has the very opposite effect upon a
profound passion. It only inflames it the more--just as the wind
extinguishes the flame of a candle, while it augments the blaze of a
conflagration. Absence had produced upon Don Rafael an effect of the
latter kind. He lived in the hope that Gertrudis might some day send
him a message of pardon and love. No wonder, then, that he was moved by
the arrival of a messenger from that part of the country.

"Well, Julian," said he, in a tone of assumed carelessness, "you have
news for me--what is it, my lad? I hope the insurgents have not
captured our fortress?"

"Oh no, master," replied Julian; "the soldiers at the hacienda only
complain of having nothing to do. A little scouting through the
country--where they might have the chance of sacking a rich hacienda--
would be more to their taste and fancy. As to that, the news which I
bring to your Honour will probably procure them this opportunity."

"You bring news of our enemy, I presume?"

The tone of disappointment in which the interrogatory was put, was
sufficiently marked to strike even the ear of Julian.

"Yes, Captain," replied he, "but I have other messages; and, to begin
with that which is least important, I fancy it will be agreeable to your
honour to know that I have brought along with me your favourite,
Roncador."

"Roncador?"

"Yes; the brave bay-brown you lost in your affair at Las Palmas. He has
been recovered for you, and taken care of. Ah! he has been marvellously
cared for, I can assure your Honour. He was sent back to the hacienda."

"Who sent him?" hastily inquired Don Rafael.

"Why, who could it be, your Honour, but Don Mariano de Silva. One of
his people brought the horse to Del Valle three days ago--saying that he
supposed the owner of such a fine animal would be pleased to have him
again. As the saddle and bridle had been lost, a new saddle and bridle
were sent along with him. Ah! splendid they are--the bridle, with a
pretty bunch of red ribbons on the frontlet!"

"Where are these ribbons?" hastily asked Don Rafael, carried away by the
thought that a sight of them might enable him to divine whether the hand
of Gertrudis had attached them to the frontlet.

"One of our people--Felipe el Galan--took them to make a cockade with."

"Felipe is a silly fellow, whom, one of these days, I shall punish for
his indiscretion."

"I told him so, your Honour; but he would take them. I should add, your
Honou