"No doubt, señorita. I feared then that you might tell him, and he would make a move that should baffle me. I spoke to my comrades. Fortune aided me in the wild plan I quickly formed. He saw them and engaged in altercation with them, which gave me the opening I sought. You were again left alone, and in a moment I acted. I carried you away, but in the struggle your garment of white was torn from you, and it lies in the canoe that brought us to this spot. I have no doubt that my comrades will join me soon, and then we shall move again. By daybreak we will be safely hidden in one of the many safe places known to the Indian who is with me."
Inza was desperate. She did not know they were on an island, and now her terror led her, having somewhat recovered her strength, to wheel suddenly and flee as fast as her feet would carry her. By chance she struck into the path and came quickly to the shore where lay the canoe, with Red Ben standing near it.
"Help!" she cried, appealing to him. "Save me! You shall be paid—anything, anything you ask!"
In her excitement she clutched his arm. He turned toward her a grim, immovable face. Not a word did he speak in reply.
Del Norte issued from the path and deliberately approached.
"It is useless, señorita," he declared. "Flee whither you will, there is no escape. You are on an island. This is my Indian comrade."
"Others come," said Red Ben.
"Where?" asked the Mexican anxiously.
"There."
The redskin lifted his arm and pointed away over the surface of the silent lake.