"True," was the reply; "but I am not a man in their eyes."
"What then?"
"An evil spirit," murmured the hunter in a hoarse whisper.
By this time they had reached the place where they had left their horses.
The noise of the combat had extended itself to the spot where Doña Hermosa was waiting; but that courageous girl, far from suffering herself to be overcome by the very natural fear she experienced, understood the importance of the post confided to her, and remained firmly on her guard, a pistol in each hand, attentively listening to every sound in the forest, ready to defend herself, and resolute to die sooner than fall into the hands of the Indians.
Her father having explained to her what had occurred, they began their journey at the best speed of their horses.
The whole night passed without slackening their pace. At sunrise they had cleared the forest, and there lay the bare wilderness, extending to the horizon.
They continued their route for two more hours, when they halted.
The hunter addressed them: "We must part here." He spoke in a firm, voice, yet unable completely to conceal the feeling of sorrow which pervaded him.
"So soon!" said the girl naively