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You can still carry out the design you've hinted at without doing me the honour to entrust it to me. Certainly no harm can arise from trying my plan first. In ten minutes you may ascertain the result." "I shall try it," exclaims Uraga, springing to his feet and facing towards the entrance of the tent. "You're right, Roblez. It's a second string to the bow I had a thought about. If it snap, let it.
"It don't much signify," says Uraga, in an undertone to Roblez; "we've got all out of him we need care for. Still, it may be better to bring him along. No doubt he slipped off to settle some affair of his own some pilferings, I presume; and will be found at the ranche. Cabo! take a file of men, go back to the valley, and bring the loiterer along with you.
Meanwhile, see that this copper-skin is closely kept. To make safe, you may as well clap the manacles on him." In obedience, Roblez takes the Indian back to the halted troop, directs him to be shackled; then gives the order for dismounting. But not for a night camp, only for a temporary bivouac; and this without fires, or even unsaddling of the horses.
Besides him his adjutant, Roblez his confederate in many a crime also showing signs of having received rough treatment, but not without resenting it. His aspect is that of a tiger encaged, chafing at the torture, regardless of what may be the end. On the camp ground are seen some sixty horses with half-a-dozen mules. About fifty of the former are under saddle and bridle, as if soon to be mounted.
"I'm glad you've come, ayudante," says the Colonel, motioning the new-comer to a seat. "I'm feeling a little bit lonely, and I want some one to cheer me. You, Roblez, are just the man for that; you've got such a faculty for conversation." This is ironical; for Roblez is as silent as an owl. "Sit down and give me your cheerful company," the Colonel adds.
Almost as soon the two officers get astride, Roblez on his own charger, the mustang mare being left to Uraga. From her mistress he must part thus unceremoniously, covered with ignominious shame! The thought is torture, and for a time stays him. A dire, damnable purpose flashes across his brain, and for an instant holds possession of his heart.
He's not such a bad sort of a fellow, and has got the name of being a courageous soldier." "You're growing wonderfully sentimental, ayadante. The tender glances of the senorita seem to have softened you." "Not likely," rejoins the adjutant with a grim smile. "The eyes that could make impression upon the heart of Gaspar Roblez don't exist in the head of woman.
I know, friend Roblez, you're not a man greatly given to speech; so it will save you the necessity of opening your lips till I've got through." Roblez, usually taciturn, nods assent. "Before coming out here," continues the Colonel, "I'd taken some steps. When you've heard what they are I fancy you'll give me credit for strategy, or cunning, if you prefer so calling it.
It will be an act of gallantry to save the female captives by carrying them off. This Uraga reserves for himself, assisted by Roblez. Such is his scheme of vicarious assassination; in the atrocity of conception unequalled, almost incredible. He has no anxiety as to its success.
The counsel of his subaltern has made an impression on him put the thing in a new light. After all, what harm in letting Miranda live? Enough of revenge compelling him to consent that his sister shall be the wife of one she has scornfully rejected. If he refuse if both do so what then? The interrogatory is addressed to Roblez. "Your position," answers the adjutant, "will be no worse than now.
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