"If you wish it it must be so," Fray Ambrosio said with a sigh.
"Are you going to begin again?" the squatter asked in a meaning voice as he rose.
"No, no, it is unnecessary," the monk exclaimed. "I shall expect you."
"Good: till this evening."
"Very well."
On which the two accomplices separated. All happened as had been arranged between them. At nine o'clock Red Cedar reached the little gate, which was opened for him by Fray Ambrosio, and the squatter entered the hacienda at the head of his three sons and a party of bandits. The peons, surprised in their sleep, were bound before they even knew what was taking place.
"Now," Red Cedar said, "we are masters of the place, the girl can come as soon as she likes."
"Eh?" the monk went on. "All is not finished yet. Don Miguel is a resolute man, and is well accompanied: he will not let his daughter be carried off under his eyes without defending her."
"Don Miguel will not come," the squatter said with a sardonic grin.
"How do you know?"