"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. Diable! as you Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not terminate so."
"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, courteously, "we are at your command."
"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?"
"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may happen, caballero."
"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied.
"Dame! it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country."
"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively.
"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to."
"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your service, did I not?"
"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have occasion to remind you of this obliging offer."