CHAPTER VII.

A WAKING NIGHTMARE. "Aye, strangers, and no jokers! But to my tale. Captain, in the first place your Indian hireling has done his work well. He slew the don--the youngster, I opine--and, as for the damsel, why I have had her on my arm this half hour, till the storm forced me to _cache_ her!" "Aha! Good!" said the captain, rubbing his hands on his nearly roasted knees. "Albeit, I am sorry that the girl escaped. I'd as lief marry the aunt to obtain the Miranda Hacienda, as wed the lass and be saddled with the old lad…