"Come off cattle guard, I expect," said Dudley, "and now making the most of the provisions stolen from my master. That's another man."
He heard a step somewhere behind him, and instantly crouched still lower in the grass, and pressed his body close to the ground. The step came nearer, and he heard some metal instrument jingle. Then, not ten paces from him, a figure came dimly into view. It was an Indian, who was armed with a gun which swung from his shoulder, and carried in his hand the bit and the reins which he had just taken from his horse. It was a buckle on these reins which Dudley had heard tinkling, and presently he saw the animal from which they had been taken following his master like a dog. The Indian whistled and stepped on at a faster pace, for he had suddenly obtained a full view of his two companions. Then he waited for the horse to come level with him, took it by the mane, and led it to the centre of the camp, going himself immediately to the fire side.
"Where, no doubt, he will have his share of the food," thought Dudley. "It was lucky for me that he did not come a yard or so nearer this way, or he would have seen me for certain. Hallo!"
"Señor!"
"Here!" whispered Dudley. They came close together and lay down with their heads touching.
"All asleep on the far side, señor," Pepito reported. "Not a sentry or guard of any sort. They have been eating their fill."
"On this side all is clear also, Pepito. Now we will see what they have done with the cattle. Go to the right again, while I make to the left. We will meet on the far side, and then we will return to our comrades."
It was not a time for talking, for even a whisper might be heard. They crept away together for some few yards, and then rose to their hands and knees, and separated at once. Ten minutes later they met on the opposite side of the herd, and compared notes.
"I passed fourteen of their guards, all mounted, señor," said Pepito. "They had guns slung to their shoulders, and had whips in their hands. The cattle were asleep and perfectly quiet."
"I saw ten men, mounted like yours," reported Dudley. "The herd seemed to be as quiet as are those fellows in the camp. Let us get back to Pietro and the men as soon as possible."