Now, I ought to have a rope.

I'll ride up the path, and see if I can find Pierre's horse; and, if I can, I'll take his lasso and tie the rascal hand and foot." Frank galloped up the path a short distance, but could see nothing of the horse.

The Ranchero had, doubtless, left him in the bushes, and Frank was about to dismount and go in search of him, when, to his utter astonishment, he saw Pierre coming toward him.

His face was badly scratched; his jacket and shirt had disappeared altogether; his breast and arms were covered with blood, and so was his knife, which he still held in his hand.

But, where was Marmion, that he was not following up his enemy?
The answer was plain.