The next day another driver was secured, and Sister Felicite and her fair young charge, who was going to the City of Mexico, to a convent, to receive her education, went on their way. But Sister Felicite soon discovered that the peril through which they had passed had seemed to cast a gloom upon the heart of Nina de Sutro. The young girl became thoughtful, and no longer gathered wild flowers when they halted to rest by the wayside. Arriving at the convent, Nina did not have the same merry nature as before, and her leisure hours seemed to be passed in reveries. After some months at the convent, the girl went into the city, to pass a short vacation with her kindred, and to accompany them to a grand tournament which was given by army officers and gentlemen fond of such sports. There was a bull-fight, then a riding-match for a prize, a shooting-match, a combat on horseback with swords, and lasso-throwing. There were champions in each different sport, and one winning a prize was to hold himself ready to defend it should any one challenge him to do so at the time that it was presented to him in the arena. The bull-fight had ended disastrously, for the infuriated animals had killed several horses and wounded half a dozen of the amateur fighters, until not another one dared enter the ring, it was supposed, when, to the surprise of all, a horseman, splendidly mounted, rode into the arena. He was masked, and wore the richest of costumes. Who he was no one knew, and he had merely given his name as the “Cavalier of the Rio Grande.” The maddened bull made a rush for him that caused all to hold their breath with suspense. Just as all believed the horse would be gored to death, the skilful rider wheeled him out of harm’s way, spurred him alongside of the bull, and, leaning from his saddle, drove his sword to the hilt into the great brute’s side. The games were then continued, and, just as the victor in the shooting-match was receiving his prize, in rode the stranger, still wearing his mask, and challenged him to contest for the trophy he had won. The victor gladly consented, but only to surrender, soon after, the beautiful prize to the unknown Cavalier of the Rio Grande! And so it was with the one who had gained the prize for riding--a horse, saddle, and bridle of great value--for the unknown was on hand to challenge him and win. In the combat on horseback with swords, the unknown was there to grasp the prize won by the victor as soon as he went forward to receive it. Then came the sports with the lasso, and once more it was the unknown who defeated the champion. In addition to the prize--a purse of gold, in this case--a silk lasso was presented, one beautifully woven of crimson hue, and of great strength, length, and beauty. The last test of skill was a sword-combat, fought with rapiers, and it was said that the gallant young officer who won the prize had no equal in Mexico.