"First, they are no longer two, general; it appears that they have secured a companion on their journey. I saw three of them myself."
There was a momentary silence, during which the Frenchman and the two Creoles exchanged looks.
"It is little matter whether they are two or three," resumed Don Zeno. "How is it, captain, that having overtaken them, you allowed them to escape?"
"General, here is the fact in a few words. At the moment when I was preparing to take them by the collar—for I was scarcely more than a pistol shot from them—two or three hundred horsemen unawares darted out of a little wood, and charged us with fury. As I had with me only eight men, I thought it prudent not to wait the attack of these enemies, that I was far from expecting so near me, and I immediately retreated with my companions."
"Oh! Oh! What do you say?" cried Don Zeno, "You were afraid perhaps, captain?"
"Upon my word, yes, general; I was afraid, and very much so," frankly answered the officer, "especially when I saw with what sort of people I had to do."
"Were they, then, so terrible?"
"I returned immediately, at all speed, to inform you, general; for, as I was escaping, I had plenty of time to thoroughly observe them."
"And they are?" demanded the governor, impatiently.
"They are Pincheyras, your Excellency," coolly answered the old soldier.