CHAPTER XLIII. THE FAIR HERMIT. “Visitors are not allowed here, and, were the cowboy king at home, he would not have admitted you,” said the man to Cody, as though determined to make another effort to talk. “My visit is to the Señorita Suelo, not to her servant, the cowboy chief,” was the stern reply. The gateman winced, for the cowboy king evidently was all powerful in that hacienda. The gateman did not lead the visitor into the hacienda, but, halting at the flower-garden gate, said: “The señor will find the señorita in yonder arbor.” “She does not intend to have any eavesdroppers, that is certain,” muttered the scout to himself. A short walk brought him to the arbor, a perfect bower of beauty amid the flowers that were upon all sides. The señorita arose from a hammock, a book in her hand, as the caller approached. “Señor, be seated,” she said, and she appeared embarrassed. “Señorita, I have no right, perhaps, to intrude myself upon you, knowing the unwritten law of your house that no stranger must enter, but I have done so to return to you a trinket that belongs to you--one I picked up upon the scene when last we met.” As Buffalo Bill spoke, he held out the bracelet he had found upon the spot where he had rescued the Mexican officer and the maiden from the outlaws. The face of the fair Mexican flushed and paled in turn, and, stepping forward, she said earnestly: “Señor, can you ever forgive me for my treatment of you that day, leaving you, as we did, after your saving the señor captain from certain death, and rescuing me from the power of cruel foes? “Yes, the bracelet must have been torn from my wrist unnoticed by my captors in the struggle. “You read what is written within it, señor, so the charm is broken. I will never wear it again; no, never! For what is there graven has come true--the charm is broken.” She turned her head, and for a moment was silent, when Buffalo Bill spoke: “I am sorry you no longer have faith in the charm; but I am glad to have returned it to you.” “Señor, I am glad you have done so, for it has given me the chance to meet you to tell you how I appreciate all you did that day. Why we left you so unceremoniously I cannot tell, for my lips are sealed.” “And who were those foes of yours, señorita?” “I do not know.” “And the señor captain--did he recover from the cruel treatment they gave him?” “Yes, señor.” “Señorita, I have a request to make.” “I will grant it.” “The favor I would ask is that when I come again to see you, you will see me.” “I have promised; but you must not come when the cowboy king is here, señor.” Buffalo Bill’s face did not change a muscle at this remarkable request of the fair recluse. The girl looked at him somewhat anxiously, while he answered graciously: “It shall be as you wish, señorita. I will now bid you adios and thank you for having received me.”