"_Querido Senor_!
"_Soy quedando por una semana en la casa del tio Silvio. De questra
desfortuna he oido--tambien que V. esta mal ciudado en la fonda. He
mandado algunas cositas. Sea graciosa usarlos, coma una chiquitita
memoria del servicio grande de que vuestra deudor estoy. En la silla
soy escribando, con las espuelas preparadas sacar sangre de las ijadas
del mio cavallo. En un momento mas, partira por el Rio Grande_.
"_Bienhichor_--_de mi vida Salvador_--_y de que a una mujer esa mas
querida, la honra_--_adios_--_adios_!
"Isidora Covarubio De Los Llanos.
"_Al Senor Don Mauricio Gerald_."
Literally translated, and in the idiom of the Spanish language, the note
ran thus:--
"Dear Sir,--I have been staying for a week at the house of Uncle Silvio.
Of your mischance I have heard--also, that you are indifferently cared
for at the hotel. I have sent you some little things. Be good enough
to make use of them, as a slight souvenir of the great service for which
I am your debtor. I write in the saddle, with my spurs ready to draw
blood from the flanks of my horse. In another moment I am off for the
Rio Grande!
"Benefactor--preserver of my life--of what to a woman is dearer--my
honour--adieu! adieu!
"Isidora Covarubio De Los Llanos."
"Thanks--thanks, sweet Isidora!" muttered the mustanger, as he refolded
the note, and threw it carelessly upon the coverlet of his couch. "Ever
grateful--considerate--kind! But for Louise Poindexter, I might have
loved you!"