The hunter must have obtained precise information from Bloodson as to the situation of the jacal, for he did not hesitate a moment, but rode straight in. Don Pablo's heart beat, as if to burst his chest, though he apparently remained unmoved.
"Hum!" Valentine said, when about a dozen yards from the jacal, "Everything is very silent here."
"The squatter is no doubt out hunting," Don Miguel observed, "we shall only find his daughter."
Valentine began laughing.
"Do you think so?" he said. "No, no, Don Miguel, remember Father Seraphin's words."
General Ibañez, who was the first to reach the jacal, dismounted and opened the door.
"Nobody!" he said, in surprise.
"By Jove!" Valentine said, "I suspected that the bird had flown; but this time he will be very cunning if he escapes us. Forward, forward! They cannot be far ahead."
They started again. Curumilla remained behind for a second, and threw a lighted torch into the shanty, which was soon burned down.
"The fox is unearthed," the Indian muttered to himself, while rejoining his comrades.