"All that was possible to learn, Don Sylva," the Tigrero sharply replied. "Were it otherwise I should be a scurvy hunter, and the jaguars and tigers would have had the best of me long ago."
"Is the information you have obtained favourable."
"That depends on your future plans. The French have been here, and bivouacked for several days. During their stay in the ruins they were vigorously attacked by the Apaches, whom, however, they succeeded in repulsing. Now it is probable, though I cannot assert it, that the troopers revolted for some cause of which I am ignorant, and that the poor wretch we saw hanging to the tree like rotten fruit paid for the rest, as generally happens."
"I thank you for your information, which proves to me that we are not mistaken, but followed the right trail. Now, can you complete your information by telling me if the French have long left the ruins, and in what direction they have marched?"
"Those questions are very easy to answer. The free company left their bivouac yesterday, a few moments after sunrise, and entered the desert."
"The desert!" the hacendero exclaimed, letting his arms sink in despondency.
There was a silence of some moments, during which both men reflected. At length Don Sylva took the word.
"It is impossible," he said.
"Still, it is so."
"But it is an extraordinary act of imprudence, almost of madness."