"Wretch!" cried the Indian chief in a fury; "Is it thus you execute my orders? Did I not command you to take him alive?"
"Hm!" said Carlocho; "I only wish you had been there to see! An incarnate demon, who, armed only with a thin rapier, withstood us for more than twenty minutes, and only gave in after killing four of our bravest!"
The Tigercat smiled disdainfully.
"You are all cowards," he said.
And turning his back on the vaquero, he went up to Don Fernando.
Don Torribio was already at his side.
"Is he dead?" he asked.
"No," replied the Mexican; "but nearly so."
"So much the worse," muttered the old chief, "I would give a good deal for his recovery."
Don Torribio looked at him with astonishment.