!<*-o                                    The Gold-Se.kert.
A few cables' lengths from shore the ship that brought the French might be
distinctly seen, it advanced majestically, impelled by a strong breeze. It had
its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails clewed up, which allowed a large
crowd to be seen on the poop. When the vessel had passed a little beyond
Venado Island—the usual anchorage of large ships—it tacked, and sent down
top-sails ; then the anchor was let go.
Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the
colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his companions
made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of the ship, vigorously
aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was no other than Curumilla.
In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis perceived them from a
distance, *» that when they came alongside he helped them aboard. Even
before embracing his foster-brother, Valentine turned and looked along the
beach.
" Good 1 " he said, " they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us
go down into your cabin."
" Let me, at least, say ' how do you do ' to you," Louis remarked, with a
smile.
" Come : we have not a moment to lose."
The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He under-
stood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no longer
resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers to prepare every-
thing for the debarkation, and followed his foster-brother who was anxiously
awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth which he had engaged
during the passage, and prepared to shut the door.
" No," Valentine said, preventing him, " leave it open, on the contrary ; in
that way we shall see the persons who come."
" As you please.    Speak."
" I have only two words to say to you ; but they are two I would advise you
to profit by."
" You may be sure of that."
"You have powenul enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they
detest you."                                                                                                                        .
" What do you say ? "
"A thing of which I am certain."
" But, my dear f< How, who ever those enemies may be, I have nothing to fear from
them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and carefully registered. I
have not only authorisation, but also the support of the government. I only act by
formal orders, and, therefore, fear nothing."
" Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, *' when you have to deal with
Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a
long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed in
them."
" Y ou startle me."
" No, I warn you, that is all.    It is your duty to be constantly on your guard."
" Do you know that, before heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all these brave
fellows intrusted to me?"
" That is why I advise you to be pradem, and not to trust in any one.    There are
two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust."
" Their names ? "
"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Florès."
Louis could Iiaidiy refrain from a suit of surprise, as he looked hi» biuther ux the
face.