Oajaca. Knowing his father's
political leanings, he had no doubt that it was to counsel him, Don
Rafael, to offer his sword to the cause of Mexican Independence.

The message, however significant and mysterious, partially restored the
captain of dragoons to his senses. In the journey he was necessitated
to make, he saw there might be an opportunity of sounding the heart of
Gertrudis, and becoming acquainted with her feelings in regard to him.
For this purpose he had determined upon frankly declaring his own. In
fine, he had half resolved to renounce those chivalric sentiments, that
had already hindered him from opening the affair to Don Mariano without
the consent of Gertrudis. So profound had his passion become, that he
would even have preferred owing to filial obedience the possession of
her he so devotedly loved, than not to possess her at all.

Influenced by such ideas, no wonder that with feverish ardour he rushed
over the hundred leagues that separated Mexico from Oajaca; and it was
for this reason he was willing to risk the danger of perishing in the
flood rather than not reach the Hacienda las Palmas, on the evening he
had appointed to be there.

It may be mentioned that in sending back the messenger of his father, he
had charged the man to call at the hacienda of Las Palmas and inform its
proprietor of his--Don Rafael's--intention to demand there the
hospitality of a night. Having calculated the exact time he might be
occupied on his journey, he had named the day, almost the very hour,
when he might be expected. Without knowing the importance which the
young dragoon attached to this visit, Don Mariano was but too gratified
to have an opportunity of showing politeness to the son of a gentleman
who was at the same time his neighbour and friend.

With regard to the sentiments of Gertrudis, they are already known to
the reader. What would not Don Rafael have given to have been equally
well acquainted with them! Ah! could he have known the secret pleasure
with which his arrival was expected--the ardent prayers, and that
sacrificial vow registered in his favour, at the moment when he was
struggling with danger--could he have known all this, it would have at
once put an end to his melancholy!

At this time the insurrection was just beginning to make some stir at
Oajaca. On throwing off the mask, Hidalgo had despatched secret agents
to the different provinces of Mexico, in hopes that they might all join