; which to them would have been as grateful as it would have been
mortifying to the cibolero. A man floundering out of a muddy ditch, and
drenched to the skin, however daring the attempt that led to it, would
cut but a sorry figure in the eyes of a holiday crowd; and in such a
situation did they wish to see Carlos placed.

Whether the cibolero suspected their object did not appear. His reply
does not show. When it was heard, the "zequia" and its muddy water were
at once forgotten. A feat of greater interest occupied the attention of
the spectators.

CHAPTER FIVE.

Carlos, seated in his saddle, was silent for a while. He seemed puzzled
for a reply. The manner of the two officers, as well as Roblado's
speech, stung him. To have proceeded to the performance of this very
common feat after all others had given over, merely on the banter of
Roblado and the Comandante, would have been vexatious enough; and yet to
refuse it would lay him open to jeers and insinuations; and, perhaps,
this was their design.

He had reason to suspect some sinister motive. He knew something of
both the men--of their public character--he could not otherwise, as they
were lords paramount of the place. But of their private character, too,
he had some knowledge, and that was far from being to their credit.
With regard to Roblado, the cibolero had particular reasons for
disliking _him_--very particular reasons; and but that the former was
still ignorant of a certain fact, he had quite as good a reason for
reciprocating the dislike. Up to this moment Roblado knew nothing of
the cibolero, who for the most part of his time was absent from the
valley. Perhaps the officer had never encountered him before, or at all
events had never changed words with him. Carlos knew _him_ better; and
long ere this encounter, for reasons already hinted at, had regarded him
with dislike.

This feeling was not lessened by the conduct of the officer on the
present occasion. On the contrary, the haughty jeering tones fell
bitterly upon the ear of the cibolero. He replied, at length, "Captain
Roblado, I have said it is not worth my while to perform what a
_muchachito_ of ten years old would hardly deem a feat. I would not
wrench my horse's mouth for such a pitiful exhibition as running him up
on the edge of that harmless gutter; but if--"

"Well, if what?" eagerly inquired Roblado, taking advantage of the
pause, and half suspecting Carlos' design.

"If