he
forest, and then, long after midnight, I was suddenly seized from behind
by powerful hands. I could not move, so strong were they. I was gagged and
bound and I could see only the phantom figures of the men who did it. I
know no more."

Pedro, with many supplications, repeated the tale, and Francisco Alvarez
was forced to believe them, although he cursed them for carelessness, and
promised them punishment. Braxton Wyatt had remained silent, although his
face showed deep disappointment. Presently, when the turmoil had died
down, he said in a low voice to Alvarez:

"What was it that the sentinel said about hearing the howl of a wolf?"

"I heard it myself," replied Alvarez. "It was about midnight, when a wolf
to the north howled four times. An hour or so later I heard it again,
somewhat nearer and somewhat to the west, when it howled four times as
before."

"Ah!" said Braxton Wyatt.

It was a short exclamation, but it was so full of significance that the
Spaniard in surprise, asked him what he meant.

"Four cries," replied the renegade, "and he had four friends, of whom I
told you to beware. I told you what they were, what cunning and skill they
have, but you would not believe me and you must now! Cotter heard the four
cries. He was not asleep and he understood!"

Braxton Wyatt, despite his annoyance at Paul's escape, felt a moment of
triumph. His warning had come true. He had been wiser than this Spaniard
who had patronised and insulted him.

"We will deal with these people yet," said Francisco Alvarez angrily as he
turned away.

"I hope so," replied Braxton Wyatt.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote A: An early French and Spanish name for Kentucky.]

CHAPTER III

AN INVISIBLE CHASE

Deep in a shadowed glade sat the five, eating a quiet breakfast, and
talking in low tones of satisfaction.

"I knew that you would come," said Paul, "and when I heard the four cries
of the wolf I knew, too, that all four of you were there. When you sent
the call Braxton Wyatt, who alone might have suspected, was asleep. The
Spanish commander was awake, and he was troubled, but he did not know
why."

"Wa'al, I guess he knows now," said Shif'less Sol with a silent but deep
laugh. "Ef he's the kind o' man you say he is, Paul, an' I guess he is--he
needed our teachin' him a lesson. I hate a man who knows too much, who is
too almighty certain, an' I guess the Spaniard is one o' that kind. Think
o' him comin' out here in the wood