"I trust to you in that case, Mariano; besides, now that, thanks to that fire, I am certain of meeting the hunter, my anxiety is less lively, and I will await patiently."
"Permit me to remark, my dear tocaya, that I did not say certainly that we should find Stronghand at this bivouac."
"What did you tell me, then?"
"Simply that we might hope to meet him here, because it is the spot where he generally encamps when hunting in these parts."
"Still, as we can perceive the flame of that watch fire—for that is really a flame, is it not?"
"Certainly; still, we have yet to learn whether this fire has been kindled by Stronghand or some other hunter. This mound is one of the most suitable places of encampment, owing to the height of the hill, which allows the country to be surveyed, and thus avoid a surprise."
"Then probably we shall not find the hunter at the encampment?"
"I do not say that either, niña," Mariano answered, with a laugh.
"But what do you mean?" the young lady said, impatiently patting the pommel of her saddle with her little hand; "you are really unendurable."
"Do not be angry, tocaya; I may be mistaken. If Stronghand is not here, perhaps we may find a hunter who will tell us where he is."