'The Rebel Chief: A Tale of Guerilla Life' is a romance-adventure novel written by Gustave Aimard. The story begins by introducing us two horsemen, both well-armed, who are riding through Mexico and come across the beautiful landscape of Las Cumbres. They stop to admire the view and rest by a stream, chatting and smoking cigars. One of the horsemen is described as an older man with marked features, black sparkling eyes, and an intelligent countenance. The other is younger and has a handsome, open face and a gentle expression. They are both dressed as wealthy hacienderos and are on their way to Puebla de los Ángeles from Orizaba.