ravisher was tending.

I arrived first; and, stooping under the shadow of the trees, waited,
with knife in hand, firm grasped and ready.

His burden had delayed him; he had stopped midway to rest; and was now
scarcely ten paces from the edge of the grove, with the girl still in
his arms, and apparently leaning against him.

There was a momentary wavering in my mind, as to whether I should not
then rush forth, and strike the _coup_. The chance seemed as good a one
as I might get.

I was about deciding in the affirmative, when I saw that Hissoo-royo had
again taken up his warden, and was moving towards me. He was making
directly for the spot where I stood. The crisis was near!

It was even nearer than I thought. The man had scarcely made three
steps from the point of rest, when I saw him stumble and fall to the
earth, carrying the captive along with him!

The fall appealed accidental. I might have deemed it so, but for the
wild shout with which it was accompanied. Something more than a mere
stumble elicited that fearful cry!

There was a short struggle upon the ground--the bodies became separated.
One was seen to spring suddenly back; I saw it was Isolina! There was
something in her hand--both moonlight and firelight gleamed upon a
crimsoned blade!

She who grasped it bent for an instant downward--its keen edge severed
the thongs from her limbs, and the moment after, she was running in full
flight across the level sward of the camp-ground!

Without reflection, I sprang out of the covert and rushed after.

I passed the renegade, who had half-regained his feet, and appeared but
slightly wounded. Astonishment as much as aught else seemed to hold him
to the spot. He was shouting and swearing--calling for help, and
uttering threats of vengeance.

I could have slain him, and was half-inclined to the act; but there was
no time to stay. I only thought of overtaking the fugitive, and aiding
her in her flight.

The alarm was given--the camp was in commotion--fifty savages were
starting upon the chase.

As we ran, my eyes fell upon a horse--a white horse. It was the steed;
a man was leading him by a lazo. He was taking him from the fires
towards the ground occupied by the mustangs; he was going to picket him
on the grass.

Horse and man were directly in front of us, as we ran--in front of the
fugitive. She was making towards them; I divined her intention.

In a few seconds he was up to the horse, and