of cavalry was crossing the ridge.

A few minutes after, the squadron halted before the great gate, at a
little distance from the walls. A horseman advanced in front of the
line, and once more having sounded the bugle, in the name of Don Rafael
Tres-Villas, Captain of the Royalist army, summoned Don Mariano de Silva
to deliver up, dead or alive, the insurgents, Arroyo and Bocardo.

The demand having been made, Don Rafael, with pale face, and heart
audibly beating, sat motionless in his saddle to await the response.

Silence--profound silence alone made reply to the summons of the
horseman and the sound of his trumpet.

CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

BEARDING A BRIGAND.

In addition to the consequences that would arise from his resolve--
already foreseen by Don Rafael Tres-Villas--there was one other of which
he could not have had any foresight.

A glance into the interior of the hacienda will proclaim this
consequence.

Within that chamber, already known to the reader, were Don Mariano de
Silva, with his two daughters; and their situation was enough to justify
the silence which succeeded to the summons of the dragoon. Inside the
closed door, and by the side of the two young girls, stood Arroyo and
Bocardo. Poignard in hand, the brigands were tracing out to Don Mariano
the line of conduct he should pursue.

"Listen to me, Don Mariano de Silva," said the former, with an air of
brutal mockery that was habitual to him, "I rather think you are too
loyal a gentleman to dishonour the laws of hospitality by delivering up
your guests."

"It is true," replied the haciendado, "you may rest assured--"

"I know it," continued Arroyo, interrupting him; "you would not betray
us of your own accord. But this demon of a dragoon captain will break
open the gate, and take us in spite of your intreaties. Now, listen!
and hear what I wish you to do."

"Can you suggest any means of preventing him from acting thus?"

"Nothing more simple, good Senor de Silva. This _coyote_ of the devil
is your personal friend. If in the quality of your serving-man--that
is, in times past--I chanced to apprehend a little of what was going on,
you cannot blame me. If I am not mistaken, the dragoon captain has a
little weakness for the pretty Dona Gertrudis. For that reason he will
pay some regard to the danger that now hangs over the young lady's
head."

"Danger! I do not comprehend you."

"You will, presently. You may say to the captain o