"We must land here," cried the pilot; "the village is behind these hills."
FOOTNOTE:
[67] Ensillar la vereda.
CHAPTER IV.
The Duel.—Awful Death of the Murderer.
We leaped ashore. The pilot tied the "dingy" to the bank, and led the advance. We soon reached the village. All was quiet there. The greater part of the inhabitants were still in their hammocks under the verandas of their cabins, but they saluted the pilot as he approached with the greeting of an old acquaintance. After replying briefly to the questions that were put to him, Ventura asked where Campos was. He pointed to Calros, and explained why he had come thither. This news was welcomed with enthusiasm by the idle and pugnacious peasants; but in a diversion in which there was so much interest, the greatest secresy must be employed, and every one rivaled his neighbor in discretion. The hut of Campos was noiselessly approached, and he was found inside stretched in his hammock. I could not help admiring the rare command of countenance which this man showed when he saw the pilot, whom he believed to be lying at that moment at the bottom of the neighboring river. He rose quietly, looked at us with a disdainful curiosity, and did not appear to be moved at seeing Calros.
"Who put you on my traces?" he asked of the Jarocho.
"Tia Josefa," was the reply. "It was by her order I came here from Manantial."
"A word is enough to the wise," answered Campos. "It is well; I am ready for you."