leros. In my opinion, it's the best course
to be followed."

"But will your hunters go willingly to work? They are free men, and may
not like to engage in so dangerous an enterprise."

"Dangerous!" repeated the padre. "The danger will be no obstacle to
them, I promise you. They have the courage of lions and the agility of
tigers. You need not fear that danger will stand in the way."

"You think, then, they will be disposed to it?"

"They _are_ disposed--I have sounded them. They have some reasons of
their own for not loving the cibolero too dearly; and therefore,
cavalleros, you won't require to use much persuasion on that score. I
fancy you'll find them ready enough, for they have, been reading the
proclamation, and, if I mistake not, have been turning over in their
thoughts the fine promises it holds out. Make it sure to them that they
will be well rewarded, and they'll bring you the cibolero's ears, or his
scalp, or his whole carcase, if you prefer it, in less than three days
from the present time! They'll track him down, I warrant."

"Should we send some troopers along with them? The cibolero may not be
alone. We have reason to believe he has a half-blood with him--a sort
of right-hand man of his own--and with this help he may be quite a match
for your hunters."

"Not likely--they are very _demonios_. But you can consult themselves
about that. They will know best whether they need assistance. That is
their own affair, cavalleros. Let them decide."

"Shall we send for them? or will you send them to us?" inquired Roblado.

"Do you not think it would be better for one of you to go to _them_?
The matter should be managed privately. If they make their appearance
here, and hold an interview with either of you, your business with them
will be suspected, and perchance get known to _him_. If it should reach
his ears that these fellows are after him, their chances of taking him
would be greatly diminished."

"You are right, father," said Roblado. "How can we communicate with
these fellows privately?"

"Nothing easier than that, capitan. Go to their house--I should rather
say to their hut--for they live in a sort of hovel by the rocks. The
place is altogether out of the common track. No one will be likely to
see you on your visit. You must pass through a narrow road in the
chapparal; but I shall send you a guide who knows the spot, and he will
conduct you. I think it like enough the fellows wi