"Hope! how can you tell me to do so, mother? During the last two days my friends and I have attempted things that would appear impossible--and yet without result. Hope! and in a few hours this miserable wretch will come to claim the prey he covets! Better to die than see such a crime consummated." Doña Luz cast upon him a glance of a peculiar expression, a melancholy smile for a moment passed over her lips, and then she gently laid her delicate little hand upon his shoulder,-- "Loyal Heart," she said, with her melodious, clear voice, "do you love me?" The young man started; a tremor pervaded every limb. "Why that question?" he said, in a deeply agitated tone. "Answer me," she replied, "without hesitation, as I put the question to you; the hour is a solemn one; I have a favour to ask of you." "Oh! name it, señora; you know I can refuse you nothing!" "Answer me, then," she said, trembling with emotion; "do you love me?" "If it be love to desire to sacrifice my life for you--if it be love to suffer martyrdom at witnessing the flowing of a tear which I would purchase with my whole blood--if it be love to have the courage to see you accomplish the sacrifice that will be required from you tomorrow in order to save your uncle--oh! yes, señora, I love you with all my soul! Therefore, speak without fear: whatever you ask of me I will perform with joy." "That is well, my dear friend," she said, "I depend upon your word; tomorrow I will remind you of it when that man presents himself; but, in the first place, my uncle must be saved, if it were to cost me my life. Alas! he has been a father to me: he loves me as his daughter. It was on my account that he fell into the hands of the bandits. Oh! swear to me, Loyal Heart, that you will deliver him," she added, with an expression of anguish impossible to be described. Loyal Heart was about to reply when Belhumeur and Black Elk entered the grotto. "At last!" he cried, springing towards them. The three men talked for a few minutes together in a low voice: then the hunter returned hastily towards the two women. His face was glowing with animation. "You were right, my dear mother," he exclaimed, in a cheerful tone, "God is good: He will not abandon those who place their confidence in Him. Now it is my turn to say, Hope, Doña Luz, I will soon restore your uncle to you." "Oh!" she cried, joyfully, "can it be possible?" "Hope! I repeat! Adieu, mother! Implore God to second me; I am about, more than ever, to stand in need of His help!" Without saying more the young man rushed out of the grotto, followed by the greater part of his companions. "What did he mean by what he said?" Doña Luz asked, anxiously. "Come with me, my daughter," the old lady replied, sorrowfully; "come, let us pray for him." She drew her softly towards the retired part of the grotto which they inhabited. There only remained about half a score men charged with the defence of the two women. CHAPTER XI. THE PRISONERS.