"Of course not," rejoined Don Mariano, with an air of hospitable simplicity such as characterised the earlier ages. "But here," he continued, "we are one and all of us devoted to the cause of our country's liberty; and we shall pray for those who aid her in obtaining it." "We shall do more than that," said Tres-Villas in his turn; "we shall lend our help to her. It is the duty of every Mexican who can wield a sword and ride a horse." "May all those who raise an arm in favour of Spain!" cried Gertrudis, her eyes flashing with patriotic enthusiasm, "may they be branded with infamy and disgrace! may they find neither a roof to shelter them, nor a woman to smile upon them! may the contempt of those they love be the reward of every traitor to his country!" "If all our young girls were like you," said Trujano, looking gratefully towards Gertrudis, "our triumph would soon be attained. Where is the man who would not be proud to risk his life for one smile of your pretty lips, Senorita, or one look from your beautiful eyes?" As the _arriero_ said this, he glanced significantly towards the young officer. Gertrudis hung her head, happy at hearing this homage rendered to her beauty in presence of the man in whose eyes she alone cared to appear beautiful. After a pause Trujano continued: "_Dios y Libertad_! (God and Liberty!) that is my motto. Had I been in a condition sooner to take up the cause of my country, I should have done so--if only to restrain the excesses that have already sullied it. No doubt you have heard of them, Senor Don Mariano?" "I have," replied the haciendado; and the shadow that at that moment passed over his brow told that the news had troubled him. "The blood of innocent Spaniards has been shed," continued the muleteer, "men who had no ill-will towards our cause; and, shame to say, the only one in this our province who now carries the banner of the insurrection is the worthless wretch, Antonio Valdez." "Antonio Valdez!" cried Don Rafael, interrupting him. "Do you mean Valdez, a _vaquero_ of Don Luis Tres-Villas--my father?" "The same," replied Don Mariano. "May it please God to make him remember that his master always treated him with kindness!" The air of uneasiness with which Don Mariano pronounced these words did not escape Don Rafael. "Do you think, then," said he, in a tone that testified his alarm, "do you think that my father, whose liberal opinions are known to every one, is in any danger from the insurgents?" "No, I hope not," replied Don Mariano. "Senor Valerio," said Don Rafael, turning to interrogate the _arriero_; "do you know how many men this fellow, Antonio Valdez, may have under his command?" "Fifty, I have heard; but I think it likely his band may have been greatly increased by accessions among the country-people--who have suffered even more than those of the town from the oppressions of the Spaniards."