Hitherto Bull had always ridden on Lee's right, but when the trail
permitted two to ride abreast he now, with instinctive delicacy, yielded
his old place to Gordon. In this order they rode along the flank of the
mountain, their hoofs beating a dark tattoo to the lower rhythm of
creaking leather, flapping holsters; rode on past the San Carlos trail,
the Bowl forks, had almost reached the head of the ravine above
Antonio's _fonda_ when Lee, who was riding ahead, reined in with an
exclamation.
Out of the gloom that wrapped the plains below had burst a sudden glow
which gave birth, as they gazed, to a flower of flame that quivered and
swung under the breath of the night wind. It was too far away for them
to see the buildings; but, clearly as though they were looking down upon
it from the first rise, their minds filled in the picture; supplied the
flames roaring through the Arboles _patio_, bursting from doors and
windows, scaling the guard-house, running a scarlet race along the rows
of adobes.
"My poor people!" Lee sat her horse and gazed.
The shock of realization is often less than anticipation; its finality
strips away exaggeration. Down there everything Lee valued was going up
in flames--her wardrobe, jewelry, girlish treasures; household effects
and _hacienda_ stores; that which she valued most of all, the trove of
old Spanish manuscripts and letters, doubly dear because so intimately
connected with her father's memory. Surely a great loss! but if it
flashed up in her mind, regret was instantly wiped out by consuming
indignation--not at her personal loss; not that her loved home was being
destroyed under her eyes; but at that which it stood for; the malice,
ignorance, wantonness, irresponsibility which has lighted a thousand
such fires, would light a thousand more, laying waste all Mexico with
its cruelties and lusts. When Sliver's voice broke in the darkness
behind her his attempt at rude comfort came almost as a shock.
"Never mind, Lady-girl. They kain't burn them yard-thick walls."
"An' we left word for the _ancianos_ to drive the stock into the
mountains," Jake added. "Must ha' b'en cl'ar away long before they got
there."
"It isn't that." She spoke so low that only Gordon caught her whisper.
"My poor girls! I would give all, place and stock, to make sure they
escaped." As that bitter indignation resurged within her she added:
"There's only one thing left. We must--"