How was it possible the cibolero could be aware of, or even suspect, their presence? They did not for a moment fancy that he knew of their return from their hunting expedition. It was quite dark the night before, when they had passed up the valley to the mission; and after unpacking the produce of their hunt, which had been done without observation, the Padre Joaquin had enjoined on them not to show themselves in the town before he should send them word. But few of the mission servants, then, knew of their return; and for the rest, no one knew anything who would or could have communicated it to Carlos. Therefore, reasoned they, he could have no suspicion of their being in the cave. As to their trail up the ravine, he would not notice it on his return. He would only strike it where it led over the shingle, and, of course, there it would not be visible even in daylight. Never was a trap better set. He would walk into the cave unsuspectingly, and perhaps leading his horse. They would spring upon him--dogs and all--and pinion him before he could draw either pistol or knife! There seemed no chance for him. For all that there _was_ a chance, as the yellow hunter well knew; and it was that which caused him at intervals to mutter-- "Dam! fear dog give us trouble, boy Pepe." To this the zambo's only response was the bitter shibboleth--"_Carajo_!" showing that both were uneasy about the dog. Long before this time both had heard of the fame of Cibolo, though neither had a full knowledge of the perfect training to which that sagacious animal had attained. They reflected that, should the dog enter the cave first, they would be discovered by him, and warning given to his master. Should he enter it before the latter had got near, the chances were that their ambuscade would prove a failure. On the other hand, should the dog remain in the rear, all would go right. Even should he approach at the same time with his master, so that the latter might get near without being alarmed, there would still be a chance of their rushing out upon and shooting either horse or rider. Thus reasoned these two treacherous ruffians in the interim of the cibolero's absence.