It was Tio Reyes undoubtedly, and with him was a military stranger, a gallant young fellow, and handsome, though his hands and face were covered with dust, and something like a large blood-stain defaced the breast of his blue coat. “Pardon, Señora,” he exclaimed, bowing most obsequiously and removing his wide hat, disclosing a young and vivacious countenance, “I am Rodrigo Alva, your servant, who kisses your feet, captain of this troop of horse, of the forces of his Excellency Don José Ramirez, Governor of Guanapila.”
“And I am the Señora Doña Isabel Garcia de Garcia,” responded the lady, with dignified recognition of the young man’s courteous self-introduction; “and as I am unaware of any cause for detention, I beg to be permitted to proceed toward my hacienda, which I desire to reach before night closes in.”
“It is not my desire to molest ladies,” said the captain, gallantly; “and I have besides received express orders to defend your passage and facilitate it in every way.”
“I have no acquaintance with Señor Ramirez,” said Doña Isabel in surprise; “yet more than once have I been indebted to his courtesy,” and she glanced at Tio Reyes. “He it was who sent me this worthy guide. I know not why the Señor Ramirez takes such interest in my personal safety, especially as we are politically opposed;” and she added with a daring which had somewhat of girlish archness, strange from the lips of Doña Isabel, “he has not the name of a man given to gallantries.”
“No, rather to gallant deeds,” said the young captain, his voice accentuating the distinction. “But you, Doña Isabel, like us who serve him, must be content not to inquire too closely into his motives.”
“Whatever they may be,” retorted she, in a voice of displeasure, “they are not such as will spare my flocks and herds;” and she frowned as a stray ox, upon whose flank she recognized the well-known brand of Tres Hermanos, bounded by the carriage, from which the escort had gradually withdrawn, and were now exchanging amicable salutations with the more advanced of the host which they would have been equally pleased to fight.
The young man bowed in some confusion. “The men must be fed,” he said. “These come from the ranchito del Refugio, Señora, and I regret to say the huts are burned down and the shepherds and vaqueros scattered; one poor fellow was killed in pure wantonness.”
“And you dare tell me this!” cried Doña Isabel, in violent indignation, which for the moment overcame her wonted calmness.
“It was but to explain,” interrupted Captain Alva, “that we encountered the famous Calvo there. He has succeeded in raising three hundred men or more to march to the assistance of the double-dyed traitor Juarez. Fortunately, but a portion of his troops were with him; the rest have joined Gonzales,—so our work was easy, though the fellows fought well. Three or four were killed, a few wounded, the rest fled to the mountains, and we succeeded in securing the cattle and sheep; and I hope your grace will be consoled in knowing they are destined to feed good patriots.”
Doña Isabel waved her hand impatiently. “What matter a few animals?” she said. “But the poor shepherds,—they must be looked to. And the wounded—what of them?”