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Enough of them to strike Uraga's lancers and scatter them like chaff. And could the man commanding these but peep over the precipitous escarpment of the Llano Estacado and see those stalwart Texans bivouacked below, he would descend into the valley with less deliberation, and make greater haste to retire out of it.
This had been their intention, their horses being jaded and themselves wearied making their way up the canon. Though but ten miles in a direct line, it was well nigh twenty by the winding of the stream a good, even difficult, day's journey. On going out above they would have seen the trail of Uraga's party, and known it to be made by Mexican soldiers.
By the Texans their cause is instantly espoused unanimously, without one dissenting voice. On the contrary, all are uttered with an energy and warmth that give Hamersley a world of hope. Here are friends, whose enemies are his own. And they are in strength sufficient to pursue Uraga's troop and destroy it. They may overtake it that very night; if not, on the morrow.
Not a sign is left to show the pursuers the path Uraga's troop has taken. They know it should be westward, and strike out without waiting to look for tracks. For the first ten or twelve miles they ride at a rapid rate, often going in a gallop. Their horses, rested and fresh, enable them to do so.
But as Adela Miranda had now returned home, and was residing with her brother, in the interludes of tranquillity he could not help having some concern for her. He was well aware of Uraga's aspirations; and, though loathing the very sight of the man, he was, nevertheless, compelled to tolerate his companionship to a certain extent, and could not well deny him the entree of his house.
Gil Uraga stands beside him. There is an interval of silence, with only an interchange of glances; Don Valerian's defiant, Uraga's triumphant. But the expression of triumph on the part of the latter appears held in check, as if to wait some development that may either heighten or curb its display.
"You intend setting them free?" The question is asked, not with any idea that this is Uraga's design, but to draw out the explanation. "Free of all cares in this world, whatever may be their troubles in the next." "They are to die, then?" "They are to die." "You mean only the men Don Valerian and the doctor?" "What a ruffian you are, Roblez!
While the thrilling incident described is occurring in Uraga's camp, the Rangers, en route along the banks of the Pecos, are making all the haste in their power to reach it, Hamersley and Wilder every now and then saying some word to urge them on. In pursuit of such an enemy the Texans need no pressing.
It yields to the convulsive effort, leaving his hands released. With a quick lurch forward he clutches at the sword dangling by Uraga's side. Its hilt is in his grasp, and in an instant he has drawn the blade from its scabbard! Seeing himself thus suddenly disarmed, the Lancer Colonel springs back shouting loudly for help.
"Francisco! Stay with me. Do not again seek danger. The wretch is not worthy of your vengeance." "'Tis not vengeance, but justice. 'Tis my duty to chastise this crime the greatest on earth. Something whispers me 'tis a destiny, and I shall succeed. Dearest Adela, do not stay me. There is no danger. I shall be back soon, bringing Uraga's sword, perhaps himself, along with me."
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