"She sleeps," said he; "sleeps, lulled by sweet childish fancies. O God! Who knowest the extent of my love, and the sacrifice I have offered at its shrine, grant she may be happy!"
He went up to one of the vaqueros, who, leaning against a tree, was silently smoking his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the toldo.
"Verado," said he, with emotion he could not repress, "twice have I saved your life at the risk of my own. Do you remember?"
"I remember," said the vaquero briefly.
"Today it is I who come to ask a service. Can I rely on you?"
"Speak, Don Torribio; I will do all a man can do, to do you a service."
"Thanks, comrade! My life, my soul, all I hold dear in the world, is contained in this toldo. I confide her to you. Swear to defend her, whatever may happen!"
"I swear it, Don Torribio. The toldo is sacred; neither friend nor enemy shall enter. I and the men you have placed under my command will die on the spot before injury shall happen to those you love."
"I thank you," said the chief, extending his hand to the vaquero.
The latter seized the bottom of his leader's cloak, and kissed it reverently.