The Indians again conversed among themselves.
"But she's promised to Ignacio," said her father to the others. "The padre's coming to-morrow."
"That makes no odds," said one. "Ignacio doesn't want her now she has run off with Felipe."
"It doesn't make any difference if he does," said another. "He's a cowardly old creature; he won't do anything."
"Give him another daughter," said a third, "instead. One that won't run away," he added in an aside for the benefit of the rest. "Perhaps he will give you six cows if you warrant her to stop." The three cows of old Ignacio's bargain were no secret in the pueblo.
The general opinion seemed to be that after the affair of last night both Salvador and Ignacio would be well rid of Josefa on any terms.
"Besides," said the first speaker, with a meaning look towards the American, "if he really wants her, so much the better for you. He will be as good as your son-in-law. He will never give you up to the agent and the governor then. Much better do it at once."
Salvador rose from his seat, and going towards the fireplace took the girl by the shoulder.
"Come here," said he.
She winced at his touch, but she got up and obeyed him. He took her to the American. "Here she is," he said aloud before them all. "I give her to you. Keep her and do what you like with her. From now on she is not mine any longer but yours."