On coming within twenty yards of the venta they stopped, dismounted, and seemed to be consulting for a moment. Lanzi had profited by these few moments of respite to pile on the table all the weapons in the house, consisting of about a dozen rifles. Although the doors and windows were barred, it was easy to follow the movements of the enemy through loopholes made at regular distances. Carmela, armed with a rifle, had intrepidly stationed herself before the door, while the half-breed walked up and down anxiously, going out and coming in again, and apparently giving the last touch to an important and mysterious job. "There," he said, a moment later, "that is all right; lay that rifle on the table again, señorita; we can only conquer those demons by stratagem, not by force, so leave me to act." "What is your plan?" "You will see. I have sawn two planks out of the enclosure of the corral; so soon as you hear me open the door, set off at full speed." "But you?" "Do not trouble yourself about me, but give your horse the spurs." "I will not abandon you." "Nonsense! No folly of that sort; I am old, my life only hangs by a thread, but yours is precious and must be saved; let me alone, I tell you." "No, unless you tell me." "I will tell you nothing. You will find Tranquil at the ford of the Venado; not a word more." "Ah, that is it," she exclaimed; "well, I swear that I will not stir from your side, whatever may happen." "You are mad; have I not told you I wished to play the Indians a famous trick?" "Indeed!" "Well, you will see. As, however, I fear some imprudence on your part, I wish to see you start before me, that is all." "Are you speaking the truth?" "Of course I am. In five minutes I shall have joined you again." "Do you promise me, then?" "Do you fancy I should find any fun in remaining here?" "What do you intend doing?" "Here are the Indians; begone, and do not forget to start at full gallop so soon as I open the door of the venta, and ride in the direction of the Venado ford." "But I expect--" "Begone, begone," he interrupted her quickly, as he pushed her toward the corral, "it is all settled." The maiden unwillingly obeyed: but at this moment loud blows against the shutters were audible, and the half-breed profited by this demonstration of the Indians to close the door leading into the corral. "I swore to Tranquil to protect her, whatever might happen," he muttered, "and I can only save her by desires for her. Well, I will die: but, Capa de Dios, I will have a fine funeral." Fresh blows were dealt at the shutters, but with such violence that it was easy to see that they would be soon broken in. "Who's there?" the half-breed asked quietly. "Gente de paz," was the reply from without. "Hum!" Lanzi said, "for peaceful people you have a singular way of announcing your presence." "Open, open!" the voice outside repeated. "I am very ready to do so, but what proves to me that you do not mean harm?"