"One of my friends," Bloodson continued, "arrived here this morning, accompanied by a Canadian hunter and Red Cedar's daughter."
At this unexpected good news the Mexicans started with joy and surprise.
"Ah," Don Miguel said, "she will be a precious hostage for us."
"That is what I thought," Bloodson continued; "however, the poor child is perfectly innocent of her father's crimes; and if she is at this moment in our power, it is only because she wished to save your daughter, Don Miguel."
"What do you mean?" the hacendero asked, with an internal tremor.
"You shall understand it," Bloodson answered.
And without any further preamble, he told his listeners all the details connected with the flight of the girls, which the reader already knows.
When he had finished his narrative there was a moment's silence.
"The position is a serious one," the general said, shaking his head.
"We must save our friends, at all risks," Don Miguel exclaimed, impetuously.