enced, when relieved from the fear of
death, was short-lived. So, too, was that which followed his relief
from the anxiety about his captive. The thought that now tortured him
was of a different character. The very breath of his existence--his
personal appearance--was ruined for ever. He was disfigured for life!

When the mirror was passed before his face, it caused his heart to burn
like a coal of fire. Coward though he was, he would almost as soon have
been killed outright.

Several of his teeth were gone. They might have been replaced; but not
so could be restored the mutilated cheek. A portion had been carried
off by the "tear" of the bullet. There would be a hideous scar never to
be healed!

The sight was horrible. His thoughts were horrible. He groaned
outright as he contemplated the countenance which the cibolero had given
him. He swore vengeance. Death and torture if he could but capture
Carlos--death to him and his!

At times he even repented that he had sent away the sister. Why should
he have cared for consequences? Why had he not revenged himself upon
_her_? He no longer loved her. Her scornful laugh still rankled in his
heart. She had been the cause of all his sufferings--of sufferings that
would never end but with his life--chagrin and mortification for the
rest of his days! Why had he not taken _her_ life? That would have
been sweet revenge upon the brother. It would almost have been
satisfaction.

He tossed upon his couch, tortured with these reflections, and giving
utterance at intervals to groans of anguish and horrid imprecations.

Carlos must be captured. No effort must be spared to ensure that event.
And captured _alive_ if possible. He should measure out the
punishment. It should be death, but not sudden death. No; the savages
of the plains should be his teachers. The cibolero should die like a
captive Indian--by fire at the stake. Vizcarra swore this!

After him, the mother, too. She was deemed a witch. She should be
punished as often witches have been. In this he would not have to act
alone. He knew that the padres would endorse the act. They were well
inclined to such fanatical cruelties.

Then the sister, alone--uncared for by any one. She would be wholly in
his power--to do with her us he would, and no one to stay his will. It
was not love, but revenge.

Such terrible resolves passed through the mind of the wretched caitiff.

Roblado was equally eag