"Yes, in getting ourselves killed."
"Let us be off, brother," she said, placing under her arm a small bundle of clothing.
Mercedes, fearing the emotion of a farewell scene, avoided Doña Concha.
Patito had got two horses in readiness, which speedily carried brother and sister far from the estancia. At the battery the capataz was waiting for them.
"Señorita," he said to Mercedes, "you are a noble girl, Heaven will aid and bless you."
"Don Blas," Mercedes answered, with a smile, as she drew from her bosom a small gold cross Doña Concha had given her, and broke the velvet neck ribbon, "take this cross, and keep it in remembrance of me."
The two travellers had been galloping a long time ere the capataz left off kissing the cross, while thinking that its usual resting place was on the maiden's heart. Pedrito and his sister rode side by side without exchanging a word, for both were plunged in deep thought.
"How far have we to go?" Mercedes asked all at once.
"Two leagues."
After a while they heard the footfall of a horse behind them; they turned, and perceived Patito, who was making signals to them, and the gaucho soon joined them.