.

If they have a thought of interfering it is too late. While they stand
in suspense, a shout reaches them, followed by explanatory words.

They are in the voice of Walt Wilder, who has said--

"Death to the scoundrels! Now, Nat, move your mule forrard!"

At the same instant he and Cully are seen leaning towards the two mules,
whi