The bloodthirsty disposition of the guerilla chief had been strengthened by these disappointments, and in order to give solace to his vexed spirit, he resolved to possess himself of the hacienda of San Carlos without further delay. In addition to the wicked desires--which the promptings of Bocardo had excited within him--there was another reason urging him to carry out this design. The hacienda of San Carlos, with a little labour, could be converted into a fortress of considerable strength, and such as he might yet stand in need of. He saw that he had miscalculated the power of resistance of the royalist garrison of Del Valle; and, still ignorant of its real strength, he deemed it better to call off the besieging force until after the taking of San Carlos. Then he could go back with his whole band, and make a determined assault against the place. He had, for these reasons, ordered the besiegers to return to camp; and, striking his tent, had marched with all his followers to the capture of San Carlos. This will explain why Don Cornelio and his companions had been able to pass the hacienda Del Valle--and afterwards the ford of the Ostuta--without seeing anything of Arroyo or his band--Gaspacho alone excepted. Numerous as were the servants of Don Fernando Lacarra--the proprietor of San Carlos--their master did not for a moment dream of making resistance. It would have been worse than useless against an experienced _guerilla_ numbering in all above a hundred men. At the first summons, therefore, the gates of the hacienda were opened to Arroyo and his followers. Having hitherto practised a strict neutrality, and being known to have a strong sympathy with the cause of the Independence, the young Spaniard believed that Arroyo only intended demanding from him a contribution in provisions--and perhaps money--for the support of his troops; and that with this he would be contented. Although not suspecting the designs of the brigand in regard to his wife, he had deemed it prudent, before opening the gates, that she should conceal herself in one of the secret chambers of the mansion-- where he was also in the habit of keeping his money and plate. There he fancied she would be safe enough--unless, indeed, the whole building should be ransacked and pillaged. To strengthen this precaution, Don Fernando had informed the brigands on their entering the house, that his wife, Marianita, was not at home. Unfortunately for him, it was not a mere levy of blackmail that was now to satisfy the partisan chieftains. One was determined upon robbing him of his wife--while the other coveted his money--and therefore the subterfuges of Don Fernando were not likely to avail him.