of the building, though she was still
upon the azotea. Some one had joined her; and I could hear voices in
conversation; her own contrasting with the harsher tones of a man.
Perhaps her father--perhaps--that other _relative_--less agreeable
supposition!

I was about to ride off, when it occurred to me that I had better first
master the contents of the "papelcito." Perhaps it might throw some
light on the situation, and enable me to adopt the more pleasant
alternative of remaining a while longer upon the premises.

I had thrust the _billet_ into the breast of my frock; and now looked
around for some place where I might draw it forth and peruse it
unobserved. The great arched gateway, shadowy and tenantless, offered
the desired accommodation; and heading my horse to it, I once more rode
inside the saguan.

Facing around so as to hide my front from the _cocineras_, I drew forth
the strip of folded paper, and spread it open before me. Though written
in pencil, and evidently in a hurried impromptu, I had no difficulty in
deciphering it. My heart throbbed exultingly as I read:--

"Capitan! I know you will pardon our dry hospitality? A cup of cold
water--ha! ha! ha! Remember what I told you yesterday: we fear our
_friends_ more than our _foes_, and we have a _guest in the house my
father dreads more than you and your terrible filibusteros_. I am not
angry with you for my pet, but you have carried off my lazo as well.
Ah, capitan! would you rob me of _everything_?--Adios!

"Isolina."

Thrusting the paper back into my bosom, I sat for some time pondering
upon its contents. Part was clear enough--the remaining part full of
mystery.

"We fear our _friends_ more than _our foes_." I was behind the scenes
sufficiently to comprehend what was intended by that cunningly worded
phrase. It simply meant that Don Ramon de Vargas was _Ayankieado_--in
other words, a friend to the American cause, or, as some loud demagogues
would have pronounced him, a "traitor to his country." It did not
follow, however, that he was anything of the kind. He might have wished
success to the American arms, and still remained a true friend to his
country--not one of those blind bigots whose standard displays the
brigand motto, "Our country right or wrong;" but an enlightened patriot,
who desired more to see Mexico enjoy peace and happiness under foreign
domination, than that it should continue in anarchy under the iron rule
o