My blood ran cold at the horrid thought of being attacked by such animals, and I readily volunteered my assistance at the single-stick exercise of my companion.
The Friar accepted my offer without much graciousness, but rather as that of an unwelcome guest who could not be easily got rid of.
END OF VOL. I.
CHAPTER XXI. A NIGHT IN THE FOREST OF TEXAS
The friar ceased his efforts, and, calling the Mexican to one side, whispered something in a low, cautious manner. The other seemed to demur and hesitate, but, after a brief space, appeared to yield; when, replacing the poles beside the wagon, he turned the horses' heads towards the road by which they had just come.
“We are about to try a ford some miles farther up the stream,” said the Padre, “and so we commend you to the Virgin, and wish you a prosperous journey.”
“All roads are alike to me, holy Father,” said I, with a coolness that cost me something to assume.