"That is my intention," said Bloodson; "at present the position of affairs is improved."
"How so?" the hacendero asked.
"Because it is better for Doña Clara to be a prisoner with the Apaches than with Red Cedar."
"That is true," Don Miguel observed.
"How can we get her out of their clutches?" asked the general.
"That does not embarrass me," Bloodson said; "tomorrow, at daybreak, we will start with all our people, and go to Unicorn's village, who will join his warriors to ours, and then we will attack the Apaches in their village."
"Very good; but shall we be sure of finding my daughter at the village?"
"In the desert everything is seen and known. Do you fancy that Don Valentine has remained inactive since he left us? You may feel assured that he has long been on the trail of the young lady, if he has not already liberated her."
"May heaven grant it," the father remarked with a mournful sigh; "but who will advise us of what he has done?"
"Himself, you may be convinced of that. Still, as we are a very long distance from the village where your daughter is probably confined, we must hasten to get nearer to her; hence, my guests, get up your strength, for tomorrow will be a tiring day, I warn you. Now, permit me to wish you good night, and leave you, in order to give my final orders."