The latter smiled; and it would have been difficult to say what the smile meant. He went out, accompanied by the colonel, and they mounted their horses. As they left the fort a man passed them, walking at a quick pace.
"Pedrito!" Don Torribio muttered to himself; "Providing that he has not recognized me! All is well."
[CHAPTER XVIII.]
THE CAVE OF THE COUGARS.
Pedrito followed his sister without saying a word, and almost as much astonished as Don Valentine and her daughter at Mercedes' devotion. She led him to her bedroom, a charming retreat, full of shade and fresh air. While the bombero eagerly surveyed all the objects, Mercedes, sighing and ready to weep, took a parting glance at her well-beloved room; but she had the courage to repress her tears.
"Sit down, brother. I have a great service to ask of you."
"Hang it! A service, little sister? Why assume so solemn an air for such a simple thing?"
"Because it is difficult."
"Nothing is impossible to please you. What is the matter?"