The Pirates of the Prairies

ad terror then seized on the Indians, and they turned and fled in every direction; ten minutes later they had disappeared. The hunters did not dream for a moment of pursui

ss horse which passed a few paces fro

hose dogs belong?"

," Curumilla

in luck's way then. Stanapat, I belie

the horse he had lassoed by the side of the o

so providentially arrived at the moment when he believed himself hopelessly lost. At the so

brambles that barred his way, and boldly proceeded to the clearing where the hunters were ambushed. This man, whom the re

cans, Don Melchior took off his hat and bowed cou

are, caballeros; but I thank you sincerely for y

an invisible bond connects all the individuals

denial, "the worthy principles you enunciate, caballero, are but very slightly put in practice: but I ought not at this

owed, and the s

gentlemen, that I may retain in my hea

cing glance, that seemed to be trying to read hi

words: I have suffered much, and, in spite of myself,

ed. "Each of us has his cross to bear here: Don Miguel de Zar

led the stranger's cheeks, and his eye flashe

w. "I have been informed of the dangers he has incurred-dangers

iguel said. "Alas! We have other a

ly for an instant-then stepped forwa

oment I devote myself, body and soul, to your service; and I belong to you as the haft does to the blade. I k

he hunter exclai

chery which cast you into the power of your enemies. I know,

to be so well inform

for a second round

ancholy voice. "What matters

questions, we have a right t

of Mexico, where I have long rendered myself popular by foolish squandering, El Gambusino-on the coasts of the United States, and in the Gulf of Mexico, where I sometimes command a cutter, and chase the slavers, I am call

he side of heroic deeds, and acts of kindness deserving all praise, he was branded with crimes of unheard-of cruelty and unexampled ferocity. He inspired a mysterious terr

me they had found themselves face to face with him; and, in spite of themselves, they were

ge you, which was hitherto impossible, through the exaggerated stories told about you. You say that you can be useful to us in the enterprise we are meditating, and we accept y

for twenty years, and have not yet managed to crush him. Ah! He is a rough adversary! I know it, for I am his

from an extraordinary emotion. Valentine looked at him for an instant with a mingled feeling of pity and sympathy. The hunter, who h

dially offered him his hand, "Instead

e squeezed the offered hand, and answered in a dull

; for I have comra

ns at this news, which announced to him a valu

this demon, who is associated with the Pirates of the

ly ourselves with Indian tribes. But I swear to you that I shall not quit

, I would ask you to follow me; for we have not a moment to lose if we wish

my pale brother," he said, as he pointed to th

r uttered a

loudly exclai

taking us?" V

selected for them. Then we will arrange the me

"that is excellent reasoning

e miles at the most; we s

rt then," Va

e spot had returned to its usual calmness and silence. Nothing was left to prove that man had passed that way, save a few m