"I remember nothing further; men resembling demons rushed into the hacienda, seized my sister and myself, and set out at the full speed of their horses. Alas, since that period I have never again seen my mother's sweet face, or my father's kindly smile; henceforth I was alone among the bandits who carried me off."
"But your sister, girl, your sister, what became of her?"
"I do not know; a violent quarrel broke out among our ravishers, and blood was shed. After this quarrel they separated. My sister was taken in one direction, I in another; I never, saw her again."
Bloodson seemed to make an effort over himself, then fixing his tear-laden eyes on her, he exclaimed, fervently—
"Mercedés! Mercedés! it is really you? Do I find, you again after so many years?"
White Gazelle raised her head quickly.
"Mercedés," she repeated, "that is the name my mother gave me."
"It is I, I, Stefano, your uncle! your father's brother!" Bloodson said, as he pressed her, almost mad with joy, to his breast.
"Stefano! My uncle! Yes, yes, I remember—I know."
She fell lifeless in Bloodson's arms.