n in those parts.

That he had discovered and was watching our camp, I entertained no
doubt, yet for the moment the surprise of seeing him was so great I was
unable to choose my safer course,--should I withdraw silently as I
came, or make quick attack? If the first, he would certainly see me
recross the river, and suspect my mission. Nor was the other
alternative more promising. If I sprang upon him (and he looked a
burly antagonist), such combat could not be noiseless, and surely the
fellow was not alone in this wilderness. How close at hand lurked his
companions was beyond guessing, yet, if the sound of struggle aroused
that band of wolves, my life would not be worth the snapping of a
finger. I felt cold chills creep up my spine as I stood hesitating,
one foot uplifted, my eyes staring at that motionless figure.

I waited too long, until every vantage left me. Suddenly the soldier
swung back from his lookout on to firmer ground, wheeled, and faced me.
I marked his start of surprise, noting his right hand drop, with
soldierly instinct, upon the sword hilt, half drawing the blade before
recovering from that first impulse. Then curiosity usurped the place
of fear. He took one step backward, still upon guard, surveying me
carefully with one glinting gray eye, for the other had been closed by
a slashing cut, which left an ugly white scar extending half-way down
his cheek. Except for this deformity, he was a man of fair appearance,
having a stern, clearly chiselled face, with a certain arrogant manner,
telling of long authority in scenes of war. A half smile of contempt
played across his features as he ran me down from head to foot,
evidently with the thought I was little worthy of his steel. It was
then I recognized him. There had been familiarity about his great bulk
from the first, yet now, as I faced him fairly, marking the haughty
sneer curl his lips, I knew him instantly as that officer who passed us
in the boat with the priest.

"By the true cross!" he exclaimed at last, as if his breath had barely
returned, "you gave me a start such as I have not often had in all my
soldiering. Yet you are no ghost; your aspect is altogether too
healthful for one condemned to exist upon air. _Saprista_! you must
have a light foot to steal thus on me unheard. Who are you, fellow?
What do you here upon this soil of Spain?"

I leaned lightly on my rifle, so that I might swing it easily if
occasion warranted, determin