old campaigner, our tramp should be a
trifle, and yet I confess my limbs are not as supple as in the
morning. Thou wert excusable shouldest thou feel it more."

"I feel no fatigue now," said Arundel, "though an hour ago I might
have confessed it. But what is that?" he exclaimed, grasping his gun.
"Methought I saw two eyes peering from the thicket. Shall I fire?" he
added, bringing the piece to his shoulder.

"For thy life, no!" interposed the Knight quickly, striking up the
muzzle of the gun. "That were to inform any wandering savages of our
retreat."

"I will then explore the bush to find out what it is, whom curiosity
has attracted--whether beast or Indian."

"It were well not to do so," said the Knight. "It would only be
unnecessary exposure; and an enemy, if it be one, would have every
possible advantage in waiting for thee--he knowing thy position, and
thou not his."

"Nevertheless, it were a great satisfaction could I discern the
creature. Perhaps I may bring back a buck for breakfast. Thou art
acquainted with the stupid habit of deer to gaze on fire. It may be
one of them."

"For all that, I counsel thee to remain. A prudent soldier exposes not
himself to danger without cause."

"By Heaven!" exclaimed Arundel, "I see the eyes of the animal again,
in the light of the fire. I will shoot, come what will of it;" and
before the Knight could interfere, he had discharged his piece in the
direction of the object. The dark woods echoed to the report, and some
birds disturbed from their perches began to flutter blindly round, but
no other sounds were heard, and presently silence, as profound as
before, brooded over the forest.

"Thou hast been guilty of a sad imprudence, Master Arundel," said the
Knight, "and I hope no evil consequences may result therefrom. What
art thou about now?"

But the young man, who, from the instant he had discharged his piece,
had been busy reloading it, and whose preparations were now completed,
paid no attention to the question; but, excited by what he had seen,
rushed out of the cave into the open air.

"_Santa Madre de Dios!_" exclaimed the Knight. "I hope nothing evil
will befall him. Were it better now to follow or to remain?"

While Sir Christopher was deliberating, Arundel, holding his piece in
readiness, cautiously took his way toward the thicket, whence he
fancied the eyes had looked. As he was groping along, not yet
recovered from the blinding effect of the fire-glare, h