"Yes," they replied unanimously.
"Good," he continued; "trying longer to find the road we have lost would be a vain attempt, which would have no chance of success."
"Yes," they said again.
The hunter continued—
"Well, then, I am about to make an equally mad attempt at this moment. If it does not succeed, we shall perish; but at any rate we shall do so without suffering—almost instantaneously. If we succeed by a miracle—for it is almost a miracle I expect from the inexhaustible mercy of Heaven—we are saved. Reflect ere replying; my friends, are you firmly resolved to follow me, and obey me in all I order, without hesitation or murmuring? In a word, surrender your own will for a few hours only to follow me? Answer me."
The hunters exchanged a glance.
"Command, my friend," the hacendero said, answering for his comrades; "we swear to follow and obey you, whatever may happen."
There was a moment's silence, which Valentine was the first to break.
"Very good," he said, "I have your promise, and must now accomplish mine."
With a gesture of sublime dignity, the wood ranger took off his hat, and raised his eyes to Heaven.