It was not likely they would speedily depart; but if they did, it would only be to return again, in far greater force than at present.

Other opportunities would occur for rejoining them, and it would be folly to throw away his life, and that of his companion, in an attempt that the latter evidently felt to be desperate.

He had already had proof of the vigilance of the Aztec scouts, and doubtless that vigilance would now be redoubled.
"No, Bathalda," he replied at last; "I should be content to remain in hiding for a time, and to risk the departure of the white men." "Then, my lord, my advice is, that we retrace our steps across to the other side of the mountains.

Then we will head north, avoiding the towns, and take refuge for a time in the forests, that stretch for many leagues over the mountains.

There we can build a hut and hunt.