Alas! it might now be too late. A justification in the eyes of Don Mariano would now be more difficult than it might have been two months before. During that time appearances had been converted into realities, suspicions into certainties, and Don Rafael was for him no longer aught but a common renegade. Certain words which he was in the habit of repeating to his daughter, told too plainly his opinion of the dragoon captain; and these words rang in the ears of Gertrudis as a sad presentiment which she almost believed already accomplished. "Do not weep for the defection of Don Rafael," said the haciendado, endeavouring to dry his daughter's tears. "He will be false to his mistress, as he has been to his country." What appeared a strange circumstance in the eyes of the father--these words only caused Gertrudis to weep the more abundantly and bitterly! Nevertheless, such had been the former friendship of Don Mariano for the young officer--such the tender passion kindled in the heart of Gertrudis--that it is possible, had Don Rafael even then presented himself before them--his countenance open and beaming with the manly pride of accomplished duty--the frankness of his bearing, and the loyalty of his speech, might have still dissipated the clouds that hung over the heads of all. Unfortunately destiny had decided otherwise. It was not decreed by fate that at that hour Don Rafael should enter, as a friend, the hospitable gates of the hacienda Las Palmas. CHAPTER FORTY ONE. A RUDE RECEPTION. Don Rafael had now become known throughout all Oajaca as one of the most energetic foes of the insurrection. Among the country-people, therefore--the majority of whom were of Creole blood, and of course revolutionary in principle--he need not expect to meet many friends. Every man whom he might encounter was pretty certain of being his enemy. For this reason, although it was only a league from the hacienda Del Valle to that of Las Palmas, he deemed it prudent to take half-a-dozen of his troopers along with him--a wise precaution, as the event proved. After crossing the chain of hills that separated the two estates, the dragoon captain and his escort rode direct for the postern of the hacienda Las Palmas, that opened to the rear of the building. This, for some reason, had been recently walled up; and it became necessary for them to go round to the main entrance in front. Scarce, however, had the horse of Don Rafael doubled the angle of the wall, when he and his little band were suddenly confronted by a score of horsemen of ruffianly aspect, who opposed the passage, the leader of them vociferating loudly:-- "Muera al traidor--mueran _los coyotes_!" (Death to the traitor!--death to the jackals!) At the same instant one of the assailants, charging recklessly forward, brought his horse into collision with that of Don Rafael, and with such a violent shock that the steed of the dragoon officer was thrown to the ground.