“I have only done my duty,” said Diaz, simply.
“Say to our men that it is necessary for us to reconnoitre the environs of the camp, and tell the sentinels to keep strict watch until our return, and then we shall proceed towards the valley.”
“Cuchillo must certainly be there, and we shall catch him either going or returning.”
“We shall find him in the valley,” said Don Estevan. “When you have seen it, you will find it a place that a man like Cuchillo could not make up his mind to leave.”
Diaz departed to execute his orders, and Don Estevan caused his tent to be pitched again, that even in his absence his starry banner might float over the camp as a sign of his protective authority. This done, he threw himself on his couch, and slept the sleep of a soldier after a day of fighting and fatigue.
Little more than an hour after, Diaz stood before him, “Señor Don Estevan,” said he, “all is prepared for starting.”
The chief rose and found his horse awaiting him ready saddled.
“Diaz,” said he, “ask the sentinels if Gayferos has returned.”
Diaz questioned one of the men, who replied, “The poor fellow will probably never return. The Indians must have surprised and killed him before attacking us, and that probably was the cause of the firing that we heard in the afternoon.”
“I fear it is but too certain that he has been murdered,” replied Diaz; “but as for the firing that we heard, I believe that had a different origin.”