"Because that is impossible."
"Silence!" the hunter interfered, quickly; "any discussion is unnecessary, for we must start as soon as we can."
"What do you mean?" they exclaimed, with a start of terror.
"The Apaches have found our trail; they are coming up quickly, and will be here within twenty minutes. This time there is no mistake, they are the men."
There was a lengthened silence.
Doña Carmela and Lanzi listened attentively.
"I hear nothing," the half-breed said, presently.
"Nor I," the maiden whispered.
The hunter smiled softly.
"You can hear nothing yet," he said, "for your ears are not accustomed, like mine, to catch the slightest sounds from the desert. Put faith in my words, trust to an experience which was never mistaken: your enemies are approaching."