"It is just possible," said the governor, after a minute's reflection.
"I think it highly probable," said Don Torribio; "and, in that case, we have nearly another league before we can meet him."
"Then we had better push on."
They resumed their march, but without renewing their conversation. Both of them seemed absorbed in meditation. At times Don Torribio raised his head, and looked carefully about him. All of a sudden they heard the distant neigh of a horse.
"What is that?" said Don Torribio.
"Most likely the troops we are looking for," replied the governor.
"Perhaps," answered the other; "but we had better be cautious."
Requesting the governor to stop where he was, he set spurs to his horse, and riding forward was soon lost in the darkness. Having ridden a short distance, he dismounted, applied his ear to the ground, and listened.
"¡Demonios!" he exclaimed, hastily rising and throwing himself into the saddle; "They are pursuing us! Can that vagabond, Don Estevan, have recognised me? There is not a moment to lose!"
"Well, what is it?" asked the governor, as Don Torribio rode back to him.