"What is to be done?" Doña Carmela murmured.
"Fly," the half-breed exclaimed.
"Listen," the hunter said, quietly; "the Apaches are numerous, they are cunning, but we can only conquer them by cunning. If we try to resist we are lost; if we fly all three together, sooner or later we shall fall into their hands. While I remain here you will fly with señorita, but be careful to muffle your horses' hoofs so as to dull the sound."
"But you?" the maiden exclaimed quickly.
"Have I not told you? I shall remain here."
"Oh, in that case you will fall into the hands of the pagans, and be inevitably massacred."
"Perhaps so," he replied with an indescribable expression of sadness; "but at any rate my death will be of some service, as it will save you."
"Very well," said Lanzi; "I thank you for your offer, Caballero; unhappily, I cannot, and will not, accept it, for matters must not turn thus. I began the affair, and insist on ending it in my own way. Go away with the señorita, deliver her into her father's hands, and if you do not see me again, and he asks what has happened to me, tell him simply that I kept my promise, and laid down my life for her."
"I will never consent," Doña Carmela exclaimed energetically.
"Silence!" the half-breed hastily interrupted her, "Be off, you have not a moment to lose."