The cunning spy was now sure that the place of meeting was to be the grove itself, and might have returned with that information; but Roblado had distinctly ordered her not to leave until she saw the meeting itself, and was certain of the spot. She therefore remained where she was, and awaited the further proceedings of the lovers. Carlos, on perceiving the signal, had answered it by flashing some powder already prepared. He lost no time in obeying the well-known summons. A single moment by the side of his horse--a whisper which the latter well understood--and he parted from the copse, Cibolo following at his heels. On reaching the end of the bridge he bent down, and, addressing some words in a low voice to the dog, proceeded to cross over. The animal did not follow him, but lay down on the opposite bank of the stream. The next moment the lovers were together. From the spot where she lay the mestiza witnessed their greeting. The moon shone upon their faces--the fair skin and curly locks of Carlos were distinctly visible under the light. The girl knew the cibolero--it was he. She had seen all that was necessary for Roblado to know. The grove was the place of meeting. It only remained for her to get back to the officer, and give the information. She was about to crawl away, and had already half risen, when to her dismay, the lovers appeared coming through the grove, and towards the very arbour behind which she lay! Their faces were turned towards the spot where she was crouching. If she rose to her feet, or attempted to go off, she could not fail to be seen by one or other of them. She had no alternative but to remain where she was--at least until some better opportunity offered of getting away--and with this intention she again squatted down close under the shadow of the arbour. A moment after the lovers entered, and seated themselves upon the benches with which the little bower was provided. CHAPTER FORTY SIX. The hearts of both were so agitated that for some moments neither gave utterance to their thoughts. Catalina was the first to speak. "Your sister?" she inquired. "She is better. I have had the rancho restored. They have returned to it, and the old scenes seem to have worked a miracle upon her. Her senses came at once, and relapse only at long intervals. I have hopes it will be all well again." "I am glad to hear this. Poor child! she must have suffered sadly in the hands of these rude savages." "Rude savages! Ay, Catalina, you have styled them appropriately, though you little know of whom you are speaking." "Of whom?" echoed the lady, in surprise. Up to this moment even she had no other than the popular and universal belief that Carlos' sister had been a captive in the hands of the Indians!