ked by a party of Indians--my mother left for dead--the
rancho set on fire--and my sister carried off!"

"I have heard of all this, my friend,--nay, more, I have myself been out
in pursuit of the savages."

"I know it, your excellency. I was absent on the Plains, and only
returned last night. I have heard that your excellency was prompt in
pursuing the savages, and I feel grateful."

"No need of that; I only performed my duty. I regret the occurrence,
and sympathise with you; but the villains have got clear off, and there
is no hope of bringing them to punishment just now. Perhaps some other
time--when the garrison here is strengthened--I shall make an incursion
into their country, and then your sister may be recovered."

So completely had Vizcarra been deceived by the cibolero's manner, that
his confidence and coolness had returned, and any one knowing nothing
more of the affair than could be gathered from that conversation would
have certainly been deceived by him. This dissimulation both in speech
and manner appeared perfect. By the keen eye of Carlos, however--with
his knowledge of the true situation--the tremor of the speaker's lips,
slight as it was--his uneasy glance--and an occasional hesitancy in his
speech, were all observed. Though Carlos was deceiving _him_, _he_ was
not deceiving Carlos.

"What favour were you going to ask?" he inquired, after he had delivered
his hopeful promise.

"This, your excellency; that you would allow your troops to go once more
on the trail of the robbers, either under your own command--which I
would much like--or one of your brave officers." Roblado felt
flattered. "I would act as guide, your excellency. There is not a spot
within two hundred miles I am not acquainted with, as well as I am with
this valley; and though I should not say it, I assure your excellency, I
can follow an Indian trail with any hunter on the Plains. If your
excellency will but send the troop, I promise you I shall guide them to
the robbers, or lose my reputation. I can follow their trail _wherever
it may lead_."

"Oh! you could, indeed?" said Vizcarra, exchanging a significant glance
with Roblado, while both exhibited evident symptoms of uneasiness.

"Yes, your excellency, anywhere."

"It would be impossible," said Roblado. "It is now two days old;
besides, _we_ followed it beyond the Pecos, and we have no doubt the
robbers are by this time far out of reach, of any pursuit. It would