I hope soon to cure them. I know of a remedy that will set them all
right in five minutes. It is the fruit of the _jocuistle_, which grows
abundantly in these parts. I shall find it as soon as we have reached
the woods."

Don Estevan was forced to swallow his chagrin in silence. It was not
the time for vain recriminations; and above all, Tiburcio had first to
be found, before the services of either of the inebriated gentlemen
would be called into requisition.

In a few seconds' time the party had reached the breach in the wall.
Cuchillo dismounted, and striking a light, pointed out to the others the
traces left by Tiburcio. There could be seen some fragments freshly
fallen from the wall, evidently detached by the feet of one passing
over; but what was of more consequence, they were stained with drops of
blood. This must have been Tiburcio's.

"You see," said the outlaw to Don Estevan, "that he must have passed
this way. Ah! if I had only given him another inch or two. After all,"
added he, speaking to himself, "it is better I didn't. I shall be
twenty onzas the richer that I didn't settle with him then. Now,"
continued he, once more raising his voice, "where can he have gone,
unless to yonder fire in the woods?"

A little farther on in the direction of the forest, other spots of fresh
blood were discovered upon the dry calcareous surface of the soil. This
appeared to confirm the conjecture of the guide--that Tiburcio had
proceeded towards the camp-fire.

"If your honour," resumed Cuchillo, addressing himself to his chief,
"will go forward in company with the Senor Diaz, you will reach a stream
running upon your left. By following down its bank for some distance,
you will come to a bridge constructed with three or four trunks of
trees. It is the bridge of the _Salto de Agua_. Just before reaching
it, your honour will see a thick wood on the right. Under cover of that
you can remain, until we three have finished our affair and rejoin you.
Afterwards we can overtake the domestics. I have ordered them forward,
for the reason that such people should not be privy either to our
designs or actions."

In this arrangement Cuchillo exhibited the consummate skill of the
practiced bandit. Don Estevan, without offering any opposition to his
plan, rode off as directed, in company with Diaz; while the outlaw, with
his two chosen acolytes turned their horses' heads in the direction of
the fire.

"The fire betok