Chance, or rather mischance, must have led to this change in the affairs of his New Mexican acquaintance.

More than an acquaintance--a friend who stood by him in the hour of danger, first courageously protecting, then nobly volunteering to act as his second in a duel; afterwards taking him on to his home and showing him hospitality, kind as was ever extended to a stranger in a strange land.
No wonder Frank Hamersley holds him dear.

Dearer now, after seeing his sister _in propria persona_--she whose portrait had so much impressed his fancy--the impression now deepened by the thought that to her he has been indebted for his life.
Naturally enough, the young Kentuckian is desirous of knowing all, and is anxious about the fortunes of his Mexican friend, that for the time seem adverse.
"No," is Colonel Miranda's response to his appeal.

"Not now, Senor Don Francisco.

Our good doctor here places an embargo on any further conversation for the present.