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It had filled him with astonishment and indignation; and his language to Carlos had assumed a bullying and brutal tone. Horrible as such a supposition may seem, both he and Vizcarra would have rejoiced to see the cibolero tumble over the bluff. Horrible indeed it seems; but such were the men, and the place, and the times, that there is nothing improbable in it.
He could remain all night in the Calabozo. Fast bound and well guarded as he was, there was not the slightest danger of him making his escape. To-morrow would be the last day of his life. To-morrow his foes should have the pleasure of seeing him die to-morrow the Comandante and Roblado would enjoy their full measure of vengeance. Even that day Vizcarra had enjoyed part of his.
In the time of his predecessor several had taken place, and on these occasions it was remembered that the troops, instead of going abroad to search for the "barbaros," shut themselves up in the garrison till the latter were gone clear out of the valley, after having carried off all the cattle they could collect! What a contrast in the new Comandante! What a brave officer was Colonel Vizcarra!
She would have sought legal revenge, but that the nature of her business made it wiser for her to pocket the indignities, and remain silent. "Now, Roblado," asked the Comandante, "what is the other string to my bow?" "Can't you guess, my dear colonel?" "Not exactly," replied Vizcarra, though he well knew that he could. It was not long since the other string had been before his mind.
So reasoned the Comandante and his captain, and hence the strictness of their orders about guarding the rancho. Its inmates were really prisoners, though as Vizcarra and Roblado supposed they were ignorant of the fact.
This speech of Roblado will disclose what is, perhaps, guessed at already that the late incursion of "los barbaros" was neither more nor less than an affair got up by Vizcarra and himself to cover the abduction of the cibolero's sister.
While acting as guide, his opportunity would be excellent not only for destroying his enemy, but for his own escape. Once on the wide plains, he would have no fear of ten times the number of lancers. His true steed would carry him far beyond their reach. The troop was going. The bugle told him so. Would Vizcarra go with it?
"I must to my work." "Nay, further, Senorita!" cried Vizcarra; "I have another favour to ask, a light for my cigar? Here, take the cup! See! the coin is no longer in it! You will pardon me for having offered it?" Vizcarra saw that she was offended, and by this apology endeavoured to appease her.
It is to be a long one, I heard, as he is to take a new route over the Llano Estacado." "Over the Llano Estacado?" "Such, I was told, was his intention." "Anything else to say, sergeant?" "Nothing, colonel, except that the girl has a sweetheart the same young fellow who bet so heavily against you at the fiesta." "The devil!" exclaimed Vizcarra, while a deep shadow crossed his forehead.
The Comandante Vizcarra now stepped forth and commanded silence. Placing a Spanish dollar upon the smooth turf, he called out "This to the man who can take it up at the first trial. Five gold onzas that Sergeant Gomez will perform the feat!" There was silence for a while. Only a "rico" could afford to lose such a sum. After a pause, however, there came a reply. A young ranchero stepped forth:
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