IX.

ISOLINA DE VARGAS.

As soon as the men were out of hearing, she said interrogatively,
"_Tejanos_?"

"Some of them are Texans--not all."

"You are their chief?"

"I am."

"Capitan, I presume?"

"That is my rank."

"And now, Senor Capitan, am I your captive?"

The question took me by surprise, and, for the moment, I did not know
what answer to make. The excitement of the chase, the encounter, and
its curious developments--perhaps above all other things, the bewitching
beauty of my captive--had driven out of my mind the whole purpose of the
pursuit; and for some minutes I had not been thinking of any result.
The interrogatory reminded me that I had a delicate duty to perform.
Was this lady a _spy_?

Such a supposition was by no means improbable, as my old campaigner can
testify. "Fair ladies--though never one so fair as she--have, ere now,
served their country in this fashion. She may be the bearer of some
important dispatch for the enemy. If so, and I permit her to go free,
the consequences may be serious--unpleasant even to myself." So ran my
reflections.

On the other hand, I disliked the duty of taking her back a prisoner. I
feared to execute it; I dreaded _her_ displeasure. _I wished to be
friends with her_. I felt the influence of that mysterious power which
transcends all strength--the power of beauty. I had been but ten
minutes in the company of this brown-skinned maiden, and already she
controlled my heart as though she had been its mistress for life!

I knew not how to reply. She saw that I hesitated, and again put the
question--

"Am I your captive?"

"I fear, senorita, I am _yours_."

I was prompted to this declaration, partly to escape from a direct
answer, and partly giving way to the passion already fast gathering in
my bosom. It was no coquetry on my part, no desire to make a pretty
passage of words. Though I spoke only from impulse, I was serious; and
with no little anxiety did I watch the effect of my speech.

Her large lustrous eyes rested upon me, at first with a puzzled
expression; this gradually changed to one of more significance--one that
pleased me better. She seemed for a moment to throw aside her
indifference, and regard me with more attention. I fancied, from the
glance she gave, that she was contented with what I had said. For all
that, the slight curl upon her pretty lip had a provoking air of triumph
in it; and she resumed her proud _hauteur_ as she