For the last two hundred yards he had ridden slowly, and with an air of apparent respect--as though he feared it might be deemed rude to approach the place of power by any swaggering exhibition of horsemanship. On his fine features traces of grief might be observed, but not one sign of the feeling that was at that moment uppermost in his heart. As he drew near, he raised his sombrero in a respectful salute to the two officers, whose heads and shoulders were just visible over the parapet; and having arrived within a dozen paces of the wall, he reined up, and, taking off his hat again, waited to be addressed. "What is your business?" demanded Roblado. "Cavalleros! I wish to speak with the Comandante." This was delivered in the tone of one who is soon to ask a favour. It gave confidence to Vizcarra, as well as to the bolder villain--who, notwithstanding all his assurances to the contrary, had still some secret misgivings about the cibolero's errand. Now, however, it was clear that his first conjecture was correct; Carlos had come to solicit their assistance. "I am he!" answered Vizcarra, now quite recovered from his fright, "I am the Comandante. What have you to communicate, my man?" "Your excellency, I have a favour to ask;" and the cibolero again saluted with an humble bow. "I told you so," whispered Roblado to his superior. "All safe, my colonel." "Well, my good fellow," replied Vizcarra, in his usual haughty and patronising manner, "let me hear it. If not unreasonable--" "Your excellency, it is a very heavy favour I would ask, but I hope not unreasonable. I am sure that, if it do not interfere with your manifold duties, you will not refuse to grant it, as the interest and trouble you have already taken in the cause are but too well-known." "Told you so," muttered Roblado a second time. "Speak out, man!" said Vizcarra, encouragingly; "I can only give an answer when I have heard your request." "It is this, your excellency. I am but a poor cibolero." "You are Carlos the cibolero! I know you." "Yes, your excellency, we have met--at the fiesta of San Juan--" "Yes, yes! I recollect your splendid horsemanship." "Your excellency is kind to call it so. It does not avail me now. I am in great trouble!" "What has befallen? Speak out, man." Both Vizcarra and Roblado guessed the purport of the cibolero's request. They desired that it should be heard by the few soldiers lounging about the gate and for that reason they spoke in a loud tone themselves, anxious that their petitioner might do the same.