to offer their services to General Hidalgo.

On receiving this news Don Rafael, who had been absent on a protracted
scout, returned to the hacienda Del Valle. During his absence, an order
had arrived from the general-in-chief of the vice-regal army, commanding
him to return to duty with his regiment--the Queen's dragoons.

Before obeying this order, however, he resolved on devoting one day to
the affairs of his heart; and, permitting his love to conquer his pride,
he determined on presenting himself at the hacienda of Las Palmas.

Alas! it might now be too late. A justification in the eyes of Don
Mariano would now be more difficult than it might have been two months
before. During that time appearances had been converted into realities,
suspicions into certainties, and Don Rafael was for him no longer aught
but a common renegade. Certain words which he was in the habit of
repeating to his daughter, told too plainly his opinion of the dragoon
captain; and these words rang in the ears of Gertrudis as a sad
presentiment which she almost believed already accomplished.

"Do not weep for the defection of Don Rafael," said the haciendado,
endeavouring to dry his daughter's tears. "He will be false to his
mistress, as he has been to his country."

What appeared a strange circumstance in the eyes of the father--these
words only caused Gertrudis to weep the more abundantly and bitterly!

Nevertheless, such had been the former friendship of Don Mariano for the
young officer--such the tender passion kindled in the heart of
Gertrudis--that it is possible, had Don Rafael even then presented
himself before them--his countenance open and beaming with the manly
pride of accomplished duty--the frankness of his bearing, and the
loyalty of his speech, might have still dissipated the clouds that hung
over the heads of all.

Unfortunately destiny had decided otherwise. It was not decreed by fate
that at that hour Don Rafael should enter, as a friend, the hospitable
gates of the hacienda Las Palmas.

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

A RUDE RECEPTION.

Don Rafael had now become known throughout all Oajaca as one of the most
energetic foes of the insurrection. Among the country-people,
therefore--the majority of whom were of Creole blood, and of course
revolutionary in principle--he need not expect to meet many friends.
Every man whom he might encounter was pretty certain of being his enemy.
For this reason, although it was only a lea