" responds Hamersley, assuming a curious air; "first
make him confess--tell all he knows. When we've got his story out of
him we can settle that next."

The confession is not very difficult to extract. With Wilder's
bowie-knife gleaming before his eyes, its blade within six inches of his
breast, the wretch reveals all that has passed since the moment of his
first meditating treason. He even makes declaration of the motive,
knowing the nobility of the men who threatened him, and thinking by this
means to obtain pardon.

To strengthen his chances he goes still farther, turning traitor against
him to whom he had sold himself--Uraga. He has overheard a conversation
between the Mexican colonel and his adjutant, Lieutenant Roblez. It was
to the effect that they do not intend taking their prisoners all the way
back to Albuquerque. How they mean to dispose of them the peon does not
know.

He had but half heard the dialogue relating to Don Valerian and the
doctor.

The female prisoners! Can he tell anything of what is intended with
them? Though not in these terms, the question is asked with this
earnestness.

The peon is unable to answer it. He does not think they are prisoners--
certainly not Conchita. She is only being taken back along with her
mistress. About the senorita, his mistress, he heard some words pass
between Uraga and Roblez, but without comprehending their signification.

In his own heart Hamersley can supply it--does so with dark, dire
misgivings.

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX.

"THE NORTE."

Westward, across the Liana Estacado, Uraga and his lancers continue on
their return march. The troop, going by twos, is again drawn out in an
elongated line, the arms and accoutrements of the soldiers glancing in
the sun, while the breeze floats back the pennons of their lances. The
men prisoners are a few files from the rear, a file on each flank
guarding them. The women are at the head, alongside the guide and
sub-lieutenant, who has charge of the troop.

For reasons of his own the lancer colonel does not intrude his company
on the captives. He intends doing so in his own time. It has not yet
come. Nor does he take any part in directing the march of the men.
That duty has been entrusted to the _alferez_; he and Roblez riding
several hundred paces in advance of the troop.

He has thus isolated himself for the purpose of holding conversation
with his adjutant, unembarrassed by any apprehension of bei