"It may be that Jose has been partaking too freely of aguardiente,--it is possible.

I will see the priest myself.
But what possesses thee?
Collect thyself, good Nascio." But the man was still trembling.
"It is not all,--Mother of God! it is not all, master!" he stammered, dropping to his knees and still crossing himself.

"This morning, beside the corral, they find the horse of Pedro Valdez splashed and spattered on saddle and bridle, and in the stirrup,--dost thou hear?
the STIRRUP,--hanging, the torn-off boot of Valdez! Ah, God! The same as HIS! Now do you understand?
It is HIS vengeance.

No! Jesu forgive me! it is the vengeance of God!" Clarence was staggered.
"And you have not found Valdez?
You have looked for him ?" he said, hurriedly throwing on his clothes.
"Everywhere,--all over the plain.

The whole rancho has been out since sunrise,--here and there and everywhere.