"If you can, it will be a great favor."
"Many thanks, young señor. I will see what can be done. If you would take my advice, you would not go to Huejugilla el Alto."
"Why not?"
"It is far from the railroad, and is situated in a very wild region. If you were to go there and should never be heard of again, it would not be easy for your friends to discover what had become of you. Pacheco directed you to go there, and he means you no good. It is likely you will walk into a trap that Pacheco has set for you."
"I have considered that," said Frank, quietly; "and I have decided to go."
"Oh, very well," with a gesture expressive of regret. "I know it is quite impossible to change the determination of you Americans. If you have firmly decided to go, you will go, even though you knew all the deadly dangers that may lie in wait for you."
Being again assured that the landlord would do his best to obtain a guide, Frank proposed to retire for the night.
For all of the troubles that beset him, Frank was able to sleep soundly, having trained himself to sleep under almost any circumstances. Hans also slept and snored, to be awakened in the morning by Frank, who was shaking him roughly.
"Come, Hans, it is time we were stirring."
"Vot vos dot?" cried the Dutch lad, in surprise. "We don'd peen asleep more as fifteen minutes alretty yet."