e
not resisting, that would be a scandal I might have difficulty in
suppressing. It would spread surely, go over the country, get to the
ears of the Central Government, and return to New Mexico with a weight
that might overwhelm me. Besides, _amigo mio_, it would spoil my plan
in several respects--notably, that with the nina and others too numerous
to mention. Of course, we'll kill him if we can, with fair pretext for
doing so. But unless he show fight, we must take him alive, his guests
along with him. I hope he will."

"I think it likely you'll have your hopes. The two Americanos are not
men to submit tamely. Remember how they fought at the attack on their
waggon-train, and how they got off afterwards. They're a rough couple,
and likely to give us anything but a smooth reception."

"The rougher the better. That would be just as wanted, and we'll settle
everything at once. If otherwise, I have my plan fixed and complete."

"What is it, colonel?"

"Not now. I'll tell you in the proper time. First to make experiment
of what's immediately before us. If it succeed, we shall return this
way with only women as our prisoners. If it fail, we'll have men--four
of them. A word in your ear to content you for the while. Not one of
the four will ever enter the prison of Albuquerque."

"You intend sending them to some other?"

"I do."

"Where?"

"A gaol from which there can be no escape--need I name it?"

"You need not. There's but one will answer your description--the
grave."

With this solemn conjecture the _sotto voce_ conversation comes to a
close, the ruffians riding at the head of their troop, far extending
after, its files resembling the vertebrae of some grand glittering
serpent on its way to seize a victim, the two in front fair types of its
protruding poisonous fangs.

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN.

A COMING CLOUD.

Between lovers, those who truly love, the parting is ever painful Frank
Hamersley, taking leave of Adela Miranda, feels this as does Walt Wilder
separating from Conchita.

There may be a difference in degree, in the intensity of their
respective passions; perhaps also something in its character. Still the
sentiment is the same. Both suffer at the thought of separation, feel
it keenly. All the more as they reflect on what is before them--a
prospect anything but cheerful. Clouds in the sky; many chances they
may never see their loved ones again. No wonder they turn towards the