In a moment those men will be in the
forest again and can see nothing more for half an hour. We must do
nothing while they watch--there! they have gone."
He shouted to the vaqueros to saddle six fresh horses, and ordered the
house servants to pack the bags with food.
"There is a cave in the mountain on the other side which I defy anyone
to find," said Don Jose. "If there were a war my sons should fight, but
I need them now."
While the horses were saddling, Roldan and Adan consulted together. At
the end of a few moments the former went up to Don Jose.
"I think it would be wiser to separate," he said. "Adan and I will go
one way, your sons another. That will put them off the track; and the
cave, Carlos says, is not very large."
"As you like," said Don Jose, who was perturbed and busy. "A vaquero
will go with you for a distance and advise you."
The truth was, Roldan fancied lying inert in a cave for several days as
little as he fancied the somnolent life of a barrack, and Adan, who had
a secret preference for the cave, was too loyal to oppose him.
In ten minutes the horses were ready, affectionate good-byes said, and
Roldan and Adan, followed by many good wishes, and prayers to return,
started southeastward through a dense canon.
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