oman was capable of the wildest resolve. She _might_ take to a
convent; or maybe _to the plains_ with this base-born cibolero! Such an
event in the life of such a woman would be neither impossible nor
unlikely. In either case she could not take her fortune with her; but
what mattered? it would not remain with him, Roblado.

The conduct of the cibolero had removed all obstacles, so far as he was
concerned. There was no longer any dread of rivalry from that source.
His life was now forfeited. Not only would he be cut off from all
communication with her, but he would not dare to show himself in the
settlement. A constant vigilance would be kept on foot to guard against
that, and Roblado even promised himself the enjoyment of rare sport in
hunting down his rival, and becoming at the same time his captor and
executioner.

These were the ideas that crossed the mind of the savage captain, and
that made him feel satisfied at the events of the day.

After scouring the chapparal, and following the track of the supposed
Indians to the ceja of the table plain, he returned with his men to the
Presidio, to make preparations for a more prolonged pursuit.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

Roblado's arrival brought relief to Vizcarra, as he lay chafing and
fretting.

Their conversation was, of course, upon the late occurrence, and Roblado
gave his account of the pursuit.

"And do you really think," inquired the Comandante, "that the fellow had
a party of savages with him?"

"No!" answered Roblado. "I did think so at first--that is, the men
thought so, and I was deceived by their reports. I am now convinced
they were not Indian bravos, but some of those Tagno friends of his: for
it appears the padre was right--he had a suspicious connexion. That of
itself might have been sufficient cause for us to have arrested him long
ago; but now we need no cause. He is ours, when we can catch him."

"How do you propose to act?"

"Why, I have no doubt he will lead us a long chase. We must do the best
we can to follow his trail. I came back to provision the men so that we
can keep on for a sufficient time. The rascals have gone out of the
valley by the upper pass, and perhaps have taken to the mountains. So
thinks Gomez. We shall have to follow, and endeavour to overtake them.
We must send express to the other settlements, so that the cibolero may
be captured if he make his appearance in any of them. I don't think he
will attempt