e whose head I see out yonder. That will be off his
shoulders, or if on them only to help hold in its place the loop-end of
my _lazo_. But I must make haste. For what if Halberger have
recognised me? I don't think he did or could; 'twas too dark. If he
have, what--ay, what? Of course they'll know that wasn't likely to be
the last of it, and that there's something more to come. They'd be
simpletons not to think so; and thinking it, still greater fools if they
don't take some steps to flee away from this new roost they've been
perching upon. But whither can they? The young Tovas chief is
compromised with them--dead declared as their enemy so long as he keeps
that pretty creature captive in his toldo; and there are others of the
tribe will stand by me, I know. The glass beads and other glistening
baubles will secure the young, while a few golden onzas skilfully
distributed will do the same for the _sagamores_. No fear then, no
failure yet! With the Tovas on my side, there isn't a spot in the Chaco
to shelter them. So, _caballeros_! you can keep on. In a week from
this time, I hope to hold an interview with you, less distant and more
satisfactory to myself."

After delivering this quaint rigmarole, he sits watching them till their
heads finally sink below the sea of grass, the rheas feathers in
Caspar's high crowned hat being the last to disappear, as it were waving
back defiance and to the death!

Soon as they are out of sight, and he no longer fears an encounter with
his old enemy, Valdez turns to the consideration of some other things
which have appeared strange to him. At first, why they are riding so
slowly, for as long as seen they were proceeding in a walking-gait
rarely witnessed upon the pampas, and never where the horseman is a
gaucho; for he gallops if it were but to the stream, within a stone's
throw of his solitary cabin, to fetch a jar of water!

"Nothing in that," he mutters, "now I come to think of it. Only natural
they should be going at snail's pace. _Carrai_! the wonder is the
_gringo_ being able for even that, or go at all. I thought I'd given
him his _quietus_, for surely I sent my spear right through his ribs!
It must have struck button, or buckle, or something, and glinted off.
Mad fool of me, when I had him down, not to make sure of my work! Well,
it's no use blubbering about it now. Next time I'll take better care
how the thing's done."

After a short pause, he resumes his st