William Hepworth Dixon, White Conquest: Volume 1

“ [94] hoofs,” said Vasquez, stepping out of his cave into the road. His mistress followed at his heels. “ We may as well go on and meet them,” he said jauntily, but when the rangers came in sight, Vasquez beckoned to Rosalia, who slipped after him silently into the wood and let them pass. His cave was found, his camp captured; thirty-six horses being retaken and restored to their several owners, as well as much of the property stolen from Tres Pinos.

Leiva, who was still lurking in the neighbourhood watching the White rangers, now came in, and Rowland, after listening to his tale, engaged his services as scout and guide. At length the Sheriff saw a chance of hunting the assassin down.

Aware of what was now going on, Vasquez took Rosalia to a — shepherd's ranch, where she lay in hiding three or four months, her lover going to see her now and then by stealth. Here they began to flout and quarrel. Vasquez had a dozen favourites whom he liked to see, and when Rosalia moped at being left so long, he told her he was weary, and must send her home. Not to let her go empty, he rode over the ridge to that Firebaugh ferry, on the San Joaquin river, where the passengers are all