Don Pedro with difficulty repressed a sigh.
"The action tomorrow will be severe," Don Torribio continued. "I conjure you, señorita, not to leave the toldo. Should we meet with a reverse, no one can tell to what extremes the rage of the Apaches may carry them. I will leave twenty resolute men, vaqueros on whom I can rely, to defend you. As soon as the affair is over, I will send you word."
"Are you going already, Don Torribio?" said she, as she saw him move for the purpose.
"I must, señorita; I am one of the chiefs of the Indian army. In that quality, I have duties to fulfil, and must make preparations for the morrow. I entreat you to let me go."
"Farewell, then, if it must be so."
Bowing respectfully to her and her father, Don Torribio retired.
"All is lost," said Don Pedro; "the Mexicans will never be able to withstand the assault."
Doña Hermosa looked at him with a strange expression, and then whispered in his ear:
"Father, have you read your Bible?"
"Why do you ask, little madcap?"