The distance which separated the two men from their place of destination was about twelve English miles.  The plain between the upper, or eastern mouth of the Canon of the Bocas and the foot of the Santa Fe mountain-range rises gradually, and in even but extensive undulations.  It is closed to the north by a broad sandy ridge, which skirts the northern bank of the little Santa Fe stream.  That ridge extends from the east, where Santa Fe stands, to the volcanic mesa through which the cleft of the Bocas meanders in the west; and the plain lies south of it, dipping in that direction as well as to the west also.  Several ravines with sloping borders run through it from east to west; the nearest one south of the Santa Fe river is called Arroyo Hondo.  These gorges or channels are dry except in the rainy season, when torrents of water gush down them for a few hours after some exceedingly violent shower in the mountains.  The vegetation of the plain consists mainly of bunch-grass, juniper, and tall, arborescent cacti.

Hayoue took the direction to the northeast, keeping between the Santa Fe Creek on their left and the Arroyo Hondo on the right.  As often happens during the afternoon, the sky had begun to clear; and as evening approached, the tall Santa Fe Sierra shone out majestically, free from clouds, the top of “Baldy” covered with snow.  The high timber on the lower ridges appeared distinct, and the folds of the mountain-sides clothed in vivid green alternated with black yet luminous shadows.  A cool wind blew from the south in gusts, and the wanderers hastened their steps lest night should overtake them ere they could reach the village, now distinguishable below the blue cloud of smoke as a reddish protuberance on a bleak hill.

Zashue stood still, and beckoned his brother to do the same and listen.  From the direction they were going came faint cries; the brothers looked at each other.

“There are Puyatye over there,” said Hayoue.

“Ko!” assented Zashue, then as if making a discovery he added, “They are hunting rabbits and hares.”

“You are right, surely they hunt rabbits,” said Hayoue, his eyes brightening at the suggestion.

“What shall we do?” Zashue asked.

“We will go to them at once,” said the other.  “That is very good, very good for us indeed, for if they hunt rabbits all their yaya and nashtio will be there too.”

One of the broad swellings which traverse the Santa Fe plain lay between the young men and the place whence the sounds came; it concealed the hunters from their gaze, but the manner in which the cries seemed to shift proved that they were swiftly moving to and fro.  Zashue felt greatly relieved, for his explanation that the Tanos might be on a general hunt for rabbits was probably true, and it was a very good sign.  The rabbit-hunt is usually a prelude to solemn dances, therefore it was not likely that the Tanos suspected danger or had any knowledge of events at the Puye.