"Because I am going to the hacienda."
"Ah," the adventurer said, pleasantly, "let us take a drink, and start." Uncorking the bottle, he took a pull, and then handed it to his companion, who imitated him, with an evident expression of pleasure.
"You say, then," Kidd resumed, as he smacked his lips, "That you are going to the Hacienda del Toro?"
"Yes, I am."
"It is a good house, and most hospitable."
"Do you know it?"
"¡Caray! I should think so. The majordomo is my intimate friend. What happy days I have spent with that excellent Señor Paredes!"
"Since it is your road, why not call there with me as you are certain of a kind reception?"
"I do not say I will not; I suppose you are going to ask the Marquis for some men, as soldiers are scarce at the pueblo?"
"I do not think that is the case. Don Hernando has already authorized the captain to enlist his miners, and the peons left him he will need to defend the hacienda in the event of an attack."