The hunter, without replying, let his horse feel the spur, and they continued to advance.
Within a few minutes they entered the circle of light cast by the fire; almost immediately the sharp click of a rifle being cocked was heard, and a rough voice ordered them to stop in the devil's name.
The order, though not positively polite, was not the less peremptory, and the two adventurers thought it advisable to obey.
Several armed men then issued from the entrenchments; and one of them, addressing the strangers, asked them who they were, and what they wanted at such an unseasonable hour.
"Who we are?" the American answered, firmly; "What we want? To come in as quickly as we can."
"That is all very fine," the other replied; "but, if you do not tell us your names, you will not enter so soon, especially as one of you wears a uniform which is not in the odour of sanctity with us."
"All right, Ruperto," the American replied, "I am John Davis, and you know me, I suppose; so let me pass, without delay. I answer for this caballero, who has an important communication to make to the Chief."
"You are welcome, Master John; do not be angry with me, for you know that prudence is the mother of safety."
"Yes, yes," the American said, with a laugh, "deuce take me if you easily get into a scrape for lack of prudence, gossip."
They then entered the camp without farther obstacle.