Months rolled past. Beyond the report of the Comanches, nothing was heard of Carlos or his people. Although neither he nor his were forgotten, yet they had ceased to be generally talked of. Other affairs occupied the minds of the people of San Ildefonso; and there had lately arisen one or two matters of high interest--almost sufficient to eclipse the memory of the noted outlaw. The settlement had been threatened by an invasion from the Yutas--which would have taken place, had not the Yutas, just at the time, been themselves attacked and beaten by another tribe of savages! This defeat had prevented their invasion of the valley--at least for that season, but they had excited fears for the future. Another terror had stirred San Ildefonso of late--a threatened revolt of the Tagnos, the _Indios mansos_, or _tame_ Indians, who formed the majority of the population. Their brethren in several other settlements had risen, and succeeded in casting off the Spanish yoke. It was natural that those of San Ildefonso should dream of similar action, and conspire. But their conspiracy was nipped in the bud by the vigilance of the authorities. The leaders were arrested, tried, condemned, and shot. Their scalps were hung over the gateway of the Presidio, as a warning to their dusky compatriots, who were thus reduced to complete submission! These tragic occurrences had done much to obliterate from the memory of all the cibolero and his deeds. True, there were some of San Ildefonso who, with good cause, still remembered both; but the crowd had ceased to think of either him or his. All had heard and believed that the outlaw had long ago crossed the Great Plains, and was now safe under the protection of those of his own race, upon the banks of the Mississippi. CHAPTER SIXTY NINE. And what had become of Carlos? Was it true that he had crossed the great plains? Did he never return? What became of San Ildefonso? These questions were asked, because he who narrated the legend had remained for some time silent. His eyes wandered over the valley, now raised to the cliff of La Nina, and now resting upon the weed-covered ruin. Strong emotion was the cause of his silence. His auditory, already half guessing the fate of San Ildefonso, impatiently desired to know the end. After a while he continued. Carlos _did_ return. What became of San Ildefonso? In yonder ruin you have your answer. San Ildefonso fell. But, you would know how? Oh! it is a terrible tale--a tale of blood and vengeance, and Carlos was the avenger. Yes--the cibolero returned to the valley of San Ildefonso, but he came not alone. Five hundred warriors were at his back--red warriors who acknowledged him as their leader--their "White Chief." They were the braves of the Waco band. They knew the story of his wrongs, and had sworn to avenge him!