"When did this come?" he asked.
"At sunset yesterday, Señor Comandante."
"Where's the courier?"
"He returned before dawn to-day."
The loungers drew still nearer as the senior calmly turned to his companion, who, having assured himself that their impedimenta were all safe, came with quick, springy step to join him.
"Where do you suppose Blake and his detachment to be at this moment, Loring?"
"Perhaps thirty miles ahead, sir; over toward Maricopa. Do you need him, colonel?"
"Yes, and at once. Our bird has flown. In other words, Nevins has skipped."