"Let us be off."
The escort, having the two colonels at its head, started in the direction of the plain, Torribio delighted Don Antonio Valverde for three quarters of an hour by the rolling fire of his witty remarks, when he was interrupted by him.
"Pardon me, colonel," the governor said anxiously, "but does it not appear singular to you that we have as yet met nobody?"
"Not the least in the world, señor," Torribio answered; "of course they know what road to take, and they are awaiting my return."
"That is possible," the governor said, after a moment's reflection.
"In that case we shall have another league to ride. Let us go on, then."
Don Torribio's vein of humour was exhausted. At times his eye examined the space around him, while Don Antonio remained silent. All at once the distant neighing of a horse reached their ears.
"What's that?" Torribio asked.
"Probably the men we are seeking."
"In any case let us be prudent. Wait for me; I will go ahead as scout."