"Do so," the Jaguar answered; "who are they?" "I will not deprive you," Davis, said, with a smile, "of the pleasure of recognizing them yourself." The young Chief did not press the matter, for he knew the ex-slave dealer too well not to place the most perfect confidence in him. A few minutes later, according to his promise, Davis entered the jacal with his comrades; the Jaguar gave a start of joy at seeing them, and quickly walked up to offer his hand. These three men were Lanzi, Quoniam, and Black-deer. "Oh, oh!" he exclaimed, "Here you are, then. Heaven be praised! I did not dare hope for your return." "Why not?" Lanzi asked; "As we are still alive, thanks to God! You ought to have expected us." "So many things have happened since our parting, so many misfortunes have assailed us, so many of our friends have fallen not to rise again, that, on receiving no news of you, I trembled at the thought that you might also be dead." "You know, my friend," the American said, "that we have been absent a very long time, and are consequently quite ignorant of what has happened since our departure." "Well, I will tell you all. But first one word." "Speak." "Where is Tranquil?" "Only a few leagues from here, and you will soon see him; he sent me forward, indeed, to warn you of his speedy arrival." "Thanks," the young man replied, pensively. "Is that all you desire to know?" "Nearly so, for of course you have received no news of ----?" "News of whom?" the American asked, seeing that the Jaguar hesitated. "Of Carmela?" he at length said, with a tremendous effort. "Of Carmela?" John Davis exclaimed, in surprise: "How could we have received any news? Tranquil, on the contrary, hopes to hear some from you." "From me?" "Hang it! You must know better than any of us how the dear child is." "I do not understand you." "And yet it is very clear. I will not remind you in what way we succeeded, after the capture of the Larch-tree, in saving the poor girl from that villain who carried her off; I will merely remind you that on the very day when Tranquil and I, by your express orders, started to join Loyal Heart, the maiden was confided in your presence to Captain Johnson, who would convey her to the house of a respectable lady at Galveston, who was willing to offer her a shelter." "Well?" "What do you mean by, well?" "Yes, I knew all that, so it was useless to tell it me. What I ask you is, whether, since Carmela went to, Galveston, you have received any news of her?" "Why, it is impossible, my friend; how could we have received any? Remember that we proceeded to the desert." "That is true," the young man replied, disconsolately; "I am mad. Forgive me." "What is the matter? Why this pallor, my friend, this restlessness I see in your eyes?" "Ah!" he said, with a sigh, "It is because I have received news of Carmela, if you have not." "You, my friend?" "Yes, I." "A long time ago, I presume?"