a man of less than medium size; but with a sweet expression of
features, from which his sunburnt complexion did not detract. Even at
that terrible moment his countenance appeared calm and serene!

Don Rafael did not attempt to interrupt his proceedings, but stood
regarding him with a feeling of deep gratitude.

For some moments the muleteer continued to use the stone. Then stopping
the process, he placed his hand once more to feel the pulsation. This
time he appeared less satisfied than before.

"He will founder," said he, "if something be not done to prevent it. He
must have more breath through his nostrils. There is but one way to
save him. Assist me to try it. We must haste, for the bell is tolling
with double violence to give warning that the waters are near."

As he was speaking, he drew a cord from the pocket of his leathern
apron; and, forming a running noose at one end of it, he drew it tightly
around the muzzle of the horse, just above the nostrils.

"Now," said he, handing the cord to Don Rafael. "First cover the
horse's eyes with your handkerchief; and then hold the cord with all
your might."

While Don Rafael hastened to obey the directions, the muleteer took a
knife from his belt, and with a quick cut divided the transparent
partition between the nostrils of the animal. The blood gushed forth in
copious jets; and the horse, notwithstanding the efforts of Don Rafael
to hold him to the ground, reared up on his hind legs, and struck
forward with his hoofs. A hollow gurgling noise came forth from his
nostrils as the air rushed in through the opening that had been made.

"Now!" exclaimed the muleteer, "you need no longer fear for his wind.
Your horse can run as far as his legs will carry him. You will be saved
if you are to be saved."

"Your name," cried Don Rafael, stretching out his hand to the muleteer;
"your name, that I may always keep it in remembrance."

"Valerio Trujano, a poor _arriero_; not very fortunate in his affairs,
but who consoles himself with the belief that he has done his duty, and
leaves the rest to God. Our lives are now in His hands. Let us pray
that He may preserve them from the awful danger that is before us."

Repeating these words with an air of solemnity, the muleteer took off
his hat, displaying to view a mass of black curling hair. Then kneeling
upon the sand, he raised his eyes to heaven, and in a voice of prayer
pronounced the words:--

"_De profundis cla