"You, Marksman!" Doña Laura at length said, with an accent impossible to describe. "Oh! we may be saved, then; we are not abandoned by all."
And, sliding to the ground, she knelt piously, and, with clasped hands, murmured a fervent prayer, while her eyes filled with tears. Then, rising suddenly, she seized the hunter's hands, and pressed them passionately. "Don Miguel," she said; "where is he?"
"He is close by, and waiting for you. But, for Heaven's sake, listen to me; moments are precious."
"Oh, Caballero! take us away, take us away quickly," Doña Laura at length said, completely recovered from her emotion.
"Soon."
"Yes, yes, save us!" Doña Laura exclaimed; "my father will reward you."
Marksman smiled. "Your father will be very glad to see you again," he said, softly.
Doña Laura raised to him her lovely eyes, radiant with joy. "Where is my father?" she asked him; but then added, "no, I cannot see him. He is far, very far from here."
"He is with Don Miguel, in the forest. Set your mind at rest."
"Oh, Heaven!" the maiden exclaimed, "it is too much happiness."