Horrible as such a supposition may seem, both he and Vizcarra would have rejoiced to see the cibolero tumble over the bluff. Horrible indeed it seems; but such were the men, and the place, and the times, that there is nothing improbable in it. On the contrary, cases of equal barbarity--wishes and _acts_ still more inhuman--are by no means rare under the skies of "Nuevo Mexico." The young ranchero, who had accompanied the party to the upper plain, insisted upon fair play. Though but a ranchero, he was classed among the "ricos," and, being a fellow of spirit, urged Carlos' rights, even in the face of the moustached and scowling militarios. "Here, Carlos!" cried he, while the arrangements were progressing; "I see you are bent on this madness; and since I cannot turn you from it, I shall not embarrass you. But you sha'n't risk yourself for such a trifle. My purse! bet what sum you will." As he said this, he held out a purse to the cibolero, which, from its bulk, evidently contained a large, amount. Carlos regarded the purse for a moment without making answer. He was evidently gratified by the noble offer. His countenance showed that he was deeply touched by the kindness of the youth. "No," said he, at length; "no, Don Juan. I thank you with all my heart, but I cannot take your purse--one onza, nothing more. I should like to stake one against the Comandante." "As many as you please," urged the ranchero. "Thank you, Don Juan! only one--that with my own will be two.--Two onzas!--that, in faith, is the largest bet I have ever made. _Vaya_! a poor cibolero staking a double onza!" "Well, then," replied Don Juan, "if you don't, I shall. Colonel Vizcarra!" said he aloud, addressing himself to the Comandante, "I suppose you would like to win back your wager. Carlos will now take your bet for the onza, and I challenge you to place ten." "Agreed!" said the Comandante, stiffly. "Dare you double it?" inquired the ranchero. "Dare I, sir?" echoed the Colonel, indignant at being thus challenged in the presence of the spectators. "Quadruple it, if you wish, sir." "Quadruple then!" retorted the other. "Forty onzas that Carlos performs the feat!" "Enough! deposit your stakes!" The golden coins were counted out, and held by one of the bystanders, and judges were appointed. The arrangements having been completed, the spectators drew back upon the plain, and left the cibolero in full possession of the promontory-- alone with his horse. CHAPTER SEVEN. All stood watching him with interested eyes. Every movement was noted.