estate at a place called Naparima on the
Apure. Let us go there to begin with. Morillones will supply us with
mules, and we may possibly persuade some of his people to accompany us.
Treasure-hunting is always an attraction for the adventurous. What say
you?"

"Yes. By all means let us go."

"We may regard it as settled, then, that we make in the first instance for
Naparima."

"Certainly."

"That being the case the best thing we can do is to have a sleep. We got
none last night, and we are not likely to get any to-night."

As Carmen spoke he folded his arms and shut his eyes. I followed his
example, and we knew no more until, as it seemed in about five minutes, we
were roused by a terrific howl.

We jumped up at once and ran out of the thicket. Gahra and Guido were
waiting for us, each with a led horse.

"We were beginning to think you had been taken, or gone away," said Guido,
hoarsely. "I have howled six times in succession. My voice will be quite
ruined."

"It did not sound so just now. We were fast asleep."

"Pizarro!" I exclaimed, greatly delighted by the sight of my old favorite.
"You have brought Pizarro! How did you manage that, Gahra?"

"He came to the camp last night. But mount at once, senor. We got away
without difficulty--stole off while the men were at supper. But we met an
officer who asked us a question; and though Guido said we were taking the
horses by order of General Mejia himself, he did not appear at all
satisfied, and if he should speak to the general something might happen,
especially as it is not long since we left the camp, and we have been
waiting here ten minutes. Here is a spear for you, and the pistols in your
holsters are loaded and primed."

I mounted without asking any more questions. Gahra's news was disquieting,
and we had no time to lose; for, in order to reach the llanos without the
almost certainty of falling into the hands of our friend Griscelli, we
should have to pass within a mile of the patriot camp, and if an alarm
were given, our retreat might be cut off. This, however, seemed to be our
only danger; our horses were fleet and fresh, and the llanos near, and,
once fairly away, we might bid defiance to pursuit.

"Let us push on," said Carmen. "If anybody accosts us don't answer a word,
and fight only at the last extremity, to save ourselves from capture or
death; and, above all things, silence in the ranks."

The night was clear, the sky studded with stars, and, e