A long silence ensued between the two men.
The night was dark; the wind howled mournfully through the branches of the trees; nameless noises passed them by, borne on the wings of the breeze.
At last Don Torribio answered in husky tones:
"You have given me twenty-four hours; I demand forty-eight to come to my determination. I will make one more attempt with her I love. You see, I am frank with you. The line of conduct I adopt will depend upon the result of the experiment."
"Be it so," said the Tigercat; "it is better thus. Your cooperation will be more efficacious, and your will firmer, when your last allusion has been torn from you. Go, then! For my part, I shall not be idle."
"Thanks! In case I want to communicate to you my resolve, where shall I find you?"
"I will await you at the Barranca del Fraile" (the Friar's inn).
"Agreed! God grant," he added, with a sigh, "that fate may not force me to be there!"
The Tigercat laughed aloud; and, without replying, spurred his horse, and disappeared in the darkness.
We have already related how the old freebooter acted to keep his promise to Don Torribio.