Absurd as appeared the pretensions of the cibolero in regard to Catalina, Roblado had learned enough of late to make him jealous--ay, even to give him real uneasiness. She was a strange creature, Catalina de Cruces--one who had shown proofs of a rare spirit--one not to be bought and sold like a _bulto_ of goods. She had taught both her father and Roblado a lesson of late. She had taught them that. She had struck the ground with her little foot, and threatened a convent--the grave--if too rudely pressed! She had not rejected Roblado--that is, in word; but she insisted on having _her own time to make answer_; and Don Ambrosio was compelled to concede the point. Under such circumstances her suitor felt uneasy. Not so much that he was jealous--though he did love her after his own fashion, and was piqued at the thought of such a rival--but he feared that spirit of hers, and dreaded that her splendid fortune might yet escape him. Such a woman was capable of the wildest resolve. She _might_ take to a convent; or maybe _to the plains_ with this base-born cibolero! Such an event in the life of such a woman would be neither impossible nor unlikely. In either case she could not take her fortune with her; but what mattered? it would not remain with him, Roblado. The conduct of the cibolero had removed all obstacles, so far as he was concerned. There was no longer any dread of rivalry from that source. His life was now forfeited. Not only would he be cut off from all communication with her, but he would not dare to show himself in the settlement. A constant vigilance would be kept on foot to guard against that, and Roblado even promised himself the enjoyment of rare sport in hunting down his rival, and becoming at the same time his captor and executioner. These were the ideas that crossed the mind of the savage captain, and that made him feel satisfied at the events of the day. After scouring the chapparal, and following the track of the supposed Indians to the ceja of the table plain, he returned with his men to the Presidio, to make preparations for a more prolonged pursuit. CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. Roblado's arrival brought relief to Vizcarra, as he lay chafing and fretting. Their conversation was, of course, upon the late occurrence, and Roblado gave his account of the pursuit. "And do you really think," inquired the Comandante, "that the fellow had a party of savages with him?" "No!" answered Roblado. "I did think so at first--that is, the men thought so, and I was deceived by their reports. I am now convinced they were not Indian bravos, but some of those Tagno friends of his: for it appears the padre was right--he had a suspicious connexion. That of itself might have been sufficient cause for us to have arrested him long ago; but now we need no cause. He is ours, when we can catch him." "How do you propose to act?"