Part 38 (1/2)

”It is indeed. Perhaps they see some of their friends coming.”

”Or inimies,” suggested Quashy.

The latter was right. In a few minutes the Indians were seen to run down to the defences of the place. Our unfortunates lost sight of them in a few seconds, but they could hear the sound of hors.e.m.e.n approaching at full gallop. In a few minutes they heard shouting; then the yells, fearful cries, and imprecations of men in mortal combat. Soon after that a savage pa.s.sed the place where they lay, at full speed. Then another and another. It became quickly evident that the defenders of the place were getting the worst of it. At last there was a general flight, and as the savages pa.s.sed by, the new a.s.sailants appeared. It was easy to see that they were composed of all cla.s.ses, a band of runaway soldiers and escaped convicts.

”Banditti!” exclaimed Lawrence, bitterly.

”Dey've got pris'ners. Look, ma.s.sa.”

Our poor hero looked, and his hearts nearly stood still with horror, for he saw a horseman pa.s.s whose figure was strangely like to that of Colonel Marchbanks. His arms were bound, and a villainous-looking man led his horse. Immediately after another bandit-like fellow rode past with a female form seated in front of him. Of course it could be no other than Manuela, and in the agony of the moment Lawrence was about to renew his frantic effort to burst his bonds, when a man on foot ran close past him. Recognising him at once, Lawrence shouted--

”Ignacio!”

The old hunter, for it was he, stopped abruptly, and listened.

Another shout brought him to the side of our hero.

”Good luck!” exclaimed Ignacio, heartily.

”We have been bound by the scoundrels you are chasing,” cried Lawrence, quickly; ”cut us free, good Ignacio.”

The hunter drew his long knife and knelt with the apparent intention of releasing them, but suddenly paused.

”No--better as you are,” he muttered, hurriedly, ”your friends are in danger--”

”I know it,” interrupted Lawrence, almost wild with anxiety and surprise; ”why not, then, release us?”

”There is no time to explain,” said Ignacio, quickly, almost fiercely.

”Listen. I and others are secret enemies in this band of outlaws. When you are free be silent, be wise. You will need all your manhood. You must not know me--be silent--wise, but--”

The old hunter leaped up hastily, sheathed his knife and ran on, for at the moment he saw a group of the bandits running towards him. Diverging a little and hailing them, he drew them away from the spot where Lawrence and his man still lay bound.

”Das a puzzler, ma.s.sa,” gasped Quashy, who had been rendered almost speechless by surprise, ”if de bu'stin'-power what's in my heart just now would on'y go into my muscles, I'd snap dem ropes like Samson.”

As the bursting-power referred to declined to go into the muscles of either master or man, they were fain to lie still with as much patience as they could a.s.sume, and await the course of events.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

IN WHICH OLD FRIENDS AND ENEMIES TURN UP IN QUITE A SURPRISING MANNER, AND QUASHY'S JOY OVERFLOWS.

They had not to wait long. A few minutes later and old Ignacio returned with several men, one of whom, from his manner and bearing, appeared to be a chief among the outlaws.

”Who are you, and who bound you?” asked this chief, with a stern look.

Answering in his best Spanish, Lawrence explained how he fell into the hands of the savages.

The chief did not speak for a few seconds, but looked inquiringly at Ignacio.

”It won't do to make more prisoners, you know,” said the old hunter, replying to the look; ”we have too many on our hands as it is. The troops are already on our track, and you may be sure they won't lose time. Besides, these men are unknown, and won't fetch a ransom.”