Let us see what was passing among the assailants, and what had occasioned the delay in the assault.
Don Guzman de Ribera, as soon as the soldiers had shut themselves up in the rancho, wished to know, before he finished with the latter, who the persons were to whom his providential arrival had done such good service.
It was not long before his curiosity was satisfied; his brother Don Leoncio, who had recognised him from the first, rushed forward to offer his thanks.
The two brothers, who had been so long separated, threw themselves into each other's arms with tears of joy, and for some time forgot everything but themselves in the unexpected happiness of meeting.
When the first shock of their sudden reunion was over, Don Guzman took his brother's hand, and, leading him apart, uttered the single word, "Well?" with a smile which was intended to be gay.
"She is here," said Don Leoncio, trying to stifle a sigh.
"Did she consent to come?"
"It was she who wished it."
"That is indeed astonishing," said Don Guzman.
"Why so? Doña Antonia is one of those rare spirits who never recoil before an obligation, however hard it may be, when they know that honour binds them."