“I understand, señor; but—”
“Well, what?”
“Your uncle would not have dared to do so.”
“O, I shall dare more than my uncle ever dared. And whatever a man dares he can do.”
“Well, señor, I am ready. Will you start to-morrow?”
“Yes. The hill is at hand, or mountain rather; and it does not seem difficult to ascend. Looks quite near, indeed.”
“Excuse me, señor,” said Samaro, “if I take the liberty of laughing. The mountain certainly seems near, but so does the moon. The air is very clear, señor.”
“Well, all the better for us.”
Tom was early astir next morning; but early though it was he found Samaro busy enough. He was squatting under a bush, making for himself what looked to Tom something like a pair of leather breeches with feet attached.
“Ah! I see,” said Tom. “You expect it will be cold up yonder, so you are utilizing a puma’s skin.”