There was no mistaking the object of these
manoeuvres. As clearly as if declared. I divined their intent. _He
was summoning the "Destroyers_!"

Not a moment was to be lost. I rushed back to the rear of the waggon;
and with open arms gave utterance to my anguished appeal. But it needed
not that, Marian had been, before me. Both she and her sister had
witnessed the scene within the corral. Both already foresaw the coming
storm: and ere my lips could close, after delivering the impassioned
speech, Lilian Holt lay upon my bosom! It was the first time that fair
cheek had pressed upon my shoulder--the first time those soft arms had
entwined around my neck! Not for an instant dared I indulge in the
sweet embrace. If we lingered, it might be the last! To the tents! to
the tents! I knew that the horses would be waiting. A signal already
given should have warned my comrades; and I had no conjecture, no fear
about their being in readiness. As I expected, we found them all--both
men and horses--the steeds saddled, bridled, and ready. The Mexican was
there with the rest. The apparition of the dog had given him his cue;
and he had hurriedly returned to the tents. We thought not of these,
nor of the other paraphernalia--neither our mules nor their packs. Our
lives and liberty alone concerned us. My Arab neighed joyfully, as I
sprang into the saddle. He was proud to carry that fairer form upon the
croup; and, as he bounded forward over the plain, his triumphant snort
told, that he understood the glorious service he was called upon to
perform.

As we parted from the tents, we could see a number of dark forms rushing
out from the avenue. In the red glare their shadows were projected far
over the plain--even in advance of our horses. They were the shadows of
men afoot; and we soon galloped beyond them. The music had suddenly
ceased; and the murmuring hum of the dancers had given place to shouts
and loud cries, that betokened a _stampede_ in the camp. We could
distinguish the voices of men calling to the horse-guards; and, soon
after, the quick trampling of hoofs, as the animals were hurried up to
the enclosure. But we had very little uneasiness about the pursuit. We
were too well-mounted to fear being overtaken; and, as we galloped off
into the night, with confidence could we echo the cry of the bold
borderer: "They'll have fleet steeds that follow!"

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THREE.

SEEKING A CACHE.

We r