The Lone Ranch | Page 8

native place, as already known--determined on doing
his best to protect it from further spoliation; and for this purpose had
appealed to the central government to give him an increase to the forces
under his command.
It came in the shape of a squadron of lancers from Chihuahua, whose
garrison only spared them on their being replaced by a troop of like
strength, sent on from the capital of the country.
It was not very pleasant to the commandant of Albuquerque to see
Captain Gil Uraga in command of the subsidy thus granted him. But
the lancer officer met him in a friendly manner, professing cordiality,
apparently forgetful of their duelling feud, and, at least outwardly,
showing the submission due to the difference of their rank.
Engaged in frequent affairs with the Indians, and expeditions in pursuit
of them, for a while things seemed to go smoothly enough.
But as Adela Miranda had now returned home, and was residing with
her brother, in the interludes of tranquillity he could not help having
some concern for her. He was well aware of Uraga's aspirations; and,

though loathing the very sight of the man, he was, nevertheless,
compelled to tolerate his companionship to a certain extent, and could
not well deny him the entree of his house.
At first the subordinate bore himself with becoming meekness. Mock
humility it was, and soon so proved itself. For, as the days passed,
rumours reached the distant department of New Mexico that the old
tyrant Santa Anna was again returning to power. And, in proportion as
these gained strength, so increased Gil Uraga's confidence in himself,
till at length he assumed an air of effrontery--almost insolence--towards
his superior officer; and towards the sister, in the interviews he was
permitted with her, a manner significantly corresponding.
These were few, and still less frequent, as his brusque behaviour began
to manifest itself. Observing it, Colonel Miranda at length came to the
determination that the lancer captain should no longer enter into his
house--at least, by invitation. Any future relations between them must
be in the strict execution of their respective military duties.
"Yes, sister," he said, one afternoon, as Adela was buckling on his
sword-belt, and helping to equip him for the evening parade, "Uraga
must come here no more. I well understand the cause of his
contumacious behaviour. The priest party is again getting the
ascendency. If they succeed, heaven help poor Mexico. And, I may add,
heaven help us!"
Drawing the girl to his bosom with a fond affectionate embrace, he
gave her a brother's kiss. Then, striding forth, he sprang upon a saddled
horse held in waiting, and rode off to parade his troops on the plaza of
Albuquerque.
A ten minutes' trot brought him into their presence. They were not
drawn up in line, or other formation, to receive him. On the contrary, as
he approached the cuartel, he saw strange sights, and heard sounds
corresponding. Everything was in confusion--soldiers rushing to and
fro, uttering seditious cries. Among these were "Viva Santa Anna!"
"Viva el General Armijo!"

"Viva el Coronel Uraga!"
Beyond doubt it was a pronunciamento. The old regime under which
Colonel Miranda held authority was passing away, and a new one about
to be initiated.
Drawing his sword and putting spur to his horse, he dashed in among
the disaffected men.
A few of the faithful ran up, and ranged themselves by his side.
Then commenced a struggle, with shouting, shooting, sabring, and
lance-thrusts. Several fell--some dead, some only disabled; among the
last, Colonel Miranda himself, gravely wounded.
In ten minutes it was all over; and the commandant of Albuquerque, no
longer commanding, lay lodged in the garrison carcel; Captain Gil
Uraga, now colonel, replacing him as the supreme military officer of
the district.
While all around ran the rumour that Don Antonio Lopes de Santa
Anna was once more master of Mexico; his satellite, Manuel Armijo,
again Governor of Santa Fe.
CHAPTER FIVE.
"WHY COMES HE NOT?"
"What delays Valerian? What can be keeping him?"
These questions came from Adela Miranda, on the evening of that same
day, standing in the door of her brother's house, with eyes bent along
the road leading to Albuquerque. Valerian was her brother's baptismal
name, and it was about his absence she was anxious.
For this she had reasons--more than one. Though still only a young girl,
she quite understood the political situation of the Mexican Republic; at
all times shifting, of late more critical than usual. In her brother's

confidence, she had been kept posted up in all that transpired in the
capital, as also the district over which he held military command, and
knew the danger of which he was himself apprehensive--every day
drawing nigher and nigher.
Shortly after his leaving her she had heard