“Oh, Catrina! Catrina! open your eyes; do not leave me, Catrina; God loves you, He has called you!”
Then Catrina opened her eyes, and said, with imperfect utterance, “Don’t cry, my darling. The cougar is dead. Don’t cry; he will not hurt you.” And she kissed Gracia, and cried as hard as the child.
“You! Catrina, you speak!” exclaimed little Gracia, as soon as she could speak, for Catrina’s caresses.
“You speak, who never spoke in your life. The good God heard your prayer last night. He shed His glory upon you, and now you speak.” They embraced each other, and wept for joy.
Then they noticed the handsome boy standing near them, resting upon his gun, and Catrina pressed his hand to her lips, and thanked him again and again.
They all went to look at the cougar together, and Catrina told the wondering Gracia how very near to heaven she had been, and young Leon De Lande told them both how he had started by moonlight to hunt in the mountains, and how he thanked God he had been able to save the little señorita.
They sat down to eat their tortillas and fruit, and then started for the valley. Poor Catrina! How delightful to be able to talk, though she needed practice to be able to speak plainly.
She was like a little child just learning, but she managed to let Leon know all about Gracia, and he, with delighted surprise, told her that he knew her father, who was the richest señor in all the country, and that in a few hours they could reach the vineyard.
Never were there happier young people than went down the mountain together. As they entered the wood, whom should they meet but poor old nurse, Macata, hunting for her lost darling.
“I have found the little señorita for you, good Macata,” said Leon. Macata gave one glance at Gracia, then caught her in her arms, exclaiming, “Ninita mia! Ninita mia! Waconda! the Master of Life has heard my cry! I knew you were not lost for ever.”