eds in the direction of the bank. Presently both appeared on dry land
at less than a hundred yards distance from where he was perched.

The tragedy of real life which he was now witnessing, had so suddenly
mingled its scenes with the fancies that had just passed through his
mind, that for an instant his thoughts were thrown into confusion, and
he could scarcely distinguish the true from the fantastic. Though he
saw that his faithful followers were still alive and well, the words he
had heard, and the shot that succeeded them, told him that they were in
danger. That could be no fancy; and its reality was further confirmed
on his perceiving two men, sabre in hand, rush forth out of the bushes
and make after Costal and Clara, with threatening cries and gestures.

The latter ran towards their horses. The sight of his two followers in
flight, completely restored Don Cornelio's senses; and almost
mechanically he caught hold of his carbine, which he had by his side.

Resting the barrel over a fork of the branches, he sighted one of the
pursuers, and fired. At the report a bandit fell forward on his face,
who, after sprawling a while upon the ground, lay motionless. The other
halted and bent over his comrade to see if he was dead.

The delay caused by this unexpected interruption of the pursuit enabled
the Indian and negro to reach their horses, and both, naked as they
were, their skins glistening with the water of the lake, at once leaped
into their saddles, wheeled their horses round, and galloped back
towards the pursuers.

It was now Costal's turn to pursue.

The bandit who still kept his feet had stopped only a moment over his
fallen companion: but that moment proved fatal to him. Before he could
reach his own horse--which, in order to effect his ambuscade, he had
left behind him in the woods--the avenging Zapoteque was upon him, who,
galloping over, trampled him under his horse's hoofs, and then riding
back, ran his long rapier through the prostrate body without dismounting
from his saddle.

Meanwhile Don Cornelio had made all haste to descend from the tree; and
hurrying forward called his followers by name.

"Ah! Senor Capitan," cried Costal, seeing him advance, "I am glad you
are still on your feet. Seeing your horse along with ours I had fears
that some misfortune had happened to you. Quick!" continued he,
addressing himself to Clara, and leaping out of the saddle, "we must
back to the lake at once, e