this apparently simple
incident--the caprice of a young girl--may snatch a crown. Think too of
your country--its future glory and greatness--all dependent on the
promise you have given--"

"Why," interrupted Don Augustin, "why set forth all these
considerations? After my promise has been given, I never retract my
word. But it is only to the Duke de Armada I have engaged myself, and
he alone can free me from that engagement. Are you satisfied with this
assurance?"

"How could I be otherwise?" cried the Spaniard, holding out his hand to
the noble haciendado. "Enough! I have your word, it will be necessary
forme to leave you without farther delay. This young fellow may find
comrades to accompany him to the Golden Valley. There is not a moment,
therefore, to be lost. I must at once proceed to Tubac. Adieu, my
friend, adieu!"

Don Augustin would have risen to accompany his guest to the gates, but
the Spaniard would not permit him, and they parted without farther
ceremony.

When Don Estevan reached the court-yard, his attendants and domestics
were found in readiness to depart. The mules had been packed, and the
_remuda_ collected in charge of the driver. The followers, Cuchillo,
Baraja, Oroche, and Pedro Diaz were already in their saddles--the last
mounted on a magnificent and fiery steed, which told that the generous
haciendado had kept his promise.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

THE LONE FIRE IN THE FOREST.

The motive for this hasty departure from the hacienda was unknown only
to Benito and the other domestics. The cavalier adventurers were aware
of its object though two of them, Baraja and Oroche, had no very clear
understanding upon the matter. The fumes of the mezcal were still in
their heads, and it was with difficulty they could balance themselves in
the saddle. They were sensible of their situation, and did their best
to conceal it from the eyes of the chief.

"Am I straight in my stirrups?" whispered Oroche addressing himself to
Baraja.

"Straight as a bamboo!" replied the other. "Do I appear firm?" inquired
he in turn.

"Firm as a rock," was the response.

Thanks to the efforts they were making to keep themselves upright, Don
Estevan, as he glanced over the ranks of his followers, did not observe
anything amiss. Cuchillo, however, knowing that they were not in a fit
state for inspection regarded them with an anxious glance.

As Don Estevan was about to mount, the outlaw rode up to hi