"I take you at your word; so that is settled."
"You pledge me your word?"
"I do."
"Very good. Now I shall start happy. Come by day or night, as you may think proper, and you will always be welcome."
"I fancy it would be rather difficult to get into the hacienda by night."
"Not at all. You will only have to mention my name."
"Well, that is settled; and now be off. Only four hours of daylight remain, so do not delay any longer."
"You are right; so good-bye. Do not be long ere you remind me of my promise."
"I will bear you in mind."
They left the calli. Seven or eight hunters and Indians were mounted, and awaiting at the door their guest's good pleasure to start. The majordomo shook the hunter's hand for the last time, mounted his horse, gave the signal for departure, and the little band started at a gallop through a crowd of women and children that had collected through curiosity. Stronghand looked after them as long as he could see them, and then thoughtfully returned to the calli. For a very long time he remained plunged in earnest thought, then he stamped his foot passionately, and exclaimed, in Spanish—"No; a thousand times no. I will not take advantage of the man's kindness to abuse his confidence like a coward. It would be a disgraceful deed."