im to care for aught else.

All these points had passed under the keen observation of the cibolero
before Vizcarra returned to announce his intention of sending the troop.
He had scarce parted out of sight the second time ere the former had
taken his measures.

Silently dismounting from his horse, Carlos left the animal standing
where he had halted him. He did not fasten him to either rail or post,
but simply hooked the bridle-rein over the "horn" of the saddle. He
know that his well-trained steed would await him there.

His rifle he still carried under his serape, though the butt was now
visible below the edge, pressed closely against the calf of his leg. In
this way he walked forward to the gate.

One doubt troubled him--would the sentry permit him to pass in? If not,
the sentry must die!

This resolve was quickly made; and the cibolero under his serape kept
his grasp on the handle of his hunting-knife as he approached the gate.

The attempt was made to pass through. Fortunately for Carlos, and for
the sentry as well, it was successful. The latter--a slouching,
careless fellow--had heard the late conversation, and had no suspicion
of the other's design. He made some feeble opposition, notwithstanding;
but Carlos hastily replied that he had something to say to the
Comandante, who had beckoned him up to the azotea. This but half
satisfied the fellow, who, however, reluctantly allowed him to pass.

Once inside, Carlos sprang to the steps, and glided up with the stealthy
silent tread of a cat. So little noise had his moccasins made upon the
stones, that, when he arrived upon the roof, its occupant--although
standing but six feet from the head of the escalera--was not aware of
his presence!

There was he--Vizcarra himself--the despot--the despoiler--the violator
of a sister's innocence and honour--there was he within six feet of the
avenging brother--six feet from the muzzle of his ready rifle, and still
ignorant of the terrible situation! His face was turned in an opposite
direction--he saw not his peril.

The glance of the cibolero rested upon him but an instant, and then
swept the walls to ascertain if any one was above. He knew there were
two sentries on the towers. They were not visible--they were on the
outer walls and could not be seen from Carlos's position. No one else
was above. His enemy alone was there, and his glance again rested upon
him.

Carlos could have sent the bullet into his b