Maria smiled happily and pressed her brother’s hand.
After a quarter of an hour’s walk the forest opened and they found themselves in the midst of a company of native soldiers. The men arose from the ground as their leader passed, doffing their hats to the woman walking so proudly with their officer. Gregorio stood silently in their midst, holding up his hand to demand attention.
In a few short lines he told his men of his real identity and of the horrible murder of his father by Espinosa; of the expedition which he had watched start out to attack the stronghold. To serve their best interests, he told them he should surrender with his force to the Americans, who would give them all fair and honorable treatment. Then he raised his voice and excitedly cried:
“Those who still desire to fight against their own interests under a traitor and a murderer may go forth unmolested. At once!” he cried, pointing to the trail leading inland, while his black eyes flashed.
Not a man gave ground; all looked trustfully up to their leader.
“Viva los Americanos,” one shouted and the woods rang with their lusty cheers.
“Will you come to the ranch with me and surrender there to the Americans?” Maria asked, after the cheering had died away.
Gregorio shook his head.
“My first quest is Espinosa,” he replied earnestly. “At once we shall march toward the stronghold. If he is captured or killed in the battle I shall seek General Wilson and surrender myself and men. If Espinosa escapes I shall follow him to the death.”
Maria knew the native spirit too well to attempt to urge her brother to give up this perilous quest of their father’s murderer, so she bowed her head submissively.