"A thousand thanks; I will gladly return the compliment. But here is our man."
Don Torribio had continued to advance during this short conversation, and was now only a short distance from the speakers.
"¡Válgame Dios!" he cried gaily; "If I do not mistake, it is my admirable friend, Don Fernando Carril, whom I have the good fortune to meet."
"Himself, my dear friend; and as happy as you can be at the chance which has thrown us together."
"¡Vive Dios! Since I have got you, I will not let you go; we will ride together as far as the pueblo."
"I should like it, Don Torribio; but first of all, with your permission, I have a few words to say which may upset that plan."
"Speak then, señor; you can only utter words I shall be happy to hear in Don Estevan's presence."
"In fact, Don Fernando has requested me to be present at the conversation," said the latter.
"Nothing could be better! Let us hear, señor."
"Suppose we dismount," said Don Estevan; "the conversation may be a long one."