Even without their playing him false, how could he hope to keep the affair concealed? First, there was an angry brother. True, he was out of the way; but there was a jealous lover on the ground, and the brother would return in time. The very act of the rape would point to him, Vizcarra. His visit, the attempt of the "alcahuete," and the carrying off of the girl, would all be pieced together, and put down to his credit; and the brother--such a one--and such a lover too--would not be silent with their suspicious. He might take measures to get rid of both, but these measures must needs be violent and dangerous. Thus reasoned Vizcarra with himself, and thus he argued with Roblado. Not that he wished the latter to dissuade him--for the end he desired with all his heart--but in order that by their united wisdom some safer means of reaching it might be devised. And a safer plan _was_ devised. Roblado, deeper in head, as well as bolder in heart, conceived it. Bringing his glass to the table with a sudden stroke, he exclaimed-- "_Vamos_, Vizcarra! By the Virgin, I have it!" "_Bueno_--_bravo_!" "You may enjoy your sweetheart within twenty four hours, if you wish, and the sharpest scandalmonger in the settlement will be foiled; at least, you will have nothing to fear. What a devil of a lucky thought!--the very thing itself, amigo!" "Don't keep me in suspense, camarado! your plan! your plan!" "Stop till I've had a gulp of wine. The very thought of such a glorious trick makes me thirsty." "Drink then, drink!" cried Vizcarra, filling out the wine, with a look of pleasant anticipation. Roblado emptied the goblet at a draught, and then, leaning nearer to the Comandante, he detailed what he had conceived in a low and confidential tone. It seemed to satisfy his listener, who, when the other had finished, uttered the word "Bravo!" and sprang to his feet like one who had received some joyful news. He walked back and forth for some minutes in an excited manner, and then, bursting into a loud laugh, he cried out, "_Carrambo_, comrade! you _are_ a tactician! The great Conde himself would not have shown such strategy. _Santisima Virgen_! it is the very master-stroke of design; and I promise you, camarado, it shall have speedy execution." "Why delay? Why not set about it at once?" "True,--at once let us prepare for this _pleasant masquerade_!" CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. Circumstances were arising that would be likely to interrupt the Comandante and his captain in the execution of their design. At least so it might have been supposed. In less than twenty-four hours after the conversation described, a rumour of Indian incursions was carried to the town, and spread through every house in the valley. The rumour said that a band of "Indios bravos,"--whether Apache, Yuta, or Comanche, was not stated,--had made their appearance near the settlement, in full _war-paint and costume_!