"Do not pledge yourself too hastily, tocayo," she interrupted him, with a meaning laugh.
"A man cannot do that when he firmly intends to keep his promise."
"That is true; still there are things from which a man at times recoils."
"There may be such, niña, but I do not know them; however, explain your wishes to me, frankly."
"I think, Mariano, that you are on friendly terms with the hunter, called Stronghand?"
"Very intimate, niña; but why do you ask the question?"
"Is he an honest man?"
The tigrero looked at her.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked her.
"Why," she said, with considerable embarrassment, "I mean a man of heart—a man, in short, whose word may be taken."