Without further discussion, the bandits hastened to obey the orders of Carlocho. Don Fernando's wounds were bound up somehow; he was thrown across the horse of the guacho, who seemed to be leader of the expedition, and the party set off at full gallop, without further heed of those who had fallen in the struggle, and whose bodies were abandoned to the beasts of prey.
After a very rapid ride of two hours, they reached an abandoned rancho.
Two men were awaiting their arrival with impatience.
These two men were Tigercat and Don Torribio.
"Well!" shouted the former, as soon as he saw them.
"It is done!" said Carlocho laconically, as he dismounted, took Don Fernando in his arms, and carried him to a bed of leaves.
The latter showed no signs of life.
"Is he dead?" asked the Tigercat.
Carlocho shook his head.
"He is hardly better than dead," he replied.