“What’s that? Branrare, did you say? An uncommon name, and the name of my adopted mother’s brother, and I have heard that he was an officer in the Mexican war. If this young fellow should prove to be his son, it will be all right for him. I will speak to him about it as soon as possible,” said the Don.
CHAPTER XX.
WINDING UP THE TALE.
The band of horsemen and the Comanches had long since disappeared in the distance.
The moon continued to look down from the clear sky as though smiling with joy at the escape of the whites.
The six rode over to the grove of trees in which the Don and his party had encamped. Chauncy remained with the young girl for over half an hour, and then the Don told him he wanted to speak to him for a few moments.
Reluctantly he tore himself away from the company of Iola, and went with her father. He expected the latter to ask him what his intentions were in regard to the Donna, and was not surprised in the least when he said:
“Ralph, here, tells me that you are the son of Major Branrare. Is it so?”
Chauncy at once replied in the affirmative.
“Did you ever hear your uncle Henry Montgomery, who married your father’s sister, speak of his adopted son?” asked the Don.
“Hundreds of times,” replied Chauncy; “and it is to hunt for him that I am out on the plains. Several things, among which is your name and your knowledge of family matters, which I had not noticed before, now make me think that I have accidentally come across him. How is it?”