subaltern has made an impression on him--put the thing in
a new light. After all, what harm in letting Miranda live? Enough of
revenge compelling him to consent that his sister shall be the wife of
one she has scornfully rejected. If he refuse--if both do so--what
then?

The interrogatory is addressed to Roblez.

"Your position," answers the adjutant, "will be no worse than now. You
can still carry out the design you've hinted at without doing me the
honour to entrust it to me. Certainly no harm can arise from trying my
plan first. In ten minutes you may ascertain the result."

"I shall try it," exclaims Uraga, springing to his feet and facing
towards the entrance of the tent. "You're right, Roblez. It's a second
string to the bow I had a thought about. If it snap, let it. But if it
do, before long--aye, before to-morrow's sun shines into our camp--the
proud beauty may find herself brotherless, her sole chance of protection
being the arms of Gil Uraga."

Saying this, he pitches away the stump of his cigar, and strides forth
from the tent, determined to extract from Adela Miranda a promise of
betrothal, or in lieu of it decree her brother's death.

CHAPTER SIXTY SIX.

A BROTHER SORELY TEMPTED.

After stepping forth from the tent Uraga pauses to reflect. The course
counselled by Roblez seems reasonable enough. If he can but force the
girl's consent, it will not be difficult to get it sealed. There are
priests in the frontier pueblitas who will be obedient to a power
superior to the Church--even in Mexico, that Paradise of padres. Gold
will outweigh any scruples about the performance of the marriage
ceremony, however suspicion! the circumstances under which the intending
bride and bridegroom may prevent themselves at the altar. The lancer
colonel is well aware of this.

But there are other points to be considered before he can proceed
farther with the affair. His escort must not know too much. There are
ten of them, all thorough cut-throats, and, as such, having a
fellow-feeling for their commanding officer. Not one of them but has
committed crime, and more than one stained his soul with murder.
Nothing strange for Mexican soldiers under the regime of Santa Anna.
Not rare even among their officers.

On parting with the main body Uraga selected his escort with an eye to
sinister contingencies. They are the sort to assist in any deed of
blood. If ordered to shoot or hang the captives they