Then we saw the lazos launched out, and spinning around Raoul's head, and straggling shots were fired; and we fancied at one time that our comrade sprang up in the saddle, as if he had been hit.

Then he appeared again, all safe, rounding the little islet of timber, and the next moment he was gone from our sight.

There followed a while of suspense--of terrible suspense--for the motte hid from view both pursuers and pursued.

Every eye was straining towards the point where the horseman had disappeared, when Lincoln, who had climbed to the top of the rancho, cried out: "He's safe, Cap'n! The dod-rotted skunks air kummin 'ithout him." It was true.

A minute after, the horsemen appeared round the motte, riding slowly back, with that air and attitude that betoken disappointment.
-- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Note.