"Then they are traitors or cowards, for the means I am about to employ are known to everybody in the prairie."
The general darted a glance of mistrust at the Babbler, who had not been able to suppress an appearance of disagreeable surprise at the sudden coming of the two strangers.
"Well," said the hunter, "that is an account you can settle with them hereafter; we have something else to think of now."
The Mexicans at the sight of this determined man, with his sharp impressive language, had instinctively beheld a preserver; they felt their courage revive with hope, and held themselves ready to execute his orders with promptness.
"Be quick!" said the hunter, "and pull up all the grass that surrounds the camp."
Everyone set to work at once.
"For our part," the stranger continued, addressing the general, "we will take wetted blankets and spread them in front of the baggage."
The general, the captain, and the doctor, under the directions of the hunter, did as he desired, whilst his companion lassoed the horses and the mules, and hobbled them in the centre of the camp.
"Be quick! be quick!" the hunter cried incessantly, "the fire gains upon us!"
Everyone redoubled his exertions, and, in a short time a large space was cleared.