The prisoners are lynched. Far and wide, cowardly
avengers butcher suspected Mexicans. California breathes freely
now. Joaquin Murieta Carrillo will weave no more guerilla plots.
The padre and Valois commune with the frightened lady of the
hacienda. Donna Juanita implores protection. Shy Dolores puts her
slender hand in his, and begs him to protect her beloved father.
Maxime, in pity for the two women, conceals the history gathered
from honorable Francois Ribaut. Joaquin played skilfully upon Don
Miguel's hatred of the Americans. He knew of the lurking places
behind Lagunitas. From these interior fastnesses, known to Don
Miguel from early days, Joaquin could move on several short lines.
He thus appeared as if by magic. With confederates at different
places, his scattered bands had a rendezvous near Lagunitas.
His followers mingled with different communities, and were picked
up here and there on his raids. Special attacks were suggested by
treasure movements. The murdering was not executed by the general
banditti, but by Joaquin alone, and one or two of his special
bravos. Examining the captives, Padre Francisco, by the agency
of the Church, learned that, a few years before, a lovely Mexican
girl, to whom Joaquin was bound by a desperate passion, was the
victim of foul outrage by some wandering American brutes.
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