e very master-stroke of design; and I promise you, camarado, it shall
have speedy execution."

"Why delay? Why not set about it at once?"

"True,--at once let us prepare for this _pleasant masquerade_!"

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

Circumstances were arising that would be likely to interrupt the
Comandante and his captain in the execution of their design. At least
so it might have been supposed. In less than twenty-four hours after
the conversation described, a rumour of Indian incursions was carried to
the town, and spread through every house in the valley. The rumour said
that a band of "Indios bravos,"--whether Apache, Yuta, or Comanche, was
not stated,--had made their appearance near the settlement, in full
_war-paint and costume_!

This of course denoted hostile intentions, and an attack might be
expected in some part of the settlement. The first rumour was followed
by one still more substantial,--that the Indians had attacked some
shepherds in the upper plain, not far from the town itself. The
shepherds had escaped, but their dogs had been killed, and a large
number of sheep driven off to the mountain fastnesses of the marauders!

This time the report was more definite. The Indians were Yutas, and
belonged to a band of that tribe that had been hunting to the east of
the Pecos, and who had no doubt resolved upon this plundering expedition
before returning to their _home_, near the heads of the Del Norte. The
shepherds had seen them distinctly, and knew the _Yuta paint_.

That the Indians were Yutas was probable enough. The same tribe had
lately made a foray upon the settlements in the fine valley of Taos.
They had heard of the prosperous condition of San Ildefonso, and hence
their hostile visit. Besides, both Apaches and Comanches were _en paz_
with the settlement, and had for some years confined themselves to
ravaging the provinces of Coahuila and Chihuahua. No provocation had
been given to these tribes to recommence hostilities, nor had they given
any signs of such an intention.

Upon the night of the same day in which the sheep were carried off, a
more important robbery was committed. That took place in the settlement
itself. A large number of cattle were driven off from a grazing-farm
near the lower end of the valley. The Indians had been seen in the act,
but the frightened vaqueros were but too glad to escape, and shut
themselves up in the buildings of the farm.

No murders had as yet been