surrounded
them, they gave a peculiar character to the scene; and the eye,
unaccustomed to these gigantic candelabra, would scarce have known to
what kingdom of nature they belonged--so unlike were they to the
ordinary forms of vegetation.

Such were the features of the spot where the hunted outlaw sought
shelter for the night.

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT.

Carlos spoke the truth, when he gave his dog the credit of having saved
his life, or, at all events, his liberty, which in the end amounted to
the same thing. But for the sagacious brute having preceded him, he
would certainly have entered the cave, and as certainly would he have
been captured.

His cunning adversaries had taken every step necessary for securing him.
They had hidden their horses far back in the cavern. They had placed
themselves behind the jutting rocks--one on each side of the entrance--
so that the moment he should have shown himself they were prepared to
spring upon him like a brace of tigers.

Their dogs, too, were there to aid them--crouched by the side of their
masters, and along with them, ready to seize upon the unsuspecting
victim.

It was a well-planned ambuscade, and so far well-executed. The secrecy
with which the hunters had left the settlement, and made their
roundabout journey--their adroit approach to the ravine--their patient
behaviour in watching till Carlos had ridden out of the way, and their
then taking possession of the cave, were all admirably executed
manoeuvres.

How was it possible the cibolero could be aware of, or even suspect,
their presence? They did not for a moment fancy that he knew of their
return from their hunting expedition. It was quite dark the night
before, when they had passed up the valley to the mission; and after
unpacking the produce of their hunt, which had been done without
observation, the Padre Joaquin had enjoined on them not to show
themselves in the town before he should send them word. But few of the
mission servants, then, knew of their return; and for the rest, no one
knew anything who would or could have communicated it to Carlos.
Therefore, reasoned they, he could have no suspicion of their being in
the cave. As to their trail up the ravine, he would not notice it on
his return. He would only strike it where it led over the shingle, and,
of course, there it would not be visible even in daylight.

Never was a trap better set. He would walk into the cave
unsuspectingly, and perh