"Yes, yes; make yourself easy, mayor domo."
"And even after death they must not find it."
"I will sooner eat it; Rayo de Dios!" El Zapote was galloping towards the hacienda a quarter of an hour later.
"It is my turn now," said the mayor domo to himself, as soon as he was alone; "but how am I to get to Doña Hermosa?"
It seemed as if a little consideration had enlightened him as to the means, for he banished the frown from his forehead, and gaily took the road to the fort.
After a conference with Major Barnum, who, since the death of the governor, had assumed the command of the town, Estevan disguised himself as an Indian, and went to the camp of the redskins. Shortly before sunrise he was in the town again.
"Well!" said his mother.
"All is for the best," he replied. "¡Vive Dios! I think Doña Hermosa will make that incarnate demon pay dearly for kidnapping Don Fernando."
"Am I to rejoin her?"
"No; it is not necessary."