the
American army."

"Mules?"

"Yes. We were crossing for that purpose to a plain on the other side of
the woods, where we had observed some animals of that description."

"'Tis true, Captain; there are a hundred or more; they are mine--take
them all!"

"But it is our intention to pay for them, Don Cosme. The major here has
the power to contract with you."

"As you please, gentlemen; but you will then return this way, and
proceed to your camp?"

"As soon as possible," I replied. "How far distant is this plain?"

"Not more than a league. I would go with you, but--" Here Don Cosme
hesitated, and, approaching, said in a low tone: "The truth is, Senor
Capitan, I should be glad if you could take them _without my consent_.
I have mixed but little in the politics of this country; but Santa Anna
is my enemy--he will ask no better motive for despoiling me."

"I understand you," said I. "Then, Don Cosme, we will take your mules
by force, and carry yourself a prisoner to the American camp--a Yankee
return for your hospitality."

"It is good," replied the Spaniard, with a smile.

"Senor Capitan," continued he, "you are without a sword. Will you
favour me by accepting this?"

Don Cosme held out to me a rapier of Toledo steel, with a golden
scabbard richly chased, and bearing on its hilt the eagle and nopal of
Mexico.

"It is a family relic, and once belonged to the brave Guadalupe
Victoria."

"Ha! indeed!" I exclaimed, taking the sword; "I shall value it much.
Thanks, Senor! thanks! Now, Major, we are ready to proceed."

"A glass of maraschino, gentlemen?" said Don Cosme, as a servant
appeared with a flask and glasses. "Thank you--yes," grunted the major;
"and while we are drinking it, Senor Don, let me give you a hint. You
appear to have plenty of _pewter_." Here the major significantly
touched a gold sugar-dish, which the servant was carrying upon a tray of
chased silver. "Take my word for it, you can't bury it too soon."

"It is true, Don Cosme," said I, translating to him the major's advice.
"We are not French, but there are robbers who hang on the skirts of
every army."

Don Cosme promised to follow the hint with alacrity, and we prepared to
take our departure from the rancho.

"I will give you a guide, Senor Capitan; you will find my people with
the _mulada_. Please _compel_ them to lasso the cattle for you. You
will obtain what you want in the corral. _Adios, Senores_!"

"Farewell, Don