"For me!" the Mexican said in surprise; "That is strange."
"Not so much as you suppose. I desire to have a conversation with you, which no one must overhear; and as that was impossible in camp, I came to wait for you as you passed: that is simple enough, I fancy."
"It is; but what is less so, is the hour and spot you have selected, my friend."
"Why so?"
"Hang it, a terrible storm is let loose over our heads; we have no place here to shelter us; and I repeat, it is nearer morning than night."
"That is true; but time pressed, and I could not select the hour to my fancy."
"You alarm me, my friend; has anything new occurred?"
"Nothing that I know of, up to the present; but ere long we shall see something, you may feel assured."
The young man stifled a sigh, but made no reply. While exchanging these hurried sentences, the Trail-hunter and the Mexican had joined, and now rode side by side. Valentine continued—
"Follow me for a few moments. I will lead you to a spot where we can converse at ease, without fear of being disturbed."