and with dexterous hand he cut the lock of hair: then,
returning the knife to its resting-place, rose, and noiselessly
retreating to his former position, some yards distant, threw himself
down to sleep.

Dr. Bryant, fully conscious of every movement, determined, if
possible, to solve this mystery. His pistols were in readiness, and,
had violence been attempted, he would have sprung to his feet and
defended himself. He waited awhile, then turned, stretched, yawned,
and finally rose up. He drew out his watch, the hand pointed to two.
He wound it up, and drawing his cap closer about his ears, for the
night was cold, approached his companion and stirred him with his
foot. No sound or movement indicated consciousness; he stooped and
shook him.

"Antoine, Antoine, get up my friend: you don't intend to spend the
night here, do you?"

Ameda sat upright, and rubbed his eyes with well-feigned sleepiness:
"Well, Senor Americano, what is it--Indians smelling about?"

Dr. Bryant could not repress a smile at the drowsy tone of the
ranchero, who scarce five moments before had crept from his side.

"Upon my word, you seem a match for the seven sleepers of old. Why,
man, if Indians had stumbled on you by chance, they had slung
your scalp on yonder bough. In times like these men should slumber
lightly."

"Very true, Senor; yet mine eyes are heavy, for two moons have seen me
riding on. But you are up! wherefore?"

"I proceed on my journey, and wakened you to ask advice and direction,
and request your company, if it be that we take the same route."

"Jesu Maria! One might think the man had choice! Why, turn your
horse's head, and rest for naught but grass and water."

The Mexican had risen, and in adjusting his blanket, a sudden gust
of wind lifted his hat, and it fell to the ground at his feet; he
clutched at it convulsively, but it was too late. Dr. Bryant started
back in astonishment:

"Inez!"

The head sunk on her bosom, and the hair which had been confined at
the back of her head, fell in luxuriant masses to her waist.

"Fearless, yet unfortunate girl! what has led you to this freak?"

A singular group they presented, standing on the broad and seemingly
boundless prairie--the March wind moaning through the old oaks, and
rustling the brown grass. The moon shone full upon them; Dr. Bryant,
with his large cloak wrapped closely about him, and the black cap
drawn over his brow--surprise, reproach, pity, and chagrin strange