"That is easily remedied. How many are you?"
"Four."
"What, four? I fancied you were more."
"Yes, but the Pale hunter will explain to you why two of our comrades have left us."
"Good. I will accompany you."
Don Leo immediately gave orders to have four horses got ready, and recommended Brighteye to watch over the camp during his absence, then, mounting his horse, in which he was imitated by the Chief, the two set off, leading the horses intended for the men they were going to find. The two men only took twenty minutes in covering the ground which Flying Eagle had spent more than an hour in crossing, owing to the precautions he was compelled to take when following an unknown trail, which might belong to enemies. They found Marksman and Don Mariano with loaded rifles, and keeping good watch. While awaiting Flying Eagle's return, they had fallen asleep; but the steps of the horses awoke them, and they stood on their defence in case of the worst. On their awakening, however, a very disagreeable surprise awaited them. They found only two instead of three. Domingo, the Gambusino, had disappeared. So soon as he recognized Don Miguel, the Canadian said, with extreme agitation—"Dismount, dismount, Caballero! We must all go beating."
"What humbug at this hour, Marksman!" Don Miguel answered. "Why, you must be mad!"
"I am not mad," the Canadian said, hurriedly; "but I repeat, dismount and hunt; we are betrayed!"
"Betrayed!" Don Miguel exclaimed, starting with surprise; "by whom? in Heaven's name!"
"By Domingo! The traitor has fled during our sleep! Oh! I was right to distrust his coppery face!"