"We are going to enter regions," Andrés replied, "where our horses will become more injurious than useful; in the mountains a footman passes anywhere, a horseman nowhere."
"That is true; let us leave our horses here, then; the noble brutes will not stray beyond the spot where they can find provender. When we require them; we shall be sure to find them again, with a little search."
"Is that the señorita's opinion also?" the gambusino asked respectfully.
"Quite," she answered.
"Then let us dismount, remove saddle and bridle, and leave them to their instinct."
They removed everything that could trouble the horses, and then drove them away. The intelligent animals, accustomed to this, only went a few yards, and began quietly nibbling the thick prairie grass.
"That is all right," the gambusino said; "now let us think of ourselves."
"But the harness," White Gazelle remarked; "the moment will come when we shall be glad to have it ready to hand."
"Perfectly true," said Andrés; "so we will put it in a safe place; for instance, this hollow tree will form a famous storeroom."
"Caramba! that is an original idea," Don Pablo said, "and deserves being followed."