of a
madman. No one would give credence to it. The very atrociousness of
the deed rendered it incredible!

Carlos and his companions were aware of all these things. They had no
hope of help from any quarter. There was no authority that could give
them aid or redress.

The cibolero, who had remained for a while silent and thoughtful, at
length spoke out. His tone was altered. He seemed to have conceived
some plan that held out a hope.

"Comrades!" he said, "I can think of nothing but an open demand, and
that must be made within the hour. I cannot live another hour without
attempting her rescue--another hour, and what we dread--No! within the
hour it must be. I have formed a sort of plan--it may not be the most
prudent--but there is no time for reflection. Hear it."

"Go on!"

"It will be of no use our appearing before the gate of the Presidio in
full force. There are hundreds of soldiers within the walls, and our
twenty Tagnos, though brave as lions, would be of no service in such an
unequal fight. I shall go alone."

"Alone?"

"Yes; I trust to chance for an interview with _him_. If I can get that,
it is all I want. He is her gaoler; and when the gaoler sleeps, the
captive may be freed. He shall _sleep then_."

The last words were uttered in a significant tone, while the speaker
placed his hand mechanically upon the handle of a large knife that was
stuck in his waist-belt.

"_He shall sleep_ then!" he repeated; "and soon, if Fate favours me.
For the rest I care not: I am too desperate. If she be dishonoured I
care not to live, but I shall have full revenge!"

"But how will you obtain an interview?" suggested Don Juan. "He will
not give _you_ one. Would it not be better to disguise yourself? There
would be more chance of seeing him that way?"

"No! I am not easily disguised, with my light hair and skin. Besides,
it would cost too much time. Trust me, I will not be rash. I have a
plan by which I hope to get near him--to see him, at all events. If it
fail, I intend to make no demonstration for the present. None of the
wretches shall know my real errand. Afterwards I may do as you advise,
but now I cannot wait. I must on to the work. I believe it is he that
is at this moment pacing yonder azotea, and that is why I cannot wait,
Don Juan. If it be me--"

"But what shall we do?" asked Don Juan. "Can we not assist in any way?"

"Yes, perhaps in my escape. Come on, I shall place you