and fallen back upon him."

"So, Senor Don Rafael," said the haciendado with an air of vexation,
"out of six servants which I counted yesterday I have not one to place
at your service, except my mayor-domo here, for I cannot reckon upon
those stupid Indian _peons_. The mayor-domo will attend you."

"No," rejoined Don Rafael; "it is not necessary. Let him remain here.
I shall go alone to the assistance of my father, who, no doubt, will
have plenty of people with him. It is more likely a leader that is
wanted."

The mayor-domo, dismissed by this answer, hurried towards the stables,
to see that Don Rafael's horse was made ready for the road.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

THE VOW PERFORMED.

While these incidents were in course of occurrence, the two sisters had
returned to their own chamber.

Alarmed by the coincidence, between the melancholy event that had just
transpired and the procrastination of her vow, Gertrudis fancied she saw
in it the finger of Providence; and, without further hesitation, she,
with her own hands, completed the pious but painful sacrifice!

Shrouded under the folds of her _reboso_, her pale face appeared beneath
a single band of hair that encircled her forehead--all that was left of
that magnificent _chevelure_.

Marianita was in tears. It was she one would have thought that had
suffered a misfortune; while Gertrudis, whose eyes shone with a sort of
melancholy satisfaction for the act she had accomplished, appealed to be
endeavouring to console her sister!

"Do not weep, my poor Marianita!" said she. "Perhaps, had it not been
for my culpable weakness, in consenting to defer the fulfilment of my
vow, this sad affair would not have arisen. Now I am more confident,
that whatever danger he may run, God will restore Rafael safe to me. Go
and tell him that I wait here to bid him _adios_. Bring him here, but
stay with us yourself. Remember that, sister. Remain here along with
us, for I cannot trust my strength. I might never allow him to leave
me. Go, dearest, and return quickly!"

Marianita, covering her face with a kerchief, and endeavouring to dry
her tears, hastened upon her errand.

Gertrudis, left alone, looked towards the two long plaits which she had
placed beside her upon the table. The lips of Don Rafael had kissed
them but the moment before; and, perhaps, influenced by this sweet
souvenir, the young girl took them up and pressed them repeatedly to her
own. Then laying