Hardy and his
sons wore greatly affected at this proof of the recent presence of
their lost one. The arrow was deeply sunk in the ground, but it was
placed at a spot where the grass happened to be particularly short,
so that any one passing outward from the spring could hardly have
failed to notice the piece of calico upon the grass. There was a
perfect shower of congratulations; and it was some time before they
were recovered sufficiently to renew their preparations for
breakfast.
At last they sat down round the fire, all their faces radiant with
excitement.
Perez and Martinez, however, sat somewhat apart, talking in an
animated undertone to each other. They did not even approach the
fire to roast their food; and Mr. Hardy's attention being attracted
by this circumstance, he asked what they were talking so earnestly
about.
Neither of them answered him, and he repeated the question. Then
Perez replied: "Martinez and I think same. All trick; girl gone
other way."
Conversation and eating were alike suspended at these ominous
words, and each looked blankly into the others' faces.
Now that their attention was called to it, the whole circumstances
of the case rushed to their minds; and as they felt the probable
truth of what Perez said, their hopes fell to zero.
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