The travellers had reined up their horses, and stopped.
A curtain of foliage enveloped them as completely as if it had been a thick wall; but it was transparent, and they could see through it, without being perceived, the path which they had so abruptly quitted, and which was only about ten yards distant.
"What is the matter?" asked Arnal.
"A numerous troop of horsemen is advancing," said the Agonti; "we must be prudent."
"Very good; you have acted wisely. Listen; they approach."
"Yes, in a minute they will pass before us."
"We shall reconnoitre them at our ease, without fear of being discovered by them."
"Do you think so?" cried a harsh and guttural voice, from the midst, of the foliage.
"Ah!" cried Arnal, with a gesture of joy; "The Cougar."
"It is I," answered the chief; "you did not expect, I suppose, to meet, me so soon."