"No, Excellency; but on learning from the lancero, whom you sent to Leona Vicario, that you would probably pass the hacienda on your return without stopping, she gave me this letter, and bade me make all speed." "Is that really all? You are telling the truth, Diego López?" "By my share of Paradise, Excellency, I have told you all exactly as it happened." "Very good--wait." And, turning to the Canadian, he said-- "Will you permit me?" "A letter which has arrived in this way, señor, must be of importance, so read it without further delay." The count at once began reading, but he had only got through a few lines ere his face was covered with a deadly pallor. "What is the matter, señor?" the hunter asked anxiously; "Are you ill, or has the letter really brought bad news?" "Neither, caballero," the count answered, making a violent effort to regain his coolness; "I thank you, but this letter reminds me of a date which I had not forgotten, alas!" he said with a sigh, "For that is impossible, but which I might have allowed to pass, owing to present circumstances. Instead of conducting you straight to Leona Vicario, as I originally intended, I am compelled to stop at my hacienda. Are you disposed to accept the poor rustic hospitality I can offer you, or will you continue your journey to the ciudad, under the guidance of Diego López?" "I am entirely at your disposal, señor, and will do what you think proper, as I am in no hurry; you shall decide my movements." "As you are so accommodating, we will proceed to the hacienda. Diego López, ride on ahead, and inform your mistress of our speedy arrival." The peon bowed, bent over his horse's neck, dug his spurs into its sides, and started at a gallop. "We need not hurry," the count said, "for we are only two leagues at the most from the hacienda." "I will ride at your pace," the hunter replied; "besides, the sun is still high." "The hospitality we have to offer will be sad, señor; family grief has, unfortunately, banished joy for ever from my hearth. I ask you, therefore, to excuse any formality which may be visible in the countess's reception of you." The Canadian bowed politely, and they went on. In about an hour, they perceived the lofty and thick walls of a vast hacienda, built on the top of a scarped rock. "Oh, oh!" the hunter said, admiring the strength of this majestic building, "That is an admirable fortress." "It is the hacienda to which I am taking you, señor, and of which I am the owner." "¡Viva Dios! I regret that a citadel like that is not in the possession of the party I have joined." "Yes," the count said, with a sigh, "its position is well chosen." "Admirably. With a good garrison, it would be possible to hold out for a long time against an army." "Alas! There was one ill-omened day on which these strong walls, defended by a garrison of brave and devoted men, could not save it from being taken by storm, and plundered by the Comanches."