"Do you remember also," Leon continued, without answering the Vaquero's observation, "that I swore to see the maiden again, even if I were obliged to lay down my life in satisfying my desire?"
"But again I say—"
"Well, know then, brother, that I have learned her name, and it is Doña Maria y Soto-Mayor."
"What are you saying?"
"And that she is the daughter of our host, Don Juan de Dios-Souza y Soto-Mayor."
"And you love her?" Diego exclaimed.
"Must I repeat it again?" Leon remarked impetuously.
"Malediction!" said the half-breed.
"Yes, malediction, is it not? for Maria is eternally lost to me; she will take the veil shortly, and the hopes I entertained of being able to drag her out of the walls of that convent are blighted."
"To marry her?" Diego remarked, mockingly.