t in, but my companion
affirmed that the camp-rumour was a substantial one, and believed that
we might expect such a command at any moment.

"What say they of me?" I inquired.

"Of you, Cap? Why, nothing. What do you expect them to say of you?"

"Surely there has been some talk about my absence?"

"Oh, that! No, not a word, at least at head-quarters, for the simple
reason, that you're not yet reported missing."

"Ah! that is good news; but how--"

"Why, the truth is, Holingsworth and I thought we might serve you better
by keeping the thing dark--at all events, till we should be sure you
were dead lost. We hadn't given up all hope. The greaser who guided
you out, brought back word that two trappers had gone after you. From
his description, I knew that queer old case Rube, and was satisfied that
if anything remained of you, he was the man to find it."

"Thanks, my friend! you have acted wisely; your discreet conduct will
save me a world of mortification."

"No other news?" I inquired after a pause.

"No," said Wheatley, "none worth telling. Oh, yes!" he continued,
suddenly recollecting himself, "there is a bit. You remember those
hang-dog greasers that used to loaf about the village when we first
came? Well, they're gone, by thunder! every mother's son of them clean
_vamosed_ from the place, and not a grease-spot left of them. You may
walk through the whole settlement without seeing a Mexican, except the
old men and the women. I asked the alcalde where they had cleared to;
but the old chap only shook his head, and drawled out his eternal `Quien
sabe?' Of course they're off to join some band of guerrillas. By
thunder! when I think of it, I wouldn't wonder if they were among that
lot we've just scattered. Sure as shootin' they are! I saw
Holingsworth examine the five dead ones as we rode off. He'll know
them, I guess, and can tell us if any of our old acquaintances are among
them."

Knowing more of this matter than Wheatley himself, I enlightened him as
to the guerrilleros and their leader.

"Thought so, by thunder! Rafael Ijurra! No wonder Holingsworth was so
keen to start--in such a hurry to reach the mound, he forgot to tell me
who we were after. Deuce take it! what fools we've been to let these
fellows slide. We should have strung up every man of them when we first
reached the place--we should, by thunder!"

For some minutes, we rode on in silence. Twenty times a question was
upon m