"How do you counsel?"
"As I've said, colonel. Make terms with Miranda. Knowing his life to
be in your hands, he will listen to reason. Extract from him a
promise--an oath, if need be--that he will consent to his sister
becoming your wife; at the same time settling a portion of his property
on the newly married pair. It's big enough to afford all of you a
handsome income. That's what I would do."
"He might promise you here. What security against breaking his word
when we get to Albuquerque?"
"No need waiting for Albuquerque to give him the chance. You seem to
forget that there are churches between, and priests not over-scrupulous.
For instance, the cure of Anton Chico, and his reverence who saves
souls in the pueblita of La Mora. Either one will make man and wife of
you and the Senorita Adela without asking question beyond whether you
can produce coin sufficient to pay the marriage fees. Disbursing
freely, you may ensure the ceremonial in spite of all protest, if any
should arise. There can be none."
Uraga lights a fresh cigar, and continues smoking, reflecting. The
counsel of his subaltern has made an impression on him--put the thing in
a new light. After all, what harm in letting Miranda live? Enough of
revenge compelling him to consent that his sister shall be the wife of
one she has scornfully rejected. If he refuse--if both do so--what
then?
The interrogatory is addressed to Roblez.
"Your position," answers the adjutant, "will be no worse than now. You
can still carry out the design you've hinted at without doing me the
honour to entrust it to me. Certainly no harm can arise from trying my
plan first. In ten minutes you may ascertain the result."
"I shall try it," exclaims Uraga, springing to his feet and facing
towards the entrance of the tent. "You're right, Roblez. It's a second
string to the bow I had a thought about. If it snap, let it. But if it
do, before long--aye, before to-morrow's sun shines into our camp--the
proud beauty may find herself brotherless, her sole chance of protection
being the arms of Gil Uraga."
Saying this, he pitches away the stump of his cigar, and strides forth
from the tent, determined to extract from Adela Miranda a promise of
betrothal, or in lieu of it decree her brother's death.