It is the mansion once belonging to Don Valerian Miranda.

That its former master has retained possession of it is evident from the
fact of his being again on its roof, tranquilly smoking a cigaretto;
while near by him is his sister. Though one dearer stands between--his
wife. Adela is not distressed by her brother's preference for the new
mistress of the mansion. She has a mansion of her own, independent.
Though far off, its master, Frank Hamersley, is near.

Near, also, in the court-yard below is Walt Wilder, in his grotesque way
playing Benedict to Conchita. While up and down moves the doctor,
sharing the general joy.

Outside, upon the plain, the white tilts of twenty waggons, with the
smoke of camp-fires rising over them, tell of a trader's caravan. It is
Hamersley's--late arrived--_en route_ for the Rio Abajo and El Paso del
Norte.

Its teamsters take their siesta, reposing in full confidence. No fear
of Indian attacks now, nor impost exactions from the tyrant Governor of
New Mexico, Don Manuel Armijo!

A war has swept the land; a new flag floats over it. Seen streaming
above the towers of Albuquerque, it promises security to all. For it is
the banner of the "Stars and Stripes!"

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