This wretch had been previously bought by Roblado and Vizcarra. The result was, that, instead of acting as sentinel for his master, he hastened to warn his enemies. The rancho was surrounded by a troop; and, although several of his assailants were killed by the hand of Carlos, he himself was finally overpowered and taken. Gomez had not been five minutes in the Plaza when a bugle was heard sounding the advance of a troop, which the next moment defiled into the open square. Near its middle was the prisoner, securely tied upon the back of a saddle-mule, and guarded by a double file of troopers. An arrival of such interest was soon known, and the Plaza became filled with a crowd eager to gratify its curiosity by a sight of the notorious cibolero. But he was not the only one upon whom the people gazed with curiosity. There were two other prisoners--one of whom was regarded with an interest equal to that felt at the sight of the outlaw himself. This prisoner was his mother. Upon her the eyes of the multitude turned with an expression of awe mingled with indignation; while jeering and angry cries hailed her as she passed on her way to the _Calabozo_. "_Muera la hechicera! muera_!" (Death to the witch--let her die!) broke from ruffian lips as she was carried along. Even the dishevelled hair and weeping eyes of her young companion--her daughter--failed to touch the hearts of that fanatical mob, and there were some who cried, "_Mueran las dos! madre y hija_!" (Let both die-- mother and daughter!) The guards had even to protect them from rude assault, as they were thrust hastily within the door of the prison! Fortunately Carlos saw nought of this. _He was not even aware that they were prisoners_! He thought, perhaps, they had been left unmolested in the rancho, and that the vengeance of his enemies extended no farther than to himself. He knew not the fiendish designs of his persecutors. CHAPTER SIXTY THREE. The female prisoners remained in the Calabozo. Carlos, for better security, was carried on to the Presidio, and placed in the prison of the guard-house. That night he received a visit. The Comandante and Roblado could not restrain their dastard spirits from indulging in the luxury of revenge. Having emptied their wine-cups, they, with a party of boon companions, entered the guard prison, and amused themselves by taunting the chained captive. Every insult was put upon him by his half-drunken visitors-- every rudeness their ingenuity could devise.