er at sweet slumber being thus long denied her, with such memories
to keep her awake! In fancy, ever before her seems the face of her
father with that look of agony she last saw upon it, as he lay upon the
ground, weltering in his gore. And in fancy also, she beholds the
ruffian, Valdez, standing above the prostrate form, waving over it his
blood-stained spear, a very demon exultant!

But her painful thoughts are not all of the past. She has doubts and
fears also for the future, dark as she reflects on her own situation,
and what will be done to her; but still darker when she thinks of those
left behind and far away. What will become of her dear mother and
brother? What of him--dear, ah! perhaps dearer than either--her
handsome cousin? For Cypriano's affection for her is fully
reciprocated.

Not strange then the sadness overspreading her features, nor the weight
of woe in her heart; as she dwells on the fate that may be his and
theirs. For she knows they are all in danger--great and certain danger;
has known it ever since seeing Valdez, the _vaqueano_, consorting with
the Tovas Indians, and on friendly terms with their chief. Oft had she
asked herself the question whither he went afterwards! Did he return to
Paraguay, or go direct to the _estancia_, there to complete his
diabolical work--begun by murder, to end in the same with other crimes?
In any case he would not likely leave them unharmed, as the captive girl
too truly apprehends.

With such terrible thoughts to agitate her breast, no wonder she should
be awake while everyone around seems slumbering. But on this night, and
at this hour, something besides hinders her from seeking repose; that
being the absence of Shebotha, which, for certain reasons, makes her
more than ordinarily apprehensive. In truth, she is greatly alarmed by
it. Never before has the sorceress been out of her _toldo_ to stay for
any continued time; above all, never during the hours of night. Why
should she be absent now, and so long?

While asking herself these questions, the captive has not the slightest
intention to take advantage of Shebotha's absence, and make trial to
escape. Well knows she that would be idle, and she could not get away
if she tried. For though the owner of the hut is off watch, there is
one on it--a man sitting, or squatted, just outside the door. No red
man, but one with a white skin; himself a prisoner, and who possibly
once, as she, felt distressed by