elevated regions sounds are heard twice the
ordinary distance; and I shouted, at the top of my voice, "Moro! Moro!"

I did not halt, but ran on, calling as I went.

I saw a sudden commotion among the horses. Their heads were tossed up,
and then one dashed out from the drove and came galloping towards me. I
knew the broad black chest and red muzzle. I knew them at a glance. It
was my brave steed, my Moro!

The rest followed, trooping after; but before they were up to trample
me, I had met my horse, and flung myself, panting, upon his back!

I had no rein; but my favourite was used to the guidance of my voice,
hands, and knees; and directing him through the herd, I headed for the
western end of the valley. I heard the yells of the mounted savages as
I cleared the caballada; and looking back, I saw a string of twenty or
more coming after me as fast as their horses could gallop.

But I had no fear of them now. I knew my Moro too well; and after I had
cleared the ten miles of valley, and was springing up the steep front of
the sierra, I saw my pursuers still back upon the plain.

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE.

A CONFLICT UPON A CLIFF.

My horse, idle for days, had recovered his full action, and bore me up
the rocky path with proud, springy step. My nerves drew vigour from
his, and the strength of my body was fast returning. It was well. I
would soon be called upon to use it. The picket was still to be passed.

While escaping from the town, in the excitement of the more proximate
peril I had not thought of this ulterior one. I now remembered it. It
flashed upon me of a sudden, and I commenced gathering my resolution to
meet it.

I knew there was a picket upon the mountain! Sanchez had said so; he
had heard them say so. What number of men composed it? Sanchez had
said two, but he was not certain of this. Two would be enough, more
than enough for me, still weak, and armed as I was with a weapon in the
use of which I had little skill.

How would they be armed? Doubtless with bows, lances, tomahawks, and
knives. The odds were all against me.

At what point should I find them? They were videttes. Their chief duty
was to watch the plains without. They would be at some station, then,
commanding a view of these.

I remembered the road well--the same by which we had first entered the
valley. There was a platform near the western brow of the sierra. I
recollected it, for we had halted upon it while ou