488 THE AD VENTURES OF 



On reaching firm ground again, we hoped to perceive a hu- 

 man dwelling, but the trees restricted our view. 



At last j in the afternoon of the third day, just as we were 

 endeavoring to go round two wild bulls engaged in a com- 

 bat, a horseman came out in front of us, halted for a mo- 

 ment as if in indecision, and then turned short round and 

 rode off, after having fired his gun at us. 



We hurried on our horses, making sure of soon coming 

 upon a hacienda, when we heard another gunshot, and a 



bullet whistled by our ears. The Indian rode swiftly to- 

 wards the would-be murderer, but he went off at full gal- 

 lop. In spite of my cries, the Indian fired at him, and horse 

 and man rolled upon the ground. 



The fool had mistaken us for horse-stealers ; and the 

 Indian, after soundly thrashing him, at my entreaty let 

 him off. 



When night came, we were at the foot of the mountains ; 

 so all we had to do was to join the main road from Vera 



