"A village of the Papazos."
"What?"
"Yes, I have forgotten to tell you that. Although he is a white man, Stronghand has, for reasons I am ignorant of, joined the Indians, and been adopted by one of their most powerful tribes."
"That is singular," the young lady murmured.
"Is it not?" the tigrero replied; understanding less than ever the object of the conversation.
The maiden shook her head coquettishly, and seemed to form a sudden resolution.
"Mariano," she said, "I asked you to do me a service."
"Yes, niña, and I answered that I was ready to do it."
"That is true; are you still of the same mind?"
"Why should I have altered it?"