ld be little chance of his being made an object of
special amnesty. Instead, one of its essential claims would sure be,
the surrendering up himself and his family. But would Naraguana be so
base? No; he cannot believe it, and this is why he is as much surprised
as puzzled at seeing Valdez when he now sees him.

In any case things have a forbidding look, and the man's presence there
bodes no good to him. More like the greatest evil; for it may be death
itself. Even while sitting upon his horse, with these reflections
running through his mind--which they do, not as related, but with the
rapidity of thought itself--he feels a presentiment of that very thing.
Nay, something more than a presentiment, something worse--almost the
certainty that his life is near its end! For as the complete Indian
cohort files forth from among the bushes, and he takes note of how it is
composed--above all observing the very friendly relations between Valdez
and the young chief--he knows it must affect himself to the full danger
of his life. Vividly remembers he the enmity of Francia's _familiar_,
too deep and dire to have been given up or forgotten. He remembers,
too, of Valdez being noted as a skilled _rastrero_, or guide--his
reputed profession. Against such a one the step he has taken to conceal
himself is little likely to serve him. Are not the tracks of his horse,
with those of the pony, imprinted in the soft mud by the water's edge
where they had halted? These will not be passed over by the Indians, or
Valdez, without being seen and considered. Quite recent too! They must
be observed, and as sure will they be followed up to where he and his
child are in hiding. A pity he has not continued along the _tapir_
path, still further and far away! Alas! too late now; the delay may be
fatal.

In a very agony of apprehension thus reflecting, Ludwig Halberger with
shoulders stooped over his saddle-bow and head bent in among the
branches, watches the Indian cavalcade approaching the stream's bank;
the nearer it comes, the more certain he that himself and his child are
in deadliest danger.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

VALDEZ THE "VAQUEANO."

To solve the seeming enigma of Rufino Valdez travelling in the company
of the Tovas Indians, and on friendly terms with their young chief--for
he is so--it will be necessary to turn back upon time, and give some
further account of the _vaqueano_ himself, and his villainous master; as
also to tell why