All was done with the rapidity of lightning. The men of Don Pedro strongly tied the hands of the conquered behind their backs with the satisfaction of the tyrant characteristic of all conquerors. One of the captured, Panfilo Vargas, was vexed and said: “They gain advantage because they are more than we. Tie quickly for some day you will know who I am. We are _arrieros_, and we go through the country.” “Shut your mouth, braggart!” said Don Pedro angrily. “How many were you this morning? There were six of you to take the poor _montero_, who was alone and not expecting anyone. As for you, you were left here to guard and had the obligation of not permitting yourselves to be surprised. You have lost because you are fools. Who told you to be careless? They shall know that I do not sleep nor neglect mine own. Let him who jokes with me be careful.” Then he turned to Oceguera, saying to him, “Where is the _montero_ hidden?” “Here am I, master,” replied the _montero_ himself, appearing from the bushes. “I was looking for you to order you to attend to your business in your place. Have no fear. I shall send reinforcements. Do not move from here until I tell you.” “Very well, sir.” “Let us go then,” ordered Ruiz. And the party put itself on the road to the _hacienda_, just as the sun began to set and the great shadows from the mountains were extending themselves across the valley. * * * * * Roque passed the _arroyo_ and entered the camp. Some time passed and he did not return. Panfilo began to believe that he did not come to the appointment because he was afraid; but soon he heard a whistle at the foot of the slope and saw Roque on horseback, striking his chest arrogantly, as if saying: “Here you have me at your orders.” On seeing him Panfilo hastened to meet him. “Now yes,” said Roque, “here I am ready to serve you and give you all you want.” “Well, you know what I want; that we shall have a good tussle.” “It seems to me that here we have a good place.” “Well, then, do me the favor,” exclaimed the impetuous Panfilo, drawing a revolver. “Listen to me,” said Roque, drawing his also; “if really you desire that we shall kill each other, don’t let us create an excitement. Put away your pistol and take your machete.” “I will do what I please. Are you afraid of the noise?” “It is you who should be afraid of the noise, lest they hear us and come to part us. If we do not succeed at the first shot nothing will come of it, for they will come and separate us. Is that perhaps what you want?” “You are right,” replied Panfilo. “Well, then, there is no time to lose. Let us get at it.” * * * * * Soon they found themselves on foot, lame, covered with dust, pale, horrible. They seemed not men, but fierce beasts. * * * * *