Her death,
broken-hearted, caused the desperado to swear her grave should be
watered with American blood. Pride of race, and a bitter thirst
for revenge, made Joaquin Murieta what he was,--a human scourge.
His boyhood, spent roaming over the interior, rendered him matchless
in local topography.
It was possible to disguise the fact of supplies being drawn from
Lagunitas. Don Miguel was a great ranchero. As days rolled on,
the plunder of the bandits was brought to the rancho. Joaquin's
mutilated body was a prey to the mountain wolf. The ghastly evidences
of victory were sent to San Francisco, where they remained for
years, a reminder of bloody reprisal.
Padre Francisco saw with fear the rising indignation against Don
Miguel. A clamor for his blood arose. Maxime Valois plead for the
old Commandante. He had really imagined Joaquin's vendetta to be
a sort of lawful war.
The forces began to leave Lagunitas. Only a strong escort body
remained. Valois prepares his departure.
In a last interview, with Padre Francisco present, the lawyer warned
Don Miguel not to leave his hacienda for some time. His life would
surely be sacrificed to the feelings of the Americans. Thankful
for their safety, the mother and sweet girl Dolores gratefully bid
adieu to Maxime.
Pages:
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207