If the latter, where is she, my poor sister, going to find the arm that could protect her ?" Again the breast of Hamersley heaved in a convulsive manner.

Strange as it might appear, the words of his newly-made friend seemed like an appeal to him.

And it is just possible some such thought was in the mind of the Mexican colonel.

In the strong man by his side he saw the type of a race who can protect; just such an oak as he would wish to see his sister extend her arms tendril-like around, and cling on to for life.
Hamersley could not help having vague and varied misgivings; yet among them was one purpose he had already spoken of--a determination to return to Albuquerque.
"I am sure to be back here," he said, as if the promise was meant to tranquillise the apprehensions of the colonel.

Then, changing to a more careless tone, he added,-- "I cannot come by the spring caravans; there would not be time enough to make my arrangements.