irection we must seek him."

"Go rest for an hour, for you must be worn out," said the chief. "Ah!
Diaz, if all these men were like you, how easy our path would be--gold
in one hand, and the sword in the other."

"I have only done my duty," said Diaz, simply.

"Say to our men that it is necessary for us to reconnoitre the environs
of the camp, and tell the sentinels to keep strict watch until our
return, and then we shall proceed towards the valley."

"Cuchillo must certainly be there, and we shall catch him either going
or returning."

"We shall find him in the valley," said Don Estevan. "When you have
seen it, you will find it a place that a man like Cuchillo could not
make up his mind to leave."

Diaz departed to execute his orders, and Don Estevan caused his tent to
be pitched again, that even in his absence his starry banner might float
over the camp as a sign of his protective authority. This done, he
threw himself on his couch, and slept the sleep of a soldier after a day
of fighting and fatigue.

Little more than an hour after, Diaz stood before him, "Senor Don
Estevan," said he, "all is prepared for starting."

The chief rose and found his horse awaiting him ready saddled.

"Diaz," said he, "ask the sentinels if Gayferos has returned."

Diaz questioned one of the men, who replied, "The poor fellow will
probably never return. The Indians must have surprised and killed him
before attacking us, and that probably was the cause of the firing that
we heard in the afternoon."

"I fear it is but too certain that he has been murdered," replied Diaz;
"but as for the firing that we heard, I believe that had a different
origin."

Don Estevan now mounted his horse, and the two set off in, the direction
of the mountains.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

THE ISLET.

While the Indians, united in council, were deliberating on the means of
attacking the camp of the gold-seekers, let us see how the three men on
the island were occupied.

It was about four o'clock, and the fog was beginning to rise slowly from
the water. Willows and aspens grew on the shores of the river Gila,
within rifle-range of the little island, and so near the water that
their roots were in the river. The spaces between the trees were filled
up by vigorous osier and other shoots; but just in front of the island
was a large open space. This had been made by the troops of wild horses
and buffaloes, that came down to drink at the river; an