He turned back and galloped toward the camp. The girl advanced boldly in the direction of the town, whose gloomy outline rose before her. But a vigorous hand seized her bridle, she felt a pistol placed against her bosom, and a low voice said in Spanish—
"Who goes there?"
"A friend," she replied, suppressing a shriek of terror.
"Mercedes!" the rude voice exclaimed, becoming much softer.
"Pedrito!" she replied joyously, as she slipped into the arms of her brother, who embraced her affectionately.
"Where do you come from, little sister?"
"From the camp of the Patagonians."
"Already?"
"My mistress has sent me to you."
"Who accompanied you?"