into execution, when Roblado, who had now got to his feet, finding
that a wounded arm was all he had suffered, ordered them to desist.

"Up and down!" he thundered; "scatter both ways--quick, or he may yet
escape us. Go!"

The men did as they were ordered, but the party who turned down-stream
halted through sheer surprise. The figure of a man was seen, in a bent
attitude and crawling up the bank, at the distance of a hundred yards
below. The next moment it rose into an erect position, and glided over
the plain with lightning speed, in the direction of the copse of timber!

"_Hola_!" exclaimed several voices; "yonder he goes! _Por todos
santos_, it is he!"

Amidst the cracking of carbines that followed, a shrill whistle was
heard; and before any of the mounted men could ride forward, a horse was
seen shooting out from the copse and meeting the man upon the open
meadow! Quick as thought the latter vaulted into the saddle, and after
uttering a wild and scornful laugh galloped off, and soon disappeared in
the darkness!

Most of the dragoons sprang upon their horses and followed; but after a
short gallop over the plain they gave up the chase, and one by one
returned to their wounded leader.

To say that Roblado was furious would be to characterise very faintly
the state he was in. But he had still one captive on which to vent his
rage and chagrin.

Catalina had been captured in the garden,--taken while praying for the
safe escape of her lover. Jose had remained in charge of her, while the
rest rushed down to assist in the capture of Carlos, at which Jose,
knowing the cibolero as he did, and not being over brave, evinced no
desire to be present.

Catalina heard the shots and shouts that denoted the terrible struggle.
She had heard, too, the shrill whistle and the scornful laugh that rang
loudly above the din. She had heard the shouts of the pursuers dying
away in the distance.

Her heart beat with joy. She knew that her lover was free!

She thought then, and then only, of herself. She thought, too, of
escape. She knew the rude taunts she would have to listen to from the
brutal leader of these miscreants. What could she do to avoid an
encounter? She had but one to deal with--Jose. She knew the despicable
character of the man. Would gold tempt him? She would make the trial.

It was made, and succeeded. The large sum offered was irresistible.
The villain knew that there could be no great punishment