torpor seized
upon his whole frame.

Without being in any great degree uneasy about his situation, Don Rafael
nevertheless felt the necessity of keeping awake as long as he might be
able. With this intent he struggled for a time against sleep, but in
vain. Seeing that it was about to overpower him, he unwound the sash
from his waist, and with this attached himself firmly between the
branches. Having thus provided against the danger of a fall, he
surrendered himself the moment after to a profound and silent slumber.

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.

A CARELESS SEARCH.

Most of the guerilleros of the band of Arroyo were country-people--
rancheros, vaqueros, and the like. Many of them, from their habits of
life, were skilled in following the tracks of animals. It was not
likely, therefore, they should fail to discover the place where the
Colonel had turned off from the road; and in reality they perceived it,
and there came to a halt. The uncertain light of the moon, however,
hindered them from following his tracks through the underwood; and,
unable to guess the direction he had taken, they remained for some
minutes deliberating on what was best to be done.

To go forward in a body would be to diminish the chances of finding his
traces--more especially if they proceeded on horseback. It was
resolved, therefore, that all should dismount; and, separating into
twos, thus scour the thicket in front. Afterwards, if unsuccessful in
their search, they were to reunite in the glade where they had picketed
their horses.

This resolution was carried out; and in pairs the guerilleros scattered
off into the wood.

Although adopting all necessary measures of prudence, on account of the
terrible name of him they were in search of, at first the pursuers
conscientiously performed their work. By little and little, however,
their ardour became abated; and then a very similar idea presented
itself to the minds of all of them at the same time. They remembered
how easily the Colonel had overcome his two adversaries, the videttes;
and it now occurred to them that _they_ had acted very rashly in thus
weakening their strength by division.

As it would never do to return at once to the appointed rendezvous, each
couple perceived the necessity of allowing some time to elapse before
going back, for the sake of saving appearances. They continued their
search, therefore; but rather by way of passing the time than with any
ardour in the ac