In a moment a man appeared.
"Ah! Ah! It is you, Don Sylvio," said the partisan, in a good-humoured tone.
"Yes, general, it is me," said the old soldier.
"Very good; let your men take care of the horses, and let us be conducted to the camp."
The officer turned towards the shrubbery from which he had so unexpectedly emerged.
"Hola!" cried he in a loud voice, "Come here, you fellows!"
The six soldiers, who were doubtless in ambuscade not far off, darted suddenly from the underwood, and, having respectfully bowed to Zeno Cabral, ranged themselves behind the old officer, ready to obey blindly the orders which they might receive.
"Is the camp far?" asked the Montonero, addressing Don Sylvio.
"At a gunshot at the most, general."
"You will guide us; as to you," he added, turning to the soldiers, "you know where you have to put the horses."