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It would be quite useless to attempt such a thing." "Cavalleros!" Carlos addressed himself to both "I assure you I could find them. They are not so far off." Both the Comandante and his captain started, and visibly turned pale. The cibolero did not affect to notice this.
In the encounter the outlaw had shot the captain through the arm, which prevented the latter from making him a prisoner. This rumour came direct from the Presidio. It was partly true. The wounding of Carlos by Roblado was an addition to the truth, intended to give a little eclat to the latter, for it became known afterwards that the cibolero had escaped without even a scratch.
Those looking from below saw the horseman suddenly wheel, and disappear beyond the brow-line of the bluff. The daring feat was ended and over; and hearts, but a moment ago throbbing wildly within tender bosoms, now returned to their soft and regular beating. When the cibolero returned to the plain, he was received with a fresh burst of vivas, and kerchiefs were waved to greet him.
Carlos knew the import of those shouts and cries they were the sounds of battle! of terrible and deadly strife! They came from behind the hill the cibolero was just climbing it. He spurred his horse, and, galloping forward to its crest, looked down into the valley. The conflict was raging before him! He had a full view of the dreadful scene.
The sight was horrible. His thoughts were horrible. He groaned outright as he contemplated the countenance which the cibolero had given him. He swore vengeance. Death and torture if he could but capture Carlos death to him and his! At times he even repented that he had sent away the sister. Why should he have cared for consequences? Why had he not revenged himself upon her? He no longer loved her.
Had Antonio brought his news direct to the cave, he might have been followed, and the hiding-place of Carlos have been thus discovered. To prevent that the cibolero nightly went forth to meet him. Antonio, in collecting the news of the settlement, found in the young girl Josefa an able adjutant.
To this point, then, Antonio was directed to guide the party; and in due time they arrived near the edge of the jungle, where, at the command of Carlos, all dismounted keeping themselves and their horses under cover of the bushes. "Now," said the cibolero, speaking to Don Juan, "remain here. If I escape, I shall gallop direct to this point. If I lose my horse, you shall see me afoot all the same.
But for that Carlos might have hoped that they would escape unseen, and thus neither Don Juan nor his people would have been suspected of having had any part in the affair. This would be an important consideration for the future; but the plan was not to be thought of. The third plan was adopted. The hesitation of the cibolero was not half so long as the time you have occupied in reading of it.
Carlos, therefore, did not perceive that a third person had reached the roof, until he felt his upraised right arm grasped by a strong hand, and held back! He wrenched his arm free turning as he did so when he found himself face to face with a man whom he recognised as the Lieutenant Garcia. "I have no quarrel with you," cried the cibolero; "keep away from me."
Such an event in the life of such a woman would be neither impossible nor unlikely. In either case she could not take her fortune with her; but what mattered? it would not remain with him, Roblado. The conduct of the cibolero had removed all obstacles, so far as he was concerned. There was no longer any dread of rivalry from that source. His life was now forfeited.
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