--I remember to
have been--"

"Hold there, friend Benito!" cried Baraja, interrupting him, "no more of
your horrible stories; I have not forgotten that frightful night by the
well of La Poza."

"Well," rejoined the herdsman, "unless they are firing at either
Cuchillo or Gayferos--or perhaps at both--I cannot divine the cause of
their continued fusillade. These Indians are as curious as the very
devil; and they can extract a secret almost as effectually as the Holy
Inquisition itself. Perhaps they are frightening either the guide or
Gayferos to betray the situation of our camp."

"God forbid they should succeed!" exclaimed Baraja.

"I join you in the prayer," said the ex-herdsman: "but I cannot help
remarking, how imprudent in our chief to permit the fire. The smoke has
been rising all day like a column. In an atmosphere like this it may be
seen for leagues off!"

"I agree with you," replied Baraja; "but then you know it was kindled at
the express wish of the guide--so that he might find the way to where we
should be encamped. Both humanity towards Cuchillo, as well as our own
interest in his safety, required us to light the fire."

"Ah! that is not so certain. Between ourselves, I haven't much
confidence in this Cuchillo. He appears to be one of those guides whose
paths always end in quagmires."

"But have you not heard the rumour of the camp?"

"What rumour? That Don Estevan is not going by mere hazard to search
for a mine of gold; but that he already knows of the existence of a rich
placer? Is it that you mean?"

"Yes--or rather that Don Estevan knows of the existence of the placer;
but not _where_ it is, or the road that leads to it. This is only known
to Cuchillo, whose death would therefore be an irreparable loss to all
of us."

"Bah!" replied the ex-herdsman, with a shake of the head; "Cuchillo's
face is one that could never deceive an experienced eye. For my part I
hope I am deceived in him, though I doubt it."

"Oh, Senor Benito, you always look upon the dark side of things."

"Well, perhaps so--and on this very night I may especially appear a bird
of ill omen, for I cannot help feeling the presentiment that there is
danger near us. See! look yonder! The animals have left off eating--
both mules and horses. Observe how they stand listening, as if they
heard something. Well, what is to come will come; and I have not much
to lose--even my life is not worth much."

And with this cons