"

This last phrase was uttered in a tone that partook equally of anger and
grief.

The cibolero was certainly placed in an unpleasant situation. All his
hopes--lately running so high--were crushed in a single moment. His
whole property taken from him--the object of his enterprise lost--his
long, perilous, and painful journeyings made for nothing. He should
return empty-handed, poorer than when he set out--for his own five
pack-mules were gone among the rest. The oxen, and his faithful steed,
tied to the carretas, alone remained. These would scarce serve to carry
provision for himself and party on their journey home; no cargo--not a
bale of hides--not a "bulta" of meat more than would be required for
their own food!

These reflections all passed through the mind of the cibolero in the
space of a few moments, as he stood gazing in the direction in which the
marauders had gone. He made no attempt to follow--that would have been
worse than useless. On his splendid horse he might have overtaken
them--only to die on the points of their lances!

"A curse upon Indian duplicity!" he once more repeated; and then, rising
to his feet, walked back to the corral, and gave orders for the oxen to
be drawn close up and firmly fastened to the carretas. Another surprise
might be attempted by some lingering party of the savages; and, as it
would be unsafe to go to sleep, the cibolero and his four companions
remained awake and on the alert for the remainder of the night.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

That was a _noche triste_ to Carlos--a night of painful reflections.
Bereft of his property--in the midst of hostile Indians, who might
change their minds, return, and massacre him and his party--many hundred
miles from home, or from any settlement of whites--a wide desert to be
traversed--the further discouragement that there was no object for his
going home, now that he was stripped of all his trading-stock--perhaps
to be laughed at on his return--no prospect of satisfaction or
indemnity, for he well knew that his government would send out no
expedition to revenge so humble an individual as he was--he knew, in
fact, that no expedition of Spanish soldiery could penetrate to the
place, even if they had the will; but to fancy Vizcarra and Roblado
sending one on his account! No, no; there was no hope of his obtaining
satisfaction. He was cruelly robbed, and he knew that he must endure
it; but what a blighted prospect was before him!