better. She will then not remember where she is or _has
been_. Now I _know_ that I have a plan--nothing easier than to get her
off. She shall go back and tell--if she can tell anything--that she has
been in the hands of the Indians! That will satisfy you?"

"But how can it be arranged?"

"My dear Comandante, no difficulty in it. Listen! To-night, or before
day in the morning, Gomez and Jose, in Indian costume as before, can
carry her off to some spot which I shall indicate. In the mountains be
it. No matter how far off or how near. She may be tied, and found in
their company in the morning in such a way as to appear _their captive_.
So much the better if she has recovered her senses enough to think so.
Well; I with the troopers, in hunt after the cibolero, will come upon
these Indians by accident. A few shots may be fired at sufficient
distance to do them no hurt. They will make off, leaving their captive,
whom we will rescue and bring back to the town, where she can be
delivered out of our hands! Ha! ha! ha! What think you, Comandante, of
my scheme?"

"Excellent!" replied Vizcarra, his mind seemingly relieved at the
prospect of its execution.

"Why, it would blind the very devil! We shall not only be free from
suspicion, but we'll get credit by it. What! a successful affair with
the savages!--rescue of a female captive!--restore her to her friends!--
she, too, the sister of the very man who has endeavoured to assassinate
you! I tell you, Comandante, the cibolero himself, if that will be any
comfort to you, will be humbugged by it! She will swear--_if her word
be worth anything_--that she has been in the hands of _los barbaros_ all
the while! She will give the lie even to her own brother!"

"The plan is excellent. It must be done to-night!"

"To-night, of course. As soon as the men have gone to bed, Gomez can
start with her. I must give over the idea of following the trail to-day
and, in truth, I regard that as idle. Our only chance for taking him
will be to set our trap, with her for its bait; and that we can arrange
hereafter. Give yourself no farther uneasiness about it. By late
breakfast to-morrow I shall make my report to you,--Desperate affair
with Jicarillas, or Yutas--several warriors killed--female captive
rescued--valiant conduct of troops--recommend Corporal--for promotion,
etcetera. Ha! ha! ha!"

The Comandante joined in this laugh, which, perhaps, he would not have
done, but