m, and
pointing to the others with an expressive gesture, said, "If your honour
desires me to act as guide, and give the order of march, I am ready to
enter upon my duties."

"Very well," replied Don Estevan, springing into the saddle, "commence
at any moment, but let us be gone as soon as possible."

"Benito!" shouted the newly appointed guide, "take the _remuda_ and
_recua_ in advance; you will wait for us at the bridge of the _Salto de
Agua_."

Benito, with the other attendants, obeyed the order in silence; and the
moment after were moving with their respective charges along the road
leading to Tubac. A little later the cavalcade rode out of the
court-yard of the hacienda, and turning round the wall of the enclosure,
guided by Cuchillo, proceeded toward the breach through which Tiburcio
had passed. The guide was riding by the side of Don Estevan.

"We have found his traces," said he to the chief, as they moved forward;
"he is down in the forest."

"Where?"

"Do you see a light yonder shining through the trees?"

The mysterious light was gleaming, just as Tiburcio had first seen it
from his window. It was to this that Cuchillo directed the attention of
the chief.

"Yes," replied the latter, "what of it?"

"It is the camp-fire of some travellers; and in all probability the
fellow will be found there. So," continued he, with a hideous smile,
"we are going to give chase to a wild colt--which will be better than
hunting Don Augustin's wild horses--and here are the three hunters."

As the outlaw said this, he pointed with his whip, first to himself, and
then to his two comrades, Oroche and Baraja.

"They have both espoused our quarrel," he added.

"From what motive?" inquired the Spaniard.

"That motive which the hound has in taking the part of the hunter
against the stag," answered the outlaw, with a significant smile; "they
only follow their instincts, and they are two animals with formidable
teeth."

At this moment the moon shone out, and gleaming upon the carbines and
knives of the two adventurers, seemed to confirm the assertion of
Cuchillo. But the light proved disadvantageous to Baraja and Oroche,
for it enabled Don Estevan to perceive that they were far from steady in
their seats.

"Why, these fellows are drunk!" cried he, turning upon the guide a look
of furious reproach. "Are these the assistants you count upon?"

"True, your honour," replied Cuchillo, "they are not exactly sober; but