At the foot of the slope he encountered Senorita coming back to meet him; and springing to her back he went in pursuit of her companions whom he soon discovered grazing by the wayside.

At sight of him they fled at full speed; but they might as well have raced with the wind as with the fleet-footed mare; and, within ten minutes from the time of leaving del Concha, Ridge returned, leading the horse the Cuban had ridden.

The other was left, tied to a tree where he had captured it.
Del Concha was holding in his arms their wounded comrade, apparently a slender youth, whose face was now disclosed to Ridge for the first time by the light of the newly risen sun.

Although it was of deathly pallor, and the eyes were closed, he instantly recognized it as belonging to the girl of the laughing voice who had so cleverly contrived to aid him the evening before.
"Yes," said del Concha, noting the look of recognition, "it was she who carried you the saws and message.

She is the bravest girl in all Cuba, and the sweetest.