gh the night had been dry
throughout, the garments of both pedestrians appeared saturated with
water!

Without the slightest suspicion that Don Rafael was in the tree, or that
any other human being was near, the two men were nevertheless moving
with cautious steps. Now they looked to the right, and then to the
left, with quick earnest glances--as if they were either searching for
something, or in dread that an enemy might be concealed in the bushes.

"These droll fellows," said the Colonel to himself, "are either
searching for some one, or fear that some one is searching for them--
which of the two?"

He watched them, listening attentively.

The same reason which had induced Don Rafael to select this part of the
wood as a hiding-place--that is the impenetrability of the thicket that
surrounded it--seemed to have influenced in like manner the two
thinly-clad pedestrians.

"We had better stop here," said one to the other, as both came to a
halt, "at least until we can put on our clothes again."

"Agreed," was the response; "but we must make our stay as short as
possible: we should by this time have been far along the road to
Huajapam."

Each at the same moment untied the parcel which he carried, and which
consisted of his upper garments that had been kept dry. Then stripping
off their wet shirts and drawers, they commenced dressing themselves in
their proper habiliments.

"So, amigo!" said the first speaker, pointing to a small packet which
the other had been carrying, "that, you tell me, is worth its weight in
gold?"

"Yes; and you shall soon find that you have nothing to regret in helping
me to escape, and sharing with me the douceur we shall receive on
presenting it. If we are only lucky enough to get away from this
neighbourhood--I have no doubt they will pursue us."

"We may be certain of that, _compadre_; but don't be uneasy about their
finding us. If we should fall into the hands of any of those who are
besieging Del Valle, trust me for getting clear of them. As they are my
comrades, and don't know yet that I have run away, I shall be able to
mislead them. I can tell them, that I have been sent along with you, to
receive the ransom of one of our prisoners."

"What if they should carry us back to Arroyo's camp?"

"Why, in that case we shall both be hanged. What matters it, a little
sooner or later--it is the common lot?" philosophically added Juan el
Zapote--for it was he, in company with the