This fatal accident was the cause of irreparable misfortune.
Having left Don Estevan, the two women wandered about at a venture, directing their steps towards the fires in front of them.
On getting within a certain distance, they, stopped to recruit their spirits, and to calm the throbbing of their hearts, which beat almost to bursting.
They were now within a few paces of the Indian toldos (huts); the rash and hazardous nature of their undertaking presented itself in all its force, and the poor women felt their courage gradually oozing away, in spite of the resolution which had animated them. Their hearts turned to stone at the thought of the horrible drama in which they were going to act the principal characters.
Strange to say, it was Manuela who restored her companion to the firmness which was abandoning her.
"Señorita," she said to her, "it is now my turn to act as guide; if you will only consent to follow my council, I hope to be able to avoid all the danger with which we are threatened."
"Speak, nurse; let me hear what you propose."
"We must first drop these cloaks, which hide our dress, and betray that we are whites."
In saying this she threw off her mantle, and cast it away. Doña Hermosa followed her example.
"Now walk by my side; show no fear, whatever may happen; and, above all, do not utter a single word, unless we are hopelessly lost."