"Forgive me, father," the young man at length said, with an effort; "but I should like to offer an objection."
"What is it, my son? Speak, I am listening."
"I do not think it would be prudent to try and surprise, with a band of savages, a house so far advanced in the interior of the country."
"That is why I selected you. You would have taken a band of white and half-breed trappers and hunters, and would have passed unnoticed, owing to the colour of your skins. Your refusal greatly annoys me, I confess; but, as I do not wish to force your inclinations—"
"But I did not refuse, father," the young man exclaimed.
"What! You did not refuse?"
"No, father; on the contrary, I ardently wish to be entrusted with this confidential mission."
"In that case, I misinterpreted your silence and ambiguous remarks. Then you accept?"
"Gladly, father."
"Very good; that is settled. Now go and send off that Paredes, for it is time for him to return to his master. As for you, my son, breathe not a syllable of what we have discussed; you understand the importance of discretion under such circumstances. Embrace your mother, and leave us."