"To the demon, then."
And the gaucho, with a movement rapid as thought, raised his knife to stab himself.
"I forgive you," Don Torribio said, after checking Panchito's arm; "but if you wish to serve me, be dumb as a corpse."
The gaucho fell at his feet, and covered his hand with kisses, like a dog licking his master, who has chastised it. Corrocho had remained a motionless observer of the scene.
"What power does this strange man possess to be thus beloved?" muttered Blas Salazar, who was still concealed behind his tree.
[CHAPTER III.]
DON TORRIBIO CARVAJAL.
After a short silence, Don Torribio continued—
"I know that you are devoted to me, and I have perfect confidence in you; but you are a drunkard, Panchito, and drink is a bad counsellor."