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Updated: June 20, 2025
Behind a tent, and partially screened by the trees, three men are in the act of mounting three horses. One is already in the saddle and moving away, the other two have just set foot in the stirrup. The roan mounted is unknown to the pursuers; but his animal is recognised by them. It is Hamersley's own horse! Of the other two but one is identified, and him only by Hamersley. He sees Gil Uraga.
In Hamersley's heart hope has been gradually dying out, as his strength gets further exhausted. At length the latter gives way, the former at the same time. "No farther, Walt!" he exclaims, coming to a stop. "I can't go a step further. There is a fire in my throat that chokes me; something grips me within. It is dragging me to the ground." The hunter stops too.
Hamersley's feet were in a very bad state, and he was hardly able to walk for a fortnight. Seeing a native fire several miles to the southward, I intend sending Tommy Windich and Jemmy in search of the tribe to-morrow, in order that I may question them respecting the reported death of white men to the eastward. 22nd. Went over to the lake with all the horses, and brought the loads to the camp.
It was but a feeble glimmer, that appeared to have found admission through a tiny crevice under the huge copestone; and Hamersley's face, close to it, was seen only in faint shadow fainter from the film of smoke yet struggling up the shaft. Still was it light beautiful, cheering light like some shore-beacon seen by the storm-tossed mariner amid the dangers of a night-shrouded sea.
A handsome man, of dark complexion and pure Spanish features, remarked by the spectators as having resemblance to those of Hamersley's new-made bride. Not strange, he being her brother. But who is the lady, the tall, fair girl consenting to make Don Valerian happy, so like Hamersley himself. No one asks this question, all present knowing she is his sister.
Hamersley's words had for an instant cheered them; for the thought of the Indians setting fire to the waggons had not occurred to any of the party. It was a thing unknown to their experience; and, at such a distance, might be supposed impossible.
They remain awake only long enough to give Hamersley's wound such dressing as the circumstances permit, and then both sink into slumber. With the young prairie merchant it is neither deep nor profound. Horrid visions float before his rapt senses scenes of red carnage causing him ever and anon to awake with a start, once or twice with a cry that wakes his companion.
He does not seek it, only turns to him who wears the spectacles, saying, "Doctor, is he, indeed, dead? See if it be so. Let everything be done to save him." He thus addressed takes hold of Hamersley's pulse, and, after a moment or two, pronounces upon it. It beats; it indicates extreme weakness, but not absolute danger of death.
For all that, it sounds in Hamersley's ears sweet as the most seraphic music, since in its tones he recognises the voice of Walt Wilder. A joyous throb thrills through his heart on discovering that his comrade has rejoined him. After their parting upon the plain he had his fears they might never come together again. Walt is not within sight, for the conversation is carried on outside the room.
You have behaved well, yegua yeguita!" she adds, patting the mare upon the neck; "you shall have the promised pinons a whole cuartilla of them." Once more stepping to the front, she strikes off among the trees, along a path which still inclines downward, though now in gentler slope. Hamersley's brain is in a whirl.
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