“For thy life, no!” interposed the Knight quickly, striking up the muzzle of the gun.  “That were to inform any wandering savages of our retreat.”

“I will then explore the bush to find out what it is, whom curiosity has attracted—­whether beast or Indian.”

“It were well not to do so,” said the Knight.  “It would only be unnecessary exposure; and an enemy, if it be one, would have every possible advantage in waiting for thee—­he knowing thy position, and thou not his.”

“Nevertheless, it were a great satisfaction could I discern the creature.  Perhaps I may bring back a buck for breakfast.  Thou art acquainted with the stupid habit of deer to gaze on fire.  It may be one of them.”

“For all that, I counsel thee to remain.  A prudent soldier exposes not himself to danger without cause.”

“By Heaven!” exclaimed Arundel, “I see the eyes of the animal again, in the light of the fire.  I will shoot, come what will of it;” and before the Knight could interfere, he had discharged his piece in the direction of the object.  The dark woods echoed to the report, and some birds disturbed from their perches began to flutter blindly round, but no other sounds were heard, and presently silence, as profound as before, brooded over the forest.

“Thou hast been guilty of a sad imprudence, Master Arundel,” said the Knight, “and I hope no evil consequences may result therefrom.  What art thou about now?”

But the young man, who, from the instant he had discharged his piece, had been busy reloading it, and whose preparations were now completed, paid no attention to the question; but, excited by what he had seen, rushed out of the cave into the open air.

“Santa Madre de Dios!” exclaimed the Knight.  “I hope nothing evil will befall him.  Were it better now to follow or to remain?”

While Sir Christopher was deliberating, Arundel, holding his piece in readiness, cautiously took his way toward the thicket, whence he fancied the eyes had looked.  As he was groping along, not yet recovered from the blinding effect of the fire-glare, he suddenly felt his gun seized, and several strong arms thrown round his person.  He cried out for assistance, and struggled, but in vain.  The gun was torn away, a hand placed over his mouth, and a tomahawk brandished at him, as if to intimate his doom, should he continue his outcries.  In this state of things nothing was left but to yield himself to his captors, and, resigning himself to his fate, he waited for what should follow; nor was he kept long in suspense, for presently an Indian came gliding up to the group in whose midst he stood, and spoke a few words, whereupon he was led to the cave, and directed by signs to enter it.  Here he found Sir Christopher lying quietly on the ground, without apparently having received any injury, and his piece in the possession of some Indians by whom he was surrounded.  Arundel was permitted to sit down by his side, admiring, as he did so, the wonderful composure of the Knight.