"Then make your preparations, señorita; I will wait for you here."
The two women entered the house together, while Don Estevan seated himself on one of the steps of the porch.
His watching was not long: in ten minutes they returned.
Both were clothed in the Apache dress; the paint smeared upon their faces completed the illusion, and secured them from recognition. The transformation was so perfect, that Don Estevan could not repress his admiration.
"Nothing could be better," he exclaimed; "you are Indian women indeed."
"Do you think," said Doña Hermosa bitterly, "that Don Torribio has the sole right of deception and assuming any character at his pleasure?"
"Who can strive against a woman?" said the mayor domo, with a shrug. "And now, what are your orders?"
"Very simple; your escort as far as the first Indian lines."
"And after that?"
"The rest of the affair is our work."