"You are mistaken, compadre, we have one."
"Nonsense; how can that be possible?"
"While you were in a faint," the stranger continued, with a smile, "I explored our domain. You know that, in this country, when the rainy season arrives, the inhabitants are accustomed to hide canoes in bushes, and even in trees, in order to give travellers who are surprised by the inundation the means of saving themselves."
"That is true; have you found a canoe?"
"Yes; and hidden behind the very tree against which you are leaning."
"Heaven be praised! In that case we run no risk; but is the canoe in good condition?"
"I have assured myself of that fact, and even found two pairs of new paddles."
"Heaven is very certainly on your side. In that case we will start at sunrise, if that suits you."
"Excellently; though I am not in such a hurry as you appear to be, and for certain reasons I must remain in these parts for some days longer."
"Shall we employ the few hours left us in having a sleep?"